Despite putting up a strong effort against Canada, Sweden could not convert two comebacks into an opening win of the tournament.
The good news is that their effort continued into their second game of the tournament, in which Sweden defeated Denmark 6-2.
Edmonton Oilers defenseman Mattias Ekholm scored for the second consecutive game, with his goal acting as the contest's icebreaker just 10 minutes in.
Sweden's second goal came just two minutes shy of the first intermission, with the tally being recorded by Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson.
Former Oilers defenseman Joel Persson, who played 13 games with the team during the 2019-20 campaign, would record a primary assist on Sweden's third goal of the game, which was scored by Detroit Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond. Former Montreal Canadiens winger Jacob de la Rose recorded the secondary assist on the goal.
Jakob Silfverberg, a longtime Anaheim Ducks winger, recorded Sweden's fourth goal of the game, with assists coming from Philadelphia Flyers winger Carl Grundstrom and longtime Flyer Robert Hagg.
Former San Jose Shark Joachim Blichfeld gave Denmark life midway through the game, with assists coming from Fischtown Pinguins defenseman Phillip Bruggisser and Motor České Budějovice forward Nick Olesen, though Djurgardens IF forward Viggo Bjorck restored Sweden's four-goal lead just two minutes later. Bjorck's goal was assisted by Ekman-Larsson and top draft prospect Ivar Stenberg.
Skelleftea AIK forward Mikkel Aagaard once again pulled Denmark a goal closer to Sweden, with assists coming from Blichfeld and Olesen. However, Vancouver Canucks forward Linus Karlsson would once again restore Sweden's four-goal lead, with assists coming from New York Islanders winger Simon Holmstrom and Red Wings defenseman Albert Johansson.
Relevant statistics and facts
Sweden outshot Denmark 29-16, a tally that included an 11-3 second-period shots on goal count in favor of Sweden.
Both Sweden and Denmark had seven power play opportunities; both nations scored twice on the power play.
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Arvid Soderblom earned the win for Sweden, recording 14 saves and a 0.875 save percentage in the process. Ottawa Senators goaltender Mads Sogaard was the netminder for Denmark; he saved just 23 of the 29 shots that he faced, resulting in a 0.793 save percentage.
What's next?
Both Sweden and Denmark will be in action on Monday. The Swedes will take on Czechia at 2:20 P.M. Eastern Time, while Denmark will search for their first win of the tournament at 10:20 A.M. Eastern Time against an unbeaten Canadian side.
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