2024-01-04 20:55:00
GOTHENBURG, Sweden – Forward Cutter Gauthier scored on a power play with 3:13 left in the third period, breaking a 2-2 tie and sending the United States to the World Junior final with a 3 to 2 over Finland.
The Americans have yet to lose in this World Juniors, presenting an immaculate record of 6-0.
Gauthier, prospect of the Philadelphia Flyers, benefited from a pass from defenseman Lane Hutson and beat Finnish goaltender Niklas Kokko with a good wrist shot from the glove side.
Obtaining a power play at the very end of the match, the Scandinavians threatened to send the duel into overtime, but goalkeeper Trey Augustine held the fort to formalize the American success.
Finland, which recovered in the medal round following a worrying group stage, added suspense to this clash by scoring the first two goals.
After the successes of Oiva Keskinen and Rasmus Kumpulainen, the Americans responded with goals from Jimmy Snuggerud, Will Smith and Gauthier.
Smith was drafted fourth overall last year by the San Jose Sharks. Snuggerud is a member of the St. Louis Blues organization.
Keskinen was a pick of the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Kumulainen was drafted by the Minnesota Wild.
Sweden goes for gold at home
Sweden will have the opportunity to win the gold medal in front of its fans at the World Junior Hockey Championship.
Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored the winning goal on the power play and added the insurance goal for the Swedes, who defeated the Czech Republic 5-2 in the first semi-final.
The Vancouver Canucks prospect fired a one-timer that beat Michael Hrabal to give Sweden a 3-2 lead.
Noah Ostlund then scored on a breakaway with regarding eight minutes remaining in the third period. Lekkerimaki closed the books just 62 seconds later, following accepting a pass from Ostlund.
“It will be very fun,” Lekkerimaki said of the gold medal game. I am very excited. »
Defensemen Axel Sandin Pellikka, who added an assist, and Theo Lindstein also scored for Sweden. Hugo Havelid recorded the victory thanks to 23 saves.
“He’s not afraid to create things on the ice,” said Sandin Pellikka regarding Lekkerimaki. He jumps on the ice and plays his style. »
The Swedes have only won the annual under-20 competition twice. His last triumph dates back to 2012, following winning the gold medal in 1981.
” It is enormous. At home too. There’s nothing that beats that,” said defenseman Tom Willander.
Matyas Melovsky and Tomas Cibulka responded for the Czech Republic, which upset Canada 3-2 in the quarterfinals. Hrabal suffered the defeat following stopping 26 shots.
“I am proud of the team,” said Czech head coach Patrik Augusta. The guys worked to the max. They created a team, that’s what’s most important. I don’t have a group of individuals. »
The Swedes, who have settled for the silver medal 11 times, lost to the United States in the bronze medal game in Halifax last year.
Melovsky opened the scoring Thursday at 6:55 of the first period. Lindstein tied the game a few minutes later following Hrabal fumbled his point shot.
Sandin Pellikka gave Sweden the lead at the start of the second period. His point shot surprised Hrabal on the glove side. The Czechs leveled the score less than five minutes later, following a violent one-timer from Cibulka, who scored his second goal in as many games.
In the relegation match earlier Thursday, Germany blew a two-goal lead in the third period, but defeated Norway 5-4 in overtime to secure its place at the next tournament in Ottawa.
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