Sweden happy to stay under the radar
Back in 2006 — while the attention of the hockey world was diverted by the stacked Russians, the struggling Canadians and a surprising Finnish side — Sweden coasted along in the round robin, then caught fire in the playoff round en route to the country’s greatest victory in international hockey.
Fast-forward eight years and the Swedes have yet to dazzle in Sochi but, on Friday, they’ll be in the semifinal round of the men’s Olympic tournament, two wins away from a gold medal.
Daniel Alfredsson, Sweden’s resident archivist, was asked if there’s anything about the 2014 team that reminds him of the ’06 champions. “Yes and no,” said Alfredsson. “I think every tournament takes on its own life. There are upsets and things happen. But in ’06, we had a good feeling and we have a good feeling now.”
Even if they’re flying into the semis under the radar?
“Please,” said Alfredsson, “keep it that way.”
Wednesday, in the first of four quarter-final matches in the men’s draw, Sweden subdued the Cinderella Slovenians with an efficient, professional effort, blowing a tight game open with four third-period goals, including one from a slumpridden Daniel Sedin.
To date, more has been written about Canadian defenceman P.K. Subban not playing than Swedish blue-liner Erik Karlsson playing — and Karlsson might be the best player in the tournament.
But here are the Swedes in the final four, where they’ll meet their archrivals from Finland in the semifinal round.
“I think we’re going in the right direction,” said Sedin. “Our first game was probably our worst game and this game was probably our best game. That’s a good sign.
“If you look at the international game now, everyone plays really good defensively and Finland is the top team defensively. It’s going to be tough.”