2025 IIHF Worlds Semifinals: USA Beats Sweden to Punch Ticket to Gold Medal Game

As the final four teams face off in the 2025 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship semifinals, Team USA, the youngest team remaining at an average age of 24, has been dominant throughout the tournament. With standout performances from players like Clayton Keller and Zach Werenski, the U.S. is aiming for their first gold medal game appearance since 1934.

Sweden, the 11-time champions and tournament favorites, are always a formidable opponent, with a deep lineup and home-ice advantage. With both teams bringing their best to the ice, this semifinal promised to deliver intense action. We expected a fast-paced, physical matchup as both teams fought for a chance to make history and reach the gold medal game. And this game certainly did not disappoint.

Henrik Lundqvist, the Swedish hockey legend, was in the stands, set to be honored by the IIHF the for his incredible career, adding to the excitement and atmosphere of the game.

First Period

The game began with a burst of energy, as the Swedish home crowd was loud and passionate, hoping to inspire their team. Just 27 seconds in, William Nylander was called for roughing, giving Team USA an early power play. However, despite the man advantage, Jacob Markstrom was solid in net for Sweden, making several incredible saves, particularly on shots from Clayton Keller and Brady Skjei.

At 6:52, the Americans broke through. Brady Skjei scored with a well-placed shot past Markstrom off a faceoff, giving the U.S. a 1–0 lead. This goal was notable as Skjei became the 17th different scorer for the Americans during the tournament.

GOAL (6:52): Brady Skjei (USA) – Even Strength – Assisted by Shane Pinto

After the goal, there was some shoving in front of the net, but no penalties were called, and play quickly resumed.

The Swedes had some chances but struggled to break through Jeremy Swayman in the U.S. net. As the period wore on, the U.S. was in control, outshooting the Swedes and maintaining possession. At 11:24, the U.S. was called for interference when Michael McCarron went to the penalty box, but Sweden couldn’t capitalize on the power play.

At 17:13, the U.S. doubled their lead. Off the rebound, Cutter Gauthier fired a shot past Markstrom through the five-hole, assisted by Shane Pinto and Will Smith, making it 2–0.

GOAL (17:13): Cutter Gauthier (USA) – Even Strength – Assisted by Shane Pinto, Will Smith

The Americans’ dominance continued, as they limited Sweden’s chances and were stingy with the puck, not allowing the Swedes to generate much offense. The home crowd, which had been loud early on, quieted as the U.S. controlled the play.

The period ended with the U.S. holding a 2–0 lead, and the Swedes were left searching for answers.

Shots on Goal: Sweden 3 | USA 13
Saves: Sweden 11 | USA 3
PIM: Sweden 2 | USA 2

Second Period

The second period started with the United States looking to extend their 2–0 lead, and they did just that with quick offensive pressure. At 31:07, Conor Garland made it 3–0 for the U.S. with a great shot, assisted by Logan Cooley and Brady Skjei. Garland’s goal came off a strong play in front of the net, and it seemed to deflate the Swedish side.

GOAL (31:07): Conor Garland (USA) – Even Strength – Assisted by Logan Cooley, Brady Skjei

Sweden tried to regroup but found themselves on the penalty kill at 20:36 when Conor Garland was sent to the box for hooking. However, the U.S. continued to amp the pressure offensively, and at 37:03, Mikey Eyssimont extended the lead to 4–0 with a goal assisted by Matty Beniers and Jackson LaCombe.

GOAL (37:03): Mikey Eyssimont (USA) – Even Strength – Assisted by Matty Beniers, Jackson LaCombe

This goal seemed to put the game further out of Sweden’s reach as they struggled to generate offense while the Americans remained in control.

