Russia and Sweden are always likely candidates to field strong international teams.
Today Sweden, with a 2-1 victory, proved they are viable contenders for the World Cup—even without goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who sat out the game due to a last-minute illness. Goalie Jacob Markstrom would get the nod in his place.
The 1st Period went back and forth as both teams failed to establish any momentum. Both teams had a few shots on net and power play chances, but neither would capitalize on their opportunities.
When the 2nd Period started, team Sweden slowly began to put the pressure on team Russia, forcing Sergei Bobrovsky to make a couple of difficult saves to keep the game scoreless.