FeaturedWorld Junior Championship

Dahlen Stars as Sweden Bests Czech Republic at the 2017 World Junior Championships

Sweden faced the Czech Republic on Saturday and gave star goaltender of the tournament, Felix Sandström, a break and introduced Filip Gustavsson, a Pittsburgh Penguins prospect.

Thirty-seven seconds into the game, Rasmus Asplund, a Buffalo Sabres prospect, scored to start Sweden off.  Asplund’s goal was assisted by Filip Ahl and Elias Pettersson, a top prospect for the 2017 draft.

After the calm of the initial surge from Sweden, a penalty from Czech Republic’s David Kase resulted in a power play goal from Jonathan Dahlen. Dahlen’s goal was assisted by Asplund and Nylander. Nylander leads the tournament with 4 G, 5 A in the prelims.

The Swedes finished off the first period racking up one more goal and two killed penalties. Jens Lööke brought Sweden’s lead to 3-0 with just a few minutes remaining in the period.

The second period brought more penalties than points, with 4 minutes for the Swedes and 2 for the Czechs. Dahlen also tallied his second goal of the game, assisted by Fredrik Karlström, a Dallas Stars draft pick.

The start of the third period brought the Swedes another chance to increase their lead. Petr Kalina of Team Czech Republic was called on a hooking penalty and Dahlen capitalized on that, scoring the third goal to complete his hat trick. Dahlen’s goal was assisted by Nylander and Kylington.

After back-to-back penalties on Team Sweden, the Czechs got on the board when David Kase brought the score to 5-1.

Just as the third was wrapping up, Lucas Carlsson of Team Sweden was penalized for slashing and Filip Hronek scored the second for the Czechs.

Gustavsson finished the game with a 94.74 save percentage and the Swedes went undefeated in the preliminary round.

Sweden will face Slovakia in the quarter-finals on Jan 2 at 2:30 p.m. in Montreal.

Kayley Holloway

Kayley Holloway

Atlanta native studying PR at the University of Florida. Yes, I'm aware the Thrashers do not exist anymore. No, I'm still not over it. I am quite the fan of Sweden, their language and hockey team alike. I'm also that person who will chase down anyone with NHL paraphernalia... I just really like hockey.
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