Sweden wins against Latvia but loses Captain

27 Dec 2011 | Henrik Lundqvist

The Swedish U20 team won their opening game against Latvia 9-4, but captain Johan Larsson left the game with an injury. Max Friberg scored four of the Swedish goals.

Max Friberg scored four goals and Mika Zibanejad two in Sweden's 9-4 win against Latvia at Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary. Latvia also had a two-goal scorer in Roberts Lipsbergs. Two of Friberg's goals were scored on power plays.

"We have practiced the power play a lot," said Friberg to SVT.

The first period was the closest but was won 3-2 by the Swedes. Max Friberg opened the scoring from between the circles on a quick power-play passing play at 3:28. Toms Andersons tied it two minutes later, also on the power play. With his second goal, a deflection, Friberg restored the Swedish lead just 16 seconds later. Mika Zibanejad made it 3-1 when he was alone in the left circle on another power play. Robert Lipsbergs took advantage of a turnover to make it 3-2.

Sweden's key player Johan Larsson left the ice injured in the first period and didn't return. He may, however, be back for the next game.

The Latvians looked tired in the second period and were outshot 17-3. At 25:38, Sebastian Collberg picked up a rebound off the boards and made it 4-2. Lipsbergs got another goal to make it 4-3 after some sloppy Swedish defence in front of the net. Erik Thorell and Mika Zibanejad scored two quick goals to take Sweden to a 6-3 lead after two periods.

Sweden also dominated the third period. Joakim Nordström made it 7-3 and Max Friberg added two more goals. With 1:10 remaining, Latvia got a fourth goal when Zemgus Girgensons deflected a shot on the power play.

Latvia plays Slovakia tomorrow in a key game. Sweden's next game is on Wednesday against Switzerland.

"We can play better that this," said Swedish defenceman Jonas Brodin to SVT. "We can't play like this against better teams like Canada."