Theo Lindstein shows strong play on Day Three of Hlinka
Sweden’s power play was firing on all cylinders on the third day at the 2022 Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and the catalyst was 2023 NHL Draft eligible Theo Lindstein.
Lindstein led the charge with five points (one goal, four assists) as Sweden’s power play went four-for-four in a decisive 9-3 victory over Switzerland on Tuesday. Not to be outdone, teammate Otto Stenberg registered four points (one goal, three assists) to add to his tournament totals.
Canada also continued its dominance in the tournament by routing Slovakia with a 9-1 win. The Canadians have combined for 23 goals for and only one goal against through two games. Brayden Yager was one of the standout players for Canada, and led all players with four points (two goals, two assists). Defenseman Tanner Molendyk and forward Zachary Benson both contributed to the offense, each with three points (one goal, two assists).
YAGER X2 🚨
🇨🇦 Canada 3 – 0 🇸🇰 Slovakia in the 2nd period.#HlinkaGretzkyCup pic.twitter.com/52yEt4FYiM
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) August 3, 2022
Canada and Sweden are now both undefeated with two wins apiece.
Finland bounced back on Day 3 with a 4-1 win over Germany to put them at two wins and one shootout loss in three games. Aron Kiviharju, the youngest player on the Finnish team, led skaters in that game with three assists, while Eemil Vinni had another strong showing in net, turning away 15 of 16 shots.
3RD STAR: BRAYDEN YAGER – CANADA
Yager showed off his skills against Slovakia and scored a beautiful goal, where he beat Slovak goalie Samuel Urban one-on-one with a wicked shot short side to open the scoring. He continued his hot hand, by adding a helper at the end of the first period, then scoring again in the second from a nice pass from Caden Price and finished off with an assist on the final goal of the night in the third period to cap off a found point night. The projected first rounder for the 2023 draft sits second in scoring for the tournament with six points (three goals, three assists) after two games.
2ND STAR: OTTO STENBERG – SWEDEN
Stenberg added to his point totals with a four-point night against Switzerland and now leads the tournament with seven points (three goals, four assists) through two games. The Swede started the game with an assist in the first period and followed that up with a power play goal and assist in the second. He capped the night by adding an assist in the third to total four points. Stenberg has shown some confidence in himself as the tournament has progressed and seems to be relied on more and more by the coaching staff, seeing plenty of power play time.
“Stenberg has been one of the most dangerous forwards in the tournament and he checks a lot of the boxes you look for in a top-line player,” Mazloum said. “He plays with suffocating speed due to his superior edgework and is a handful to contain to the perimeter. Throw in strength over his feet, serviceable playmaking skills and a crisp and accurate shot, and you have the makings of a complete offensive talent.”
1ST STAR: THEO LINDSTEIN – SWEDEN
Lindstein finlly got onto the scoresheet after being blanked in Sweden’s first game win against Slovakia, and came away with a five-point night against Switzerland. The shifty defenseman contributed to the first goal of the night on the power play by adding a secondary assist to Noel Nordh’s first goal of the tournament. He continued his success by adding three more assists and even chipped in by scoring a goal in the third period. Lindstein’s skating and composure on the ice make him a high commodity for the draft next summer, as he possesses all the tools of a modern-day defenseman that are sought after by NHL teams.
“Lindstein had one of the most subtle five-point nights I’ve seen in recent memory,” Mazloum said. “He plays the game with such ease and efficiency that it barely looks like he breaks a sweat and yet he’ll come away with stat lines like today’s game. I’m really looking forward to seeing if he can keep that same calm and poise against a supreme talent like Canada.”
DAY ONE: WHITELAW SHINES ON DAY ONE OF HLINKA GRETZKY CUP
DAY TWO: SALE CONTINUES STRONG PLAY ON DAY TWO AT HLINKA GRETZKY CUP
DAY THREE: THEO LINDSTEIN SHOWS STRONG PLAY ON DAY THREE OF HLINKA