Jonathan Lekkerimäki Named Player Of The Game As Sweden Punches Their Ticket To The Gold Medal Game At The 2024 World Juniors
Sweden defeated Czechia 5-2 and will now play for Gold at the 2024 World Juniors.
The Hockey News - Jonathan Lekkerimäki Named Player Of The Game As Sweden Punches Their Ticket To The Gold Medal Game At The 2024 World JuniorsTeam Sweden will play for Gold at the 2024 World Juniors after defeating Czechia 5-2 on Thursday morning. After a two-goal performance, which included scoring the game-winner, Vancouver Canucks prospect Jonathan Lekkerimäki was named player of the game as well as one of Sweden's top three players of the tournament. Here is a breakdown of all three of Vancouver's prospect's performances.
Starting with Lekkerimäki, he was once again dynamic from start to finish. For the second straight game, he posted nine shots on goal and was rewarded with lightning the lamp twice in the third period. Whether it was a rocket from the point or cashing in from just outside the crease, he stepped up for his country when they needed him most and now will get the chance to compete for Gold just a few hours away from his hometown.
On the blue line, Elias Pettersson provided Sweden with solid shutdown minutes. He didn't make any massive mistakes and, once again, showed off his game's physical side along the boards and in front of the net. One of two Swedish players to eclipse the 21-minute mark, he performed well under pressure and will now get the chance to finish off his World Juniors career with a shot at a Gold Medal.
Lastly, Tom Willander stood out at both ends of the ice. He was able to force turnovers in his own zone, which then led to chances for Sweden at the other end of the ice. A player who continues to improve as the tournament has progressed, he is now tied for the plus/minus lead at plus-11 after finishing the semi-finals as a plus-three.
With the win, Sweden moves on to the Gold Medal game for the first time in six years. Expect a sold-out crowd in Gothenburg as Sweden looks to capture Gold for the first time since 2012. Game time is set for 10:30 AM PT and can be viewed on TSN.
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