Ostrava – Sweden won the meeting between the co-favorites against the USA in the German group. In Ostrava, Czech Republic, the eleven-time ice hockey world champion won against the Americans 5:2 (1:0, 2:1, 2:1).
The USA, which competed with numerous NHL professionals, will be opponents of vice world champion Germany on Saturday (8.20 p.m./ProSieben and MagentaSport). The team of national coach Harold Kreis previously won against Slovakia 6:4.
Joel Eriksson Ek gave the Swedes the lead in the first third (9th minute). Lucas Raymond increased the score to 2-0 (24th). The Americans, who had been disappointing until then, came within 1:2 through Zach Werenski (33′). But Marcus Johansson restored the two-goal lead four minutes later. After the interim 2:3 by Brock Nelson (44th), Victor Hedmann (60th) and Eriksson Ek (60th) made the final score 5:2 with his second goal.
Hosts Czech Republic started Group A in Prague with a narrow win against Finland. After a goalless 60 minutes, the decision was made after a penalty shootout. Switzerland had previously defeated Norway 5:2 (1:1, 3:0, 1:1).