4 Nations Face-Off Blog

The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off marks the first best-on-best international men’s hockey tournament since the 2016 World Cup. Featuring NHL rosters from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States, the competition follows a round-robin format with the following point system: 3 points for a regulation win, 2 points for an overtime/shootout win, 1 point for an overtime/shootout loss, and 0 points for a regulation loss.

At the end of round-robin play, the two teams with the highest point totals will face off in the championship game at TD Garden in Boston on Thursday, Feb. 20.

Be sure to bookmark this page to track Kraken forward Kaapo Kakko’s performance throughout the tournament.

Feb. 20, 08:39 p.m. | McDavid's Moment

The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off concluded on Thursday night after a run-and-gun overtime was ended by Connor McDavid to give Canada a 3-2 win. The McDavid goal was reminiscent of Sidney Crosby's golden goal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, which secured Canada gold against the United States.

Nathan MacKinnon drew first blood for Canada for his 4th goal of the tournament, receiving a drop pass from last-minute lineup-insert Thomas Harley. MacKinnon skated through the high slot toward the middle of the ice and released a wrist shot, mid-stride, that found its way through considerable traffic and over the blocker of American goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.

The goal set up a very similar beginning to the round-robin matchup, when Canada also took an early 1-0 lead off the stick of Connor McDavid, both goals roughly five minutes into the opening period.

Later first period, another throwback moment. Again, much like in their prior matchup in the round-robin phase of the tournament, USA head coach Mike Sullivan shuffled his lines, and an immediate impact followed. Thursday, It was moving Auston Matthews up to the first line centering the Tkachuk brothers.

Matthews controlling the puck from behind the net attempted a wraparound that didn't go but the puck slid through a defenseman's legs onto the stick of Brady Tkachuk, who jammed it home to tie the game, with the TD Garden crowd erupting in cheers.

Ottawa Senators defender Jake Sanderson gave the Americans their first lead of the game just before the midway mark of the second period. It was once again the Matthews line acting as the engine with Matthews looking to Brady Tkachuk net front. The puck took a bounce and deflected out to Sanderson, who fired it past Binnington and into the back of the net.

Originally slotted as USA’s 8th defenseman, Sanderson found his way into the lineup after injuries to Quinn Hughes (pre-tournament) and Charlie McAvoy, who suffered an infection that left him hospitalized overnight after these teams previous matchup.

With six minutes remaining in the second period, Sam Bennett, a scratch in Canada’s first game of the tournament evened the score at two. Mitch Marner, who scored the OT winner for Canada against Sweden last week drew the attention of the U.S. defense up the middle of the ice, before passing to Bennett who was steaming down the left wall. Bennett skated in tight and beat Hellebuyck up high with an incredible shot.

Play opened up in the third period with the teams trading chances. Six minutes in, Canada came inches from taking a 3-2 lead when Cale Makar's shot was deflected by Brandon Hagel and hit the post. Then, Jake Guentzel had a chance net front but Binnington got his stick on the shot to deflect it away.

The US endured late pressure by Canada in the final minute of regulation but Hellebuyck, stellar the entire night, and the defense was up to task as the final horn sounded and the teams returned to their locker rooms to prepare for 5-on-5 overtime.

The overtime was fast and furious, with both teams throwing caution to the wind in an all-out offensive flurry. Binnington was without a doubt the start of the overtime period, making a handful of grade-A saves to keep Canada alive under a heavy U.S. attack. With just under 12 minutes to play in the overtime period, McDavid found himself alone in the slot, accepting a pass from Mitch Marner, and hammering it past Hellebuyck to continue Canada's dominance in best-on-best hockey.

Feb. 19, 07:24 p.m. | Thirty Years Of Best-On-Best Between CAN & USA

Ahead of Thursday's 4 Nations Face-Off championship tilt between the United States and Canada, let's look back at how the nations have fared against each other over the last thirty years in best-on-best men's hockey:

2014 Sochi Olympics

In the 2014 Sochi Olympics semifinal, Canada edged out the United States 1-0 in a tightly contested battle, securing a spot in the gold medal game. Jamie Benn scored the lone goal early in the second period, redirecting a Jay Bouwmeester shot past American goaltender Jonathan Quick. Despite a high-powered offense throughout the tournament, Team USA struggled to generate quality chances against Canada’s stifling defense, led by Shea Weber and Drew Doughty. Carey Price was flawless in net, stopping all 31 shots he faced to preserve the shutout. The victory sent Canada to the gold medal game, where they defeated Sweden 3-0, while the Americans, unable to recover from the loss, fell flat in the bronze medal match, losing 5-0 to Finland.

