Stenberg scored two goals and an assist, Erlinden had 32 saves as Sweden downed Slovakia in the prelimary round of the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup
RED DEER, Alta. –Otto Stenberg had a three point night (2G,1A) and Noah
Erlinden made a 32 save performance as Sweden downed Slovakia 4-1 in their
opening game in the preliminary round of the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup.
The Swedish and Slovakian goaltenders were busy in the first, turning away
15 and 14 shots respectively to keep it scoreless through the first. Zeb
Forsfjäll opened the scoring near the end of the second, beating Slovakian
goaltender Samuel Urban to make it 1-0. Urban finished the game with 34
saves in the loss.
Samuel Barcík netted an equalizer for Slovakia on a seeing-eye shot from
the point that found its way past Noah Erlinden and tied the game at ones
early in the third.
Seconds later, Stenberg scored the game winning goal on the power play with
a wicked one timer. The Swedish power play finished one for four while the
penalty kill held off Slovakia on six attempts.
David Edstrom scored before Stenberg added an empty net goal as Sweden
skated to the 4-1 victory.
“Winning the first game of the tournament, it’s a good feeling from the
guys” said the starting goaltender, Erlinden. “I’m very happy with where we
are at, blocking shots and perfect on the PK was very good. We have a good
team and everyone talks to everybody and this is a step forward for us in
this tournament.”
The Swedes will be back in action on Tuesday morning against Switzerland (11 a.m. MT), while Slovakia will take on Canada in prime time on Tuesday evening (7:00 p.m. MT).
