Photo credit: Francois Laplante/HHOF-IIHF Images
Ever since Malmo, Sweden was named host of the 2014 World Junior Championship several years ago, Swedish prospects have circled this date on their calendars, hoping they could win gold in front of their countrymen. Those are huge expectations for teenagers to bear.
On Sunday, Washington Capitals prospects Andre Burakovsky and Christian Djoos felt the stinging heartbreak that comes with those expectations being crushed in front of their hometown fans, losing in overtime of the title game. Sweden, which was arguably the most talented team in the tournament, fell to Finland in sudden death after Rasmus Ristolainen took the puck hard to the net and scored.
Many players on Team Sweden openly wept after the buzzer including team captain and former Capitals prospect Filip Forsberg. Forsberg, who was traded for Martin Erat and Michael Latta during last year’s trade deadline, was named MVP of the tournament and also to the tournament All-Star team. Though, judging by the photos, it did little to console him.
Sad Swedes are sad.
Photo credit: Francois Laplante/HHOF-IIHF Images
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Photo credit: Ian Oland
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Photo credit: Francois Laplante/HHOF-IIHF Images
Photo credit: Bildbyran
Photo credit: Ludvig Thunman / TT
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Forsberg and golden goal scorer Ristolainen. (Photo credit: Bildbyran)
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Photo credit: Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images
Photo credit: Francois Laplante/HHOF-IIHF Images
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Photo credit: Andreas Hillergren/Aftonbladet
Photo credit: Andre Ringuette/HHOF-IIHF Images
