The early matchup saw Timothy Liljegren and Team Sweden take on Eemeli Rasanen and Team Finland in a high-scoring thriller. Rasanen played on the bottom pairing partnered alongside another big-bodied defenceman in Oilers 2016 third round draft pick Markus Niemelainen. Rasanen’s pair did not see as much ice time as Finland’s other two defence units, but he managed to put together a solid game, taking few risks and keeping things simple. Rasanen did not tally a point this game and put just the one shot on goal, but he put his size to good use defensively and showed he isn’t shy about physical contact.