Today marks the end of the 2025 IIHF World Championship preliminary round, with all 16 teams having secured their places in the Group A and B standings. In the last games of the qualifying round, the four participating members of the Vancouver Canucks all cemented themselves in quarterfinal contention.
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Mar 5, 2025; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Anaheim Ducks defenseman Jacob Trouba (65) check Vancouver Canucks forward Drew O'Connor (18) during the second period at Rogers Arena. Mandatory Credit: Simon Fearn-Imagn ImagesUSA 5, Czechia 2
In the first Canucks vs. Canucks matchup of the tournament, Conor Garland, Drew O’Connor, and Team USA bested Filip Hronek and Czechia in a 5–2 victory. While the game was close, with both teams tied 2–2 heading into the third period, USA took a quick lead after a penalty to Czechia. O’Connor was the only Canuck on either team to grab a point, assisting on Andrew Peeke’s 5–2 empty net goal. Hronek continued his stretch of minute-munching, playing 25:26 of the game — the most of both teams. Garland was also relied on extensively today, playing a second-most 20:10 of all Team USA players.
Canada 5, Sweden 3
Marcus Pettersson and Team Sweden suffered their first loss of the tournament today, falling 5–3 to a superpowered Team Canada. Canada kicked off the scoring 18 seconds into the game thanks to Travis Sandheim. Sweden did not take a lead throughout the entire game, though they tied it 1–1 a few minutes into the first period with a goal from former Canuck Elias Lindholm.
May 22 Schedule:
As per tournament rules, the second-placed teams in Group A and B will play the third-placed teams of the opposite group. Because of this, Team USA (2B) will face Finland (3A), while Sweden (2A) will take on Czechia (3B). By the end of May 22, at least one member of the Canucks will be eliminated from the playoffs, as Hronek and Pettersson will face each other.
- USA vs. Finland: 7:20 am PT
- Sweden vs. Czechia: 11:20 am PT
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