IIHF World Championship semi finals recap: Sweden falls to USA and Switzerland surges

Saturday was semifinals day at the IIHF World Championship. Two teams have earned a place in Sunday’s gold-medal game, while the losing sides will battle for bronze. Here’s how the semi-finals played out.

Sweden vs U.S.A.

This match-up was billed as a clash between two hockey powerhouses. The Americans had a slow start to the tournament but found their stride in recent games. They took on a Swedish squad that had dominated the competition, losing only to Canada in the final round-robin game.

The U.S. came out flying. Out-shooting Sweden 13-3 in the first period, they set the tone early. Just seven minutes in, Brady Skjei floated a shot from the blue line that went off the post and in. Jacob Markstrom appeared to be screened, looking confused after the puck crossed the line. Cutter Gauthier added a late goal in the period, pouncing on a rebound and slipping it through the five-hole to make it 2-0.

Sweden pushed back in the second, forcing U.S. goaltender Jeremy Swayman to make several key saves, but they couldn’t solve him. Instead, it was the Americans who extended their lead. Markstrom mishandled a Logan Cooley shot, allowing the puck to leak behind him. Connor Garland jumped on the loose puck to make it 3-0. Before the period was out, the U.S. executed a four-on-two rush. Mikey Eyssimont finished it off cleanly to make it 4-0 and end the night for Markstrom.

Sweden managed to respond in the third. William Nylander — a late addition to the roster — scored into an open net after some slick puck movement. Just 41 seconds later, former Calgary Flame Elias Lindholm blasted home a one-timer to cut the deficit to two. With momentum on Sweden’s side, Jackson LaCombe silenced the surge, going top shelf on Samuel Ersson to restore a three-goal cushion. An empty-netter sealed a 6-2 win for the Americans, who booked their ticket to the gold-medal game.

It was a rough night for Flames defenceman Rasmus Andersson and captain Mikael Backlund. Andersson picked up an assist on Nylander’s goal but finished a minus-3, while Backlund was minus-1 with six shots on goal. Though they won’t be playing for gold on home ice, they’ll be motivated to secure a medal in Sunday’s bronze-medal game.

Switzerland vs Denmark

Switzerland continued their dominant run at the tournament, doing what Canada could not in the quarterfinals — roll over Denmark. No doubt, the Swiss were pleased to see the Danes as their semifinal opponents.

Winnipeg Jets forward Nino Niederreiter opened the scoring, sending a puck toward the crease from the corner that deflected off the Danish goaltender and in. Minutes later, a Ken Jäger shot bounced off the netminder, up and over, and barely crossed the line. Niederreiter’s second of the period made it 3-0 Switzerland after one.

Denmark managed to slow down Switzerland’s attack somewhat in the second, allowing just one goal — a marker from Denis Malgin. But the Swiss were firmly in control.

Third-period goals from Sandro Schmid, Damien Riat and Tyler Moy were merely insurance, as Leonardo Genoni made 17 saves for his second consecutive shutout and fourth of the tournament. Final score: 7-0.

Switzerland advances to the gold-medal game for the second straight year. They’ll aim to defeat the U.S and capture their first-ever gold at the Worlds. The Swiss have three silver medals in the last 11 years. Denmark, meanwhile, faces a tough Swedish side in the bronze-medal game. A win would secure their first-ever medal at this tournament.

Sunday‘s medal day schedule

(All times MT.)

Bronze Medal Game: Denmark vs Sweden – 7:20 a.m.
Gold Medal Game: Switzerland vs U.S.A. – 12:20 p.m.

The final day of the tournament promises high drama, with two countries eyeing historic milestones. Rasmus Andersson and Mikael Backlund will look to earn a medal on home ice in front of Swedish fans.