Despite not having a chance to reach the Championship Game, Sweden has taken control against the United States after two periods of Monday's round-robin game in the 4 Nations Face-Off in Boston.
The United States opened the scoring just 35 seconds into the game when Zach Werenski charged to the net and Chris Kreider pounced on a juicy rebound to give the Americans a 1-0 lead. Kreider, who went to nearby Boston College, registered a goal in his first game during the 4 Nations Face-Off.
The Americans gained control of the game throughout the opening period before Sweden got its offense going.
After forward Gustav Nyquist tied the game at 1-1 on a redirection, the Swedes weren't finished as they scored again with under a minute to go in the frame. Maple Leafs star William Nylander found Devils forward Jesper Bratt in the face-off circle, and Bratt ripped a shot past United States goaltender Jake Oettinger, who was being heavily screened on the play.
As the second period began, it was announced that U.S. forward Brady Tkachuk has been ruled out for the remainder of the game due to an undisclosed injury. Tkachuk took a tumble in the first period before being forced to head to the locker room.
Earlier Monday, Canada clinched a rematch against the U.S. in the Championship Game after beating Finland 5-3.
As a result of the U.S. having already clinched its spot in the Championship Game, American coach Mike Sullivan decided to give starting goaltender Connor Hellebuyck a bit of a reprieve. Instead of Hellebuyck, Oettinger received the start in between the pipes, while Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman is serving as the backup.
The United States easily dispatched of Finland by a 5-1 decision last week in its first game of the round-robin tournament. The Americans followed that impressive performance by defeating Canada 3-1 on Saturday.
4 Nations Face-Off results, takeaways: Tkachuk brothers shine for Team USA, Hellebuyck keeps Finland at bay
Chris Bengel
Forward Jake Guentzel scored a pair of goals to lead the way for the United States. That came after three fights occurred in the opening nine seconds following Montreal's Bell Centre crowd booing "The Star-Spangled Banner."
While the championship game is set in stone, there's still plenty of pride on the line for both the U.S. and Sweden. CBS Sports will have you covered with live updates throughout Monday's contest.
Where to watch USA vs. Sweden
Date: Monday, Feb. 17 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
Location: TD Garden -- Boston, Massachusetts
TV: TNT/truTV | Stream: fubo (try for free)
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