2010 Vancouver Olympics

The United States stunned Canada 5-3 in their round-robin matchup at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, securing a crucial victory that helped them finish atop their group. Goaltender Ryan Miller was outstanding, making 42 saves to withstand relentless Canadian pressure, while Team USA capitalized on their chances with goals from Brian Rafalski (twice), Chris Drury, and Jamie Langenbrunner. Eric Staal and Dany Heatley responded for Canada, but a late empty-netter sealed the American win.

The teams would meet again in the gold medal game with Canada defeating the United States 3-2 in a thrilling overtime finish, securing their second Olympic title in eight years. The Canadians built a 2-0 lead with goals from Jonathan Toews and Corey Perry, but the Americans fought back, with Ryan Kesler scoring in the second period and Zach Parise forcing overtime with a dramatic goal in the final 25 seconds of regulation. In the extra frame, Sidney Crosby cemented his place in hockey history by scoring the iconic "Golden Goal" at 7:40, beating Miller off a pass from Jarome Iginla. The victory ignited celebrations across Canada, while the Americans, despite a valiant effort, settled for silver in one of the most memorable Olympic hockey games ever played.

2002 Salt Lake City Olympics

In the gold medal game of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics, Canada defeated the United States 5-2, ending a 50-year Olympic gold medal drought in men’s hockey. The game was a fast-paced, physical battle, with the U.S. striking first on a goal by Tony Amonte before Paul Kariya and Iginla responded to give Canada the lead. After Rafalski tied it in the second period, Joe Sakic took over, scoring once and adding two assists to propel Canada to victory. Martin Brodeur was stellar in net, shutting down the Americans in the third period, while Mike Richter, despite his heroics earlier in the tournament, couldn’t withstand Canada’s late offensive surge. The win was a historic moment for Hockey Canada, while Team USA settled for silver after a hard-fought tournament on home ice.

1996 World Cup

In the 1996 World Cup of Hockey final, the United States defeated Canada 5-2 in the third and final game of a best-of-three to win the tournament. The game was a physical, hard-hitting affair, with both teams laying out punishing checks throughout. After Canada took a 2-1 lead in the second period, the U.S. responded with a dominant third period, highlighted by Amonte's go-ahead goal and an empty-netter to seal the victory. Richter was stellar in net, stopping 35 shots, while Brett Hull’s powerful offensive play kept the Americans in the game. Canada’s defensive core and goaltender Bill Ranford struggled to contain the relentless American attack, as Team USA's aggressive style ultimately led them to their first World Cup victory. This was the last time the United States took home a gold medal or championship against Canada in best-on-best play in men's hockey.

Feb. 17, 07:45 p.m. | Sweden Takes Down Depleted U.S. Squad

Chris Kreider, one of the elder statesmen of this U.S. squad was scratched in the team's first two games in favor of the more uptempo youth that this American roster possesses. But some bumps and bruises to forward Matthew Tkachuk allowed for Kreider to see his first action of the tournament and he wasted no time making his mark, tallying a goal just 35 seconds into the game in Team USA’s 2-1 loss to Sweden on Monday.

Gustav Nyquist and Jesper Bratt would turn the tides late in the opening period with a pair of goals to cement Sweden's victory.

U.S. Injuries Mount, Sweden Capitalizes

It started when Matthew Tkachuk left Saturday's thriller in the third period against Canada. Tkachuk remained on the bench with his teammates but didn't take a shift late in the game after taking a lap and testing what is being called a lower-body injury.

Then, in a surprising pre-game announcement, fans learned that U.S. captain Auston Matthews would not be available for his team's round-robin finale as he deals with what was described as “upper-body soreness.”

Earlier in the day, Team USA announced that Boston Bruins defender Charlie McAvoy would not be available due to an upper-body injury.

Matters turned worse in-game when Brady Tkachuk left for the locker room with a U.S. trainer in the first period for about 10 minutes after a collision with the post, leaving the U.S. with 10 available forwards. Tkachuck returned for a shift but was ruled out for the game early in the 3rd period.

