Leo Carlsson decided the game with 2:34 left in the third period, when Edmonton pulled their goalie in a desperate bid to equalize. The Swedish center came free against an empty net and calmly and confidently put the puck into the net.
Carlsson was a huge part of Anaheim's victory, providing two assists in the game. After the game, he explained what the winning formula was.
High speed, good teamwork and the fans are huge here and that helps us a lot. I love them, Leo Carlsson told Victory+.
Edmonton, with Swedish defenseman Mattias Ekholm on the team, has been big favorites for the Stanley Cup title for several years because of superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
Edmonton reached the Stanley Cup finals in the past two years, but has not made it all the way to the title.
McDavid led the league in scoring in the regular season, but faded when it mattered most against Anaheim in the playoffs.
Minnesota has also secured a quarterfinal spot in the Stanley Cup playoffs with last night's win over Dallas. Minnesota's Swedish goalie Jesper Wallstedt saved 22 shots and had a save percentage of 91.7%.
Minnesota won the series 4–2. The team also features Swedes Joel Eriksson Ek, Marcus Johansson, Jonas Brodin and Filip Gustavsson.
Round of 16:
Minnesota–Dallas 5–2 (Minnesota won the series 4–2)
Anaheim–Edmonton 5–2 (Anaheim won the series 4–2)
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