Sweden secured a commanding 5-0 victory against Germany at the Scandinavium, marking their second win in the IIHF World Junior Championship, thanks to a stellar performance by Otto Stenberg, who scored a hat trick. The loss brought Germany’s record to 1-1 following their historic win over Finland.
Germany faced an uphill battle against a Swedish team they had never defeated in previous encounters. Despite playing impressively and often outperforming Sweden, the German team lacked the decisive scoring and creativity near the net. Coach Tobias Abstreiter’s choice to start Matthias Bittner in goal, instead of Finland game hero Philipp Dietl, paid off as Bittner emerged as one of the best players on the ice.
The game began evenly, but Sweden soon took control. Stenberg’s early breakaway opportunity and Noah Ostlund’s shot off the post were signs of Sweden’s offensive potential. Stenberg broke the deadlock late in the first period with a precise high shot, giving Sweden a 1-0 lead and setting the tone for the game.
Germany dominated the second period with effective forechecking and prolonged offensive plays but failed to convert their chances into goals. Swedish goalie Melker Thelin and Bittner both made crucial saves, yet it was Sweden who extended their lead with a powerful shot from defender Mattias Havelid.
In the third period, Sweden regained their momentum, with Stenberg scoring early on a power play and then completing his hat trick shortly after. Ostlund added the final goal, bringing the score to 5-0.
Stenberg’s performance, highlighted by his hat trick, was a key factor in Sweden’s victory. The game demonstrated Sweden’s ability to capitalize on their opportunities and showcased Germany’s potential, despite the loss. As the tournament progresses, Sweden’s strong start positions them as a serious contender, while Germany looks to rebound in their upcoming matches.
