Sweden thus passed Finland in the final table and finished third.
The team went through the tournament undefeated in regular playing time – two overtime losses – and finished on five points. As many as Canada.
But the win in the head-to-head meeting decided in Canada's favor.
Tre Kronor had lost their chance to reach the final on Monday evening when Canada defeated Finland 5–3 and took the second final spot.
Thus, the last match became meaningless for both teams.
USA had already won the group stage and was clear for the final, on Friday Swedish time. The team rested four players, including forward stars Matthew Tkachuk, who injured himself against Canada, goal king Auston Matthews, and goalie profile Connor Hellebuyck. Jake Oettinger, Dallas, replaced him in goal.
Moreover, Brady Tkachuk injured himself in the first period.
Sweden played without Mika Zibanejad and Rickard Rakell, who had fallen ill.
Samuel Ersson, Philadelphia, took his place in goal as Linus Ullmark felt unwell.
Bratt's beautiful goal
Sweden had, just like against Canada, a nightmare start to the match.
Already after 35 seconds, Chris Kreider scored 1–0 after a rebound.
But Sweden came back. Gustav Nyquist steered in the equalizer, and Jesper Bratt – the top-scoring Swede in NHL – finally got his reward and shot 2–1.
When you produce in the club team, you want to do it in the national team too. It's been a long time since I played in the national team, and I wear the jersey with pride, he said to Viaplay during the first period break.
Nyquist had to leave in the third period after blocking a shot with his left foot.
Ersson's great play
The big player was, however, Samuel Ersson, who made sure Sweden kept the lead also through the second period despite several sharp American chances.
Ersson, the second goalie in the World Championship last time, made several great saves and had help from the posts and crossbar as well.
Sweden's play in numerical superiority, a sorrow child in several championships, continued to be ineffective with few shots taken.
It hasn't resulted in a single goal in those situations during Four Nations, despite three opportunities against USA and six in total.
But there was still Swedish celebration of victory despite that.
