[SWE] Official World Cup 2004 Roster Speculation Thread

Very early, but hey.. it is a very exciting event and I'm sure we all are looking forward to it.

Post your thoughts about he Swedish players, team, possible line-ups etc... (the final roster may not include more than 26 (players+goalies)

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THE CANDIDATES (by position, in alphabetical order)
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(The age listed is what they will be when the tournament starts)

GOALIES
Johan Hedberg, 31 (Vancouver)
Johan Holmqvist, 26 (Houston)
Stefan Liv, 23 (HV 71)
Henrik Lundqvist, 22 (Frölunda)
Tommy Salo, 33 (Edmonton)
Mikael Tellqvist, 24 (Toronto)


DEFENSEMEN
Christian Bäckman, 24 (St. Louis)
Pierre Hedin, 26 (Toronto)
Niclas Hävelid, 31 (Anaheim)
Kim Johnsson, 28 (Philadelphia)
Hans Jonsson, 30 (MoDo)
Kenny Jönsson, 29 (NY Islanders)
Niklas Kronwall, 23 (Detroit)
Nicklas Lidström, 34 (Detroit)
Mattias Norström, 32 (Los Angeles)
Marcus Ragnarsson, 33 (Philadelphia)
Ronnie Sundin, 33 (Frölunda)
Henrik Tallinder, 25 (Buffalo)
Mattias Timander, 30 (NY Islanders)
Daniel Tjärnqvist, 27 (Atlanta)
Dick Tärnström, 29 (Pittsburgh)
Niclas Wallin, 29 (Carolina)
Mattias Öhlund, 27 (Vancouver)


FORWARDS
Daniel Alfredsson, 31 (Ottawa)
Magnus Arvedson, 32 (Vancouver)
Per-Johan Axelsson, 29 (Boston)
Christian Berglund, 24 (New Jersey)
Andreas Dackell, 31 (Montreal)
Johan Davidsson, 28 (HV 71)
Nils Ekman, 28 (San Jose)
Peter Forsberg, 31 (Colorado)
Tomas Holmström, 31 (Detroit)
Michael Holmqvist, 25 (Anaheim)
Kristian Huselius, 25 (Florida)
Andreas Johansson, 31 (Nashville)
Mathias Johansson, 30 (Färjestad)
Jörgen Jönsson, 31 (Färjestad)
Magnus Kahnberg, 24 (Frölunda)
Fredrik Modin, 29 (Tampa)
Marcus Nilson, 26 (Florida)
Niklas Nordgren, 25 (Timrå)
Peter Nordström, 30 (Färjestad)
Michael Nylander, 31 (Washington)
Markus Näslund, 31 (Vancouver)
Samuel Påhlsson, 26 (Anaheim)
Mikael Renberg, 32 (Toronto)
Daniel Sedin, 23 (Vancouver)
Henrik Sedin, 23 (Vancouver)
Andreas Salomonsson, 30 (MoDo)
Fredrik Sjöström, 21 (Phoenix)
Mats Sundin, 33 (Toronto)
Per Svartvadet, 29 (MoDo)
Mathias Tjärnqvist, 25 (Dallas)
Rickard Wallin, 24 (Houston)
Mattias Weinhandl, 24 (NY Islanders)
Henrik Zetterberg, 23 (Detroit)



U22 players (3 will be selected)
Tobias Enström, 19 (MoDo)
Johan Fransson, 19 (Luleå)
Yared Hagos, 21 (Timrå)
Andreas Jämtin, 21 (HV71)
Jens Karlsson, 21 (Frölunda)
Robert Nilsson, 19 (Leksand)
Fredrik Sjöström, 21 (Phoenix)
Alexander Steen, 20 (Frölunda)

With a fast look on the list I could see the following players on the team. Haven't considered any other players. I have also taken in consideration that Hardy is still the coach for Tre kronor:

G
#1 Mikael Tellqvist, 24 (Toronto)
#2/3 Stefan Liv, 23 (HV 71)
#2/3 Henrik Lundqvist, 22 (Frölunda)

D
Kim Johnsson, 28 (Philadelphia)
Nicklas Lidström, 34 (Detroit)
Mattias Norström, 32 (Los Angeles)
Marcus Ragnarsson, 33 (Philadelphia)
Daniel Tjärnqvist, 27 (Atlanta)
Mattias Öhlund, 27 (Vancouver)

F
Daniel Alfredsson, 31 (Ottawa)
Per-Johan Axelsson, 29 (Boston)
Peter Forsberg, 31 (Colorado)
Tomas Holmström, 31 (Detroit)
Andreas Johansson, 31 (Nashville)
Jörgen Jönsson, 31 (Färjestad)
Peter Nordström, 30 (Färjestad)
Michael Nylander, 31 (Washington)
Markus Näslund, 31 (Vancouver)
Mats Sundin, 33 (Toronto)
Mathias Tjärnqvist, 25 (Dallas)
Henrik Zetterberg, 23 (Detroit)

U22
Johan Fransson, 19 (Luleå)
Fredrik Sjöström, 21 (Phoenix)
Alexander Steen, 20 (Frölunda)

Interesting that you'd pick Tjärnqvist over Kenny Jönsson..

Interesting that you'd pick Tjärnqvist over Kenny Jönsson..

I'm just pretending to be Hardy here and Tjärnqvist has played for Djurgården. He must be a lock for the squad then. :p

I myself would prefer Jönsson, if he's healthy that is..

I'm just pretending to be Hardy here and Tjärnqvist has played for Djurgården. He must be a lock for the squad then. :p

I myself would prefer Jönsson, if he's healthy that is..

I don't really see where this Djurgården-myth about Hardy comes from. He's been quite consistant with picking players mainly from Frölunda & Färjestad. Sure there is the Rudslätt thing but other than that I can't see it. I bet there's only one swedish team in Hardys heart and thats Skellefteå AIK.

Well, I do see some Hardy - Djurgården love, especially with the latest selection of SEL rookie Tomas Kollar.
However I'm positive that there will be no such "weird" selections coming the World Cup.

I'm a big fan of Daniel Tjärnqvist but I would pick an healthy Kenny Jönsson over him.

Interesting that you'd pick Tjärnqvist over Kenny Jönsson..Hardy likes pairing Tjärnqvist with Kim Johnsson, so it wouldn't be a surprise if he made it.

This is my team Sweden...

GOALIES

Johan Hedberg, 31 (Vancouver)
Mikael Tellqvist, 24 (Toronto)
Stefan Liv, 23 (HV 71)

DEFENSEMEN

Niclas Hävelid, 31 (Anaheim)
Kim Johnsson, 28 (Philadelphia)
Nicklas Lidström, 34 (Detroit)
Mattias Norström, 32 (Los Angeles)
Marcus Ragnarsson, 33 (Philadelphia)
Dick Tärnström, 29 (Pittsburgh)
Mattias Öhlund, 27 (Vancouver)

FORWARDS

Daniel Alfredsson, 31 (Ottawa)
Magnus Arvedson, 32 (Vancouver)
Per-Johan Axelsson, 29 (Boston)
Peter Forsberg, 31 (Colorado)
Tomas Holmström, 31 (Detroit)
Jörgen Jönsson, 31 (Färjestad)
Fredrik Modin, 29 (Tampa)
Michael Nylander, 31 (Washington)
Markus Näslund, 31 (Vancouver)
Samuel Påhlsson, 26 (Anaheim)
Mikael Renberg, 32 (Toronto)
Mats Sundin, 33 (Toronto)
Henrik Zetterberg, 23 (Detroit)

U-22

Johan Fransson, 19 (Luleå)
Robert Nilsson, 19 (Leksand)
Alexander Steen, 20 (Frölunda)

LINEUP

Markus Näslund, 31 (Vancouver) Henrik Zetterberg, 23 (Detroit) Peter Forsberg, 31 (Colorado)
Daniel Alfredsson, 31 (Ottawa) Michael Nylander, 31 (Washington) Mats Sundin, 33 (Toronto)
Tomas Holmström, 31 (Detroit) Samuel Påhlsson, 26 (Anaheim) Mikael Renberg, 32 (Toronto)
Magnus Arvedson, 32 (Vancouver) Jörgen Jönsson, 31 (Färjestad) Per-Johan Axelsson, 29 (Boston)

EX Fredrik Modin, 29 (Tampa)

Nicklas Lidström, 34 (Detroit) Mattias Norström, 32 (Los Angeles)
Kim Johnsson, 28 (Philadelphia) Mattias Öhlund, 27 (Vancouver)
Marcus Ragnarsson, 33 (Philadelphia) Niclas Hävelid, 31 (Anaheim)

EX Dick Tärnström, 29 (Pittsburgh)

Johan Hedberg, 31 (Vancouver)
Mikael Tellqvist, 24 (Toronto)

EX Stefan Liv, 23 (HV 71)

The roster may only include 26 (players + goalies) so you need to cut 2 players there :)

Goalies could be a problem. Hedberg always plays a bit unreliable (imo) and Salo hasn't been very good since well.. the Belarus incident. I feel that Tellqvist is the best of the lot at the moment but he's young and relativly unexperienced, and will Hedberg or Salo accept being a backup?

