Sweden picked up their first win of the tournament by defeating an American team that had already advanced to the final.
William Nylander was hoping for more in his first taste of best-on-best hockey but the Toronto Maple Leafs forward feels Monday's 2-1 win against the United States at the 4 Nations Face-Off can provide some carryover going into next year's Olympics in Italy.
Sweden finished the tournament with five points (1-0-2-0), which was tied with Canada, but the Canadians advanced to the 4 Nations Final after defeating Finland 5-3 earlier in the day. Although with the same amount of points as Sweden, Canada advanced by holding the first tiebreaker (defeating Sweden 4-3 in overtime in the tournament's first game).
Nylander finished the tournament with two assists in three games.
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After the game, Nylander reflected on the experience as a whole. He also addressed his immediate plans following the tournament. The Leafs are scheduled to practice on Tuesday, but Nylander is likely going to get several days off to rest.
Q: How nice being able to end the tournament (with a win)?
"Yeah, obviously it was nice. I mean, not the ending that we wanted but you take the positives out of it."
Q: What can the group and the program take forward in 12 months, just, you know, you guys being together and playing in these high-pressure situations, not something you get the chance to do often?
"Look, I think it's given us some confidence, to be honest, playing in tight games with the best teams, I mean, the best players in the world. So I think that's very good for us going into the Olympics."
Q: How do you think Leo Carlsson did today?
"Great. I thought he did a really good job at the first game. I mean, I thought he played really well."
Q: Were you disappointed that Auston (Matthews) didn't dress today? Or insulted?
"Yeah, of course. I haven't... I'm going to text him now, but I don't know what happened. But hopefully he's good and ready to go for the final game. That'll be a fun one to watch."
Q: With Carlsson can you see how bright the future is for him?
"Of course, yeah. He's got tremendous skill in the way he sees the ice, makes plays. I mean, he had that little dance there in the second period. I think it was. But yeah, you can just see the potential that he has."
Q: You're the only team that didn't lose in regulation, I think. It's kind of screwy the way it works with the players?"
"Yeah, I mean, it is what it is. You know going in what it is like. But yeah, you can't just win one game. You gotta win more."
Q: What did you think of (Sam) Ersson's game?
"Yeah. I mean, he shut the door. He did an incredible job. I mean, even with that start, I mean, maybe you'd feel a little bit uncomfortable back there, but he showed nothing of that. I think he probably was the best player for us tonight."
Q: How would you rate your own performance in this tournament?
"Yeah. It was alright. I mean, I wish we got some more wins and went to the final because that's where you want to play."
Q: You could have played for Canada if you chose, but have you always tried to win more? Have you always just felt more Swedish?
Yeah. Like I was born there. I mean, I left Canada when I was two years old. So, I don't really remember too much about Canada. So, I always considered myself Swedish.
Q: What's the biggest takeaway of all of this for you?
"Yeah. Just that we know where we can compete with all the teams that are here and, you know, pushing to get better. Trying to learn. I mean, get to know the guys. I think it's really important. A lot of guys haven't played together here before. So, that aspect I think is important."
Q: When will you rejoin the Leafs, do you think?
I don't know. I'll fly back tomorrow and we'll see. Hopefully a couple of days off.
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