The United States heads back to the World Juniors gold medal game for the first time since 2021 after a wild, 3-2 comeback win over Finland in the semifinals. The USA will take on Sweden, who cruised past Czechia in its semifinal, 5-2.
The Americans fell behind by two goals after the first period after being unable to find the back of Finland's net despite the same amount of shots as the Finns. But the U.S. got back on track in the second period with a myriad of shots and lockdown defense. The U.S. outshot Finland 14-3 in the second period and scored two goals less than seven minutes in from Jimmy Snuggerud and Will Smith.
Both sides remained locked in a 2-2 draft for more of the third before Cutter Gauthier notched only his second goal of the tournament with less than four minutes left in regulation to give the Americans the win and a shot at the title.
Sweden had less trouble in its semifinal match. Though Czechia jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, Sweden responded swiftly with a goal from Theo Lindstein to draw even in the first period. The Swedes took the lead late in the second off a goal from Axel Sandin Pellikka, but the Czechs responded in kind to even the score heading into the third.
That's when Sweden turned up the heat with 15 shots while allowing just eight. Jonathan Lekkerimaki scored twice while Noah Ostlund scored once in the third to build an insurmountable lead and send the Swedes to their first gold medal match at the World Juniors since 2018.
The U.S. remains the top-scoring team in the tournament with 39 goals, while Sweden comes into this match ranked second with 25. However, Sweden has allowed just nine goals this season in six games, while U.S. has let in 13 in the same amount of games.
This match is almost a full rematch of the 2023 bronze medal game between the two countries.
The U.S. won that contest in overtime, 8-7. A few members of the teams that played a year ago will play in this one. Gauthier scored twice in that game, while Snuggerud tallied two assists. American goalkeeper Trey Augustine added 15 saves as well a year ago. Ostlund and Filip Bystedt scored one goal apiece in that match for Sweden and should see action on Friday.
Here is everything you need to know about Friday's gold medal World Juniors match between USA and Sweden, including the start time, TV schedule and streaming information for the World Juniors matchup.
What time is USA vs. Sweden today?
- Date: Friday, Jan. 5.
- Time: 1:30 p.m. ET (7:30 p.m. CET)
The puck drops at 1:30 p.m. ET from Scandinavium in Gothenburg, Sweden.
This is the USA's sixth trip to the World Juniors gold medal game since 2010, while this is Sweden's fifth. The Americans have won five golds, the last coming in 2021, while Sweden has just two goals.
These two countries have faced each other 37 times, with the U.S. holding a slight 18-17-2 record. Besides their 2023 bronze medal match, The U.S. and Sweden also played in the 2013 goal medal game, which the Americans won, 3-1.
What channel is USA vs. Sweden on today?
- TV channels: TSN (Canada) | NHL Network (United States)
- Live stream: TSN app (Canada) | Fubo (United States)
Viewers in Canada will find the action for USA vs. Finland on TSN and can stream the game using the TSN app.
Gord Miller and Mike Johnson will be on the call for TSN. James Duthie (host), Bob McKenzie (Hockey Insider) and Cheryl Pounder (analyst) will anchor the coverage during intermissions.
Fans hoping to watch the game in the United States can tune into NHL Network, or stream the game with Fubo.
USA vs. Sweden odds
The United States was the favorite to win the tournament and is now a one-goal favorite to beat Sweden at -185 odds and +120 on the moneyline. Sweden +1 is +135 odds and =155 on the moneyline. The over/under in this contest is 5.5 goals (-105/-125).
USA World Juniors schedule 2023
(All times Eastern)
| Date | Opponent/Result | Time (ET) | TV Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 26 | United States 4, Norway 1 | - | - |
| Dec. 28 | United States 11, Switzerland 3 | - | - |
| Dec. 29 | United States 4, Czechia 3 (SO) | - | - |
| Dec. 31 | United States 10, Slovakia 2 | - | - |
| Jan. 2 | United States 7, Latvia 2 | - | - |
| Jan. 4 | United States 3, Finland 2 | - | - |
| Jan. 5 | vs. Sweden | 1:30 p.m. | TSN, NHLN |
Sweden World Juniors schedule 2023
(All times Eastern)
| Date | Opponent/Result | Time (ET) | TV Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 26 | Sweden 6, Latvia 0 | - | - |
| Dec. 28 | Sweden 5, Germany 0 | - | - |
| Dec. 29 | Sweden 2, Canada 0 | - | - |
| Dec. 31 | Finland 5, Sweden 4 (SO) | - | - |
| Jan. 2 | Sweden 3, Switzerland 2 | - | - |
| Jan. 4 | Sweden 6, Czechia 2 | - | - |
| Jan. 5 | vs. United States | 1:30 p.m. | TSN, NHLN |
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