May 20, 2025 | IIHF World Championship – Group Stage | Face-off: 20:20 Berlin time | Avicii Arena, Stockholm
Sweden vs Canada: When Heavyweights Collide on Ice
The final day of the group stage brings a matchup that’s rightfully considered the marquee clash in Group A: Sweden takes on Canada. Both teams are top contenders for gold, and this game shapes up as a high-stakes dress rehearsal ahead of the knockout rounds.
With both sides having equal chances on paper, bookmakers are leaning toward a high-scoring affair — and there’s plenty of reason for that.
🔴 Sweden vs Canada at IIHF World Championship. FREE LIVE STREAM
Sweden: Cold-Blooded Machine on Home Ice
The group stage hosts have been flawless so far: six wins from six games and a perfect 18 points. Head coach Sam Hallam’s team kicked off the tournament by dismantling Slovakia (5–0), followed by solid wins over Austria (4–2), Finland (2–1), Latvia (6–0), Slovenia (4–0), and France (4–0).
Sweden plays compact, structured hockey and doesn’t just win — they dominate. The absence of William Eklund hasn’t hurt them either; the squad’s depth allows for seamless line changes without any drop in quality.
Canada: One Slip Amid Total Control
Team Canada enters the match second in the group with 16 points. Their run includes commanding victories over Slovenia (4–0), Latvia (7–1), France (5–0), Austria (5–1), and Slovakia (7–0). Their only stumble was a shootout loss to Finland (1–2).
Dean Evason’s squad plays explosive, aggressive hockey — fast transitions, high tempo, and relentless pressure. It’s worked like a charm, and Canada stands firmly among the tournament favorites.
Prediction: Goals, Speed, and Pure Entertainment
It’s hard to imagine a clash between the two most offensively potent teams in the group ending in a dull 1–0 grind. Both rosters are loaded with scoring talent and boast elite shot conversion rates. The stats agree — the last three head-to-heads between these teams all cleared the 5.5 total goals mark.
Sweden will be energized by the home crowd; Canada will be looking to bounce back from their loss to Finland. Expect a fast-paced, high-octane game where risk and pressure trump caution.
