Sweden wins against Latvia but loses Captain

"We have practiced the power play a lot," said Friberg to SVT.

The first period was the closest but was won 3-2 by the Swedes. Max Friberg opened the scoring from between the circles on a quick power-play passing play at 3:28. Toms Andersons tied it two minutes later, also on the power play. With his second goal, a deflection, Friberg restored the Swedish lead just 16 seconds later. Mika Zibanejad made it 3-1 when he was alone in the left circle on another power play. Robert Lipsbergs took advantage of a turnover to make it 3-2.

Sweden's key player Johan Larsson left the ice injured in the first period and didn't return. He may, however, be back for the next game.

The Latvians looked tired in the second period and were outshot 17-3. At 25:38, Sebastian Collberg picked up a rebound off the boards and made it 4-2. Lipsbergs got another goal to make it 4-3 after some sloppy Swedish defence in front of the net. Erik Thorell and Mika Zibanejad scored two quick goals to take Sweden to a 6-3 lead after two periods.

Sweden also dominated the third period. Joakim Nordström made it 7-3 and Max Friberg added two more goals. With 1:10 remaining, Latvia got a fourth goal when Zemgus Girgensons deflected a shot on the power play.

Latvia plays Slovakia tomorrow in a key game. Sweden's next game is on Wednesday against Switzerland.

"We can play better that this," said Swedish defenceman Jonas Brodin to SVT. "We can't play like this against better teams like Canada."

 

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