It’s gold for Lundqvist, Lindberg and Sweden
Henrik Lundqvist was sensational yesterday and as a result Sweden won the 2017 World Championship of hockey.
Thanks to a massive victory over Canada Lundqvist is now a Stanley Cup away from being the first goaltender to become a member of the triple gold club (Olympic gold, World Championship gold and Stanley Cup).
#TeamSweden wins gold! #CANvsSWE #IIHFWorlds pic.twitter.com/wgdRbbxpiI
— Shayna (@hayyyshayyy) May 21, 2017
Lundqvist stopped 42 of the 43 shots he faced through regulation and an overtime period. The only goal he allowed came on Canada’s power play. In the shootout Lundqvist foiled three Canadian shooters and was helped out by his post on a fourth before his teammates sealed the deal. Nicklas Backstrom scored the game-winning-goal against Calvin Pickard.
Sweden won gold.
"Henrik's been playing an awesome game, giving us a chance to win every time," Marcus Kruger said after the gold medal presentation. "We know his track record. He's a winner and he's shown that today. He's a guy who comes up big in big games. Just look at his record in game sevens, and in playoffs and with Sweden, too."
Oscar Lindberg put two shots on net for Sweden in 35 shifts. He played a total of 24:45 TOI and picked up two assists in the tournament. At 25-years-old he has already won two gold medals with Sweden at the Worlds.
Henrik and Joel Lundqvist hadn’t shared the same ice as teammates 12 years before this year’s Worlds. Today they wake up, probably smelling of champagne and excellence, as champions. Joel becomes just the second Swedish hockey player to win gold at the Worlds three times.