The Canada-Sweden game was one of two contests to kick off IIHF World Championship action on Friday. And it did not disappoint.
The game would see Edmonton Oilers players as well as ex-Oilers contributing for their respective national teams.
For Canada, it was defenseman Darnell Nurse's multi-point game and goals from ex-Oilers forwards Dylan Holloway and Connor Brown that helped to make the difference. Nurse would assist on the opening goal of the game, scored by Toronto Maple Leafs forward John Tavares with a secondary assist from St. Louis Blues forward Robert Thomas, as well as a power play insurance marker from Ottawa Senators forward Dylan Cozens. Nurse would earn a secondary assist on the latter goal, with Philadelphia Flyers rookie forward Porter Martone recording the primary helper.
With regard to Canada's goalscoring, Holloway would restore Canada's advantage after Sweden rallied to tie the game at two shortly past the midway point of the game. His goal was assisted by Boston Bruins forward Fraser Minten and Winnipeg Jets defenseman Dylan DeMelo. Brown's goal, assisted by Martone and Minten, gave Canada a 4-3 lead three minutes into the final frame of action.
It wasn't just Canada that got scoring help from Oilers players
Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm, the lone Oiler on the Swedish World Championship roster, scored a goal during the second period of action. His goal came with under five minutes left in the period and would bring Sweden level with Canada at three goals.
Some other important facts about the game
Canada narrowly bested Sweden in the shot count (26-25) and on the power play (40% to Sweden's 33%).
Canada's fifth goal came from Nashville Predators forward Ryan O'Reilly, while Sweden's first and second goals came from SC Rapperswil-Jona Lakers defenseman Jacob Larsson and Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond.
San Jose Sharks defenseman Sam Dickinson, Detroit Red Wings forward Emmitt Finnie, and University of Michigan goaltender Jack Ivankovic were all scratches for Canada on Friday. Sweden had no scratches heading into Friday's game.
What's next?
Canada will resume their preliminary round campaign on Saturday when they take on Italy at the BCF Arena. Puck drop is slated for 10:20 A.M. Eastern Time.
Meanwhile, Sweden will have Saturday off before returning to play on Sunday. They'll be taking on Denmark at the BCF Arena in their second game of the World Championship, with puck drop in that game set for 10:20 AM Eastern time.
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