Both will be in Milan as expert commentators during the Olympics, Lundqvist for TV4 and SVT, and Sundin for HBO Max.
When they were on the same team 20 years ago in Turin, Lundqvist made his first Olympic appearance while Sundin ended his national team career in the final against Finland (3–2). Sundin assisted Nicklas Lidström's golden goal and Lundqvist made a string of saves.
“Very special”
"What was very special then was that you played with so many players that you looked up to. I was 23 years old at the time, doing my first year in New York, so it was very special," says Lundqvist.
"For me, in terms of merit, the Olympic gold was very nice to be a part of. We knew that no Swedish national team had won a tournament when all the best were there. So it was very unique," says Sundin.
This is what they say about...
...Sweden's chances/favorites:
Mats Sundin: – If you look at Sweden's absolute strength, you still have to say that the defence can match both the USA's and Canada's. I see the two nations as favorites. Sweden looks exciting and in a short tournament there is a chance to surprise.
Henrik Lundqvist: – I like the team, there is a chance to medal, absolutely, then we hope for gold. If I were to rank the teams, it would be like the Four Nations, Canada first and the USA second, but there are always scares and things that happen early affect the playoffs.
Hedman a key player
...blue and yellow key players:
Mats Sundin: – Victor Hedman will have an important role. By that I mean that he is incredibly skilled both offensively and defensively. But maybe even more important is his role in building this winning culture and getting all the guys on board. Then Gabriel Landeskog, who will also help carry this culture. Plus William Nylander, of course, an incredibly skilled player.
Henrik Lundqvist: – Looking ahead, it's "Nyllet" (Nylander) and Adrian Kempe. Then when it comes to leadership qualities, it's Landeskog and Hedman, they're the leaders.