In such a big event as this.. when all the best players are available I bet Salo and Hedberg would not mind being back-ups.

I'd be pissed if Tellqvist isn't the starter :)

The roster may only include 26 (players + goalies) so you need to cut 2 players there :)

Marcus Nilsson and Kenny Jönnson are gone than...

If I where to choose and all were healthy

Näslund - Forsberg - Axelsson
Zetterberg - Sundin - Alfredsson
Huselius - Nylander - Arvedsson
Sedin - Sedin - Holmström
Extra: Modin

Lidström - Öhlund
Norström - Johnsson
Ragnarsson - Jönsson
Extra: Tärnström

Tellqvist
Hedberg
Salo

The big question is the goalies. We can just hope that someone steps up and takes the number one spot.

I think the four top teams for the World Cup will be Russia, Canada, Czech Republic, and Sweden. I don't include the US because I believe that their defence is too old and that they don't have a reliable goaltender. While I believe that Sweden's goaltending is better than the US's I do wonder about who their number 1 guy is going to be. If they had a big name goaltender I would probably pick them as tournament favorites.

My prediction is that they will go with Tellqvist as the number one goalie. If he faulters than I expect them to go with Salo. Don't give up on Tommy just yet.

I think the roster for World Cup in September should look like this

Goalies
Johan Hedberg, Vancouver Canucks
Tommy Salo, Edmonton Oilers
Mikael Tellqvist, Toronto Maple Leafs/St John's Maple Leafs

Defense
Kim Johnsson, Philadelphia Flyers
Kenny Jönsson, New York Islanders
Nicklas Lidström, Detroit Red Wings
Mattias Norström, Los Angeles Kings
Marcus Ragnarsson, Philadelphia Flyers
Dick Tärnström, Pittsburgh Penguins
Mattias Öhlund, Vancouver Canucks

Offense
Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators
Per-Johan Axelsson, Boston Bruins
Peter Forsberg, Colorado Avalanche
Thomas Holmström, Detroit Red Wings
Andreas Johansson, Nashville Predators
Fredrik Modin, Tampa Bay Lightning
Michael Nylander, Washington Capitals
Markus Näslund, Vancouver Canucks
Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks
Mats Sundin, Toronto Maple Leafs
Niklas Sundström, Montreal Canadiens
Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings

U22
Fredrik Sjöström, Phoenix Coyotes/Springfield Falcons
Alexander Steen, Frölunda
Robert Nilsson, Leksand


Lineup
M Näslund - P Forsberg - N Sundström
F Modin - M Sundin - D Alfredsson
H Zetterberg - M Nylander - A Johansson
D Sedin - H Sedin - PJ Axelsson

Lidström - Norström
Johnsson - Ragnarsson
Öhlund - Jönsson

Salo (Hedberg)


This is a very offensive swedish team, but all swedish players are very good defensively that I don't think we need that many defensive specialists, I'll only make room for PJ Axelsson and Sundström. Box play shouldn't be any problem with players like Zetterberg, Alfredsson, Modin and Sundström.
On the power play there are many combinations that you can use, and the duo of Zetterberg and Nylander just make you smile. The fact is that the third line can be the most productive with the opponents trying to shut down the two other scoring lines. And with the underrated Sedin twins we got good offensive depth.
It's also easy to shake up the lines 'cause other combinations have been successfull earlier. Sundström-Nylander-Näslund showed that in the 2002 olympics, Alfredsson and Forsberg have played together, Sundin and Axelsson did so in WC 2003, Zetterberg and Forsberg did not make that success, but what would happen with Forsberg with the twins? The possibilites are so many you almost can't wait for the tourmament to begin.
The defense is very strong with defensemen who play a lot in the NHL, and names like Daniel Tjärnqvist and Niclas Hävelid will have to accept to stay home this time. Tjärnqvist may have a chance to break the lineup but Tärnström has been terrific this season and Kenny Jönsson and Marcus Ragnarsson is making their best seasons for years.
Maybe Fredrik Sjöström will get the opportunity to play in some games, whya not in a topline with Näslund and Forsberg?

I like your team a lot there Robertsson, it's very close to how my "dream team" would look like. I'm still hoping for Huselius to wake up (or be traded) and start producing.
Looking at defense I am a big fan of Daniel Tjärnqvist so I would probably chose him ahead of Marcus Ragnarsson.

In goal I would prefer to have Tellqvist, I actually think he is the best goalie we have in North America :)

I'll take my shot at this:

Goalies:
Tommy Salo
Johan Hedberg
Mikael Tellqvist

Defensemen:
Nicklas Lidstrom
Kim Johnsson
Dick Tarnstrom
Mattias Norstrom
Mattias Ohlund
Christian Backman
Kenny Jonsson
Johan Fransson

Fowards:
Markus Naslund
Peter Forseberg
Mats Sundin
Daniel Alfredsson
Henrik Zetterberg
Daniel Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Tomas Holmstrom
Sami Pahlsson
Kristian Huselius
PJ Axelsson
Magnus Arvedson
Nils Ekman
Alexander Steen
Fredrik Sjostrom

Do they actually call Samuel Påhlsson "Sami" in North America? Kind of weird since it´s a finnish name and you all know what we think about finns... :D

Interesting with Christian Bäckman, why not?

Do they actually call Samuel Påhlsson "Sami" in North America? Kind of weird since it´s a finnish name and you all know what we think about finns... :D

Interesting with Christian Bäckman, why not?
It is really annoying for us finns too :P
His play-by-play in at least one of EA's NHL games is Sami.

Samuel was called Sami atleast when he was in Boston a couple of years ago. I had the pleasure to watch one of Samuels first NHL games and after the game one Bruins staff said. Hi Sami. Dont wanna leave you behind which ment that he should stop talking to the reporters and get ready for the bus/flight or whatever transportation they had.

Christian Bäckman is a dark horse, and is playing real well in St Louis at the moment, with much time on the power play. His not among our best 7-8 defensemen but maybe he would have some experience for future tournaments.

As of Kristian Huselius, no one more than me love this player, but he has been struggling a lot this season, but we know how much he can. In my team there already are a lot of offenisve players, but a Huselius in shape is a lockon the team.
I could consider play him with Nylander and Zetterberg, there would be a lot of skill in that line. And all three of them are better defensively than anyone thinks. Then maybe Andreas Johansson will be graduated to the topline together with Forsberg and Näslund. Sundström will be placed on the bench.

Another dark horse who will compete for a roster spot is Nils Ekman, it would be interesting to see himin the World Champs if San Jose would miss the playoffs.

I'll take my shot at this:

Goalies:
Tommy Salo
Johan Hedberg
Mikael Tellqvist

Defensemen:
Nicklas Lidstrom
Kim Johnsson
Dick Tarnstrom
Mattias Norstrom
Mattias Ohlund
Christian Backman
Kenny Jonsson
Johan Fransson

Fowards:
Markus Naslund
Peter Forseberg
Mats Sundin
Daniel Alfredsson
Henrik Zetterberg
Daniel Sedin
Henrik Sedin
Tomas Holmstrom
Sami Pahlsson
Kristian Huselius
PJ Axelsson
Magnus Arvedson
Nils Ekman
Alexander Steen
Fredrik Sjostrom

Where is Michael Nylander? He is definitly a lock on the team. It would be interesting to see how you wll put your lines together.

I like your team a lot there Robertsson, it's very close to how my "dream team" would look like. I'm still hoping for Huselius to wake up (or be traded) and start producing.
Looking at defense I am a big fan of Daniel Tjärnqvist so I would probably chose him ahead of Marcus Ragnarsson.

In goal I would prefer to have Tellqvist, I actually think he is the best goalie we have in North America :)

It doesn't seem to be many that like Ragnarsson but he is definetly a lock on my team. He is the whole package, with puckhandling and body, and showed in the 2002 olympics that he should stick with the national team. I like Tärnström and Tjärnqvist too, but their time will come. Next tourmanent probably all of Lidström, Ragnarsson, Norström and Jönsson will be gone.

