It took just 56 seconds for the game to get its first goal. Canada were awarded a power play 44 seconds in due to a high sitick from William Nylander. The Canadians certainly took advantage of the extra man, as 12 seconds into the two-minute minor, Nathan MacKinnon was left unmarked and fired a shot past Philip Gustavsson. The backhand pass from Sidney Crosby was phenomenal, something the Swedes certainly did not expect.
Later on in the opening period, Canada doubled their lead. This one came from Brad Marchand, who converted on a breakout to double the home side's lead. That led them to the first intermission with a solid advantage.
Sweden would get their opener 9:33 into the second through Jonas Brodin. The forward went for goal from the right wing, flipping one over Jordan Binnington's glove. Rickard Rakell was key in the goal, as his moving screen caught the Canadian goaltender off guard.
Closer to the end of the second, Canada restored their two-goal cushion. All the hard work came from Crsoby, who broke towards the Swedish goal and then stopped as he was under pressure by a defender. Swiveling while holding onto the puck, Crosby found Mark Stone in the perfect spot and played the pass. Stone made no mistake in placing his shot past Gustavsson.
Now down by two goals, Sweden had to wake up fast if they were to turn things around. Less than two minutes into the final period, they made the score 3-2. Adrian Kempe was able to skate through the Canadian defence and fire a shot from inside the blue line past Binnington.
With 11:01 left in regulation, the Swedes tied things up. A lovely passing play saw Lucas Raymond play in Jesper Bratt. The New Jersey Devils forward unselfishly found Joel Eriksson, who converted a couple of feet from the goal. It was an excellent build-up, resulting in the equalizer.
Canada nearly retook the lead shortly after the leveller. Connor McDavid played in Devon Toews, but his open net attempt was denied by Gustavsson. It was easily the save of the game.
The Canadians held firm in the end, and got their winner six minutes into overtime. Crosby played provider for the third time in the game, as the 37-year-old picked out Mitch Marner, who waltzed his way through the blue line and to his right before going for goal. He shot across Gustavsson's body, making a save all the more difficult as the Toronto Maple Leaf won it for Canada.
Both teams will return to the ice on Saturday. Sweden will play in the early afternoon against fellow Nordic rivals Finland. As for Canada, they will face their greatest foe, the Americans. Finland and the US, who have yet to play each other, will do so on Thursday.