Pittsburgh Penguins' Erik Karlsson Says Team Sweden Came to Olympics to Face United States After Dominating Win Over Latvia
Times of India
by GLOBAL SPORTS DESKFebruary 18, 2026
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Erik Karlsson of Team Sweden emphasized that his team arrived at the Milano Cortina Olympics ready to face hockey's top-tier competition, with their dominant 5-1 victory over Latvia securing a quarterfinal clash against the United States. The game marked Sweden's most cohesive performance of the tournament, showcasing strong execution and chemistry across the roster. Key players like Mika Zibanejad, William Nylander, and Gabriel Landeskog each contributed a goal and an assist, while Lucas Raymond orchestrated the offense with three assists, setting a new Swedish record for Olympic assists by an NHL player.
Sweden's journey to this pivotal matchup was marked by inconsistency in the preliminary round, where they finished third in Group B despite strong competition from Slovakia and Finland. However, their performance against Latvia demonstrated a newfound focus and determination, particularly under pressure during a nervous opening period. Jacob Markstrom solidified Sweden's net with 20 saves, securing his second consecutive victory as the team's backup goalkeeper.
The clash with the United States on Wednesday will be historic, as it marks the first time these two teams have faced off in an Olympic elimination round with NHL players. The Americans enter the game unbeaten and as Group C champions, while Sweden has shown growing confidence, winning three of their four games at Milano Cortina. This matchup is a test of Sweden's ability to maintain their strong performance against one of hockey's elite teams.
For Swedish fans and international sports enthusiasts, this game represents a crucial moment in determining whether Sweden can live up to the expectations of being a gold medal contender. With key players like Karlsson leading the defense and Raymond driving the offense, Sweden's ability to overcome challenges will be closely watched. The outcome could significantly shape the remainder of their tournament journey, potentially setting them on a path toward a medal or facing elimination.
This clash between Sweden and the United States is not just a game; it's a battle for pride, supremacy, and a chance to advance further in the competition. Fans worldwide will be tuning in to see if Sweden can continue their momentum against one of hockey's most formidable teams. The result will have
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Originally published on Times of India on 2/18/2026