Samuel was called Sami atleast when he was in Boston a couple of years ago. I had the pleasure to watch one of Samuels first NHL games and after the game one Bruins staff said. Hi Sami. Dont wanna leave you behind which ment that he should stop talking to the reporters and get ready for the bus/flight or whatever transportation they had.

yes, i almost never hear him referred to as Samuel in the states... either by commentators of writers or whatever. wonder where people got the impression he was Sami. i have seen hs name written as Samual several times, though :dunno:

GOALIES
Johan Hedberg, 31 (Vancouver)
Tommy Salo, 33 (Edmonton)
Mikael Tellqvist, 24 (Toronto)


DEFENSEMEN
Christian Bäckman, 24 (St. Louis)
Niclas Hävelid, 31 (Anaheim)
Kim Johnsson, 28 (Philadelphia)
Kenny Jönsson, 29 (NY Islanders)
Nicklas Lidström, 34 (Detroit)
Mattias Norström, 32 (Los Angeles)
Dick Tärnström, 29 (Pittsburgh)
Mattias Öhlund, 27 (Vancouver)


FORWARDS
Daniel Alfredsson, 31 (Ottawa)
Per-Johan Axelsson, 29 (Boston)
Peter Forsberg, 31 (Colorado)
Tomas Holmström, 31 (Detroit)
Andreas Johansson, 31 (Nashville)
Magnus Kahnberg, 24 (Frölunda)
Fredrik Modin, 29 (Tampa)
Marcus Nilson, 26 (Florida)
Michael Nylander, 31 (Washington)
Markus Näslund, 31 (Vancouver)
Mikael Renberg, 32 (Toronto)
Daniel Sedin, 23 (Vancouver)
Henrik Sedin, 23 (Vancouver)
Mats Sundin, 33 (Toronto)
Henrik Zetterberg, 23 (Detroit)

And there you go. Here's the (almost) optimal roster

GOALIES
Johan Hedberg, 31 (Vancouver)
Tommy Salo, 33 (Edmonton)
Mikael Tellqvist, 24 (Toronto)


DEFENSEMEN
Christian Bäckman, 24 (St. Louis)
Niclas Hävelid, 31 (Anaheim)
Kim Johnsson, 28 (Philadelphia)
Kenny Jönsson, 29 (NY Islanders)
Nicklas Lidström, 34 (Detroit)
Mattias Norström, 32 (Los Angeles)
Dick Tärnström, 29 (Pittsburgh)
Mattias Öhlund, 27 (Vancouver)


FORWARDS
Daniel Alfredsson, 31 (Ottawa)
Per-Johan Axelsson, 29 (Boston)
Peter Forsberg, 31 (Colorado)
Tomas Holmström, 31 (Detroit)
Andreas Johansson, 31 (Nashville)
Magnus Kahnberg, 24 (Frölunda)
Fredrik Modin, 29 (Tampa)
Marcus Nilson, 26 (Florida)
Michael Nylander, 31 (Washington)
Markus Näslund, 31 (Vancouver)
Mikael Renberg, 32 (Toronto)
Daniel Sedin, 23 (Vancouver)
Henrik Sedin, 23 (Vancouver)
Mats Sundin, 33 (Toronto)
Henrik Zetterberg, 23 (Detroit)

And there you go. Here's the (almost) optimal roster
In the 26-man roster there has to be three U-21 players.

Or at least three U22 :teach: :teach: :teach:
:rolly: :rolly:

How do you guys feel about this lineup? link: http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/sport...,428841,00.html

Forwards:
Mats Sundin - Daniel Alfredsson - Fredrik Modin
Markus Näslund - Peter Forsberg - Niklas Sundström
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Henrik Zetterberg
Per-Johan Axelsson - Jörgen Jönsson - Peter Nordström
Extra: Tomas Holmström

Defensemen:
Mattias Öhlund - Nicklas Lidström
Marcus Ragnarsson - Kim Johnsson
Mattias Norström - Dick Tärnström
Extra: Kenny Jönsson

Goalies:
Salo
Hedberg
Tellqvist

Under 22s:
Fredrik Sjöström
Alexander Steen
Johan Fransson

Wennerholm is a clown

How do you guys feel about this lineup? link: http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/sport...,428841,00.html

Forwards:
Mats Sundin - Daniel Alfredsson - Fredrik Modin
Markus Näslund - Peter Forsberg - Niklas Sundström
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Henrik Zetterberg
Per-Johan Axelsson - Jörgen Jönsson - Peter Nordström
Extra: Tomas Holmström

Defensemen:
Mattias Öhlund - Nicklas Lidström
Marcus Ragnarsson - Kim Johnsson
Mattias Norström - Dick Tärnström
Extra: Kenny Jönsson

Goalies:
Salo
Hedberg
Tellqvist

Under 22s:
Fredrik Sjöström
Alexander Steen
Johan Fransson

With all the respect for Jörgen Jönsson and Peter Nordström but this is a tournamnet for NHL players with NHL rules. Nice to see him pick the Sedins in a third line though.

With all the respect for Jörgen Jönsson and Peter Nordström but this is a tournamnet for NHL players with NHL rules. Nice to see him pick the Sedins in a third line though.
Well, Jörgen Jönsson did OK when he played in the NHL.

Many people believe that Fredrik Sjöström will make the team, I don´t. Not because that he is bad player but because he left Sweden as a teenager. He can´t seriously think that he will be granted a spot in the World Cup without having played a single game for Tre Kronor and his recent efforts in the NHL doesn´t really suggest that he is strong candidate either. He abandonded the swedish system, no way that he will slip into the National Team on a banana skin.

Yared Hagos is a lock on the team as a U22-player and I am convinced that Hardy rather selects players like Enström, Fransson, Steen or Karlsson over Sjöström.

Well, Jörgen Jönsson did OK when he played in the NHL.

Yes he did, but don't forget that is some seasons ago. If I don't remember wrong he wasn't that good in the beginning of the season, he started to play relly well around christmas. The translation to the smaller rink is bigger than many thinks. What I understand all games, even them played in Europe, will be on small rinks?

Many people believe that Fredrik Sjöström will make the team, I don´t. Not because that he is bad player but because he left Sweden as a teenager. He can´t seriously think that he will be granted a spot in the World Cup without having played a single game for Tre Kronor and his recent efforts in the NHL doesn´t really suggest that he is strong candidate either. He abandonded the swedish system, no way that he will slip into the National Team on a banana skin.

Yared Hagos is a lock on the team as a U22-player and I am convinced that Hardy rather selects players like Enström, Fransson, Steen or Karlsson over Sjöström.

Hardy Nilsson has his own ideas, but maybe Ulf Dahlen can convince him to pick Fredrik Sjöström. I hope so, we need players who can compete at NHL level, and he is more talented than Karlsson and Hagos. I put my vote on Sjöström, Steen and one defenseman, probably Enström or Fransson.

Yes he did, but don't forget that is some seasons ago. If I don't remember wrong he wasn't that good in the beginning of the season, he started to play relly well around christmas. The translation to the smaller rink is bigger than many thinks. What I understand all games, even them played in Europe, will be on small rinks?

That would mean rebuilding all of the european rinks.. Or does it? Anyway, I would really hate to see Jönsson instead of Andreas Johansson or Samuel Påhlsson, or to see Peter Nordström instead of Mikael Renberg, Marcus Nilson or Niklas Sundström.

That would mean rebuilding all of the european rinks.. Or does it? Anyway, I would really hate to see Jönsson instead of Andreas Johansson or Samuel Påhlsson, or to see Peter Nordström instead of Mikael Renberg, Marcus Nilson or Niklas Sundström.

Totally agree. Or Jönsson över the twins. Please don't make it so. :mad:

I thought every game would be on small rinks. What would Canada say if the finished fourth in the American Pool and have to come to Sweden and play on big ice surface?

They didn´t play on small rinks in Europe at the 1996 World Cup, not in Sweden anyway.

I may be wrong. You're probably right. Hockey on european rinks should be played on big surface, but it doesn't make the tournament fair to all contries. Strange rule.

Sweden is suffering from quite a goaltender problem as of now. However, it would seem that Salo is the only reliable option as a starter..Tellqvist has only seen AHL action and Hedberg has seen little action period. I really don't think you can bring in Liv, seeing as how he has no experience with the smaller surface and angles, etc.
Salo is the only goalie with a fair bout of experience facing the world's best. Tellqvist may be there in time, but you can't put out an AHL starter against some of the NHL's best..it might work at the World Championships, but not once Tre Kronor get to North America.

That aside, the Swedes need some goaltending to come on, or that may very well be their undoing

I'm personally not worried at all about the goaltending.
There have probably never been as many good goalies to chose from. Sure, compared to the other countries we haven't got the same depth.. but compared to our own 'goalie-history' things are looking really good.

btw, I have more faith in Tellqvist than Salo ;) :)

Tellqvist has been up and down after playing three games with Toronto. Reports tell of some goals given up easily, but Toronto has won all the games. Hope they won't judge him after so few games. Tellqvist could very well be the starter for Sweden.

