When 14.40 remained in the third period, Smokrona was down 6-1.
When the smoke cleared, the Swedish rookies turned the tables.
– It’s absolutely crazy, says Alexander Zetterberg after the 7-6 win.
The Dimes are currently in Hämeenlinna, Finland, where they are participating in a five-nation tournament against Switzerland, the United States, the Czech Republic and Finland.
After defeating Switzerland in their opening match 6-2 on Wednesday, Sweden’s junior national team, made up of players born in 2006, had to show its true colors against the United States on Thursday.
Five goals in 13 minutes and 47 seconds
After two periods the Americans led 5-0.
When Alexander Zetterberg, on weekdays in Orebro’s J20, put the puck into the cut, 72 seconds of the third period had been played. A few minutes later, 6-1 came like a cold shower.
Then began a comeback of the kind we rarely see.
From 05:20 to 19:07, Smokronorna scored five quick goals and took the game to extra time and later a penalty shootout.
Zetterberg scored twice during regular time and it was with Adam Hesselvall that the Swedes had a shot in the penalty shootout.
“They were completely shocked”
When Herman Leff saved four of five U.S. penalty kicks, the matter was settled.
– He’s completely crazy. Hell turn, then. We come together as a team and go from 1-5 to 6-6 and go home on penalties. So it’s really fun. It’s the first time we’ve beaten the United States as well. They won almost everything.
When did you start believing in transformation?
– When the score was 5-1, we started to believe in it more. We always knew we could catch up. Today it was just a matter of moving forward and continuing to drive. In the end things went well. It’s a hell of a team effort.
Were the Americans shocked then?
– Yes, but I think they were. They got a slap in the face when we turned over so many goals so quickly. I think they were quite shocked there.
Now a free Friday awaits before finishing against the Czech Republic and Finland.
