Marcus Pettersson made it 2-1 to Sweden in the first period with the help of a Czech skate – then the host nation took over.
Sweden struck first, when Marcus Johansson, breaking in from the right wing, found the gap between the Czech goalie's pads and glove to put Tre Kronor on the board.
The Czechs responded quickly, however. Within 20 seconds, they not only equalized but took the lead with two unanswered goals. Nine minutes into the game, the score was tied 2-2.
The second period proved to be Sweden's undoing. Two quick goals by the Czech Republic within three minutes put the Swedes in a precarious position. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson from Kåge was pulled in favor of a fresh netminder. Sweden managed to respond with a goal before the final period, but it wasn't enough. Their offensive efforts stalled, and the Czech Republic capitalized on the momentum shift. Two breakaway goals in the third period sent the home crowd in Prague into a frenzy.
With this defeat, Sweden's dream run in the World Championship comes to an end. They will miss out on the final but will have a chance to salvage some pride by battling for the bronze medal on Sunday at 15:20.
MATCH FACTS
Sweden – Czech Republic 3–7 (2–2, 1–3, 0–2)
Goals: 1–0 (03:39) Marcus Johansson, 1–1 (07:48) Dominik Kubalik (Necas, Kundratek), 2–1 (08:08) Marcus Pettersson (Kempe, Eriksson Ek), 2–2 (09:37) David Kamps (Necas), 2–3 (26:05) Ondrej Kase (Sedlak), 2–4 (26:21) Martin Necas (Kubalik, Kampf), 2–5 (29:03) Dominik Kubalik (Kempny, Necas), 3–5 (35:30) Joel Eriksson Ek (Raymond, Dahlin), power play, 3–6 (45:40) Lukas Sedlak (Kase), 3–7 (53:42) Lukas Sedlak.
Shots: 40–23 (16–9, 12–9, 12–5).
Penalty minutes: 4–8 (4–4, 0–4, 2–4).