Sweden and Canada Score Opening Day Victories

December 26, 2007

Sweden Edges Slovakia

Oscar Moller of the Chilliwack Bruins had four shots on goal, but did not factor in the scoring as Team Sweden opened up the World Junior Tournament with a 4-3 victory over Team Slovakia.  After seizing a 3-1 lead, Sweden was forced to weather Slovakia's all-out assault in the third period before tallying the deciding goal in the final five minutes of a thrilling 4-3 win.

Slovakia got on the board first, off a five-on-three just 2:10 into the game. Sweden responded with Robin Figren's (Edmonton Oil Kings) shorthanded tally and added to their lead with a power-play goal six minutes later. Figren scored again off a backhand with a man advantage to make it a 3-1 with just over 12 minutes left. Slovakia then got back-to-back goals by Ivan Rohac (Kamloops Blazers) and Tomas Marcinko 1:19 apart to tie the game at three.

With under five minutes to play, Sweden quickly cashed in on a power-play as Johan Alcen put in a rebound of Patrick Berglund's shot. In all, Sweden's special teams regristered three power-play goals and a shorthanded tally while proving to be the difference.

Notes: Moller, played on a line with Patrik Berglund and Johan Alcen, was also part of the first unit Swedish Power Play.  Team Sweden’s special teams led the way as they scored three power play goals and one short handed. Sweden plays Denmark on Friday and Canada on Saturday (TSN 10:30am Pacific Time)

Canada 3 Czech Republic 0

by TSN.ca Staff

12/26/2007

Team Canada opened their defense of its IIHF World Junior Championship with a 3-0 shutout of the Czech Republic. It was Canada's nineteenth straight win at the tournament.

With a boisterous hometown crowd behind them, the Czechs pressured Canada early and often - forcing Canada to take three penalties, including an early 2-man advantage. But Lewiston Mainiecs' goaltender Jonathan Bernier stood tall, making 13 saves.

Canada seemed to settle down in the second period.  With the Czech Republic's Jiri Suchy in the penalty box for interference, John Tavares redirected a pass from the point by defensemen Logan Pyett (Regina Pats). It was Tavares first goal for the Canadian national team. During Canada's exhibition games, coach Craig Hartsburg had emphasized that Tavares, the OHL's leading scorer, would likely see most of his time on the power play, rather than on a regular line. The projected number one draft pick in the upcoming NHL draft, the Sarnia Sting's Steve Stamkos, marked the other assist.

The second period also saw some chippy play as Colton Gillies (Saskatoon Blades) delivered a huge hit on defensemen Anton Boruta; Gillies would receive a 2 minute penalty for charging.

The third period was a testament to Team Canada's young guns.  First, Matt Halischuk jammed in a rebound past Czech goalie Michal Neuvirth, with an assist from Steve Stamkos and Josh Godfrey. Then with a little more than 8 minutes left in the game, John Tavares marked his second power play goal of the game, with Steve Stamkos registering his third assist, and third point of the game.

Bernier made 40 saves to record the shutout.

Canada plays their second game Thursday against Slovakia (TSN, 9:30am et/6:30am pt). Steve Mason, of the London Knights, is expected to get the start in goal tomorrow.

The World Junior tournament is the first time that the two-man referee system in international play.

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