Tre Kronor's withdrawal - that's why it ended

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Tre Kronor's withdrawal - that's why it ended
Photo: Jessica Gow/TT

Tre Kronor had their sights on gold as NHL stars returned to the Olympics after a 12-year absence. But their run ended in the quarterfinals against the USA in an overtime thriller. Here are the reasons it's already over for the men's national team.

+ Instability in the lineup

National team captain Sam Hallam has had no consistent team structure; it has been changed back and forth. Filip Forsberg, the best Swedish scorer in the NHL, was out of the team for two games, forward Marcus Johansson has been in and out, as has Jesper Bratt. Filip Gustavsson started in goal but ended up in the stands. Rasmus Andersson, team captain at the World Cup, was also left in the stands. It is difficult to get any continuity with all the changes.

+ Goalkeeper situation

Filip Gustavsson got his chance in the first two games and didn't take it. His fine NHL form was not reflected at the Olympics. Replacement Jacob Markström was solid in the next two games without shining, but the 36-year-old from Gävle, who had an uneven season, was red-hot in the quarterfinals. It didn't help, though.

Rising star Jesper Wallstedt never got the chance to showcase his successful NHL form during the Olympics. His selection was a complete waste.

+ Sam Hallam

The glory from the SM golden years in Växjö has gone awry. He lost the touch he showed in Småland on the way to Tre Kronor. In an interview with TT before the Olympics, he himself explained that he is not satisfied with the results so far - two World Championship bronzes despite star-studded team lineups.

The Olympic campaign fell on a poor group stage that resulted in an extra match and a far too difficult path in the playoffs.

Hallam still has the World Cup in Switzerland in May before his contract expires and he moves to Genève-Servette - but the question is whether the blow in Milan makes him want or be allowed to continue.

Rikard Grönborg, who led Tre Kronor to two World Cup gold medals, will take over next season.

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By TT News AgencyEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for our readers

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