Canadiens prospect Ryan Poehling plays hero for Team USA

Montreal Canadiens prospect Ryan Poehling played hero in a World Juniors game between the United States and Sweden that came down to the wire.

The Americans struggled against the powerhouse Swedes, who carried a preliminary-round winning streak of 46 games into the night.

After two frames, Team USA trailed 3-0 and within the opening minutes of the third, when Sweden’s Erik Brannstrom connected to make it 4-0.

USA’s comeback began with less than 11 minutes left in the game; defenceman Mikey Anderson potted a one-timer during a power play.

From then on, Poehling drove the nail home.

The 2017 first-round pick of the Canadiens began on another power play, as the 19-year-old tipped in a centring pass from linemate Oliver Wahlstrom.

During the last minute of the game, he connected twice. Poehling fired in a cross-ice feed that came from Wahlstrom and US defenceman Quinn Hughes.

He then beat Swedish goaltender Samuel Ersson high blocker, to tie the game up.

The Swedes prevented the Americans from making what would have been a thrilling comeback, however. Adam Boqvist, a prospect of the Chicago Blackhawks, ended the game in 3-on-3 overtime.

Poehling finished the game with three goals and an assist, tying with Team Canada’s Morgan Frost as scoring leader of the tournament.