2025 IIHF Worlds Bronze Medal Game: Sweden Secures 6–2 Victory Over Denmark

The 2025 IIHF World Championship bronze medal game saw Sweden secure a 6–2 victory over Denmark, earning their second consecutive bronze medal. After a strong first period where Sweden controlled much of the play, Denmark came alive in the second, responding with a quick push and closing the gap with a goal from Nick Olesen. However, Sweden’s power play dominance and a short-handed goal from Lucas Raymond extended their lead. Despite a late push from Denmark, including a goal by Nikolaj Ehlers, Sweden sealed their win with another goal from Mika Zibanejad and strong defensive play, with both teams battling hard until the final whistle.

First Period

The bronze medal game between Sweden and Denmark got off to a fast-paced start but quickly settled into a defensive battle. Both teams, having faced tough semifinal losses, came out looking to secure a spot on the podium.

Samuel Ersson for Sweden and Frederik Dichow for Denmark both had strong starts, turning away shots in the opening minutes. Despite some early chances for both teams, neither could break the deadlock. Both teams registered 4 shots on goal, but it was Sweden’s Ersson who stood out with 6 saves, while Dichow was unable to stop any of the 4 shots he faced.

Neither team saw any penalties during the period, with both squads playing a disciplined defensive game. Sweden had a slight edge in save quality, but Denmark’s defense held firm, limiting high-danger chances for the Swedes.

The period ended with no goals on the board, leaving both teams searching for answers heading into the second frame.

First Period Stats:
Shots on Goal: Sweden 6 | Denmark 4
Saves: Sweden 4 | Denmark 6
Penalty Minutes (PIM): Sweden 0 | Denmark 0

Second Period

The second period began with both teams looking for an early breakthrough, and it didn’t take long for Sweden to find the net. At 25:16, Mikael Backlund opened the scoring for Sweden with a powerful goal past Frederik Dichow. The assist came from Adam Larsson and Elias Lindholm, giving Sweden a 1–0 lead.

GOAL (25:16): Mikael Backlund (SWE) – Even Strength – Assisted by Adam Larsson, Elias Lindholm

The Swedes didn’t take long to add to their lead. Just 29:50, Mikael Backlund found the back of the net again, increasing Sweden’s lead to 2–0. This time, the assists came from Emil Heineman and Elias Lindholm.

GOAL (29:50): Mikael Backlund (SWE) – Even Strength – Assisted by Emil Heineman, Elias Lindholm

At 37:09, Sweden extended their lead further. Marcus Johansson scored for Sweden, with assists from Rasmus Sandin and Leo Carlsson, making it 3–0.

GOAL (37:09): Marcus Johansson (SWE) – Even Strength – Assisted by Rasmus Sandin, Leo Carlsson

Sweden was now firmly in control, with Denmark struggling to find any rhythm offensively. The Swedes’ defensive game was tight, and their offense continued to click, as they held a commanding three-goal lead at the end of 40 minutes of play.

Although William Nylander has been off the scoreboard so far, his contributions have been key in Sweden’s offensive success. His ability to weave through traffic and set up plays has been instrumental in the Swedes’ control of the game. Nylander’s vision and quick hands have created opportunities and allowed his teammates to capitalize on Denmark’s defensive lapses.

Second Period Stats:
Shots on Goal: Sweden 18 | Denmark 4
Saves: Sweden 4 | Denmark 15
Penalty Minutes (PIM): Sweden 0 | Denmark 0

Third Period

The final frame of the bronze medal game began with Sweden holding a commanding 3–0 lead. Early on, there was concern as Rasmus Andersson went down hard on his right ankle, struggling to get back up. After some time on the ice, he managed to skate off and headed to the bench but appeared to be in visible discomfort.

Immediately after, Denmark thought they had gotten on the board, as a wrister appeared to beat Samuel Ersson in net. However, after a review, the goal was ruled no goal due to goalie interference on the play, keeping the score at 3–0 in favor of Sweden. Despite the no-goal ruling, the Danes seemed to be sparked by the play and continued their offensive push, creating more chances and trying to find a way past Ersson.

