Sweden's men's ice hockey team delivered their most complete performance of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Tuesday, dismantling Latvia 5-1 to secure their place in the quarterfinals. The victory sets up a marquee matchup against the United States on Wednesday, a contest that Swedish defenseman Erik Karlsson says the team has been anticipating since arriving in Italy.
The comprehensive win demonstrated why Sweden entered these Olympics as one of the gold medal favorites. Mika Zibanejad, William Nylander, and Gabriel Landeskog each recorded a goal and an assist, while Filip Forsberg and Adrian Kempe also scored. Lucas Raymond contributed three assists, and goaltender Jacob Markstrom stopped 20 shots to earn his second consecutive victory.
Team Chemistry on Full Display
Karlsson emphasized that the performance represented the culmination of growing chemistry within the squad. "It feels like the chemistry showed up tonight," he stated. "I think it was our most complete game as a team. It felt like everyone did what they needed to do."
The veteran defenseman noted that while the team had hoped to face the United States later in the tournament, they were prepared for the challenge. "It's a challenge, it's a fun challenge. That's why we came here to play these guys," Karlsson explained. "For everybody, it's probably a little bit earlier than we expected, but it is what it is. I came to play these games, I think everybody else did, too."
The Swedes have now won three of their four games at these Olympics, with their only loss coming against Finland. Tuesday's victory showcased significant improvements in their systematic play, particularly in defensive structure and forechecking pressure.
Fundamental Excellence
Zibanejad attributed the team's success to mastering the basics. "I think just the fundamentals of the game," he said. "The forecheck, the way we defend. Putting ourselves in a good spot when we don't have the puck. That's getting better and clearer. Little by little it's been getting better so that's a good sign."
This attention to detail was evident in Sweden's opening period, where they established a quick two-goal lead. The first goal came at 10:55 when a Latvian clearing attempt went awry. Teddy Blueger's pass struck Nylander's skate, deflecting to Joel Eriksson Ek. His shot redirected off Kempe's right skate and past Latvian goaltender Elvis Merzlikins.
Just 41 seconds later, Sweden doubled their advantage. Zibanejad's shot created a rebound that Landeskog capitalized on, demonstrating the net-front presence that makes Sweden dangerous. These early goals forced Latvia to play catch-up against a defensively sound opponent.
Goaltending and Defensive Stability
Markstrom's performance provided the steady foundation Sweden needed. After serving as Filip Gustavsson's backup for the first two games, the veteran netminder has won both starts, allowing just three goals. His calm demeanor has given the Swedish defense confidence to play aggressively.
The defensive corps, led by Karlsson, has become increasingly cohesive. Their ability to transition quickly from defense to offense while maintaining structural integrity has been key. Against Latvia, they limited quality scoring chances while contributing offensively, with Karlsson playing a team-high 23 minutes.
Latvia's Perspective
For Latvia, the defeat marked a disappointing end to their Olympic campaign. The team finished with just one victory in four games. Zemgus Girgensons expressed frustration while acknowledging the quality of opposition.
"Definitely disappointed," Girgensons said. "Going out with a loss is never easy. We held it together pretty well. It was small breaks of chances that we gave up that we probably could have eliminated. When it is teams like this, you know they will capitalize on the mistakes."
Latvia's lone goal came from Eduards Tralmaks in the second period. Merzlikins made 23 saves, facing constant pressure from Sweden's deep forward group. Despite the final score, Latvia's competitive spirit was evident, though they lacked the offensive firepower to match Sweden's stars.
Looking Ahead to USA Showdown
Wednesday's quarterfinal against the United States represents a significant challenge. The Americans have also shown strong form, setting up what should be a closely contested battle between hockey powerhouses.
The matchup will be broadcast on Peacock, NBC, ICI Tele, CBC Gem, CBC (JIP), SN, and TSN (JIP) at 3:10 p.m. ET. The winner advances to the semifinals.
For Sweden, the timing may be fortuitous. Having found their rhythm and chemistry at the right moment, they enter the knockout stage playing their best hockey. The early goals against Latvia demonstrated their ability to capitalize on mistakes, a skill crucial against a disciplined American squad.
Medal Round Intensity
The Olympic medal round brings different pressure. Single-elimination means no room for error, and every shift can determine a team's fate. Sweden's experience with high-stakes competition, combined with their NHL-heavy roster, should serve them well.
Karlsson's leadership will be particularly important. The two-time Norris Trophy winner understands what it takes to succeed when everything is on the line. His confidence is infectious, as the team feeds off his veteran presence.
Conclusion
Sweden's victory served as perfect preparation for the challenges ahead. The team displayed complete, systematic hockey that wins championships. As they prepare to face the United States, the Swedes are confident their best hockey is still ahead.
The matchup represents everything Olympic hockey should be: two proud nations, loaded with NHL talent, competing for gold. For Sweden, it's the challenge they've been waiting for. As Karlsson said, they came to Italy to play these games. Now, with chemistry peaking and systems clicking, they're ready for their shot at Olympic glory.