GAVLE, Sweden – Detroit Red Wings goaltender Jimmy Howard stopped 31 of 32 shots today as Team USA beat Sweden 3-2 in a pre-tournament game for the World Championships, which begin Friday.

Howard stopped all 19 shots he faced in the first period to help the Americans take 1-0 lead thanks to a goal by Winnipeg Jets' forward Jim Slater, who played collegiately at Michigan State.

Howard was replaced in the second period by Dallas Stars' backup Richard Bachman.

Bobby Ryan of the Anaheim Ducks and Paul Stastny of the Colorado Avalanche also scored for Team USA, which opens World Championships play Friday vs. France in Finland. Ryan was named Team USA's Player of the Game.

Red Wings' forward Justin Abdelkader centered the third line for Team USA.

The four Red Wings who will represent Sweden in the World Championships – Henrik Zetterberg, Niklas Kronwall, Johan Franzen and Jonathan Ericsson – did not play in the game.

Sweden outshot the Americans 43-21.

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