To succeed in the tournament, it is crucial that players and leaders build a team in a short time.
I think that individual positions are not the most important, but rather that they weld together and accept their roles all at once. I believe that will be an important role for the national team captain (Sam Hallam), says Mats Sundin ahead of tonight's premiere against Canada.
Nicklas Lidström does not see Sweden as a favorite.
Sweden not favorites
But they are just below the USA and Canada considering the teams they have and the superstars they have in the NHL. I think Sweden's strength is that they can come together as a team quite quickly. It's an advantage in a short tournament like this, he says.
Both Sundin and Lidström were part of the Olympic Games gold in Turin 2006, Tre Kronor's latest title in a tournament with all NHL stars. That tournament lasted for twelve days, this one for nine.
Henrik Zetterberg was also part of it 19 years ago. He believes in Swedish success this year.
Building towards the Olympic Games
I know myself when you come to the national team in such tournaments with short training. It becomes an incredibly wonderful cohesion. It becomes a fun break in the normal NHL routine. I believe that Sweden will play well. It will largely be small margins between the team that wins and the one that comes fourth. Any team can beat any team, says Zetterberg and adds:
Goalkeeper play and special teams (powerplay and boxplay) will be incredibly important.
Not since the World Cup 2016 has the North American ice hockey league (NHL) taken a break for a national team tournament. Four Nations becomes the starting shot for the stars' return.
In less than a year, NHL players will also participate in the men's Olympic Games tournament in Milano.
I think we have both very skilled defenders, forwards, and goalkeepers. This four-nation tournament is a great tournament for the guys to get to know each other and try to build a team that will play in the Olympic Games next year, says Mats Sundin.
Tonight against Thursday: Canada (02.00, Swedish time, Bell Centre, Montreal).
Saturday: Finland (19.00, Bell Centre).
Tonight against Tuesday, February 18: USA (02.00, TD Garden, Boston).
Tonight against Friday, February 21: possible final (02.00, TD Garden).
