Discover Sweden Dominates the thrilling details of Sweden’s 5-1 victory over Latvia at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Learn how star players like Erik Karlsson and Lucas Raymond are preparing for the high-stakes showdown against the United States in the upcoming quarterfinals.
The energy in Milan is electric as the Olympic hockey tournament reaches its boiling point. After a commanding performance against Latvia, Team Sweden has officially punched its ticket to the next round. Now, the hockey world is buzzing as the Swedes prepare for a massive collision with the United States.
Key Highlights: Sweden vs. Latvia & The Road to the Quarterfinals
| Feature | Details |
| Final Score | Sweden 5, Latvia 1 |
| Star Performers | Lucas Raymond (3 Assists), Mika Zibanejad (1G, 1A) |
| Next Opponent | United States |
| Game Date | Wednesday, 3:10 p.m. ET |
| Key Milestone | Lucas Raymond breaks Swedish Olympic assist record |
Sweden Finds Their Rhythm Just in Time
For Team Sweden, Sweden Dominates the preliminary rounds were about finding a groove. After a few inconsistent stretches, they looked every bit like gold medal contenders during their 5-1 dismantling of Latvia. The “Tre Kronor” displayed the kind of depth and chemistry that makes them a nightmare for any opponent, especially the United States.
Mika Zibanejad, Gabriel Landeskog, and William Nylander each found the back of the net, proving that Sweden’s top-tier talent is peaking at the perfect moment. Defenseman Erik Karlsson noted that this was the team’s “most complete game,” a sentiment that should put the rest of the bracket on high alert.
The Lucas Raymond Factor
One of the biggest stories emerging from the Milano Cortina games is the play of young star Lucas Raymond. With three assists against Latvia, Raymond has surpassed the legendary Peter Forsberg for the most assists by a Swedish player in a single Olympic tournament featuring NHL stars.
His vision on the ice has been the engine driving the Swedish offense. If Sweden hopes to upset the United States, they will need Raymond to continue his record-breaking pace. His ability to facilitate play for veterans like Landeskog gives Sweden a dynamic edge that is hard to defend.
A “Natural” Rivalry: Preparing for the United States
There is no love lost when Sweden and the United States meet on the ice. Unlike some of the earlier matchups against underdog nations, the quarterfinal game features two rosters packed entirely with NHL superstars. Sweden’s head coach, Sam Hallam, pointed out that his players won’t need a scouting report for this one—they know exactly who they are lining up against.
Erik Karlsson expressed a mix of excitement and readiness, stating that while the matchup with the United States came “a little bit earlier” than expected, it is exactly the kind of challenge they traveled to Italy for. The familiarity between the players, who face each other constantly in the NHL, adds a layer of intensity to this knockout game.
Goaltending Decisions Ahead of the Big Game
One of the lingering questions for Sweden heading into the game against the United States is who will start in the crease. Jacob Markstrom has been solid, earning his second win against Latvia with 20 saves. However, with Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt also in the mix, Coach Hallam has kept his cards close to his chest.
The Swedish defensive core, led by Victor Hedman, remains confident regardless of who is between the pipes. To beat the United States, Sweden will need a mistake-free performance from their goaltender, as the American roster boasts some of the fastest and most clinical finishers in the world.
Why the World is Watching Sweden vs. the United States
This quarterfinal isn’t just another game; it’s a clash of styles. The United States brings a high-tempo, physical game, while Sweden relies on elite puck movement and structural discipline. Historically, these two nations produce some of the most technical and exciting hockey in Olympic history.
As the tournament shifts into the single-elimination phase, the pressure is immense. A win against the United States would catapult Sweden into the medal rounds with massive momentum, while a loss would mean an early flight home for a roster built to win it all.
Conclusion
Sweden’s convincing win over Latvia has set the stage for the most anticipated game of the tournament so far. With veterans like Zibanejad finding their scoring touch and Lucas Raymond making history, the “Tre Kronor” are ready for battle. However, the United States represents a significant step up in competition. Tomorrow, at 3:10 p.m. ET, we will find out if Sweden’s “complete game” is enough to take down the powerhouse roster of the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the Sweden vs. United States game?
The Olympic quarterfinal matchup is scheduled for Wednesday at 3:10 p.m. ET.
2. Where can I watch the game against the United States?
In the U.S., you can stream it on Peacock or watch on NBC. In Canada, it will be available on CBC and TSN.
3. Who leads Sweden in scoring this Olympics?
Lucas Raymond currently leads the team, recently breaking the record for the most assists by a Swede in an NHL-attended Olympics.
4. Has the United States played Sweden yet in these Olympics?
No, this quarterfinal match is their first meeting of the Milano Cortina 2026 Games.
5. Who is expected to start in goal for Sweden?
Coach Sam Hallam hasn’t confirmed, but Jacob Markstrom is a top candidate after his strong performance against Latvia.
