Erik Karlsson Sends Message To Sweden After 4 Nations Elimination
Feb 12, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Team Sweden defenseman Erik Karlsson (65) warms-up before a game against Team Canada during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac-Imagn Images)It was quite the tournament for Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Erik Karlsson at the 4 Nations Face-off, as he led Team Sweden with a goal and three points in three games.
However, it wasn't quite enough for Sweden as a whole.
With Team Canada's 5-3 regulation win against Finland on Monday afternoon, Sweden was officially eliminated from contention for the upcoming championship game on Thursday, where Canada will face Team USA in a rematch at T.D. Garden in Boston.
Although Canada's win also rendered Sweden's matchup against Team USA - which Karlsson's Penguins teammate, Rickard Rakell, missed due to illness - on Monday evening meaningless in terms of tournament standing, the Swedes played hard and earned a narrow 2-1 victory to close out the tournament. Karlsson earned an assist on Gustav Nyquist's game-winning goal.
When asked about what he wanted to say to Sweden ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympic games - which NHL players will participate in - Karlsson delivered a firm message on TNT's postgame show:
"We'll be better," Karlsson said.
It was a bit of a disappointing tournament for Team Sweden, who appeared to have a well-balanced roster. Team USA and Team Canada's firepower ultimately prevailed, but the Swedes should have a very strong roster for their next crack at international play in 2026.
It remains to be seen if Karlsson, 34, will be a part of that Olympic roster. But if he plays anything like he did at the 4 Nations Face-off, he should be well on his way to helping his country get another crack at a title.
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