Sweden Faces U.S. in Olympic Men’s Hockey Quarterfinals
On February 17, 2026, Sweden’s men’s hockey team secured a spot in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Games by defeating Latvia 5-1. This victory was crucial, especially as the team, composed largely of NHL players, faced the risk of an early exit.
Sweden Defeats Latvia with a Strong Performance
Sweden’s game began tentatively, but Adrian Kempe broke the ice by scoring the first goal. Just 41 seconds later, Gabriel Landeskog followed up with another goal, easing the team’s nerves.
Filip Forsberg added to the tally in the second period, while Mika Zibanejad and William Nylander scored in the third. Lucas Raymond was instrumental in the game, providing three assists despite a costly penalty earlier in the tournament.
Impressive Statistics
- Goals Scored: 5
- Goals Against: 1
- Shots on Goal: 30
- Key Players: Adrian Kempe, Gabriel Landeskog, Lucas Raymond
Sweden has won three out of four matches in Milan, setting up a challenging quarterfinal against the unbeaten United States, the second seed in the tournament.
Upcoming Quarterfinal Match Against the U.S.
The upcoming matchup against the U.S. poses a significant challenge for Sweden. U.S. winger Matthew Tkachuk acknowledged their formidable opponent. “They’re one of the powerhouses in the world,” Tkachuk stated. Sweden’s goaltender, Jacob Markstrom, who has emerged as the starting goalie, may even play on back-to-back nights, a rarity in the NHL.
Other Quarterfinal Results
In the same tournament, Czechia narrowly defeated Denmark 3-2, with captain Roman Cervenka highlighting the need for improved performance against Canada in their next game. Germany defeated France decisively, winning 5-1, while Switzerland advanced by beating Italy 3-0. These results reflect the competitive landscape of the tournament as teams vie for a medal.
As Sweden prepares for its clash with the U.S., the focus remains on building on their recent success and confirming their status as a top contender in Olympic men’s hockey.
