3 keys to success for U.S. against Sweden in World Juniors

The NHL Network will provide exclusive live telecasts of all United States games during the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia.
The U.S. will play the third of four preliminary-round games in Group B at Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre in Victoria against Sweden on Saturday (10:30 p.m. ET; NHLN, TSN). The U.S. defeated Slovakia 2-1 and Kazakhstan 8-2 in its first two games. The playoff round begins Jan. 2.
Longtime NCAA hockey analyst Dave Starman, who works the broadcast along with Stephen Nelson, will give his three keys to victory for the United States before each of their games during the 11-day tournament.

"The game against Kazakhstan was a good one in that it got a few more names on the scoresheet," Starman said. "(U.S. coach) Mike Hastings was able to roll lines and distribute ice time. Between a tough game against the Slovaks and Friday versus Kazakhstan, the U.S. has an idea what its identity is, but the next two games (against Sweden and Finland) will tell them a lot about what they are and where they are on the building path."
Here are three areas the United States (2-0-0-0) will need to address in their game against Sweden (2-0-0-0), which has won 46 straight preliminary-round WJC matches.

1. Control 5-on-5 play

"Slovakia felt they could win; Kazakhstan knew it couldn't. Sweden knows they can beat the U.S. with their talent so you have two immovable objects colliding. Add to this the fact Sweden hasn't lost a pool play game in 46 straight and you have a unique matchup. Sweden has an elite defense corps in their top four and all can hammer it towards the net for goals. Their power play has been effective. A big key for the U.S. is be relentless, be aggressive but keep your cool. Playing down a man for too long against the Swedes could be an issue."

2. Ground game

"The word 'ground game' is still my favorite Motzko-ism (former U.S. coach Bob Motzko). The ground game is his way of saying make sure you pressure their defensemen, attack with numbers and support and win the wall battles. The U.S. has some big bodies up front that play with an abrasive attitude. Making Sweden's defense corps uncomfortable in their end on retrievals and in zone play is a big priority."

3. Playing to strengths

"Keep shifts short, be efficient with puck management, and get pucks to the net quickly. This has been pretty good for two games; no long shifts and no selfish play. Now with the lights getting brighter this becomes even more important. Fatigue could be an issue against Sweden, since this is the third game in four nights for the United States. Playing safe, simple and efficient is the battle cry of the night."