U.S. beats Sweden, will play for 1st IIHF Worlds gold since 1933
The United States played spoiler in front of a crowd full of yellow jerseys at the IIHF World Championship on Saturday, defeating host Sweden 6-2 in the semifinals at Avicii Arena in Stockholm.
The U.S. hasn't won gold at the IIHF World Championship since 1933, although it won gold at the 1960 Olympics, which, at the time, doubled as the World Championship. The Americans have won seven medals since 1960, all bronze, with the last coming in 2021.
Brady Skjei and Cutter Gauthier scored for the United States in the first period before Conor Garland and Mikey Eyssimont tacked on two more in the middle frame.
Sweden made a push in the third period with a pair of goals from William Nylander and Elias Lindholm, but it proved to be too little, too late. Jackson LaCombe added a fifth goal for the U.S. to seal the victory before Shane Pinto's empty-netter.
Jeremy Swayman was sharp when called upon for the Americans, stopping 27 of 29 shots.
Jacob Markstrom was pulled from the Sweden net in favor of Samuel Ersson after allowing four goals on 20 shots.
The U.S. will play Switzerland in Sunday's gold-medal game.