LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – Team USA lost to Sweden, 4-0, here today at 1980 Herb Brooks Arena at the USA Hockey National Junior Evaluation Camp.
"We couldn't get any momentum going tonight," said Don Lucia, head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team. "Every time we had our looks, their goalie was big in the net and swallowed everything up. We have to do a better job of getting second shot opportunities, getting rebound-type goals. Our offensive puck support needs to improve. We need shorter passes and more support all over the rink."
Sweden opened the scoring at 6:04 of the first period, converting on a feed from behind the net.
Sweden upped its lead to 3-0 on a pair of power-play goals in the second period. Both tallies were a result of rebounds, coming at 4:19 and 8:42. At 12:36, four seconds after a USA penalty expired, the Swedes wristed a shot through traffic to make it 4-0.
Jon Gillies (South Portland, Maine/Providence College) started and stopped 19 of 22 shots in 30:31. Thatcher Demko (San Diego, Calif./Boston College) allowed one goal on 17 shots.
Team USA is back in action Thursday (Aug. 8) against Finland at 1 p.m. ET.