It was when the USA and Germany met in the Olympic group stage at the Santagiulia Arena in Milan that Matthew Tkachuk was caught mocking Germany's big NHL star Leon Draisaitl.
"Always the bridesmaid, never the bride," said the American, referring to the fact that his Florida Panthers beat the German's Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup finals two years in a row (2024, 2025).
Tre Kronor defender Gustav Forsling is a teammate of forward Matthew Tkachuk back home in Florida and knows what to expect in this evening's Olympic quarter-final.
“Under the Skin”
"Especially in important matches like this. He's good at getting under the skin of the other team," says Forsling.
Brothers Matthew and Brady Tkachuk, of the Ottawa Senators, were involved in a brawl that broke out right at the start of a heated Canada–USA game in Montreal during the all-star Four Nations tournament a year ago. The game was played in the wake of President Donald Trump's threats of tariffs and annexation of the neighboring country to the north.
"They like to talk and cause chaos. If we stay calm and just don't give a damn about what they're doing, it'll be a good game," says defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, team captain of the Buffalo Sabres.
"They're a lot of show. We'll make sure to play physical against them. It's going to be a really tough match."
What do you think about Matthew Tkachuk's playing style?
"He's a guy who's good to have on his own team. If he can't get a grip on someone, it's hard for him to play well. We just have to stay calm," says Dahlin.
The match picture will determine whether the Tkachuk brothers will have room for their psyching up, Forsling believes.
Living in the Olympic village together
"We have to be prepared for everything. They're where it happens. They're on edge and playing. That's how it is in playoff games," says the 29-year-old.
The USA won their group and went straight to the quarterfinals. Sweden, third in their group, got there via a 5–1 win over Latvia in the round of 16 late last night.
The NHL stars on the US team and Tre Kronor live in the Olympic Village in Milan, but so far Forsling has not received any tips from the Tkachuk brothers.
"No, nothing special. I haven't actually encountered them that much, it's been nice," says Forsling.
Sweden–USA will be played this evening at 21:10.
Slovakia–Germany (12:10)
Canada–Czech Republic (16:40)
Finland–Switzerland (18:10)
USA–Sweden (21:10)
