Chicago Blackhawks prospect Lucas Carlsson and Sweden will play Russia in the bronze-medal game while the United States and Canada meet in the gold-medal match Thursday at the World Junior Championships.
Carlsson has one goal and two assists in six games in the tournament. Sweden has reached a medal game in every tournament since 2007. The Swedes haven’t had success though, dropping the last five (silver in 2013-14 and fourth in 2015-16) since winning gold in 2012. Russia has also struggled in medal games, falling in the gold-medal game the last two tournaments.
Canada is looking for its second tournament title in three years. The Canadians won the 2015 title on home ice in Toronto and they’ll have the home crowd behind them again in Montreal. The Americans won bronze at last year’s tournament and last won it in 2013. The two North American rivals last met in the title game in 2010 with the Americans winning. The U.S. also won the matchup in 2004.
Day 10: Thursday, Jan. 5
Bronze medal game: Russia vs. Sweden; 2:30 p.m.; NHL Network/TSN
Gold medal game: USA vs. Canada; 7 p.m.; NHL Network/TSN