Tellqvist has been up and down after playing three games with Toronto. Reports tell of some goals given up easily, but Toronto has won all the games. Hope they won't judge him after so few games. Tellqvist could very well be the starter for Sweden.

Telly has been very good for the Leafs .. he lost his first game 2-1 the other night to Carolina but made some great saves ...His record has been 5 wins and 2 ties in his previous 7 games ... When Belfour returns there is now talk that tellan will be the backup and Trevor waived to St. Johns as Telly has out played him by a FAR margin..

Yeah, it would be great with Tellan as backup this season, so he can learn from Belfour. The next season maybe let them share the job, a don't give Tellqvist all the responsibility, and then I think Tellqvist could be ready to be a full NHL starter.
Just look a Kirpusoff, he has worked hard, and finally he got his chance and now he is playing terrific.

Magnus Nyström, writer on DN, today presented his roster for the WC:

Goalies: 1 Mikael Tellqvist, 2 Tommy Salo, 3 Henrik Lundqvist
Defensenpairings: Nicklas Lidström - Mattias Norström, Kim Johnsson - Marcus Ragnarsson, Mattias Öhlund - Kenny Jönsson, 7th: Dick Tärnström
Offense: Markus Näslund - Peter Forsberg - Nils Ekman,
Daniel Alfredsson - Mats Sundin - Per-Johan Axelsson,
Fredrik Modin - Henrik Zetterberg - Thomas Holmström,
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Andreas Johansson.

He also told us this could be the tournaments best third line... ehh.. where does he get that from? I think it looks a little defensive minded, a maybe with to little finesse. I'd rather see Nylander along with Zetterberg and Axelsson there. Put Modin with Sundin (Modin and Sundin have great chemistry) and Alfredsson.

Most important is to have a good fourth line, often it is a line with they players who is left over but is too good to be left home. This is not the case this time with the Sedins, who know eachother and is used to limited icetime. But I even consider having them on a third line, they have played really well this season. But if you need a change in the team you could put Alfredsson with the twins, good be a great line. Or think of Nylander centering Sundin and Forsberg.

Ahh. Can't wait for this tournament. ;)

Many people believe that Fredrik Sjöström will make the team, I don´t. Not because that he is bad player but because he left Sweden as a teenager. He can´t seriously think that he will be granted a spot in the World Cup without having played a single game for Tre Kronor and his recent efforts in the NHL doesn´t really suggest that he is strong candidate either. He abandonded the swedish system, no way that he will slip into the National Team on a banana skin.

Yared Hagos is a lock on the team as a U22-player and I am convinced that Hardy rather selects players like Enström, Fransson, Steen or Karlsson over Sjöström.
Big surprise, what i heard, Loui Eriksson is potential star in NHL, maybe an underdog for the World Cup, Dallas is really high on him.....

This is my team:

Offence:
Markus Näslund - Peter Forsberg - Nils Ekman
PJ Axelsson - Mats Sundin - Fredrik Modin
Thomas Holmström - Henrik Zetterberg - Daniel Alfredsson
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Andreas Johansson

Defense:
Nicklas Lidström, Mattias Norström
Mattias Öhlund, Dick Tärnstrom
Marcus Ragnarsson, Johnsson

Kenny Jönsson

Goal:
Tellqvist
Lundqvist
Salo

The first line would have Näslund/Forsberg, and Nils Ekman
driving towards goal. Forsberg setting up Naslunds and Nils'
absolutely lethal wristers is just crazy. I'd say that they
are somewhat weak defensively, but that their offense makes
up for it.

Second line would have speedy PJ Axelsson and Sundin, who
have shown great chemistry before. Former leaf Modin will have
to drive to the net and be very aggressive on the shot.

Third pairing is a decent allround line. Alfredsson and
Zetterberg will be able to cycle the puck down low, and set
eachother up. Holmström drives to the net, and will have
chemistry with fellow red wing Zetterberg.

I left Nylander out, but he might come in and replace Holmström
if he has a good playoff with whatever his new team will be.
Holmströms performance on the pp will be big enough to overcome
his 5on5 skills. I don't see Jörgen Jönsson or any other SEL
player earning a spot on this squad, and will be very sad if
Nils Ekman is left out. He has a spectacular shot, and has the
will to drive to the net, something this team is lacking.

Fourth line includes the Sedins with an in my opinion underrated
sniper, Johansson. As the previous poster wrote, they can make
great things happen with little icetime.

Defense pairings... I've chosen Tärnström over Kenny, because
I think he has more upside on this team, especially on a second
pp unit.

All in all, a very good team. Depending on the NHL playoffs it
could change, but if the world cup was held today, this is what
I'd ice.

Mach

The lines for the world cup is becoming more clear as the season goes on. Goalies will be Salo and Tellqvist as the top two. Third man could be Henrik Lundqvist, to get experience, or Johan Hedberg, who is a reliable backup in Vancouver.

I won't change my defensepairings cause the are one of the best in the tournament, with offensive skills and pysichal play.

Nicklas Lidström - Mattias Norström
Kim Johnsson - Marcus Ragnarsson
Mattias Öhlund - Kenny Jönsson

Dick Tärnström is the 7th man, and if injuries occur Daniel Tjärnqvist could step in. I'll also add Johan Fransson, who seems to have great portential, he could learn a lot from this guys.

The lines seems quite clear as well.

Daniel Alfredsson - Mats Sundin - Fredrik Modin
A very heavy offensive line, all players with 20+ season in goals. All of them is responsible all over the ice and could with pysichal play hold the puck for a long while in the offensive zone.

Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Andreas Johansson
The twins have been great this season and with great passer and scorer Andreas Johansson on the wing this line could produce a lot. Could be the big surprise.

Henrik Zetterberg - Michael Nylander - Per-Johan Axelsson
Not a very pysichal line, but much skills. Nylander and Zetterberg could turn any defense around, and Axelsson will help with his skating. Both Zetterberg and Axelsson are reliable defensively why this could be our shutdown line.

Markus Näslund - Peter Forsberg - Nils Ekman
Interesting line with childhoodfriends Forsberg and Näslund with Ekman, who can play though with offensive skills. In this company Ekman could turn out to something really good.

Niklas Sundström will be 13th forward, and could play at all forward positions if injuries occur. This means powerplay specialist Thomas Holmström is left out, he is a key player on the PP, and could maybe replace Ekman. PJ Axelsson is a lock as defensive forward, but Andreas Johansson could also have a battle with Holmström for the last spot, but I think he would be a perfect fit with the Sedins.

Alexander Steen and Fredrik Sjöström will be the other two U22's.

I can't really understand why everybody wants Ekman along with Näslund and Forsberg. I would rather see someone like Holmqvist on their line. We all know how well Näslund plays with Big Bert (not that I compare him with Holmqvist but their both big and strong). I think Foppa and Näslund could use some strenght on thier line...

Seiza,
What have you been smoking? :) ;)
Michael Holmqvist's chance of making the team is pretty much 0%.
Perhaps you are thinking about another player?
Modin, Sundin?

Michael Holmqvist? I'd rather choose Fredrik Sjöström in that case.

I like the idea of Ekman on the team. However I don't think Hardy will select him. If he were to be picked for the team, there are a number of options where to put him, why not use him with the Sedins, he is a proven goal scorer and has a quick release..

dont forget that Holmqvist used to play for Djurgården and we all know what that means :)

dont forget that Holmqvist used to play for Djurgården and we all know what that means :)

No, please explain.

Haha, surely I've must have been drunk. I meant Holmström of course... :D

But Tampa GM is right, Holmqvist used to play for Djurgården so we never know.

Haha, surely I've must have been drunk. I meant Holmström of course... :D

But Tampa GM is right, Holmqvist used to play for Djurgården so we never know.

I've also considered the Näslund-Forsberg-Holmström line. Could be interesting.

Peter Nordström. Is he still Bruin Property?

What about this ?!

First line: Magnus Nilsson-Jonas Rönnqvist-Karl Fabricius
Johan Fransson-Roger Åkerström

Second line: Per Ledin-Thomas "Bulan" Berglund-Linus Fagemo
Jan Sandström-Torbjörn Lindberg

Third line: Emil Lundberg-Johan Tellström-Hans Huczkowski


The defensemen are strong enough to play on two pair of defensemen and with the experiense in Åkerström we can play him in PP, BP and 5-5 because he is always on right place in right time so he never has to do the "idiot-rushes".

The offensive players, well do we have to talk about them.. ?? With "Bulan", Tellström and Rönnqvist as centers we never has to worry ! :yo:

Ps. I'm not a Luleå Hockey-Fan...

