Olympic Hockey: William Nylander commands Sweden into pivotal clash vs. Slovakia

William Nylander and Team Sweden are entering a pivotal clash against Slovakia, which ought to dictate the top spot in Group B standings.

Nylander registered a primary assist on Sweden’s lone goal during a 4-1 loss to Finland on Friday. Slovakia currently sits atop the group with two regulation wins, in pole position for an automatic berth to the quarterfinals. The three group winners, along the best second-ranked team will secure the four berths to the quarterfinals, while the remaining eight teams will face off in a one-game elimination playoff.

Although Nylander has been a focal point of Sweden’s offence through two games, he has missed two practices due to maintenance.

“It’s the first time I’ve had to manage something like this. It’s no problem. Great staff here, and at home in Toronto, so they help me out,” Nylander said to TSN’s Mark Masters.

Maple Leafs defenceman Oliver Ekman-Larsson has played sparingly during Sweden’s first two games. Ekman-Larsson took his first shift midway during the first period of Friday’s loss to Finland. Afterwards, Ekman-Larsson downplayed the significance of his low usage at the Olympics thus far.

“It’s a little bit different, obviously. I’m here to support my team and do whatever they need me to do. It’s nice to get in and get a few shifts. We have a big game tomorrow. I’m going to get back into the room and re-tool and get ready for tomorrow,” Ekman-Larsson said, while indicating he was aware of how he’d be utilized prior to the tournament.

Finland will square off against Italy in the other Group B contest.

Auston Matthews and the United States will take on Denmark at 3:10 PM on Saturday afternoon. Matthews scored in the United States’ 5-1 victory over Latvia on Thursday, primarily playing with Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy. Germany will face off against Latvia in the other Group B contest, after winning its opening game against Denmark by a 3-1 scoreline. The 2018 silver medalists are looking to surprise the established powers, led by Leon Draisaitl and Moritz Seider.