[SWE (3) – 2 SUI] Lekkerimäki assists Sandin Pellikka for the OT winner
OVERTIME WINNER
Axel Sandin Pellikka sends Sweden to the semifinals!#WorldJuniors pic.twitter.com/8brD3erzhT
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) January 2, 2024
by Batsinvic888
@Vancouver Canucks
8 Comments
9 shots for Lekke, looking good!
Unbelievable passing!
Lekkerimaki is the best player on team sweden, 9 shots this game, goal and assist. Powerplay is built around him, and he’s physically engaged without the puck too throwing several hits this game
Should’ve been player of the game but that’s fine, these awards/rankings are overrated.
For context, Alex Nylander and Lias Anderson got WJC Team MVP instead of Petey. Look how their NHL career are going in comparison?
He’s been terrific in this tournament. Every time I have seen him on the ice, he’s always around the net and creating opportunities. Seeing his development from last year to this year has been great to watch.
Aside from getting the OT winner, SP does not look like a very good defenceman. Willander looks great. Smart, crisp passes, big, we got the better SweDe.
If I was the Swiss, I’d be pissed with the last two penalties compared to the noncalls on Sweden. Glad for Lek, Willander, and D-EP for continuing on though!
Lek has been impressive however it should be noted that most of his production is on the PP, where he has a lot more time and space especially on international ice.
At 5 on 5, He’s a pretty cerebral player and doesn’t look as “engaged” in the play compared to his linemate, Ostlund, but has this knack for finding soft spots and getting legitimate opportunities. Play style he reminds me of a less elite version of Kucherov.
Not that this is reflected in this specific clip necessarily, but he’s also a pretty good playmaker and stickhandler. He also has that “It” factor in terms of potential of being an elite player (FYI when I watched Podz back in his WJC days I never got that vibe).
I’m really curious to see how his game will transition because I think he has the potential to be a really elite player, but also has a lower floor than Ohgren or Ostlund given his play style.