Sweden narrowly defeats Latvia to advance to the semi-finals at the World Juniors

Latvia looked to continue their magical run at the 2022 IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship with a first-ever appearance in the playoff round, but it wasn't going to be easy. Their opponent for Wednesday's quarter-final game, Sweden, a team that is tied with Canada for second-least goals allowed in the tournament with seven.

The Latvians were able to qualify for the playoff round for the first time thanks to a regulation win over Czechia on Sunday, as well as being able to pick up a point in an overtime loss to Slovakia last Friday. As for Sweden, they come into Wednesday as the second seed in Group B, finishing the preliminary round with three wins and a regulation loss to the United States.

It was a fairly quiet period, with likely played into Latvia's favour, but on the powerplay with under five minutes to play, Sweden scored the game's opening goal.

Boston Bruins prospect Fabian Lysell made a solid rush into Latvia's zone, went behind the net and tries to wrap it in the net, but the puck makes it across to Isak Rosen, who then fired it past Bruno Bruveris to make it 1-0 Sweden.

Isak Rosen has the first goal of the game on the power play! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/agmIWPXcAY— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 17, 2022

The game remained relatively uneventful throughout the majority of the second period. But, with 1:14 remaining in the middle frame, Latvia tied the game up at 1-1. Following a great play from Dans Locmelis along the boards, the puck came to the point where Gustavs Ozolins blasted a shot that beat Jesper Wallstedt through a screen.

Gustavs Ozolins ties it up late in the 2nd! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/Tjbj4eTX3U— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 17, 2022

Latvia got into some penalty trouble early in the third period. Latvian forward Martins Lavins was given a five-minute major and a game misconduct for an illegal check to the head of Liam Ohgren. Upon a review by officials, the call on the ice stood and Lavins was ejected from the game.

Martins Lavins 5 and a game for a hit to the head on Liam Öhgren pic.twitter.com/N6k1MMuy3d— Spoked Z (@SpokedZ) August 17, 2022

Nearing the half-way point of the third period, Sweden took the lead once again. Captain Emil Andrae scored his fourth of the tournament on a wrister from the point and it squeaked through Bruno Bruveris to make it 2-1 Sweden.

Emil Andrae breaks the tie for Sweden with 10 minutes left to play! #WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/y5pOHNrjPe— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 17, 2022

Players of the Game

Sweden: Victor Stjernborg
Latvia: Dans Locmelis

Three best players of Latvia

- Ralfs Bergmanis
- Bruno Bruveris
- Raimonds Vitolins

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