2017 World Juniors results: Canada bests Sweden in semifinals to move on to gold medal match

After an intense, high-scoring hockey game, Team Canada has moved on to the gold medal round after besting Sweden 5-2 in the World Junior semifinals.

Julien Gauthier put Canada ahead while team captain Dylan Strome added an insurance goal in the third period.

A wild first period lead to the removal of Canada’s starting goaltender Connor Ingram after the young netminder allowed two goals on three shots. Carter Hart saved all 28 shots in relief of Ingram.

Sweden’s opener was a seeing-eye low blocker shot from Joel Eriksson Ek that started the back-and-forth period six minutes into the game.

The equalizer came from Mitchell Stephens nearly two minutes later, on a rebound after a scramble in front of Swedish goaltender Felix Sandstrom.

Carl Grundstrom put the Swedes up ahead once again on a goal off a rush just moments after Canada tied the game. Alex Nylander’s incredible assist started Sweden’s movement up-ice for the go-ahead goal.

Of course, Canada tied the game up 2-2 with less than two minutes on the clock in the first. Anthony Cirelli’s snipe over the high blocker of Sandstrom even had his mom dancing for joy!

Canada took the lead in the second period after a Swedish turnover in their own defensive zone cost them dearly. Sandstrom was unable to cover up a loose puck at the side of his net and the puck was poked in by Julien Gauthier.

The Canadians poured on the pressure in the middle frame, but outside of the one hiccup, Sandstrom was solid in net, including this remarkable pair of saves on Tyson Jost.

Sweden fought back by the end of the period, forcing Canadian goaltender Carter Hart to make some great saves in return.

Canada extended their lead in the third period on a four-on-four. Captain Dylan Strome won a face off in the offensive zone and the defense cycled before the forward took a shot that got through Sandstrom from the top of the right circle.

Gauthier potted the empty netter to seal the win 5-2 with 1:58 to play.

Team Canada will play Team USA in the gold medal match Thursday evening at 8 p.m.