The United States, who already had wrapped up top spot in the group stage heading into the game, went in front a mere 35 seconds in. Zach Werenski went charging up the ice and had a shot which was saved by Samuel Ersson. Fortunately for Werenski, the puck fell to Chris Kreider, who converted from close range to put the Americans ahead.
Things became worrying for the US midway through the period, as Brady Tkachuk took a fall into the Swedish net, colliding with Ersson. The forward came off the ice, and did not return to the game. Post-match, the US coach Mike Sullivan said it was done for precautionary reasons.
The game was tied at one apiece with 6:21 left in the opening period. A shot from Viktor Arvidsson was tipped near the goal by Erik Karlsson. The American goaltender Jake Oettinger momentarily had the puck, but lost it, as it fell to Gustav Nyquist from close range. The Nashville Predators player made no mistake, putting the puck in the goal to level the score.
Sweden would not stop there. With less than a minute left in the opening period. William Nylander found Jesper Bratt with a short pass. Shooting from the face-off mark, Bratt let fly, making the most of a screen to beat Oettinger. Vincent Trochek also got injured on the play, adding to the Americans' worries.
Despite outshooting their opponents 36-25 during the final two periods, the US could not get an equalizer in this one. In the end, they would succumb to their only defeat of the round-robin. Nevertheless, it would not matter too much, as they had already topped the section ahead of the round.
As for Sweden, they were already eliminated before the game, as Canada had beaten Finland 5-3 earlier on in the day. They avoid finishing last though, settling for the third spot instead.
The final of the NHL 4-Nations Face-Off will be on Thursday between the United States and Canada.