Oh, the 4 Nations Face-Off is fast approaching as January fades into February, and that big event in the middle of the month will be here before we all know it. And does Team Sweden have a chance? Well, that’s the burning question I want to answer by breaking down their entire roster.
Overall, Sweden looks like they have a better group than Team Finland, which seems to be more top-heavy and not deep. Still, we know how good Team Canada is, and their forward group is menacing.
Canada will give Sweden a tough time, no doubt, and Team USA looks like it’s got the best defensive-oriented group. Don’t even get me started on their goaltenders, and it’s a trio who will make life tough for even high-octane Canada.
So, where does Sweden stand in this entire conundrum? Let’s break down their three units.
Sweden’s group of forwards isn’t the best at the 4 Nations Face-Off
- Leo Carlsson, Anaheim Ducks
- Elias Lindholm, Boston Bruins
- Lucas Raymond, Detroit Red Wings
- Adrian Kempe, Los Angeles Kings
- Viktor Arvidsson, Edmonton Oilers
- Joel Eriksson Ek, Minnesota Wild
- Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators
- Gustav Nyquist, Nashville Predators
- Mika Zibanejad, New York Rangers
- Jesper Bratt, New Jersey Devils
- William Nylander, Toronto Maple Leafs
- Elias Pettersson, Vancouver Canucks
- William Karlsson, Vegas Golden Knights
Like I implied, this one’s a mixed bag, with intriguing players like Lucas Raymond, Joel Eriksson Ek, Jesper Bratt, and William Nylander headlining the bunch. The rest are great players, but they haven’t produced much in points to the same extent as the five names mentioned above, nor when compared to what Team USA and Team Canada are bringing.
That said, it’s got the potential to be a great group, especially if Viktor Arvidsson, Mika Zibanejad, and Elias Pettersson play better than they have during the season, and Filip Forsberg could also be a gem.
Defensemen
- Rasmus Dahlin, Buffalo Sabres
- Rasmus Andersson, Calgary Flames
- Mattias Ekholm, Edmonton Oilers
- Gustav Forsling, Florida Panthers
- Jonas Brodin, Minnesota Wild
- Erik Karlsson, Pittsburgh Penguins
- Victor Hedman, Tampa Bay Lightning
This is an intriguing bunch here, with Rasmus Dahlin and Victor Hedman jumping out at me. Dahlin’s been the game-changer for a bad hockey team this season, and if he had never missed time earlier in the year, the Sabres might have looked a little better. Rasmus Andersson’s been one of the key factors for the Calgary Flames unexpected success, and Erik Karlsson still boasts potential.
Gustav Forsling has produced in the past, and Jonas Brodin’s on pace for a half-point per game. Mattias Ekholm is the do-it-all, jack-of-all-trades type and was a solid add. Overall, this group of blueliners could sneak up on opponents.
Goaltenders
- Samuel Ersson, Philadelphia Flyers
- Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota Wild
- Linus Ullmark, Ottawa Senators
This group’s a little concerning; I ain’t gonna sugarcoat it. Samuel Ersson is making the show because an injury has forced out Jacob Markstrom, but Linus Ullmark’s also been banged up. That said, Filip Gustavsson might be the savior here.
Overall, this group’s an enticing one that screams potential. But that doesn’t mean they’re going to be anything more than a bottom-tier team at the 4 Nations, even if I have them one rung above Finland at the moment. But if there’s one team I might be wrong about, it’s Team Sweden.