Both were present when the Czech Republic – then, as now, led by the superstar David Pastrnak – crushed Tre Kronor in last year's World Championship semifinal in Prague with 7–3.
That's the desire for revenge.
The pressure on the national team captain is also due to the fact that the quarterfinal can be the difference between success and failure.
Victory and honor are saved – yes, it can even be a gold success.
Defeat is a failure.
In a home World Championship with 22 NHL players in the squad, it's a complete failure.
I always feel a bit pressured. I've felt that since I was 15 years old and we (AIK) met Huddinge in the DM final, says Hallam.
Not yet won
That's how I feel now too before every match, an expectation of winning, for my own part, for the team's part, for the national team's part, for my family. Everyone gets upset around us when we lose, so life is much better when you win, says he.
Hallam, three SM gold medals with Växjö, has not yet won with Tre Kronor.
Last year, it was World Championship bronze, the year before, elimination in the quarterfinal, and in February, a third place in the star tournament Four Nations.
If Sweden fails to take revenge against the Czech Republic on Thursday, it will be questioned whether Hallam is really the coach who can take the national team to Olympic Games gold next year. Certainly, there will also be demands for resignation.
A useful lesson
Sweden lost the group final against Canada on Tuesday (3–5) and forward star Lucas Raymond thinks it's a good lesson for the Swedes ahead of Thursday's quarterfinal.
He thinks the Canada match reminded him of last year's semifinal loss against the Czech Republic.
That's why I think it was good to get a match like on Tuesday, it was quite similar to the one last year. Just how they came out and we weren't quite with them from the start. It cost us, it's easy to chase and then you open up even more, says he.
Raymond is eager for revenge.
Yes, of course, they beat us on their home ground and we hope to do the same tomorrow.
The key to winning, according to Raymond:
To find our way back to our game, to play with calm. We'll make goals, so focus on our defense and be tight there, and frustrate them and create our own dangers.
To the quarterfinal, Sweden's dream reinforcement will enter the team – Toronto star William Nylander.
Quarterfinals (Thursday):
Switzerland–Austria (Herning, 16.20), USA–Finland (Stockholm, 16.20), Canada–Denmark (Herning, 20.20), Sweden–Czech Republic (Stockholm, 20.20).
Semifinals (Saturday 14.20 and 18.20, Stockholm):
The highest remaining ranked team from the group stage meets the lowest-ranked, the second meets the third.
The four highest ranked teams before the quarterfinals: 1) Canada, 2) Switzerland, 3) Sweden, 4) USA.
Medal matches (Sunday, Stockholm):
Bronze match 15.20, final 20.20.
2024: Finland 2–1 after overtime (Ostrava).
2023: Latvia 1–3 (Riga).
2022: Canada 3–4 e loss (Tammerfors).
2019: Finland 4–5 e loss (Kosice).
2018: Latvia 3–2 (Copenhagen).
