Sweden keeps win streak alive with shutout victory over Austria at world juniors
Germany grinds out OT win against Slovakia
Sweden's win streak remains alive after the team posted a 4-0 win over Austria at the world junior hockey championship in Edmonton on Monday.
Carolina Hurricanes prospect Noel Gunler scored twice for the Swedes, who have 54 consecutive preliminary round victories in the annual tournament.
Lucas Raymond, picked fourth overall by the Detroit Red Wings at the 2020 NHL draft, had a goal and an assist, and Theodor Niederbach rounded out the scoring.
The Swedes shelled Austrian netminder Sebastian Wraneschitz, who stopped 61-of-65 shots. Hugo Alnefelt made six saves for the shutout.
ICYMI: Lucas Raymond brings <a href="https://twitter.com/Trekronorse?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Trekronorse</a>'s 54th win home with this beauty rebound. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a> <a href="https://t.co/G9eO9cbOBf">pic.twitter.com/G9eO9cbOBf</a>
—@IIHFHockeyThe victory moves Sweden into sole possession of first place in Group B with two wins and six points.
Germany defeats Slovakia in OT
The German underdogs gritted out a 4-3 overtime victory against Slovakia on Monday, earning their first win at the world junior hockey championships in Edmonton.
Ottawa Senators prospect Tim Stutzle buried two goals for the Germans, and helped set up Mario Zimmerman for the game winner on a power play four minutes into overtime.
Florian Elias also scored for Germany and Simon Gnyp registered three assists.
Michal Mrazik had two goals for Slovakia, and Oleksiy Mykluka rounded out the scoring.
Some impressive upsets both on the ice and in the standings. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WorldJuniors?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WorldJuniors</a> <a href="https://t.co/GGXrVos1tP">pic.twitter.com/GGXrVos1tP</a>
—@IIHFHockeyDespite dressing just five defencemen and nine forwards, Germany outshot the Slovaks 32-25.
It's been a difficult tournament for Germany. Nine players tested positive for COVID-19 after arriving in Edmonton, preventing the team from running a real practice until Christmas Day and leaving the squad short-handed for preliminary round games.
After suffering a 16-2 drubbing at the hands of the Canadians on Saturday, Germany struck first against the Slovaks on Monday, with Stutzle finding the back of the net 5:39 into the first period. The third-overall pick in the 2020 NHL draft ended the game with 31:01 of ice time.
The two sides traded goals through the first and second frames, then played to a draw in the third, forcing extra time.
Mykluka was called for hooking 2:28 into overtime and with the clock ticking down, Zimmerman's shot from the slot found its way through traffic and beat Slovak goalie Simon Latkoczy.
The result leaves Switzerland as the lone team without a win in Group A.
Slovakia will be back in action Wednesday when they take on Finland. Germany will face Switzerland later the same day.