The rule with three U22's have been taken away, why there is more room for experienced players on the roster.
I'll stick with my team:

G: Tommy Salo, Mikael Tellqvist, Johan Hedberg
D: Nicklas Lidström, Mattias Norström, Kim Johnsson, Marcus Ragnarsson, Kenny Jönsson, Mattias Öhlund, Dick Tärnström
C: Peter Forsberg, Mats Sundin, Michael Nylander, Henrik Sedin, Niklas Sundström
W: Markus Näslund, Daniel Alfredsson, Fredrik Modin, Henrik Zetterberg, Daniel Sedin, Nils Ekman, Per-Johan Axelsson, Andreas Johansson

This rule change makes room for another three players (I'll take 1 defenseman and 2 forwards).

D Daniel Tjärnqvist - Solid and steady two-way d-man that have played well lately with Atlanta, getting around 25 minutes a game. Have always played well with the national team, and have earlier been paired with Kim Johnsson and Dick Tärnström.

W Kristian Huselius - Have struggled somewhat scoring goals this season but got great potential, maybe he can be a threat with the right linemates if injuries occur among our top scorers. Have shown chemistry with Nylander earlier.

W Thomas Holmström - Could be in the lineup just for his importance on the PP, he could be one of the weapons in tight games, BUT his play 5-5 isn't as good to grab a regular lineup position. If our PP doesn't work in the first games, he would be a perfect addition in the lineup.

If injuries occur:
On defense Niclas Hävelid and Christian Bäckman could step in and do a good job. Among forwards we don't got that many offenisve threats, if Renberg is gonna play he must play with Sundin to get effective, but I think he time is done in the national team. Players who could step in and do their job include Marcus Nilson and Samuel Påhlsson, players I wouldn't disagree having on the roster. Fredrik Sjöström probably won't get the chance. Mattias Weinhandl could be an extra forward, just to play with the twins, and he has played well this year in Islanders. Both offenisvely and defensively, and never is sad about his play, he gives it all.

My team would look something like this:

Forwards
Markus Näslund - Peter Forsberg - Thomas Holmström
Per-Johan Axelsson - Mats Sundin - Fredrik Modin
Henrik Zetterberg - Michael Nylander - Daniel Alfredsson
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Andreas Johansson

Nils Ekman

Defense
Niklas Lidström - Mattias Norström
Marcus Ragnarsson - Kim Johnsson
Mattias Öhlund - Kenny Jönsson

Dick Tärnstrom

Goalies
Tellqvist
Lundqvist
Liv

My team would look something like this:

Forwards
Markus Näslund - Peter Forsberg - Thomas Holmström
Per-Johan Axelsson - Mats Sundin - Fredrik Modin
Henrik Zetterberg - Michael Nylander - Daniel Alfredsson
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Andreas Johansson

Nils Ekman

Defense
Niklas Lidström - Mattias Norström
Marcus Ragnarsson - Kim Johnsson
Mattias Öhlund - Kenny Jönsson

Dick Tärnstrom

Goalies
Tellqvist
Lundqvist
Liv

Looks really good. You have room for three more players as the roster can carry 26 (3 goalies + 23 skaters) players. Who would take the final spots?

Looks really good. You have room for three more players as the roster can carry 26 (3 goalies + 23 skaters) players. Who would take the final spots?

I thought about that but couldn't really make up my mind. I could either go with safe picks like Sundström, Jönsson and Tjärnqvist for example. Or I could pick some promising players so they get the chance to gain some experience. If so I would probably pick Steen, Fransson and why not Wallin. :D

I love Hedberg! Do you think there is a chance that he will play in the world cup?? I really hope so! And I hope they will go to the final! Go Sweden!

Or I could pick some promising players so they get the chance to gain some experience. If so I would probably pick Steen, Fransson and why not Wallin. :D
But why pick young players who so they can get experience? I want to see Sweden win now, with the best available team - old or young. We have Euro Hockey Tour to develop young players, they shouldn´t play in big championships if they aren´t good enough.

I could see Alexander Steen at the World Championships though.

But why pick young players who so they can get experience? I want to see Sweden win now, with the best available team - old or young. We have Euro Hockey Tour to develop young players, they shouldn´t play in big championships if they aren´t good enough.

I could see Alexander Steen at the World Championships though.

Totally agreed. Besides, it's good to have quality alternatives if for example some lines or the PP doesn't work. Thats why it's important to have som different players as the three men out. Niklas Sundström is a player you could put anywhere, perfect extra man. But maybe he and Hardy doesn't speak the same language since last World Champs.

I agree somewhat, that's why I couldn't decide which way to go. The safe way is probably the smartest move if you want to win. And like you said, a player like Sundström can play almost anywhere. What if we use him as a backup goalie? ;)

Seems like Påhlsson is getting a ticket to World Cup after his play so far in the World Champs. If Hardy is going to play Sundin, Forsberg, Nylander, Jönsson and Påhlsson I doubt there is place for the Sedins. Sad. But Jönsson have been really good so far in the Champs, so I can't blame Hardy. BUT, Jönsson said earlier, this may be his last apperance in the National Team, he is to decide after the Champs as of what I understand.

I actually haven't been that impressed by Påhlsson, and I'm no fan of his line with Salomonsson and Hedström. A little overrated IMO. Påhlsson is a good player but I wouldn't put him on my WC team. Now Jönsson I like, but not sure if he will take a place on the WC roster either.

One player who could have played himself to the World Cup during the World champs is Bäckman though. He has impressed me from time to time. Instead of Kenny Jönsson maybe?

One player who could have played himself to the World Cup during the World champs is Bäckman though. He has impressed me from time to time. Instead of Kenny Jönsson maybe?

But Kenny Jönsson was quite good in the 2002 Olympics, except in the Belarus game, but no one were good there.

There are four locks on the Swedish defense IMO: Lidström, Norström, Johnsson and Öhlund.

The other four spots is a battle between Ragnarsson, Jönsson, Tärnström, Tjärnqvist, Hävelid and Bäckman.

IMO we need a Ragnarsson type of player, and the pairing of Hävelid and Tärnström works well so far in the Champs, Daniel Tjärnqvist is solid. At the moment I rate Bäckman last of these, but he could be with the roster to gain more experience. However, I think we should go with the best roster avaliable, and Bäckman is not a part of that team.

You're right, he's a little unproven yet and we do have better d-men. But we also have this dancing banana -> :banana:

As defenders I woul like to see these:

Lidström-Norström
Hävelid-Tärnström
Ragnarsson-Johnsson

I think those are well balanced amd would work together.

Maelmoor,
No love for Mattias Öhlund?

Öhlund have had his best season ever in the NHL this year, and is was considered by many as one of the most underrated defenders in the league. And remember, he is still quite young, only 28 years old this year.

Maelmoor,
No love for Mattias Öhlund?

Well even if Öhlund is a great player I feel that these pairs are better, they have the right balance and can play together, I rather have a good and solid team than just look at the inviduals but both he and Kenny Jönsson are great back-ups.

true, balance is important. Personally I see Ragnarsson quite similar to Öhlund, but IMO Öhlund is superior both in the defensive zone as well as in the offensive. I would choose him ahead of Ragnarsson and he would not have any problems backing up Kim Johnsson's offensive rushes. Well, that is my personal opinion of course ;) :)

The pairing of Tärnström and Hävelid have been a success during the Champs, sop Hardy probably will pick them both to play in WC. Ragnarsson and Öhlund are though needed in the lineup IMO. Together with Norström with got three good defensive d-men there, with Lidström, Johnsson and Jönsson as the offensive. Although Hävelid and Tärnström's success I would have them as 4th pairing. Daniel Tjärnqvist is another concern, he will battle for a spot. I though like Jönsson, he is more proven than the others. :)

I wouldn´t be at all surprised if the first two pairings in this years WC will play the World Cup as well. We all know that Daniel Tjärnqvist is Hardy's favourite so I expect him to be there and a 24-year old Christian Bäckman with fresh legs won´t make anyone dissapointed either. One big advantage they have against Ragnarsson and other d-men is that they are already familiar with the system and know each other on the ice.

Nicklas Lidström
Kim Johnsson
Mattias Norström
Mattias Öhlund
Niclas Hävelid
Dick Tärnström
Daniel Tjärnqvist
Christian Bäckman

Marcus Ragnarsson - maybe
Kenny Jönsson - No thanks

One big advantage they have against Ragnarsson and other d-men is that they are already familiar with the system and know each other on the ice.

