Finland had a commanding victory over the United States, making it 6-2 when Lundell scored on a power play with 13:27 left in the third period.
The 24-year-old forward, who was on pace to set career highs before his season was cut short by injury, had 44 points (18G, 26A) in 64 games with Florida in 2025-26.
There are four games left in the group stage, with Group A leaders Finland facing Latvia on Wednesday.
Finland last won the world championship in 2022.
Virmanis records minutes for Latvia
Sandis Vilmanis has been receiving significant minutes for the Latvian national team.
After playing 22 minutes, 23 seconds and recording two assists in Saturday’s 4-2 loss to Switzerland, the 22-year-old forward played 21 minutes, 51 seconds in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Germany.
In this win, his 21 minutes, 51 seconds of ice time was tops among all forwards.
After two games, Vilmanis are ranked third in Latvia with two points.
The 2022 fifth-round pick made his NHL debut with the Panthers this season, recording five points (3G, 2A) in 19 games.
Alsher leaves his name
Despite only appearing in four NHL games, Marek Alsjar has been a steady presence on the Czech blue line.
One of the team’s youngest players at just 22 years old, the rugged defenseman averaged over 14 minutes of ice time in the first two games of the tournament while recording three shots on goal.
As of this writing, the Czech Republic, 1-0-1-0, holds a 3-2 lead over Sweden at the end of the first period.
In four games against Florida this season, Alsher recorded three assists and a +4 plus/minus rating.
Tkachuk to join US
Matthew Tkachuk missed the first three games of the tournament but is scheduled to join the United States on Tuesday, according to USA Hockey.
The Panthers’ star forward, who has already won two Stanley Cups and an Olympic gold medal, could become the first American to join the exclusive “Triple Gold Club” if he can help upset the United States and win gold at the world championships.
The U.S., which needs to rack up some wins after a 1-0-0-2 start, will play Germany on Wednesday.
Tkachuk, who underwent offseason surgery, returned in January and led Florida with 34 points (13 G, 21 A) in 31 games.
Click here for the full World Championship schedule.
