Casey Mittelstadt recorded a pair of assists to lead United States to a 3-2 win over the Swedes. He now has eight points (3+5) in four games.
"I, like everyone on the team, am trying to play my best to show the coaches and myself that I can play at this level," Mittelstadt said.
Mittelstadt did not make last year's World Junior Championship squad, so he feels as if he has a lot to prove this time around.
"Last year was a big learning lesson for myself. I did a lot to get back here and I know what to expect.
I came here with a purpose and just want to keep playing well."
Marcus Davidsson, who has one assist, is continuing to enjoy his time on the ice despite the results. Sweden is 1-2-0 through three games.
"The week is going really well. While as a team we might not be getting the wins like we hoped, I am feeling better and better with every shift.
The first shifts earlier in the showcase, it was difficult getting used to the smaller rinks.
Now after playing on them for a few games, I am really liking them."
Cliff Pu helped Team Canada rally back late in the third period in an eventual 6-5 win over Finland.
Pu redirected a shot in with 2:25 left in regulation to tie the game 4-4.
Canada was then able to take the lead, but Finland tallied in the final 30 seconds to knot it back up in an action-packed end to regulation.
Michael McLeod (2017, NJD) potted the overtime winner for the Canadians.
"I was trying to get to the front of the net and make it tough for Luukkonen to see," Pu said.
"One of the keys against Luukkonen and any tall goaltender, is to get bodies and traffic in front of him."
The goaltender mentioned, Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen is listed at 6-foot-4, 198 pounds.
Even after the loss, he remained positive.
"Unfortunately, we were not able to come away with the win," Luukkonen said.
"I feel I'm getting better with every opportunity I get to play, and that is really what this week is about."
Sean didn't have any worries about Alex's ability to play, though.
