Despite an early lead in the first period, USA White dropped this afternoon’s opening game, 7-1, to Sweden in the final day for action at the 2021 World Junior Summer Showcase.
USA White found the back of the net first as Sasha Pastujov jammed home a puck in front of the net that beat Swedish netminder Calle Clang. Cameron Berg and Eamon Powell picked up assists. Sweden fought back with back-to-back goals, giving them a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.
Sweden scored twice in the final four minutes of the middle frame, with back-to-back one-timers. They followed up the goals with a two-on-one breakaway, giving Sweden a 5-1 advantage into the final frame.
The Swedish offensive attacked continued, scoring on a two-on-one breakaway five minutes into the third period. Jack Peart nearly put the U.S. back on the board with a move toward the net on the power play with 5:31 remaining in the third, but he was ultimately shutdown. Sweden added a final goal with 4:30 left in the period, making it 7-1.
Kaidan Mbereko started for USA White, stopping 20 of 25 shots in the first two periods of play. Tucker Tynan took over netminding duties for the third period, stopping eight of 10 shots.
