Top standouts from Sweden vs. Latvia game at 2024 World Junior Championship
Sweden gave its fanbase much to cheer about on home ice, cruising to a 6-0 win over Latvia to close out the opening day of action at the 2024 World Junior Championship.
It was a game dominated by power plays, with Sweden scoring three straight goals at 5-on-4. Even their fourth goal came with the man advantage, with Filip Bystedt scoring his second on a delayed penalty.
Anton Wahlberg, Felix Unger Sorum and Jonathan Lekkerimaki (twice) had the other goals for the Swedes, while goaltender Hugo Havelid stopped all 20 shots sent his way.
Here’s a look at the top standouts from Tuesday’s action:
Lines for Sweden vs. Latvia. #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/HgvYfVsYSE
— Steven Ellis (@SEllisHockey) December 26, 2023Sweden
#18 Filip Bystedt, C (San Jose Sharks): One came on the power play, and the other came on a delayed call. Bystedt thrives around the net, and his willingness to outmuscle defenders in front came in handy today. It’s what made him dangerous at the World Junior Summer Showcase, and it’s a reason why he’s one of the best players in the tournament.
#4 Axel Sandin Pellikka, D (Detroit Red Wings): ASP registered an assist on Sweden’s first goal to help end the deadlock, but it was everything after that was impressive. His speed, skill and deceptive play made predicting his decisions difficult, with the skill level difference between ASP and the Latvians becoming apparent.
#23 Jonathan Lekkerimaki, RW (Vancouver Canucks): Lekkerimaki struggled at this tournament in the past, but today’s game felt like a good effort from him. He drew a penalty and then scored eight seconds into the ensuing power play just for good measure. Lekkerimaki then scored with just over five minutes left to make it a 6-0 contest. Lekkerimaki’s overall game has taken nice steps forward over the past year, and I thought Lekkermaki looked especially aggressive in the neutral zone.
#16 Felix Unger Sorum, RW (Carolina Hurricanes): Since the start of the pre-tournament, FUS might have been Sweden’s best player. He’s been a playmaking machine with great hands and even better passes, but he also does a good job of getting to the front of the net. It paid off with just over 11 minutes to go in regulation, when he tipped in a point shot from Theo Lindstein. He’s on Sweden’s third line – a group that can rival anyone in the tournament alongside David Edstrom and Otto Stenberg.
Latvia
#23 Rodzers Bukarts, C (Undrafted): Bukarts had two decent scoring chances in the first 40 minutes while also playing an aggressive game. He had the pace to keep up with the Swedes and had some difficult matchups. In a game with very little to be excited about for Latvia, I thoughts Bukarts played well enough.
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