Team USA captain Auston Matthews wasn't in the lineup for Monday's game against Sweden due to upper-body soreness, per The Athletic's Michael Russo.
Sweden's 2-1 victory had no seeding implications. Matthews is expected to suit up for the final against Canada on Thursday, Russo adds.
The Americans dressed only 17 skaters against Sweden. Matthew Tkachuk - who was injured Saturday against Canada - and Charlie McAvoy were also out, along with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck.
Chris Kreider, Jake Sanderson, and Jake Oettinger made their tournament debuts, with Jeremy Swayman backing up.
Matthews has missed 15 games across two stints this season due to an upper-body injury.