At 42:04, Isac Lundestrom of Sweden was called for holding, giving Denmark a power play opportunity. However, just 51 seconds later, Lucas Raymond fired a blazing shot on net, sending the puck between the legs of Denmark’s goaltender Frederik Dichow for a short-handed goal, making it 4–0 in favor of Sweden.

GOAL (42:55): Lucas Raymond (SWE) – Short-Handed – Unassisted

But the Danes were undeterred and immediately responded with a goal of their own a mere 35 seconds later. At 43:30, Nick Olesen scored on the power play, cutting Sweden’s lead to 4–1. The goal was assisted by Mikkel Aagaard and Phillip Bruggisser.

GOAL (43:30): Nick Olesen (DEN) – Power Play – Assisted by Mikkel Aagaard, Phillip Bruggisser

Despite the momentum shift, Samuel Ersson killed a rebound opportunity after a scramble in front of his net, denying Denmark a chance to get any closer.

The Danes continued to press offensively, and at 46:15, Nikolaj Ehlers scored for Denmark, further closing the gap to 4–2. The goal came off a well-placed shot, assisted by Nick Olesen and Alexander True.

GOAL (46:15): Nikolaj Ehlers (DEN) – Even Strength – Assisted by Nick Olesen, Alexander True

At 47:00, Denmark was called for a cross-checking penalty by Oscar Moelgaard, sending Sweden to the power play with an opportunity to extend their lead. The Swedes took full advantage of the power play, scoring just 25 seconds later. Marcus Johansson fired a shot past Frederik Dichow, with assists from Mikael Backlund and Mika Zibanejad, making it 5–2 in favor of Sweden.

GOAL (47:25): Marcus Johansson (SWE) – Power Play – Assisted by Mikael Backlund, Mika Zibanejad

Sweden continued to add to their lead, with Mika Zibanejad scoring their sixth goal of the game after firing one past the Danish goaltender, making it 6–2.

GOAL (50:15): Mika Zibanejad (SWE) – Even Strength – Assisted by Leo Carlsson, Erik Gustafsson

Tension arose at the end of the play as the clock hit 55:34, with both teams called for roughing penalties. Leo Carlsson of Sweden and Oliver Lauridsen of Denmark were each assessed a 2-minute penalty for roughing, sending both teams to the box after that brief, heated exchange.

Despite the scoreline, the Danes continued to fight on, perhaps out of pride, not allowing the Swedes to take anything for granted. They pushed for every inch, determined not to give up until the final whistle.

A huge pile-up occurred at the net as the Danes tried to get one more shot on goal in the final moments. The puck appeared to be hung up against the goalpost, with everyone tangled up in the crease. There was a delay on the whistle as the scramble continued before play was finally stopped.

The game ended with Sweden capturing the bronze medal, securing a 6–2 victory over Denmark. As the final buzzer sounded, fans on both sides stood and cheered, showing their support and pride for their respective home countries.

This marks the second straight year with Sweden claiming the bronze medal at the World Championship, further solidifying their position as a top contender. While Sweden celebrated their podium finish, we cannot discount Denmark’s incredible late push in the tournament to make it this far, fighting hard every step of the way.

Third Period Stats:
Shots on Goal: Sweden 13 | Denmark 10
Saves: Sweden 8 | Denmark 10
Penalty Minutes (PIM): Sweden 4 | Denmark 4

Players of the Game

Denmark: Patrick Russell – A key defensive presence, keeping the Danes in the game despite the scoreline.

Sweden: Mikael Backlund – A standout leader for Sweden, contributing both offensively and defensively.

Final Stats:
Shots on Goal: Sweden 37 | Denmark 18
Saves: Sweden 16 | Denmark 31
Penalty Minutes (PIM): Sweden 4 | Denmark 4