2025 IIHF Worlds: Canada Clinches 1st Place with 5-3 Victory Over Sweden

The 2025 IIHF World Championship saw Canada and Sweden face off in a highly anticipated matchup. Both teams brought high energy and determination to the ice, with Canada looking to extend their momentum and Sweden eager to close the gap in Group A. A thrilling contest unfolded, filled with fast-paced action, power plays, and clutch moments. As the game progressed, both teams battled for control, with pivotal goals and timely saves keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

First Period

The game started with high intensity, and Canada wasted no time getting on the board. Just 18 seconds into the game, Travis Sanheim made a quick and powerful shot from the point that beat Jacob Markström, giving Canada a 1-0 lead. The assist came from Nathan MacKinnon and Travis Konecny, who both showed great vision to set up the play.

GOAL: Canada – Travis Sanheim (Assisted by Nathan MacKinnon and Travis Konecny) – 00:18

Sweden quickly responded, taking advantage of a shorthanded opportunity when Elias Lindholm capitalized on a turnover in Canada’s zone. He skated in and buried a shot past Binnington at 3:47, tying the game at 1-1. Canada wasn’t rattled by the quick response and began to regain control of the game.

GOAL: Sweden – Elias Lindholm (Shorthanded goal) – 03:47

At 7:15, Canada regained the lead when Tyson Foerster slid in a rebound after a sharp shot from Sidney Crosby, assisted by Jared Spurgeon. The Swedes had difficulty clearing the puck, allowing Foerster to capitalize. The game was filled with physical play, and Canada used its aggressive forechecking to dictate tempo.

Canada – Tyson Foerster (Assisted by Jared Spurgeon and Sidney Crosby) – 07:15

With the Swedes penalty kill on full display, Canada’s power play wasn’t able to convert despite some strong chances. Canada took advantage of Sweden’s mistakes, and at 13:01, Ryan O’Reilly made a perfect shot from the slot to beat Markström, extending Canada’s lead to 3-1. Travis Konecny and Nathan MacKinnon had the assists on the play.

GOAL: Canada – Ryan O’Reilly (Assisted by Travis Konecny and Nathan MacKinnon) – 13:01

Sweden probably had the better of play in the first, but Canada capitalized on its chances, and Binnington was flawless in goal for Canada.

First Period Stats:

• Shots on Goal: Canada 10 | Sweden 11
• Saves: Canada 10 | Sweden 7
• PIM: Canada 4 | Sweden 2

Second Period

The second period began with Canada continuing to press, but Sweden took advantage of some penalties. At 21:46, Will Cuylle was called for hooking, putting Sweden on the power play, but Canada’s penalty kill was up to the task. Brayden Schenn followed up with a holding penalty at 22:44, allowing Sweden another chance on the man-advantage.

Marcus Johansson capitalized on this second power play, scoring at 23:02, assisted by Filip Forsberg and Lucas Raymond, cutting Canada’s lead to 3-2. Johansson’s one-timer from the faceoff circle found the back of the net, with Forsberg making a perfect pass.

GOAL: Sweden – Marcus Johansson (Power play, Assisted by Filip Forsberg and Lucas Raymond) – 23:02

Canada wasn’t fazed by the goal and quickly answered back. At 30:50, Macklin Celebrini scored an important goal for Canada, assisted by Sidney Crosby and Jared Spurgeon. Celebrini made a beautiful shot from the high slot after a pass from Crosby, extending Canada’s lead to 4-2.

GOAL: Canada – Macklin Celebrini (Assisted by Sidney Crosby and Jared Spurgeon) – 30:50

Despite more penalties on both sides—Emil Heineman for unsportsmanlike conduct at 31:56 and Mikael Backlund for roughing at 34:32—Canada’s defense and Binnington held steady to protect the lead. Canada’s penalty kill remained perfect throughout the period.

Second Period Stats

• Shots on Goal: Canada 11 | Sweden 7
• Saves: Canada 6 | Sweden 10
• PIM: Canada 10 | Sweden 8

Third Period

Sweden came out determined to mount a comeback in the third period, but Canada held firm. At 44:11, Nathan MacKinnon scored for Canada, assisted by Travis Konecny and Ryker Evans, pushing Canada’s lead to 5-2.

GOAL: Canada – Nathan MacKinnon (Assisted by Travis Konecny and Ryker Evans) – 44:11

However, Sweden wasn’t done yet. At 56:52, Rasmus Andersson scored for Sweden, assisted by Marcus Johansson and Leo Carlsson, narrowing the gap to 5-3.

GOAL: Sweden – Rasmus Andersson (Assisted by Marcus Johansson and Leo Carlsson) – 56:52

Sweden pulled Jacob Markström for an extra attacker at 55:48, but Canada’s defense held strong, and Jordan Binnington made the necessary saves to secure the win.

Third Period Stats

• Shots on Goal: Canada | Sweden
• Saves: Canada | Sweden
• PIM: Canada | Sweden

Final Score: E CAN 5 – 3 SWE

Players of the Game

Rasmus Sandin (Sweden)
Rasmus Sandin was a standout for Sweden, playing a key role both defensively and offensively. He was solid on the back end, breaking up Canada’s offensive plays and providing steady puck movement. Sandin’s contributions were crucial in keeping Sweden in the game, especially when they pushed to close the gap in the final period.

Travis Konecny (Canada)
Travis Konecny was pivotal in Canada’s victory, contributing not just with his offensive play but also with his speed and tenacity. He assisted on key goals, including Ryan O’Reilly’s and Tyson Foerster’s, and was involved in creating constant pressure on Sweden’s defense.

“It was a good team win,” said Travis Konecny. “We stuck to the game plan and capitalized when we needed to. It was a physical game, and we’re proud of how we finished.” (IIHF, 2025)

Final Game Summary

With the win, Canada secured another crucial victory in the 2025 IIHF World Championship, maintaining their strong position as they head into the knockout stages having clinched first place In Group A. Sweden fought hard but couldn’t break through Canada’s defense and goaltending. Canada’s top players, including Ryan O’Reilly, Travis Konecny, and Nathan MacKinnon, were key contributors in the team’s performance.

Stat Summary:

Shots on Goal: Canada | Sweden
Saves: Canada | Sweden
PIM: Canada | Sweden

Source:

IIHF. (2025, May 20). Canada vs Sweden – https://www.iihf.com/en/events/2025/wm/gamecenter/recap/62074/55-swe-vs-can