Day Two of USA Hockey WJC Evaluation Camp saw the first action. USA White fell to Sweden 4-2 at Lake Placid. Undisciplined play was the story for USA White who took three of their 10 penalties in the third period. Sweden took full advantage scoring twice on the power play to break a 2-2 tie.

2014 Draft eligible Lucas Wallmark finished off a nice set up from Sebastian Collberg and Christian Djoos at 15:50 for the game-winner. Tommy Vannelli (Stl ’13 2nd Rd) was off for delay of game. His third penalty of the game. Some nifty passing resulted in Wallmark beating USA goalie Collin Olson (Car ’12 6th Rd) from the slot. Olson had no chance.

Team USA came close to tying it less than a minute later. Montreal ’13 first round pick Michael McCarron was denied on a rebound by Sweden netminder Oscar Dansk. Another penalty resulted in the Swedes’ third power play goal. This time, Quentin Shore (Ott ’13 6th Rd) went off for hi-sticking. It didn’t take long for Sweden to cash in. Following a shorthanded bid from defenseman Matt Grzelcyk (Bos ’12 3rd Rd), Filip Sandberg ripped home his first from Carl Dahlstrom making it 4-2 with 2:10 left in regulation.

Frustration boiled over for USA White. It included a post scrum after an icing and a kneeing minor to Tyler Motte (Chi ’13 4th Rd) with 19.1 seconds remaining. Buffalo ’13 second rounder J.T. Compher mixed it up as the final seconds wound down. At the very least, he was noticeable. Islanders’ third rounder Taylor Cammarata is a midget but did some nice things on the forecheck. 2012 Rangers’ second round pick Cristoval Nieves drew praise and Zach Stepan (Nsh ’12 4th Rd) was involved offensively. The broadcasters seemed to think he reminded them of older cousin Derek Stepan, who remains unsigned. “They sneak up on you,” was one remark which is true when it comes to our top center. Devils’ 2013 second round pick Steve Santini also took part. He got a shot through and delivered a check prior to Wallmark’s game decider.

USA goals were scored by Grzelcyk and Winnipeg ’13 fourth round pick Andrew Copp. Sweden also got goals from Andre Burakowski and Anton Lindholm. Jon Gillies played the first making 11 saves and Olson went the last two turning aside 17 of 20. For Sweden, Dansk went the distance stopping 15 of 17.

In the second game, Team Blue takes on Finland.