Team Sweden defeated Team USA 5-2 in comeback fashion on Day 4 of the World Junior Summer Showcase.
Sweden started red-hot in the opening frame, generating several high-quality chances while outshooting Team USA 10-3, but the game remained scoreless.
In the second period, the Americans bounced back in a big way. Carter Amico appeared to open the scoring when he found the back of the net on a long-range shot, but the goal was quickly called back due to a crease violation.
Undeterred, Team USA kept the pressure on and capitalized on two quick goals shortly after. LJ Mooney put the US on the board with his first goal of the showcase on a play in tight, roofing the puck over the goaltender. Just 38 seconds later, Nick Bogas beat Måns Goos with a wrist shot from the point to give the Americans a 2-0 lead.
Sweden refused to back down, though. Linus Funck found the back of the net through a heavy screen on the power play, bringing Sweden back within a goal before the end of the second period.
Early in the third, Team USA earned an extended 5-on-3 power play, but Sweden successfully killed it off. The momentum generated by that kill carried over immediately: Funck scored his second of the game shortly after, rifling one over the shoulder of Ryan Cameron to tie it up. Torkel Jennersjö then won a faceoff draw and capitalized to give Sweden its first lead of the contest.
Two late empty-net goals from Leo Sundqvist and Jennersjö sealed the 5-2 victory for Sweden.
Both teams will enjoy a day off tomorrow before the final day of Showcase action on Saturday, where Sweden will face Finland and the Americans will take on Canada.
Standouts:
G Ryan Cameron (USA | Edmonton Oilers)
Not dressed in yesterday’s game, we weren’t sure if Cameron would be on the official US merged roster, but given the start today, we were quickly reminded why he deserved to be. Cameron displayed strong lateral movement and made several A-grade saves throughout the game, helping the US survive the Swedish onslaught, especially during that tough first period.
F Torkel Jennersjö (SWE | 2027 Draft Eligible)
Jennersjö was just about everywhere today. Finding the scoresheet, he jammed one home in the dirty area while also tallying an empty-net goal in which he outskated the American defender the full length of the ice. On the defensive side, he looked strong as well, rarely being caught out of position on the wing and getting into the lanes when needed.
D Henry Brzustewicz (USA | Los Angeles Kings)
It was another strong day for Brzustewicz in this one. He hasn’t found his offensive game quite like we’d expect, but his defensive work has more than made up for it. With Chase Reid and Tommy Bleyl likely driving the offensive opportunities for the American blueline, Brzustewicz playing a steady, reliable defensive game could be the exact reason he makes the final roster in December.
D Linus Funck (SWE | Colorado Avalanche)
By way of scoring two big goals for Team Sweden, Funck is an obvious standout from today. A guy who isn’t well known for an offensive goal-scoring presence, Funck really stepped up today while also playing a solid defensive game.
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