Ok, they know each other on the ice, and are solid pairings but Ragnarsson is a pysichal player we need. Ragnarsson stepped in 2002 in the Olympic Team and played very well, even though that system was more different from what he played in the NHL. The system won't be a problem for those guys, they know what they can and how to use their strengths. Besides, Ragnarsson have been a good partner to Johnsson in Philly, I think it would be stupid to break up that pairing. :)

However, this is speculations that is nice to do, 'cause we got so many GOOD defensemen to chose from. Among those 10 d-men we earlier talked about, I could go with any of them in a WC, although I personally would chose Ragnarsson ahead of Bäckman at the moment. ;)

My pairings:
Nicklas Lidström - Mattias Norström (Top pairing, will play against opponents top lines)
Marcus Ragnarsson - Kim Johnsson (Sound offensive/defensive pairing)
Mattias Öhlund - Daniel Tjärnqvist (Good allround paring with two quite big guys)
(Dick Tärnström - Niclas Hävelid) (Very good pair in Champs, will be nice backups, still wouldn't put them up against the big boys)

Hrm... less than a week to the roster to be announced... here comes my final roster (I'll probably change my mind ;) )

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist (1982)
Tommy Salo (1971)
Mikael Tellqvist (1979)

Defense
Kim Johnsson (1976)
Niclas Hävelid (1973)
Nicklas Lidström (1970)
Mattias Norström (1972)
Marcus Ragnarsson (1971)
Daniel Tjärnqvist (1976)
Dick Tärnström (1975)
Mattias Öhlund (1976)

Offense
Daniel Alfredsson (1972)
Per-Johan Axelsson (1975)
Nils Ekman (1976)
Peter Forsberg (1973)
Thomas Holmström (1973)
Andreas Johansson (1973)
Fredrik Modin (1974)
Michael Nylander (1972)
Markus Näslund (1973)
Samuel Påhlsson (1977)
Daniel Sedin (1980)
Henrik Sedin (1980)
Mats Sundin (1971)
Niklas Sundström (1975)
Henrik Zetterberg (1980)

Comments: Very good roster IMO. Jönsson will probably be chosen over Sundström though, but not on my roster. Kenny Jönsson have a shot to make the defense, but I think Hardy (and I) rate Tjärnqvist, Hävelid and Tärnström ahead of him at the moment. Another thing is that the best players are in their best age, it feels like now or never. After this maybe Sundin, Forsberg and Lidström have seen the best of their careers. Lundqvist is the only non-NHL player, but he deserves to be there. On defense none non-NHL player´stand a chance to make it, and among forwards I can only see Jörgen Jönsson from the SEL to join the roster, even if I rather see he doesn't.

that's one heck of a roster :);)
I only wish Huselius had a strong season because I would have liked to see him on the team. But since he was probably not even asked to play in the WC there is no chance he'll make the WCup-team.

The ones that will score
Daniel Alfredsson
Peter Forsberg
Fredrik Modin
Michael Nylander
Markus Näslund
Mats Sundin
Henrik Zetterberg
Daniel Sedin
Henrik Sedin

The ones that will play it safe
Niklas Sundström
Samuel Påhlsson
Nils Ekman (yup, I think he will be given a checking line role, if he gets to play at all)
Per-Johan Axelsson

Other (mix, pp-specialists)
Tomas Holmström
Andreas Johansson

A good mix if you ask me, especially since some of the offensively gifted forwards are great in the defensive zone as well, IE Forsberg, Zetterberg

Hey everyone. I really like your team. In fact even if I'd die to see Russia win this World Cup, I wouldn't mind if Sweden won. It's my second favorite team, and I have to say that no matter what happened at Salt Lake (bad luck in my opinion), Sweden was by far the best team in the tournament. I just remember how they were controlling the puck ... amazing. Especially against Canada!!! It was all about puck possession, and they did really great.

I wish Sweden a lot of success for the World Cup!

GO SWEDEN!!!

A good mix if you ask me, especially since some of the offensively gifted forwards are great in the defensive zone as well, IE Forsberg, Zetterberg

That's the biggest strenght. All forwards are aware of the defensive play, while star players in for example Russia, Slovakia and Czezh Republic may be more one-way forwards. Sweden will be playing as a team, and then we'll win. Even Nylander takes defensive responsibility. That's way I think we don't need to go with that many defensive specialists (read Påhlsson, Jönsson, Sundström, Axelsson) as everyone can take that role.

yup, the least reliable is probably Michael Nylander along with Fredrik Modin, and they are still pretty good. Nylander 5-10 years ago though.. that was one big reliability. Although he usually makes his mistakes in the offensive zone.. wanting to do too much with the puck.

Sweden could have some scary powerplay if all will be healthy...

L:Näslund - C:Forsberg - R:Holmström
P:Alfredsson - RD:Lidström

L:Modin-C:Sundin - R:Zetterberg
P:Johansson - RD:Tärnström/Johnsson/Hävelid


You can also add the twins if the PP doesn't work, they play a lot of that in Vancouver.

For the unit, I want Sundin on the point, where he use to be with the national team:
Holmström - Forsberg - Näslund - Sundin - Lidström

Don't you mean liability :dunno:?


of course I do :)

That's one scary pp unit... I however liked mine better :D Sundin has a heavy shot but with that kind of talent in front, I'd rather have a quicker(doesn't have to be faster, only quicker) player on the point and Affe has quicker hands than Sundin does. Would you have Alfredsson on the point of the second unit instead?

Yeah, him or Kim Johnsson, who also is a good PP defenseman.

Second PP unit:
Lidström (plays double) - Alfredsson - A Johansson - Nylander - Zetterberg

The problem here is Holmström's role, maybe he should be on both units as well, and not play so much five-on-five, just the PP. No other player are so good in front of goal as he is. Mathias Tjärnqvist and Jonathan Hedström are trying now during the champs, but they simply don't have the combination of Homer's skill, thoughness and ability to absorb "hits".

The only player that got those skills otherwise in Sweden is Andreas Jämtin IMO. He could very well turn out to be the next Homer, although I think he maybe hasn't got as good techniqal skills as Tomas.

I noticed one thing in the past : no matter what my predictions were for Russia's powerplay units, the coaches never used them.

For example I wanted Fedorov+Kovalev+Bure+Gonchar+Yashin. The coaches never used them together ... but why? Maybe because the success of a powerplay unit is not the sum of talent of the players composing it. So all speculation is just a dream :)

Well even if Öhlund is a great player I feel that these pairs are better, they have the right balance and can play together, I rather have a good and solid team than just look at the inviduals but both he and Kenny Jönsson are great back-ups.

Ohlund should be looked at as the second best swedish defenceman in the NHL. When you consider the size and great two way play he brings, there is no way he does not play on one of the top two pairings. He is good enough to make Team Canada IMO. I certainly have him ranked as highly as Jovo in the NHL.

Öhlund have had his best season ever in the NHL this year, and is was considered by many as one of the most underrated defenders in the league. And remember, he is still quite young, only 28 years old this year.
I think he is one of the most underrated players in the world. He is the only player on the Canucks I can never see the team playing without. He is the perfect two way d-man. Simply incredible.

Ohlund should be looked at as the second best swedish defenceman in the NHL. When you consider the size and great two way play he brings, there is no way he does not play on one of the top two pairings. He is good enough to make Team Canada IMO. I certainly have him ranked as highly as Jovo in the NHL.
He´s certainly on the top 4 in Team Sweden in my opinion, I would rank both Lidström and Norström ahead of Öhlund when it comes to international play. Kim Johnsson has been great for Team Sweden in recent years so he´s up there as well.

Though I do think that what they accomplish on the national team is more important than what they do in the NHL.

He is good enough to make Team Canada IMO.

What is that supposed to mean? That Canada's defensemen are 4 times better than Sweden's? That's bullsh*t, if the NHL was a European league you wouldn't hear that much about them ...

I think he is one of the most underrated players in the world. He is the only player on the Canucks I can never see the team playing without. He is the perfect two way d-man. Simply incredible.

Your'e right, he'll be a top-4 defender for Sweden. Although I don't like leaving Marcus Ragnarsson out of the lineup, it looks like this is going to be the starting six for Sweden:

Nicklas Lidström - Mattias Norström
Mattias Öhlund - Kim Johnsson
Niclas Hävelid - Dick Tärnström.

Although Tärnström-Hävelid have been good in the Champs, I don't know if the can handle the big canadian forwards as well as Ragnarsson. But chemistry is important, and to come with two pairings (Lidström/Norström and Tärnström/Hävelid) that have worked in the past is a huge advantage. Besides, this pairing will work in the european group as both Tärnström and Hävelid are good skaters and puckhandlers, with could be good abilitys vs Finland and the Czechs.

One thing is good though, we won't be that much weaker if one or two defenders will suffer injuries as we have Ragnarsson, Jönsson, Tjärnqvist and Bäckman as good replacements.

