It was a poetic finish for tournament host Sweden at the IIHF U18 World Championship, as they were able to capture gold in a dramatic overtime finish, and they couldn’t have done it without an incredible performance from 17-year-old Lucas Raymond.
Regarded as a top prospect in the 2020 NHL Draft, Raymond came through with a hat trick performance when it mattered most, putting a cap on things with the OT winner against Russia.
What’s better than the OT winner to win it all, you ask? Perhaps Raymond’s first goal of the night, which puts this absolutely filthy dangle to good use.
Sweden advanced to the gold medal game after defeating Canada in Saturday’s semifinal; the Canadians also dropped the bronze medal game to the U.S.A. in a 5-2 loss.
It didn’t help matters that the consensus top pick in this year’s draft, Jack Hughes, has been on an absolute tear in this tournament. With three points against Canada, Hughes was able to pass the all-time U18 points record previously held by Alex Ovechkin’s 31 with 32 overall points.
