BUFFALO, N.Y. -- A bye to the semifinals is on the line when Canada takes on Sweden in each team's final round robin game.
The two countries were both expected to coast through the first three games of the round robin, and both sport a perfect 3-0 record. Canada has outscored the Czechs, Russians and Norwegians 23-6 in their first three games while the Swedes have outscored those same teams 15-4.
Both teams will be facing adversity from within in the form of key injuries.
Team Canada will be without forward Jaden Schwartz for the remainder of the tournament after he suffered a fractured left ankle in Canada's second game against the Czech Republic. They will also be without forward Zack Kassian who is serving a suspension. Swedish forward and Kitchener Rangers captain Gabriel Landeskog will also miss the game due to injury.
The 2009 tournament win in Ottawa was the last time Canada won gold in the tournament.
Can Canada fight through the injuries?
Schwartz, Cody Eakin and Calvin de Haan all missed the last game against Norway due to injury, but Schwartz is the only player expected to sit out this game. Quinton Howden practiced alongside Brayden Schenn and Ryan Johansen on Thursday and will likely take Schwartz's spot on the top line.
The loss of Schwartz presents a big hole, particularly on the point on the power-play. His vision and ability to find open teammates in scoring positions was noted while he was healthy. Howden will provide the team with a more than adequate replacement for Schwartz, but won't likely take his place on the point. That assignment will likely go to de Haan.
Although he's suspended, but not injured, Kassian's absence also provides the Canadians with a hole. Kassian and Marcus Foligno are two intimidating presences that create hesitation amongst the opposing teams' players. Foligno will still provide that gritty style, but two is always better than one.
Will Robin Lehner steal a game?
One of the most consistent aspects of the Swedes in this tournament has been strong goaltending. Sweden received a gift from the Ottawa Senators when they allowed Lehner the opportunity to play in the world juniors. He had been playing with the American Hockey League's Binghamton Senators this season.
Lehner will be fresh and rested for the showdown with Canada, as he has played in just one of Sweden's three games. Fredrik Petersson-Wentzel started against Norway and the Czech Republic, while Lehner got the headliner against Russia and now Canada.
Lehner posted a 30-save shutout in the 2-0 win over the Russians.
The 19-year-old goaltender is considered the best in the tournament. Many thought he was the best goalie in the Ontario Hockey League last season when he suited up for the Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds. Lehner is a big goalie and uses his size well. He has the ability to give his team the key saves at big moments.
He could be the difference-maker in a low-scoring game.
Which top prospect will shine brightest?
Two of the projected top three picks for the upcoming National Hockey League draft will be playing against each other. Canada's Sean Couturier and Sweden's Adam Larsson will get the opportunity to showcase their skills in a head-to-head match-up. Couturier, a forward, and Larsson, a defenceman, could be on the ice at the same time, offering scouts and fans a glimpse into a great draft debate.
Couturier is enjoying moderate success on a team loaded with offensive weapons. He scored once and assisted on another to give him two points in the first three games. As the youngest player on the team, Couturier isn't earning top minutes, but is still trusted by the coaching staff. With two of Canada's forwards out for this game, he should receive more ice time.
Larsson, meanwhile, has been as rock solid as his reputation entering the tournament suggested. Although he has just one assist in tournament play, he boasts an impressive plus-4 rating. He brings a strong passing and puck-moving ability, but can get ahead of himself on some passes when pressured.
Larsson may need to simplify his game against a team as talented as Canada.
Will Brayden Schenn post another five-point effort?
Schenn was the story of the past two Canadian wins with back-to-back five-point efforts. He is quickly becoming a fan-favourite with his blend of physical play and his offensive outburst. Schenn's 12 points through the first three games is already four more than he had in six games in last year's tournament. The offence will revolve around Schenn, but the chance of a third-straight five-point game is highly unlikely, particularly against a goaltender like Lehner.
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