At the moment I would pick this team. Although I'm starting to hesitate about Andreas Johansson because of his World Champs I will give him a second chance. So tell me what am I missing and why? :dunno:

Forwards
Markus Näslund - Peter Forsberg - Thomas Holmström
Per-Johan Axelsson - Mats Sundin - Fredrik Modin
Henrik Zetterberg - Michael Nylander - Daniel Alfredsson
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Andreas Johansson
Nils Ekman - Jörgen Jönsson - Samuel Påhlsson

Defensemen
Niklas Lidström - Mattias Norström
Marcus Ragnarsson - Kim Johnsson
Mattias Öhlund - Kenny Jönsson
Daniel Tjärnqvist - Dick Tärnstrom

Goaltenders
Tellqvist
Lundqvist
Liv

At the moment I would pick this team. Although I'm starting to hesitate about Andreas Johansson because of his World Champs I will give him a second chance. So tell me what am I missing and why? :dunno:

Forwards
Markus Näslund - Peter Forsberg - Thomas Holmström
Per-Johan Axelsson - Mats Sundin - Fredrik Modin
Henrik Zetterberg - Michael Nylander - Daniel Alfredsson
Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Andreas Johansson
Nils Ekman - Jörgen Jönsson - Samuel Påhlsson

Defensemen
Niklas Lidström - Mattias Norström
Marcus Ragnarsson - Kim Johnsson
Mattias Öhlund - Kenny Jönsson
Daniel Tjärnqvist - Dick Tärnstrom

Goaltenders
Tellqvist
Lundqvist
Liv

Looks very good. Mostly like my roster look like. One thing though, Salo will be one of the goalies for his expereince at the international level, perfect mentor for Tellqvist and Lundqvist. We shouldn't go with three young goalies.

EDIT: This defense is what I've talked about so long, let's go with it! I don't want softy Tärnström or unreliable Hävelid out there (although they're good d-men) istead of Ragnarsson and Jönsson. Perfect pairings, Seiza. :handclap:

I wish we could reserve one spot in the roster for one really, really tough player because it seem to be needed looking the World Championship final. Maybe we could convince Finlands Sami Helenius to become a Swede ;)

hehe, Mattias Norström is probably the closest thing we got to a really tough player.
Marcus Nilson is no angel either.

Looks very good. Mostly like my roster look like. One thing though, Salo will be one of the goalies for his expereince at the international level, perfect mentor for Tellqvist and Lundqvist. We shouldn't go with three young goalies.

EDIT: This defense is what I've talked about so long, let's go with it! I don't want softy Tärnström or unreliable Hävelid out there (although they're good d-men) istead of Ragnarsson and Jönsson. Perfect pairings, Seiza. :handclap:

I actually don't think we need Salo, I've never been a fan of him although he did great things for us. It would be for the mentor thing, but I don't think Tellqvist needs a mentor in the national team. Lundqvist might play one game and Liv is just there to watch and learn.

Agree on the defense, this is what we need. Tärnström might be a great PP d-man but I don't want him in my own zone when there are better players to chose from. The pairing with Hävelid and Tärnström might have been good inte World Champs, but I think the pairings I listed are more reliable..

I wish we could reserve one spot in the roster for one really, really tough player because it seem to be needed looking the World Championship final. Maybe we could convince Finlands Sami Helenius to become a Swede ;)

I don't think we should have that many pysichal players, just because they're pysichal. With Öhlund, Ragnarsson and Norström on the blueline with got though d-men, but among forwards we'll have to rely on our top skill. We'll simply have to outplay our opponents with skill, not thoughness. The problem vs Canada yesterday wasn't thoughness, Canada simply was better. Besides, almost all of our swedish players work hard both offensively and defensively and will go into traffic, if that's what is needed.


Agree on the defense, this is what we need. Tärnström might be a great PP d-man but I don't want him in my own zone when there are better players to chose from. The pairing with Hävelid and Tärnström might have been good inte World Champs, but I think the pairings I listed are more reliable..

After all, we got Kim Johnsson and Nicklas Lidström to run the PP, so Tärnström isn't needed in that area. Besides, Tärnström didn't show that much of being a super PP-man during the World Championships. He is a good back-up though.

I don't think we should have that many pysichal players, just because they're pysichal. With Öhlund, Ragnarsson and Norström on the blueline with got though d-men, but among forwards we'll have to rely on our top skill. We'll simply have to outplay our opponents with skill, not thoughness. The problem vs Canada yesterday wasn't thoughness, Canada simply was better. Besides, almost all of our swedish players work hard both offensively and defensively and will go into traffic, if that's what is needed.

I have to disagree with you on that, Sweden were bulldozed yesterday in front of the nets. Sweden had more skilled players but lost due to weak goaltending as a result of weak defensive play in their own end. Henrik isn´t the most experinced goalie either...

And did you see any swedish forward in front of Luongo? Too bad they didn´t invite Tomas Holmström, he wanted to play but was left out.

Ehm... Just a question... Wasn't Tärnström a reliable stay at homer before he left for pittsburgh?
No, he probably just didn´t see as much icetime on the PP in his early years. He did put some numbers with AIK the last three seasons in Sweden.

http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=744

They had only two skater spots open... Choosing between Holmström and Forsberg shouldn't be two hard...
They registred the wrong players from the beginning, an injured Andreas Johansson and Mathias Tjärnqvist or Fredrik Sjöström should not have been there either.

My team:

Goaltenders
-----------
Tellqvist
Salo
Lundqvist

(NOTE: For me they are at pretty equal level)


Defensemen
----------
Niklas Lidström
Mattias Norström

Kim Johnsson
Mattias Öhlund

Dick Tärnstrom
Marcus Ragnarsson

Daniel Tjärnqvist
Kenny Jönsson (if Kenny accepts to play for Tre Kronor)

(NOTE: I pick Christian Bäckman if kenny doesn't accept a spot. Others I also considered were Henrik Tallinder and Anders Eriksson)


Forwards
--------
Markus Näslund
Peter Forsberg
Thomas Holmström

Per-Johan Axelsson
Mats Sundin
Fredrik Modin

Henrik Zetterberg
Michael Nylander
Daniel Alfredsson

Andreas Salomonsson
Samuel Påhlsson
Marcus Nilson

Peter Nordström
Jörgen Jönsson
Mattias Weinhandl

(NOTE: The Sedins have to be close to make the team. First I forgot about Weinhandl and picked Davidsson. I can also imagine Hannula instead)

I have to disagree with you on that, Sweden were bulldozed yesterday in front of the nets. Sweden had more skilled players but lost due to weak goaltending as a result of weak defensive play in their own end. Henrik isn´t the most experinced goalie either...

And did you see any swedish forward in front of Luongo? Too bad they didn´t invite Tomas Holmström, he wanted to play but was left out.

Agreed Sweden was "bulldozed". I though see most of swedish players as guys that want to be in front of the goal. Yesterday the problem was we had to short attacks, the canadian defensemen was superb in getting the swedish players away from goal. We don't play a though game, but players like Axelsson, Holmström, Forsberg, Sundin, Alfredsson, Modin and even Zetterberg have been in front of goal several times this season as of what I've seen from the NHL. They didn't do that yesterday, but you can't take that game for a general game. Besides, we're equal to the european teams, but have problems when meeting the NA teams. We can't meet them with their kind of play, we have to outplay them. But that's my opinion. The fact is NA players are more thougher, and that won't change.

Besides, I don't completly agree on that the canadian team was less skilled than the swedish. They were pretty equal IMO. Lot of top line players from NHL (Heatly, Smyth, Murray, Briere, Morrison) and a lot of quality checkers/defensive players (Horcoff, Niedermayer).

They registred the wrong players from the beginning, an injured Andreas Johansson and Mathias Tjärnqvist or Fredrik Sjöström should not have been there either.

Sjöström and Tjärnqvist was playing well IMO. Besides, they show skills that often swedish players don't. They should've been given more ice-time vs Canada, 'cause we wasn't able to outplay them.

What is that supposed to mean? That Canada's defensemen are 4 times better than Sweden's? That's bullsh*t, if the NHL was a European league you wouldn't hear that much about them ...

Easy cowboy....Team Canada is just far far deeper. Canada could ice three teams that could compete for a World Cup or Olympic Gold Medal....simply a numbers game.....that is what happens when you contribute 55% + of the players in the best league in the world. My point simply being that everyone (apparently including Swedish hockey fans) drastically underrates Ohlund's talent.


EDIT: Did not really make my point all that clear after reading it again.....one more time....

Sweden's national team is IMO the second best in the world....that said Canada is simply far and away better in depth. The players on Sweden's third and fourth lines and bottom pairing D would not make Canada's second team and in some cases not even their third team. About two thirds of you believe that the Sedins are going to be named to the World Cup Team....they would not make team 3 of Canada. On the other hand the top two lines and top pairing D men, are just as good as Canada's, and perhaps arguably better.

