Sweden Hit Form with Win Over Italy at World Ice Hockey Championship [VIDEO]

Sweden shut out Italy to boost World Championship playoff hopes

Goals from Carl Grundstrom and a double from Ivar Stenberg sealed a 3-0 win for Sweden. Italy remain pointless and face a relegation battle with Denmark next.

Tre Kronor made it two wins in a row with goals from Grundstrom and Stenberg. The victory puts Sweden on nine points with two group games remaining...

Sweden brushed past Italy 3-0 in Fribourg to secure back-to-back wins in Group B at the 2026 World Ice Hockey Championship for the first time.

After defeats to Canada and the Czech Republic, Sweden had already recorded clear victories against Denmark and Slovenia. Facing Italy, who had yet to earn a point in four games, gave Sam Hallam’s side the ideal opportunity to build momentum.

Italy stayed level early on, but Sweden broke through just after nine minutes. Erik Brannstrom’s pass found Carl Grundstrom in the middle, and he turned quickly before firing past Damian Clara with a composed finish.

Sweden doubled their lead in the final minute of the first period. Carmine Buono was penalized for tripping, and on the powerplay Lucas Raymond fed Viggo Bjorck. Bjorck switched play to the right where Ivar Stenberg was waiting, and his shot beat Clara cleanly.

Both teams killed off a two-minute penalty early in the second period. Once back at full strength, Sweden stayed in control and made it 3-0 eight minutes in. The same trio combined again, with Raymond and Bjorck launching a quick counter before setting up Stenberg for an easy tap-in and his second of the night.

The score stayed 3-0 through the end of the second period. The third period was stop-start, with each side receiving four minutes of penalties, but neither team added to the tally. Sweden closed out the 3-0 win, and Magnus Hellberg posted his first shutout of the tournament with 12 saves.

Sweden in control from start to finish! 🇸🇪💪 #MensWorlds #IIHF @trekronorse

🔗 Game recap: https://t.co/TB6r5uuTQX pic.twitter.com/QQ7T1SBNDX

— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 22, 2026

The result moves Sweden to fourth in Group B on nine points with two games left. They face Norway next on Saturday 23rd. Italy, still pointless, meet Denmark on Sunday 24th in what looks set to be a direct battle to avoid relegation.