Swedish Olympic Roster

With speed, scoring and solid netminding, the Swedes will once again be a contender for the gold medal in Vancouver. After winning the tournament in 2006, many of the crucial elements of Torino’s gold medal team are back, including, and perhaps most importantly, goalie Henrik Lundqvist.

Goalies
Henrik Lundqvist: One of the best goalies, year in and year out, since he joined the Rangers in 2005, King Henrik already has one gold medal in his trophy case. He’s also in the middle of another impressive season in New York, with 20 wins and a 2.30 GAA. No question, he’s the starter.

Jonas Gustavsson: The Leafs’ rookie netminder has struggled to be consistent during his first season in Toronto, but he’s also playing on one of the worst defensive teams in the league. He’ll be a solid backup for Lundqvist, but to ask any more at this point is probably unwise.

Stefan Liv: The former Red Wings prospect has made a great career for himself in the Elitserien, where he holds the league record for career shutouts with 37, as well as HV71’s team record for GAA with a 2.17 lifetime GAA. The best goalie in Sweden’s top league, he still won’t see much ice unless something untoward should befall Lundqvist.

Defensemen
Tobias Enstrom: One of the top young defenders in the league right now, Enstrom and Zach Bogosian give Atlanta two very talented youngsters on their blueline. Enstrom is having a breakout season right now with 32 assists and 36 points already.

Magnus Johansson: A veteran defenseman currently playing with Linkopings in the Elitserien, Johansson played just one season in the NHL during ’07-08. While he was left off of the Olympic squad in 2006, he has played for Sweden at numerous world championships.

Niklas Kronwall: The bruising Detroit defender has developed into more than just a physical blueliner, as he broke out with 51 points last year. Appeared in only 2 games in 2006 for the Swedes, but will be one of the top D this year.

Nicklas Lidstrom: Possibly the greatest defenseman of all time, Lidstrom is the most complete defender in the world today. Positionally perfect, and able to perform with excellence in both ends – there’s none better.

Doug Murray: A big, tough defender from San Jose, Murray brings plenty of grit to the Swedish blueline.

Johnny Oduya: Injuries have slowed the speedster from New Jersey this season, as he has only 2 points in 29 games. He finished last season with 7 goals and 29 points in a full 82 games.
Mattias Ohlund: After playing his entire career in Vancouver, Ohlund has played well in Tampa Bay this season, with 10 points and 36 penalty minutes through his first 38 games.

Henrik Tallinder: Yet another veteran on this experienced squad, Tallinder is an impressive +11 through the first 44 games of this season.

Forwards
Daniel Alfredsson: Initially projected to miss the Olympics with an injury, it appears as though Alfredsson will be able to make the trip after all. One of the top two players in a long time, Alfie might be called on more for his defense than his scoring ability in Vancouver.

Nicklas Backstrom: Quickly emerging as one of the top Swedes in the NHL today, Backstrom is currently 6th in the league with 52 points, 33 of them helpers. He’ll be the Swedes’ top pivot at Vancouver.

Loui Eriksson: Another impressive youngster for this squad, the 21 year old is currently in the top 25 in goals, assists and points on the season.

Peter Forsberg: A Swedish hockey legend, Forsberg’s injury problems will likely relegate him to a minimal role in Vancouver, but he’s still always a threat to score.

Tomas Holmstrom: His numbers have slipped a bit since the lockout, but he’s on pace for a 30 goal season this year.

Patric Hornqvist: In only his second NHL season, and his first full campaign, Hornqvist is having a solid year, with 18 goals and 29 points. More people would probably know this kid if he didn’t play in Nashville.

Fredrik Modin: The age is starting to show on the veteran winger. He’s got only 2 points in 14 games for the Lightning this season, but he’s still got a heavy shot and plenty of international experience.

Samuel Pahlsson: Known more for his abilities on defense and penalty killing, Pahlsson will be called upon to shut down some of the big offensive lines that the other countries have put together.

Daniel Sedin: The Sedin twins were just role players in the 2006 Olympic gold team. This year, they’ll be the centerpieces of the offense. Daniel has just 12 goals this season, due to the fact that he missed a good portion of the first half with an injury.

Henrik Sedin: Perhaps the best thing to come from Daniel’s injury was the emergence of his brother as a top caliber scorer in the NHL. Daniel was always the goal scorer of the two, but this season, Henrik is currently ranked 10th overall in goals and 1st in points with a stat line of 20-44-64.

Mattias Weinhandl: A capable two way player, Weinhandl has 19 goals and 45 points with Dynamo Moscow in the KHL this season.

Henrik Zetterberg: One of the few Red Wings that hasn’t missed significant playing time with a serious injury, Zetterberg has 10 goals and 32 points in 37 games. He’s shown he’s able to shut down top offensive players like Sidney Crosby while still maintaining an offensive presence of his own.

Roster Depth: Good
Medal Chances: Strong