Team Sweden captured its second consecutive gold medal in the IIHF Men’s World Championship today, defeating Switzerland 3-2 in the shoot-out. Gustav Nyquist and Mika Zibanejad scored in regulation time, and Filip Forsberg netted the gamewinner in the shoot-out.
Adrian Kempe, appearing in his first tournament with the men’s senior team, saw his ice time dip as more experienced players trickled onto the team. He finished with eight points in ten games (two goals, six assists) and saw some power play usage throughout the tournament.
Adrian Kempe helps Sweden advance to the finals over #TeamUSA with his second goal of the #IIHFWorlds.
Final score 6-0 Sweden
(Video from Reddit user GnagarNa)#LAKings #SWEvsUSA pic.twitter.com/vsMpkoA6w8
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) May 19, 2018
Adrian Kempe picks up another assist, feeding it across ice for Jacob de la Rose. Kempe’s 5th point in as many games. #LAKings #SVKvsSWE #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/aE1kbXIMBB
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) May 12, 2018
Adrian Kempe’s 1st goal of the tournament, and his 3rd point in 4 games.
Thanks to Reddit user Adnell for the video.#LAKings #SWEvsAUT #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/NPfhBSm1GB
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) May 9, 2018
Team USA, after losing 6-0 to Sweden in the semi-finals, pulled out a win over Canada in the finals, taking the game 4-1. A three-goal third period for the US, including two empty net goals, makes the game look less competitive than it was.
Alec Martinez, making his national team debut, provided a steady presence for the USA blue line, frequently being paired with rookie Charlie MacAvoy. Martinez played the same shot-block heavy game that he does for the Kings and finished the tournament with one goal and two assists in ten games.
Alec Martinez scores his 1st goal at the #IIHFWorlds in a 9-3 win over Norway.
In 6 games Alec has 1goal & 2 assists.
(Video thanks to Reddit user Ontyyyy) #NORvsUSA #LAKings pic.twitter.com/bmC9EqFoPm
— Eric (@Kingsgifs) May 13, 2018
Congratulations to Adrian and Alec!