Sweden defeated Slovakia 3-2 in a far closer game than originally imagined. Ivar Stenberg and Anton Frondell posted two points (1G, 1A) in Sweden’s win. Stenberg scored the game-winning goal with 3:57 left to play.
Related: Guide to the 2026 World Junior Championship
Slovakia plays Germany tomorrow, December 27th, at 1:00 pm CST, while Sweden plays Switzerland on Sunday, December 29th, at 1:00 pm CST.
Slovakia Competed Even As Massive Underdogs
Coming into this game against Sweden, Slovakia were considered to be massive underdogs. When Sweden went up 2-0, it seemed as if the gap started to form, but a late power play goal in the second period by the Slovaks made it an entirely different game.
Slovakia scored the tying goal just past the midway mark of the third period on a defensive lapse by Sweden, and it felt like it became anyones game.
Slovakia’s goaltender, Alan Sendak, was busy throughout the entire game, and he made big saves that kept the score from reaching blowout numbers. Goals from Tobias Tomik and Tomas Pobezal proved that Slovakia had the fight to compete with a medal favorite like Sweden. The biggest story remaining throughout the tournament for Slovakia will be how they compete with other medal favorites.
Discipline Was a Massive Issue
Discipline throughout the entire game lacked significantly, and it costed gave Sweden two power play goals and Slovakia one power play goal. It’s also worth noting that discipline costed Sweden a shorthanded goal.
Slovakia had five power play opportunities, while Sweden had four of their own. That’s just too much time for either team to spend with a man advantage or killing a penalty. However, early in the tournament, it can be seen as a learning lesson.
If there were to be positives on either teams power play and penalty kill, it’s the fact that they were patient and did a good job at mostly limiting their opponent to the perimeter. When on the attack and successful, patience allowed smart passing and clean shots on goals. That’s why both Slovakia and Sweden found success on the power play in crucial moments of the game.
Goaltending Was the Difference Maker
Alan Sendak for Slovakia stopped just over 30 shots that he faced, and he made big saves on a lot of Swedish high danger chances. Love Harenstam for Sweden made a lot of saves himself, but he didn’t face nearly as many high danger chances that Sendak faced.
It goes without saying that Sendak will certainly find himself in a starting role going forward, its his crease to lose now. Sweden will likely give a look to Mans Goos and Herman Liv at some point, but Harenstam gave Sweden some confidence going forward.
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