Norway Stuns Sweden in Overtime Thriller at Ice Hockey World Championship
The 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship delivered a dramatic showdown in Montreal, where Norway and Sweden met in a highly anticipated Group Stage clash.
Sweden drew first blood when Ivar Stenberg slipped a quick wrist shot past the Norwegian defense in the opening period, but Norway answered with a pair of goals from Noah Steen that turned the tide.
Eirik Salsten sealed the victory midway through the third period, firing a sharp backhand that beat the Swedish keeper and put Norway up 3‑2.
Goaltender Henrik Haukeland was a wall in net, making 32 saves and frustrating Sweden’s attack, while Lucas Raymond’s missed chances and errant passes added pressure.
The 3‑2 result marks only Norway’s second win over Sweden in 19 all‑time meetings, the first since a shootout victory 15 years ago in Bratislava.
Despite the narrow margin, the win highlights Norway’s growing competitiveness and adds a fresh chapter to a rivalry that has long favored the Swedes.
The game was staged at the Bell Centre, a venue that regularly hosts elite international tournaments, contributing to the electric atmosphere that surrounded the contest.
With the victory, Norway will look to carry this momentum into future fixtures, while Sweden will seek to regroup and correct the lapses that proved costly.