Then it was Rangers forward Vincent Trocheck heading to the locker room late in the period favoring his hand. Trocheck would return and finish the game.

Sweden took advantage of the depleted U.S. bench when Matt Boldy lost the puck under a heavy forecheck by Sweden in the defensive zone. Erik Karlsson was in on the retrieval then tossed it net-front from the half-wall. As it sailed toward the net Nyquist got his stick on it, deflecting it just enough to surprise goaltender Jake Oettinger and tie the game.

Later first period, Bratt gave Sweden their first lead of the game with a great play, circling near the faceoff dot before using a screen to beat Oettinger.

Feb. 17, 01:02 p.m. | Canada Punches Ticket To Final, Rematch With U.S.

Canada's 5-3 win over Finland on Monday clinched what is likely to be an all-time rematch at the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off between the U.S. and Canada. The final is set for Thursday (5 p.m. PST on ESPN) at Boston's TD Garden. Canada's offensive superstars, Connor McDavid and Nathan MacKinnon led the way, combining for three goals and an assist, but Finland didn't go without a fight - scoring three goals in a matter of six minutes and change late in the third to give Canada a scare.

The Kraken's lone representative, Kaapo Kakko, was a healthy scratch in Finland's opener but entered into the lineup for Finland's overtime win over rival Sweden on Saturday. Kakko finished the tournament with an assist (a play that likely would have been a goal for him had linemate Aleksander Barkov not gotten a stick on it at the goal line) and 5 shots on goal.

Canada's First Period Dominance

Canada jumped to an early 1-0 lead just under 5 minutes into the game when Roope Hintz retrieved a loose puck in his own zone and threw a blind pass up ice that was intercepted by Connor McDavid. The quick change in possession had the Finland defense in knots, allowing McDavid to skate the puck deep, curling along the half wall, and slip a low shot through traffic to beat Kevin Lankinen.

46 seconds later, Nathan MacKinnon doubled Canada’s lead after Sam Reinhart chipped a puck forward from the blue line to a charging MacKinnon. The Colorado Avalanche's leading scorer secured the loose puck and used his speed to blow past the Finnish defense and rip a shot past Lankinen, who appeared to be off his line and probably a bit too deep in his net. That marked two goals for Canada on their first three shots.

Canada continued the onslaught off the rush when McDavid sent a cross-ice pass to Travis Sanheim whose shot bounced off the pad of Lankinen to the waiting stick of Brayden Point who guided the puck into the back of the net for his team's 3rd goal of the period.

Finland Stymied By Pre-Tournament Injuries

Coming into the tournament, defensive depth was expected to be the Achilles heel of this Finland squad with arguably two of their top four defenders Miro Heiskanen and Rasmus Ristolainen along with depth defender Jani Hakanpaa ruled out of the tournament due to injury.

That left Finland with a third pairing of 26-year-old journeyman Urho Vaakanainen and Nikolas Matinpalo, just 22 NHL games to his resume. Canada feasted on the duo, scoring three of their goals with Vaakanainen and Matinpalo on the ice.

Late Hope For Finland

Nine-year veteran for the Dallas Stars, defenseman Esa Lindell made it 4-1 with just under 7 minutes remaining, rifling a tough-angle shot past Jordan Binnington, that nicked the far post and went in. From there, desperation kicked in for Finland, and momentum swung their way.

Things got more interesting in the final moments of the third when Mikael Granlund, the OT hero for Finland on Saturday, scored twice in a matter of 23 seconds to pull the Finns within a goal with under a minute to play in regulation. But on the ensuing faceoff, as Juuse Saros vacated the net for the extra attacker, Sidney Crosby added an insurance goal, advancing Canada to the championship game against the United States on Thursday.

Feb. 15, 08:28 p.m. | Physical Squad U.S. Clinches Championship Berth

In this best-on-best matchup ten years in the making, last occurring when Canada defeated the U.S. 1-0 in the semifinals at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, the States prevailed 3-1 in what was easily the most physical contest of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off. If there was any doubt that the players would take this mid-season tourney seriously, it was all erased at the opening faceoff when Matthew Tkachuk squared off with Brandon Hagel in a spirited fight. The next faceoff? Brady Tkachuk went toe to toe with Sam Bennett. The first frozen puck? J.T. Miller and Colton Parayko fought, with the much larger Parayko wrestling Miller to the ice. From there the game was filled with big hits (31 in the first period alone) and plenty of post-whistle scrums - a style that suited the hard-nosed U.S. roster.

