Switzerland and Sweden both got off to ideal starts to their respective World Junior Championships campaigns, but one of the teams will undoubtedly be disappointed by the end of Friday's match.
The Defending champions drew a solid Czech Republic side in their first match and managed to dispatch them easily. Sebastian Collberg and Elias Lindholm scored in the first 3:48 of the first period to open up a 2-0 lead. In the second Filip Sanberg added a third goal at 3:03 of the period and star player Filip Forsberg scored a fourth at 12:07 of the third. Joel Lassinatti made 25 saves on 26 shots, but his shutout was ended with just six seconds to play in the game.
Switzerland had an equally impressive match against Latvia on Thursday. Despite giving up a goal just 2:45 into the match, the Swiss got two goals from Christof Berteschy and Mike Kunzle to end the first with a 2-1 lead. In the second Lucas Balmelli extended the lead just 1:07 into the period and Sven Andrighetto and Sandro Zangger added two goals after Latvia cut the lead to one. After two periods the score was 5-2 Switzerland. Mike Kunzle and Alessio Bertaggia added two more goals to end the match with a 7-2 Swiss victory. Tanner Richard led all players with three points.
Sweden rested on Thursday and should be more energized for the match Friday.
Read More About Group A HERE.
Prediction: The defending champs should have no difficulty in this one. 5-1 Sweden.
Start Time: 7 AM EST
TV: TSN
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