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MALMO, Sweden -- Oskar Sundqvist scored the game-winning goal early in the third period to give Sweden a 2-1 win over Russia in semifinal play Saturday at the world junior hockey championship. Andy Dalton Jersey . The host side will play Finland in the gold-medal game Sunday at Malmo Arena. Finland advanced with a 5-1 win over Canada in the other semifinal. "Its a dream final for us -- Finland and Sweden," Finnish forward Henri Ikonen said. "Its a great rivalry. Young players like ourselves cant imagine a better situation than that. Hopefully, I can sleep well tonight." Nashville Predators forward Filip Forsberg also scored for Sweden. "It was a tough game, but today we were the better team," Swedish coach Christian Djoos said. Damir Zhafyarov had the lone goal for the Russians, who will play Canada for bronze on Sunday. "We were disappointed not to win, but thats life," Zhafyarov said. "These things happen in hockey, but well be ready to fight for the bronze medal tomorrow." Oscar Dansk made 26 saves for the Swedes, who were outshot 27-21. "He was unbelievable," backup goalie Andreas Johnson said about Dansk, who plays for the Erie Otters in the Ontario Hockey League. "He made some pretty sick saves. He was great." Sweden won gold in 2012 and took silver last year in Ufa, Russia. In round-robin play, Sweden beat Finland 4-2. Finland won the last of its two titles in 1998. Sweden, 6-0-0 in the tournament, is seeking its third title and second in three years. Brandon Tate Jersey .J. -- New Jersey agreed with Petr Sykora to terms of a one-year deal on Wednesday, completing the former Devils bid to return to the NHL after an 18-month absence. Black Andy Dalton Mens Elite Jersey Autographed . Atletico built a provisional three-point advantage over Barcelona before the defending champion hosts Elche on Sunday. Barcelona then visits Atletico in the following round. "We will have to wait and see if Barcelona wins tomorrow to stay leader, as it is accustomed to doing," Atletico coach Diego Simeone said. PIESTANY, Slovakia -- Canada defeated Sweden 5-1 on Tuesday for its second straight victory at the under-18 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup tournament. Mitchell Stephens scored two goals in the third period to help put the game out of reach. Canada (2-0) moved into sole possession of first place in the Group B standings while Sweden (1-1) fell into second place. "What I like is how well were playing defensively," said head coach Jody Hull. "In this tournament, thats the key. Youve got to play strong in your zone and with the quality of forwards we have and our defencemen, they seem to be working in really good unison right now." Sweden could not capitalize on a pair of 5-on-3 advantages in a scoreless opening period. Travis Konecny scored on a power play in the second period and Lawson Crouse made it a 2-0 game a few minutes later. After Stephens gave Canada a healthy lead, Jansen Harkins iced the win by scoring on a penalty shot late in the third. "After the first period, we sort of found our legs," Stephens said. "We didnt buy into their system of getting caught intto penalties and stuff like that. Brandon Tate. . "I think we got back to our system, got pucks deep and established the forecheck." Tyler Soy added two assists and goaltender Zachary Sawchenko made 27 saves. Philip Magnusson had the lone goal for Sweden and Felix Sandstrom made 36 saves in a losing effort. Hull has been impressed by his teams balanced scoring attack. "Im not relying on one or two guys every night to carry the load," he said. "Im relying on 12 guys to do it. Again, were just playing that solid team game." Canada opened the tournament with a 5-1 victory over Switzerland and will close out the preliminary round Wednesday against host Slovakia at the Zimny Stadion. "The biggest thing for me is that were sticking to the plan," Hull said. "Were not off of it when we get behind or when we get a bit of a lead. We just keep going." The semifinals are scheduled for Friday and the medal games are set for Saturday. Canada has won the summer hockey tournament six years in a row, and 18 of the past 23 times since it began in 1991. ' ' ' |
