Team Sweden Defeat Team Slovakia but it Might not be Enough
Photo credit: James Lang-Imagn Images
Team Sweden wrapped up their final group stage game, beating Team Slovakia 5-3 earlier today, but they still run the risk of finishing third in Group B, which could mean a date with either Team Canada or Team USA in the quarter-finals.
Both William Nylander and Oliver Ekman-Larsson were not very involved in the win for the Swedes.
Team Sweden completes statement win but may still fall short.
Nick Barden of the Hockey News provided the post-game recap between the two countries. It was hard fought game, and the Slovaks continued to show they are no slouch in this tournament. But it was Sweden's offence that prevailed in the end, with little help from Nylander.
"Neither of the Maple Leafs' players had much effect on the game. Nylander finished with six shots, but was a minus-one in 18:18 of ice time. Ekman-Larsson, who played just over seven minutes in the second game of the tournament, finished the game against Slovakia with 13:41 of ice time."-Barden
Now Sweden has to hope Italy makes it to at least overtime with Finland in their final game of the groups stage. If Finland win in regulation, it would be Slovaki finishes in first, Finland second, and Sweden third. And the third place team will face the number two seed overall, which at this point is looking like Team USA, with a small chance of it being Team Canada. A date with either of them so early in the tournament could spell disaster for the Swedes.
"However, if Finland doesn't win in regulation, Sweden will finish in first spot, ahead of both the Finns and Slovaks. Either scenario is a fascinating finish to group action at the Winter Olympics."-Barden
Unfortunately Nylander, Ekman-Larsson and Sweden will not be able to determine their own fate. They will have to rely on outside help to avoid playing the two favourites to win the gold in the quarter-finals.
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| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 14|181 ANSWERS Team Sweden Defeat Team Slovakia but it Might not be Enough Will Team Sweden finish in 3rd in Group B for the Olympics? | ||
| Yes | 144 | 79.6 % |
| No | 37 | 20.4 % |
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