Connor McDavid was first to send the Bell Centre crowd into a goal-frenzy when he accepted a pass from Drew Doughty. McDavid turned on the jets and cruised through center ice, splitting the U.S. defense pair and elevating a backhand over the glove of Connor Hellebuyck to give Canada the early lead. McDavid's speed is the hallmark of his game and when he gets open ice, even the best defenders in the world rarely have a chance to catch him.

The U.S. answered with an equalizer midway through the first period when Vegas center Jack Eichel skated into the Canada zone, eyeing Jake Guentzel on his left wing cutting toward the net. Eichel shoveled a pass to Guentzel who shot low, beating goaltender Jordan Binnington. From there, the game turned more methodical than the run-and-gun pace that marked the first 30 minutes of the contest.

Early third period, with Canada caught in the midst of a line change, Dylan Larkin took advantage, taking the puck down the right wing, and unleashing a shot that beat Binnington.

Canada controlled the latter half of the third, owning possession while the U.S. suffered what could be a critical blow to their championship hopes when Matthew Tkachuk suffered an apparent injury. Tkachuk attempted to play another shift but quickly returned to the bench, hailing a line change on his way. He remained on the bench and in a postgame interview with Emily Kaplan, brother Brady was optimistic that Matthew would be ready for Thursday's final. The win gives the U.S. nothing to play for on Monday against Sweden so head coach Mike Sullivan has the luxury of scratching Matthew to get him healthy for the championship game.

In the waning moments of the third, with the extra attacker on for Canada, the U.S. endured an onslaught of pressure but Hellebuyck and company were up to task. Then Jake Guentzel delivered the final blow with an empty net goal to all but secure the U.S. victory.

What’s At Stake Monday In Boston

The tournament shifts to Boston for the final slate of round-robin games (Monday) and the highly anticipated championship game featuring the U.S. and any one of Canada, Finland, or Sweden.

The slate kicks off at 10 a.m. PST with Kaapo Kakko’s Finland taking on Canada. A win in regulation by either team sends them to the championship game.

A Canada or Finland overtime or shootout win and a Sweden regulation win over the U.S. sends Sweden to the championship.

Should Canada or Finland and Sweden both win in overtime or a shootout, the winner of Canada vs. Finland would advance based on the head-to-head tiebreaker.

Feb. 15, 01:44 p.m. | Kakko, FIN Stay Alive With OT Win

Dallas Stars forward Mikael Granlund's overtime heroics in Finland's rivalry game against Sweden gave his team the 4-3 win and just as important, Kaapo Kakko and company another chance at competing in the championship game on Thursday.

After a near goal by Adrian Kempe at the other end of the ice that trickled through the pads and behind Finnish goaltender Kevin Lankinen, who momentarily lost track of the puck as it slid across his goal crease. Sweden gained control and rushed up ice the other way with Granlund racing down the wing. Granlund showed no hesitation, taking it himself and wiring a wrist shot through the five-hold of Sweden goaltender Linus Ullmark to deliver Sweden their second consecutive overtime loss of the tournament.

The first two periods were a see-saw battle amounting to three lead changes before teams went off for the first intermission. Mika Zibanejad started the scoring midway through the first period, accepting a pass from William Nylander who stripped the puck from Alexsander Barkov and set up the New York Rangers center to give Sweden the early lead.

Finland, showing no quit thus far in the tournament, fought back with two straight goals. First off the stick of Anton Lundell, set up by his Florida Panthers teammate Eetu Luostarinen, and then a Mikko Rantanen powerplay goal just 12 seconds into the team's first man advantage after some great puck movement, giving Finland their first lead of the game. The goal ended Sweden goaltender Filip Gustavsson's day after allowing two goals on four shorts.

The back-and-forth action would continue as Sweden equalized, taking advantage of a rebound given up by Lankinen in front of his crease. Joel Eriksson Ek, set up net-front, shoveled the puck with one hand on his stick over to a pinching Rasmus Dahiln who tipped it past Lankinen to tie it at two.

Sweden regained the lead midway through the second period when William Nylander delivered a pass in transition to Erik Karlsson who fired a laser of a wrist shot past the short side of Lankinen.

