The Swedes dominated the US in a hardhitting game, beating them
4-2 this afternoon in Red Deer. Sweden outshot the US 35-15 which is a
better indicator of the play than the score. Jonas Forsberg started in
goal for the Swedes along with John Grahame for the US. Since Bonner
reportedly played well in goal against the Russians it seems coach Jeff
Jackson will not stick with one goaltender in this tournament which
requires teams to play two days out of each three.
The US gave itself a test almost immediately at 0:08 when Adam
Deadmarsh took a penalty for interference which was totally unnecessary.
Sweden came very close to scoring, moving the puck around well and ending
with a scramble in front which caused Mike Crowley to be sent of for
delay of game at 0:54. This was a cheap call, I think, especially in
light of what later transpired. It was even jeered by the crowd, which
was neutral for the most part, cheering good plays by both sides.
Although the Swedes kept possession on the two man advantage they
didn't get a good chance to score until the US had one man back, then
they created another scramble in front.
During the early part of this game especially, but to some extent
throughout, the Swedes engaged in petty holding and stickwork which they
consistantly got away with. One reads about how the European players do
this but it is much more apparent in person than on TV, at least for me
in this game.
At 6 minutes Grahame made a nice close in save on Jesper
Mattsson, whose reputation is stirling according to the local media.
This is my first time seeing the Swedish team.
Against the run of play the US scored first at 9:34, the goal
going to Jason Bonsignore from Landon Wilson and Sean Haggerty. This
score came on a delayed penalty when the Czech ref finally decided to
call something against the Swedes. Bonsignore had a nice break and his
shot had to be good to beat Forsberg.
The US lead barely lasted a heartbeat as Per-johan Axelsson
scored on the next rush from Peter Strom and Johan Finnstrom at 9:51.
The game began to get rougher. Finnstrom was called for hooking at
16:46, and the US got its two man advantage at 17:27 when Jonas
Andersson-Junkka was called for a roughing penalty at centre ice, another
foolish penalty, but the US could not make the Swedes pay. They looked
very tentative, even nervous, on the power play. They gave the puck away
and missed shots they had.
As mentioned above, this period had a lot of niggling dirty plays
by the Swedes, and the US, by and large, did not respond to the bait and
retaliate. Good discipline instilled by Jackson here as this was a
frustrating period to watch. The US was on the defensive constantly
though and did not show any offense other than the goal.
SHOTS ON GOAL Sweden 13 USA 3
The first good chance in the second period did not come until six
minutes went by. Grahame made saves on Mattsson, then Johan Davidsson on
the next shift.
At 7:30 Deron Quint broke in on goal for a rare shot by the US in
front. The Americans got another chance when Forsberg was called for
delay of game at 9:24. Sweden, however, got off the first two shots of
this "power play". Bonsignore then whiffed on a shot right in front
after receiving a good pass. Not a good power play for the US.
At 13 minutes Dan Tompkins was hurt behind the play and had to go
off for treatment. He did return to play. At 16 minutes Jackson sent
out Grier to play a shift on defense. At least one Swede ignored the puck
anticipating a check from him.
At 17 minutes the US at last forced Forsberg to make a couple of
saves, but easy ones. From 17:30 to the end of the period the US began
to look threatening, but they couldn't connect. Crowley had an open shot
but fiddled with the puck too much. Deadmarsh elected to shoot on a 2x1
but Forsberg had no trouble making the save, the rebound was also saved.
At the end of this period I felt that the US was holding on, but
unlike the game against the Russians there was no margin for error which
a four goal lead provides. Sweden always looked dangerous, and they are
definitely faster than the US skaters.
SHOTS ON GOAL Sweden 11 USA 6
Three minutes into the third period Anders Eriksson had the puck
in front of the goal and pounded at it for what seemed like an eternity.
somehow Grahame kept it out. Then the Swedes got off a couple more good
shots. It was no surprise that Sweden scored at 3:42. Ironically it was
on a bouncer from the point. The goal went to Jonas Andersson-Junkka
from Peter Strom and Per-Johan Axelsson. Before you knew it the Swedes
scored again at 4:24 giving them what was really an insurmountable lead
at 3-1. Anders Soderburg skated around the US defence and scored on a
nice backhand shot. Soderburg is your typical prototype European player,
small, quick, with good skill. One of the nicest goals, rooting interest
aside, one could hope to see. Assists went to Daniel Back and Johan
Finnstrom.
At 6:10 Adam Deadmarsh, who will not want to keep the tape of
this game, took another penalty for cross checking.
Halfway through the period the US had the puck in the crease with
four players, two from each side, there but could not put it in. This is
the story of the game. Then Mattsson missed on a breakaway, but I felt
Sweden, if anything, was getting stronger.
If the game was not already iced Sweden did so at 18:17 when Per
Svartvadet skated in and wristed the puck past Grahame, who should not be
criticized for his performance.
With too little too late BU's Chris Kelleher closed the scoring
at 18:56 with assists to Halfnight and Bates.
SHOTS ON GOAL Sweden 11 USA 5
I have now seen every team in the tournament except "minnows"
Germany and Ukraine. I think the Swedes are the class of the bunch,
despite the local media who have already awarded the gold to Canada. For
this reason I am still optimistic about US medal chances, but Jackson
needs to work on offence. You have to get shots on goal, and goals, to
win hockey games.
Arthur Berman [log in to unmask]
THE MAPLE LEAF FOREVER!!!
GO BU!!!
|