Despite some scrappy play, including the penalty on Conor Garland, the U.S. kept their foot on the gas, limiting Sweden’s chances and continuing their relentless pressure. The Swedes tried to fight back, but Jeremy Swayman was solid in net, answering every challenge they threw his way. Whether it was tracking the puck through traffic or making key saves, Swayman was calm and composed, keeping Sweden from gaining any momentum. As the period wound down, the U.S. held a commanding 4–0 lead, and despite Sweden’s push, they still had no answer for the Americans’ offensive attack. The U.S. was in full control, and Swayman was right there to shut down any Swedish attempts to get back in the game.

Shots on Goal: Sweden 12 | USA 7
Saves: Sweden 5 | USA 12
PIM: Sweden 2 | USA 0

Third Period

At the start of the third, we saw Sweden make a change in goal, with Samuel Ersson replacing Jacob Markstrom between the pipes. The move seemed to give the Swedes a fresh energy, as they looked to make a push for a comeback. While Ersson quickly settled in, the U.S. continued to maintain pressure, keeping the Swedes from gaining much momentum. Both teams battled, with the Americans looking to protect their lead.

At 46:32, William Nylander got Sweden on the board, scoring his first goal of the tournament with a shot past Jeremy Swayman. Assisted by Rasmus Andersson and William Karlsson, Nylander’s goal brought the score to 4-1, with the USA still ahead.

GOAL (46:32): William Nylander (Sweden) – Even Strength – Assisted by Rasmus Andersson, William Karlsson

Just under a minute later, at 47:13, Elias Lindholm scored for Sweden, assisted by Alexander Wennberg, to cut the lead further to 4-2.

GOAL (47:13): Elias Lindholm (Sweden) – Even Strength – Assisted by Alexander Wennberg

With Sweden gaining momentum, the United States called a timeout, hoping to settle down in the play zone, regroup, and hold on to their lead. The Swedes had been pushing hard, and the Americans needed to stay composed to maintain their advantage.

With under 10 minutes remaining, the U.S. tried to get some of that momentum back on their side, looking to regain their control over the game and put the pressure back on Sweden. Jeremy Swayman made a crucial pad save, deflecting a shot from Sweden out of danger, as the pressure mounted. A scrum ensued shortly after, no penalty was called, adding to the tension.

The United States added some insurance with a stunning shot on net by Jackson LaCombe, extending their lead to 5-2 and solidifying their advantage as the period wore on.

GOAL (51:09): Jackson LaCombe (USA) – Even Strength – Assisted by Frank Nazar

With just under five minutes remaining, Samuel Ersson was pulled from the net as Sweden went for the extra attacker in a last-ditch effort to cut into the lead. At 55:53, Shane Pinto sealed the deal for the U.S., with a long shot, scoring into the empty net dead center, to bring the score to 6-2.

GOAL (55:53): Shane Pinto (USA) – Empty Net – Unassisted

With just over three minutes remaining, Ersson returned to the net for Sweden, but the Swedes continued to apply pressure. The United States, however, remained poised, looking forward to entering the gold medal game for the first time since 1934.

After 60 minutes of incredible play, the United States won it 6-2, advancing to the gold medal game.

Final Score: SWE 2 – 6 USA

Shots on Goal: Sweden 14 | USA 8
Saves: Sweden 6 | USA 12
PIM: Sweden 0 | USA 0

Final Summary

After a thrilling and fast-paced semifinal, the United States triumphed over Sweden with a commanding 6-2 victory, securing their place in the gold medal game for the first time since 1934. With key performances from players like Shane Pinto, Jackson LaCombe, and Jeremy Swayman, the U.S. proved their strength in both offense and defense. Sweden fought hard, but despite their push, the Americans maintained control and weathered the storm. With history on the line, the U.S. will now face their final challenge, looking to bring home their first World Championship gold in nearly a century.

Shots on Goal: Sweden 29 | USA 28
Saves: Sweden 22 | USA 27
PIM: Sweden 2 | USA 4

Players of the Game

USA: Shane Pinto
SWE: Rasmus Andersson

Photo Gallery: Sweden vs. United States – 2025 IIHF WM