Line Shake-Up Pays Dividends For Kakko

When Finland announced that Kakko would draw into the lineup for Saturday's game in place of Joel Armia on the fourth line alongside Erik Haula and Teuvo Teravainen, Kraken fans could take a sigh of relief knowing that their lone representative would finally see action in the 4 Nations Face-Off after being a healthy scratch in his teams 6-1 loss to the US on Thursday.

But late in the second period, Finland coach Antti Pennanen had another shake-up in mind. With Sweden dominating possession through the early portion of the game, and Finland down a goal, Pennanen opted to move Kakko to the team's first line with 2024 Stanley Cup winner and Florida Panthers captain Alexsander Barkov and Mikko Rantanen. The makeshift line immediately cashed in on their first shift together, with Kakko deflecting an Olli Maata shot-pass on goal. The redirect hit off Barkov's stick blade before crossing the goal line with both Kakko and Barkov celebrating as if it was Kakko's It was originally credited as such but was later corrected as a Barkov tally. Still, Kakko was awarded the assist, and a timely one at that, to even the score at three apiece just before the second intermission.

What FIN Win Means For Final Day Of Round-Robin

Finland's OT win means that both Finland and Sweden stay in championship contention heading into tonight's USA-Canada matchup (5 p.m. PST on ABC) but either team's fortunes can shift dramatically if this evening game goes to overtime or Canada wins in regulation.

A US regulation win means that the States clinch the top seed, a trip to the championship game, and each of Finland, Canada, and Sweden remain in contention to face off against the Americans on Thursday.

Any other outcome and all teams remain alive until Monday's final slate of round-robin play (CAN vs. FIN, 10 a.m. & SWE vs. USA, 5 p.m. PST).

Feb. 15, 10:01 a.m. | Kakko In vs. Sweden

Kraken forward Kaapo Kakko is expected to make his 2025 4 Nations Face-Off debut after being a healthy scratch in Finland's 6-1 opening game loss to the U.S. Kakko will swap in for Canadiens' forward Joel Armia and will play on a line with Erik Haula and Teuvo Teravainen.

Feb. 13, 8:19 p.m. | Slow Start, Fast Finish For U.S. in Win

Slow out of the gate, the U.S. found themselves down to underdog Finland at Bell Centre in Montreal early at the hands of a goal from late-roster addition, Sabres defenseman Henri Jokiharju. But five unanswered goals, beginning with Brady Tkachuk's equalizer in the first period propelled the US to a 6-1 win and the first regulation win of the tournament, propping them atop the standings heading into Saturday's showdown with Canada (5 p.m. PST on TNT).

Tkachuk Brothers Net Four Goals

Many of Brady and Matthew Tkachuk's USA teammates likely have a strong disdain for the duo on the ice and rightfully so. The brothers, son of Hall of Fame forward Keith Tkachuk, play a hard-nosed, in-your-face style of hockey that grinds their opponents down over the course of sixty minutes. On top of that, the siblings possess a strong ability to put pucks in the net with Brady setting a career-high in goals (37) and Matthew a point-per-game player in each of the last three seasons. All of that and more were on display in Team USA's opener against Finland as both brothers contributed a pair of goals to earn the U.S. three standings points for a regulation win and likely endearing themselves to those teammates they've battled against for the better part of a decade in the NHL.

With Finland pressing and down 2-1 midway through the second period, USA head coach Mike Sullivan made a timely adjustment by slotting the Tkachuk brothers on a line with Vegas center Jack Eichel. From there the intensity picked up and the U.S. went into the locker room at the 2nd intermission hanging onto their one-goal lead.

But just 15 seconds into the final frame, with the U.S. on a powerplay, Matthew Tkachuk fired a long-range wrist shot that tipped off the stick of Finnish defenseman Nikolas Matinpalo, redirecting it just enough to surprise goaltender Juuse Saros who was looking to stab at it with his glove hand. The U.S., and more specifically the brothers, took over the game from that point on.

Eleven seconds later it was Jake Guentzel accepting a pass from Auston Matthews and rifling it in the top left corner of the net to make it 4-1.

Both of the Tkachuk brothers added a second tally to their goal totals. First, from Brady, just two and a half minutes after the Guentzel goal, accepting a centering feed from Eichel on a rush play and going to his backhand in tight to beat Saros.

The elder Tkachuk, Matthew, added the insurance marker midway through the period on the powerplay, following up on the loose rebound after Zach Werenski's shot from the point was stopped by Saros.

