The Swedish had seemed the class of this year’s competition — the highest scoring team (29 goals scored) and best defensive team (13 goals allowed) — before meeting their match in Russia during the semifinal round. The roster remains dangerous even without star scorer Nils Hoglander, who was ejected from Saturday’s game for a hit to the head on Russian captain Alexander Khovanov. A win, while not quite the gold medal that has evaded Swedish U-20 teams since the country last won in 2012, would be better than last year’s fifth place finish.
WJC SEMIFINALS: Russia defeats Sweden in OT | Canada shuts down Finland
But the Finns (20 goals for, 15 goals allowed) are just as capable across the ice as any of the other three semifinalist teams at the world juniors. Goaltender Justus Annunen turned in one rough performance against the Canadians (five goals allowed on 27 shots against), but he had otherwise led the whole tournament in save percentage up to that point.
Here is how to catch the 2020 IIHF World Juniors bronze medal game betwen Sweden and Finland:
How to watch Sweden vs. Finland
TV channel (Canada): TSN Live stream (Canada): TSN Live TV channel (USA): NHL Network
Sweden vs. Finland: When is puck drop?
Date: Sunday, Jan. 5 Time: 9 a. m. ET
Full World Junior Championship schedule
(All times Eastern)
