Minnesota ties help Team USA shut out Sweden, clinch top Group B seed at World Juniors

January 1, 2021 at 5:13AM
United States' Ryan Johnson celebrates his goal against Sweden during the second period of an IIHF World Junior Hockey Championship game Thursday, Dec. 31
(Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

The U.S. scored two goals in the first four minutes of both the first and second periods to defeat Sweden 4-0 in the World Junior Championship in Edmonton, Alberta, on Thursday. It was the third straight victory for the Americans, who lost their tournament opener 5-3 to Russia. They clinched the top seed in Group B with the preliminary round now complete.

Drew Helleson, a Boston College defenseman from Farmington, gave the U.S. a 1-0 lead at 1:09. Trevor Zegras made it 2-0. Ryan Johnson, a Gophers defenseman, and Alex Turcotte had the two quick goals in the second period.

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