Sweden pass Denmark test

10 May 2014 | Luis Lopes

The defending World Champion starts with a shutout against Denmark.

Sweden 3 Denmark 0

A lot of curiosity to see how the defending world champions started this game. Led by a Backlund very inspired Sweden with more or less difficulties pass the Denmark test. Denmark came out strong and in the first 10 minutes the game was actually a perfect tie(even in shot at goal). Then came the Backlund party, the Calgary Flames star take the Sweden game another level with the two Swedish goals(could actually been three but after a referee video review, the third goal wasn't allowed). Before the second goal for Sweden, Denmark lost a huge opportunity to score thanks to a great save by Anders Nilsson after a shot by Julian Jakobsen.

The second period was a paper copy from the first, but without goals. We had a even first part with the two teams try to score on the power-play(two each). We had a great save by Anders Nilsson on a Staal shot. And then team Sweden take care care of things the last 10 minutes of period. With a fast hockey and great transitions by the defending champions, Denmark had moments there against the wall in five against five situations. Mention to Mathias Sjögren, with one individual play passed everyone and could have score the third for Sweden if it wasn't Denmark goalie Patrick Galbraith.

Danish goalie Galbraith can't be blamed for the loss.
Photo: Roman Kucera

In the third period like in the first two, Denmark came out well, looking for a goal that could give some hope, but a third goal scored by Gustav Nyqvist (after a fail pass by Staal) finish their hope. After that third goal, Sweden controlled the game until the end. Sweden can go really far in this competition. Denmark must be consistent in the game. Made some good things in the beginning of periods but there were times with a complete absence in the game. Against a team like Sweden you will end up to pay.

A small mention for the Swiss fans... future Lugano's player Linus Klasen is really good, with God given skills. Exciting times in Swiss NLA next season.