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PARDUBICE, Czech Republic — Shoving aside the Americans felt good, but the big motivation for the Canadian junior team Friday was to get another shot at Sweden and gold.
The 4-3 loss to Sweden in the round robin a week ago, in which the Canadians suffered a third-period meltdown and gave up four goals in the final 15 minutes, is Canada's only blemish at the 2008 world under-20 hockey championship.
To advance, the undefeated Swedes required overtime to defeat Russia 2-1 in the first semi-final Friday. Mikael Backlund, a first-round pick of the Calgary Flames last June, sneaked a shot between the pads of Sergei Bobrovsky 6 minutes 18 seconds into the extra period.
Canada had an easier time with the United States, beating them 4-1.
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"It was sweet," Canadian forward Colton Gillies said of Friday's win. "That was our best one so far. But we haven't accomplished anything, though, so we're trying not to show our emotions too much."
Against the Swedes, Canada will have to do a better job shutting down dangerous Swedish forwards Patrik Berglund, Robin Figren and Backlund.
There will be no day of rest for both teams, but does Sweden have an advantage because it had an extra five hours of rest and Canada has to come back in less than 24 hours to play in what will be an emotion-filled contest?
The Canadian juniors said the lack of rest won't pose a problem because they are used to playing three games in 2 1/2 days back in the Ontario, Quebec and Western leagues. They just want redemption.
"Absolutely, we had a meltdown there in the third period," Canadian goaltender Steve Mason said. "But we have a chance at redemption and that would be sweet to win."
