#iihf-world-championship

#iihf-world-championship

One of Auston Matthews and William Nylander/Oliver Ekman-Larsson will be headed home early as Team USA and Team Sweden get set to face off in the quarter finals following Sweden's 5-1 victory over Latvia in the play-off round on Tuesday. It will mark the first clash between the Toronto Maple Leafs teammates of the tournament. It's somewhat shocking to see two teams like this in the quarter finals, given that an argument easily could have been made for both of those teams to finish among the top four seeds, but it goes to show how important goal differential is in a tournament like this.

None of the six Bruins players have ever played in the Winter Olympics. Many of them, however, do have international experience. Jeremy Swayman was the starting goalie for Team USA when it won gold at the 2025 IIHF World Championships last May. It was the Americans' first gold medal at the tournament in 92 years. Charlie McAvoy played in the 4 Nations Face-off for Team USA last February but was able to play in the final vs. Canada due to injury.

Swayman has emerged as a key player for Team USA, showcasing his skills with a perfect preliminary record ahead of a crucial quarterfinal match against Finland.

The USA Hockey team for the 2025 IIHF World Championship features 18 players, mainly from NHL teams that missed the playoffs, indicating focus on younger talent.