World Cup of Hockey: North America defeats Sweden 4-3, full highlights

Sep 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team North America left winger Johnny Gaudreau (13) beats Team Sweden goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (30) to score in the first period during preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team North America left winger Johnny Gaudreau (13) beats Team Sweden goaltender Henrik Lundqvist (30) to score in the first period during preliminary round play in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports /
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North America beat Sweden in a classic 4-3. Here’s a full recap of how the game played out.

Team North America and Sweden was a date circled by many hockey fans once the World Cup of Hockey schedule came out. The two teams didn’t disappoint, coming out strong with a combined five goals in the first twenty minutes. However, North America came out on top 4-3 in what was an extremely exciting game.

The first twenty minutes featured goals by Auston Matthews, Vincent Trocheck, and Johnny Gaudreau for North America while Sweden got goals from Filip Forsberg and Nicklas Backstrom. Sweden and North America got 32 shots on goal combined in the first period.  As expected, the game was fast-paced with two excellent offenses going at it.

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Patrik Berglund scored for Sweden, deflecting a shot from Erik Karlsson to tie the game at three in the third period. In overtime, Nathan MacKinnon scored the game-winning goal after ridiculous saves from both goalies.

Highlights

Players of the Game

For North America, Johnny Gaudreau was their most dominant forward. While Shayne Gostisbehere had two assists, Gaudreau created multiple scoring chances. Had it not been for a missed call, he likely would have had two goals on breakaways. In addition, Gaudreau had four shots on goal and was a scoring threat virtually every time he had the puck. Furthermore, he was the most dangerous player for North America. John Gibson also did well after a rough first period.

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Sweden’s best player was either Nicklas Backstrom or Filip Forsberg. Both forwards had a goal and an assist. Forsberg had two shots on goal while Backstrom had one. Henrik Lundqvist was outstanding after the first period.

What’s Next

Sweden has clinched a spot in the semifinals of the World Cup of Hockey thanks to the game going to overtime. North America needs Finland to beat Russia in order to advance to the semifinals of the World Cup of Hockey.