The brothers combined for 5 total points through 30 minutes and change as linemates and look to carry that momentum over to Saturday against the Canadians. Some bumps and bruises on Canada's backend occurred in their opener as Shea Theodore left the game early and is expected to be out week-to-week, hurting both Canada and his NHL club Vegas' blueline. Expect Flyers defenseman Travis Sanheim to get the call in his place.

Kaapo Kakko Watch

Kraken forward, and lone 4 Nations Face-Off representative, Kaapo Kakko was a healthy scratch in Finland's opening-game loss to the U.S. on Thursday night but there is hope that the power forward who has picked up 14 points (4 goals, 10 assists) in 19 games since the turn of the new year gets a look in Finland's second contest against rival Sweden on Saturday morning (10 a.m. PST on ABC). In such a short tournament with each point highly valuable, Finland coach Antti Pennanen may elect to shake up his lines to provide his team a spark.

Check back after Finland's practice on Friday for the latest updates on Kakko's status.

Feb. 12, 9:33 p.m. | Marner Ends Electric OT Thriller for Canada

Toronto's Mitch Marner delivered the final blow for Canada with just under four minutes to go in the 10-minute overtime period to give his team the 4-3 win on Wednesday in the opener of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off.

While Sweden was technically the home team in the opener of the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off, the roars of the crowd from Bell Centre in Montreal during Team Canada's player introductions told a different story. One that translated to momentum quickly, as Canada jumped to an early lead just 56 seconds in on a powerplay goal by Colorado's Nathan MacKinnon.

Sweden emerged from the locker following the first intermission undeterred, opening the score in the second period on a laser of a shot by Minnesota Wild defender Jonas Brodin from the high circle to the left of goaltender Jordan Binnington. Mark Stone would regain the two-goal lead for Canada but a pair of third period goals by Adrian Kempe and Joel Eriksson Ek secured overtime and the point for Sweden.

The wide-open overtime period was marked by end-to-end rushes and several grade-A saves by both netminders and was capitalized by Mitch Marner racing into the Sweden zone and firing a wrist shot just over the shoulder of Filip Gustavsson from long-range to help Canada recover from a near-scare at the hands of Sweden.

26 And Counting For Crosby

The last time Sidney Crosby lost an international game representing Canada takes us back to February 21st, 2010 during the Vancouver Olympics preliminary round. Crosby and his Canada teammates fell to the U.S. by a score of 5-3, cementing the United States at the top of the group heading into the knockout round. The two teams would meet again in the Gold Medal game, where Crosby would be the overtime hero for Canada in one of the most memorable games in the history of the Canada-U.S. hockey rivalry and the start of Crosby's current streak.

Since that loss in 2010, Crosby has gone 26-0-0, scoring 10 goals and adding 19 assists - three of which came Wednesday night.

Canada's first goal was pure video game hockey. Take three of the top 10 forwards in the NHL, put them on a powerplay, and expect magic and that's exactly what happened moments after William Nylander was sent off for high sticking under a minute into play. Canada worked the zone with flair, as Crosby and McDavid played passed back-and-forth to the left of Binnington before Crosby cut toward the net, delivering a cross-ice backhand pass to MacKinnon who rocketed it into a wide-open net.

As the teams lined up at their respective bluelines for the announcement of the three starts, chants of "Crosby, Crosby, Crosby!" boomed throughout Bell Center before Crosby was named player of the game.

Sweden Battles Back

Sweden struggled mightily in the first period, failing to match the intensity and physicality of Canada from the opening faceoff and registering their first shot on goal of the game with 2:44 remaining in the opening frame. Viewers would be fair to assume that this game had a Canada blowout written all over it.

But following the first intermission, Sweden picked up their pace and were rewarded via a goal from Jonas Brodin midway through the second period. The effort was encouraging for Sweden fans, proving they could hang with tournament favorite Canada after a few adjustments.

Entering the 3rd period down a pair of goals, Adrian Kempe would once again shrink Canada's lead to one using LA's Drew Doughty as a screen and firing a shot from distance into the back of the net. Joel Eriksson Ek delivered the tying goal midway through the third, accepting a cross-crease pass at the far post and elevating it over a sprawled-out Binnington.

Gustavsson was stellar in his own right in the final period, most notably on an impossible diving blocker save denying Colorado defender Devon Toews a sure goal and helping his team secure overtime.