Sandin Pellikka scores a hat trick in the WJC opener

Slovakia - Sweden 2-5

Despite being outplayed early, Slovakia capitalized on a four-on-four situation midway through the opening period. St. Louis Blues prospect Dalibor Dvorsky fired a screened shot past Sweden's goaltender Melker Thelin at 11:53 to give Slovakia a 1-0 lead. The Slovakian defense, anchored by Samuel Urban’s impressive goaltending, withstood Sweden’s 9-shot onslaught, preserving the lead into the intermission.

The Swedes emerged determined in the second period, and their persistence paid off just over three minutes in. Axel Sandin Pellikka kept the puck onside and set up Montreal Canadiens prospect Rasmus Bergqvist, who scored with a precise wrist shot to tie the game at 1-1.

Later in the period, Sweden’s lethal power play struck. At 17:43, Sandin Pellikka blasted a one-timer from a Felix Unger Sörum feed, beating Urban and putting Sweden ahead 2-1. This marked the beginning of a standout performance from the Swedish captain.

Sweden carried their momentum into the final frame. Sandin Pellikka struck again at 43:58, ripping a shot over Urban’s shoulder to extend the lead to 3-1. Just ten minutes later, he completed his hat trick, firing another high shot into the net and solidifying his dominance on the night.

Linus Eriksson added to Sweden’s tally at 15:29, finishing a rush with a goal to make it 5-1. Although Daniel Jencko scored a late power-play goal for Slovakia at 58:35, the outcome was never in doubt.

Sweden’s next challenge is Kazakhstan on Friday as they aim to maintain their perfect start. Slovakia will look to rebound against Switzerland earlier the same day.

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