Lidstrom is still the best D-man in the World
Forsberg is still the best centre
Naslund, Sundin, and Alfredsson are all top 15-20 forwards

After those players it really starts to drop off. Me saying Ohlund makes Team Canada is to say I think he is one of the fifteen best defenders in the world right now. I think it laughable that anyone would pick Ragnarsson over him....there is simply no comparison between the two. I have heard people mention chemistry as a deciding factor, which may be an issue when comparing equivalent talents, but I have seen the downside of that strategy. Chemistry and heart were used as the excuse for picking Rob Zamuner to the '98 Nagano Olympics....he had no business being there....picking Rags over Ohlund would be a comparable misjudgement.

Easy cowboy....Team Canada is just far far deeper. Canada could ice three teams that could compete for a World Cup or Olympic Gold Medal....simply a numbers game.....that is what happens when you contribute 55% + of the players in the best league in the world. My point simply being that everyone (apparently including Swedish hockey fans) drastically underrates Ohlund's talent.


EDIT: Did not really make my point all that clear after reading it again.....one more time....

Sweden's national team is IMO the second best in the world....that said Canada is simply far and away better in depth. The players on Sweden's third and fourth lines and bottom pairing D would not make Canada's second team and in some cases not even their third team. About two thirds of you believe that the Sedins are going to be named to the World Cup Team....they would not make team 3 of Canada. On the other hand the top two lines and top pairing D men, are just as good as Canada's, and perhaps arguably better.

Lidstrom is still the best D-man in the World
Forsberg is still the best centre
Naslund, Sundin, and Alfredsson are all top 15-20 forwards

After those players it really starts to drop off. Me saying Ohlund makes Team Canada is to say I think he is one of the fifteen best defenders in the world right now. I think it laughable that anyone would pick Ragnarsson over him....there is simply no comparison between the two. I have heard people mention chemistry as a deciding factor, which may be an issue when comparing equivalent talents, but I have seen the downside of that strategy. Chemistry and heart were used as the excuse for picking Rob Zamuner to the '98 Nagano Olympics....he had no business being there....picking Rags over Ohlund would be a comparable misjudgement.

Totally agreed. Remember, most of those swedish players that now play in NHL was stars in SEL, but now plays a bottom line/3rd pairing role in the NHL, or even the AHL. NHL is the best league, Canada the best country. It's as simple as that.

BUT, you're only allowed to pick 20 players to play at one time, and that's why all other contries have a chance. That's why sports is so entertaining, it doesn't help Canada have 400 good players and Sweden 50, it's still just 20 that plays.

Besides, I think Canda had a really good roster going into the World Champs. Many of those would have taken a place in the swedish lineup. Swedish media said that the swedish team had a lot more talent than the canadian, I don't agree. Morrison, Heatly, Smyth, Murray and Briere are quality players in the NHL, we'd got Nylander, Axelsson, A Johansson, Alfredsson, Sjöström. Sweden more talented? Won't agree on that.

Totally agreed. Remember, most of those swedish players that now play in NHL was stars in SEL, but now plays a bottom line/3rd pairing role in the NHL, or even the AHL. NHL is the best league, Canada the best country. It's as simple as that.

BUT, you're only allowed to pick 20 players to play at one time, and that's why all other contries have a chance. That's why sports is so entertaining, it doesn't help Canada have 400 good players and Sweden 50, it's still just 20 that plays.

Besides, I think Canda had a really good roster going into the World Champs. Many of those would have taken a place in the swedish lineup. Swedish media said that the swedish team had a lot more talent than the canadian, I don't agree. Morrison, Heatly, Smyth, Murray and Briere are quality players in the NHL, we'd got Nylander, Axelsson, A Johansson, Alfredsson, Sjöström. Sweden more talented? Won't agree on that.

Agree as well. The fact that you can only pick 20 is why Team Sweden is a very very close second to canada right now. If not for the goaltending issue it would be a wash as Sweden's top players are better than Canada's. I find it interesting how depth works by position. Finland is #2 in the world in net in terms of depth but probably #6 in forwards. Sweden is #3 in depth at forward (after USA IMO), #2 on D, and possibly #6 in net. Taking the top 20 players, Canada is #1, Sweden #2, and Finland #5. Weird how that works out.

I posted this for Team Canada on the National Hockey League Talk board, it would be interesting if someone could do the same for team Sweden:

Centres

Top - 7

(Forsberg)
Thornton (r)
Sakic (f)
(Sundin)
Marleau (r)
Primeau (-)
Richards (r)
Lecavalier (r)
Lemieux * (f)

The Rest (No Particular Order)

Rucchin (f)
Savard (r)
Briere (r)
Arnott (f)
Draper (r)
Yzerman * (f)
Comrie (r)
Allison * (f)
Ribeiro (r)
Madden (r)
Peca (f)
Scatchard (-)
Lindros * (f)
Spezza (r)
White (r)
Langkow (-)
Morrison (r)
Nieuwendyk * (f)


Left Wing

Top - 7

(Naslund)
Kariya (-)
Nash (r)
Tanguay (r)
Smyth (f)
Morrow (r)
Gagne (f)
Cooke (r)

The Rest (No Order)

Daze (-)
Bell (r)
Sanderson (f)
Shanahan (f)
Moreau (r)
Torres (r)
Hartnell (r)
Damphousse (f)
Stillman (r)
Roberts * (f)
Whitney (-)


Right Wing

Top - 7

Heatley (r)
Iginla (-)
St Louis (r)
Bertuzzi (r)
(Alfredsson)
Doan (r)
Sullivan (r)
Murray (r)

The Rest (No Order)

Lapointe (f)
O'Neill * (f)
Ryder (r)
Walker (-)
Carter (f)
Fisher (r)
Recchi (f)
Williams (r)
Cheechoo (r)
Nolan * (f)


Defense

Top - 12

(Lidstrom)
Pronger (-)
Blake (-)
Niedermayer (r)
Redden (r)
Jovanovski (-)
Aucoin (r)
(Ohlund)
Brewer (-)
(Norstrom)
(Johnson)
Regehr (r)
McCabe (r)
Stuart (r)
Foote (f)
Hannan (r)

The Rest (No Order)

Boynton (r)
Warrener (f)
Morris (f)
Sydor (f)
Smith (-)
Bouwmeester (r)
Van Ryn (r)
Souray (r)
Hamhuis (r)
Stevens * (f)
Philips (-)
Desjardins * (f)
Jackman * (r)
MacInnis * (f)
McLaren (f)
Boyle (r)
Sarich (r)
Sopel (r)
Witt (f)



Goal

Top - 5

Brodeur (-)
Luongo (r)
Theodore (r)
Turco (r)
Belfour * (f)

The Rest (No Order)

Giguere (r)
Raycroft (r)
Weekes (r)
Thibault (f)
Biron (f)
Denis (-)
Joseph (f)
Roloson (r)
Lalime (f)
Burke (f)
Osgood (f)
Cloutier * (r)

* Significant injury issue. May or may not have affected ranking.
(r) Ranking has improved since the Olympics
(f) Ranking has fallen since the Olympics
(-) No change in ranking since the Olympics

EDIT: Put in some key players for Sweden to show where I would rank them.

Agree as well. The fact that you can only pick 20 is why Team Sweden is a very very close second to canada right now. If not for the goaltending issue it would be a wash as Sweden's top players are better than Canada's. I find it interesting how depth works by position. Finland is #2 in the world in net in terms of depth but probably #6 in forwards. Sweden is #3 in depth at forward (after USA IMO), #2 on D, and possibly #6 in net. Taking the top 20 players, Canada is #1, Sweden #2, and Finland #5. Weird how that works out.

Yeah, but this also feels like Sweden's last chance in a while, as out greatest stars is getting older. We seem to have good goalies coming, but the depth among forwards is not good at all. Among d-men I'm not that worried, we got some talents.

Interesting to make those rankings... I'll try... with the top 7 hockey nations...
This is considering the top 3 goalies, top 8 -men, and top 15 forwards...

Goaltending:
1 Canada
2 Finland
3 Czech R
4 USA
5 Russia
6 Sweden
7 Slovakia

Defense
1 Canada
2 Sweden
3 Czech R
4 Russia
5 Finland
6 USA
7 Slovakia

Forwards
1 Canada
2 Slovakia
3 USA
4 Sweden
5 Russia
6 Czech R
7 Finland

Especially among forwards it was hard, it depends on what aspects you look at (offenisive, defensive, all round, scorers). Slovakia has such great skill, but lacks of pysichal play and defensive awarness. Lovely to see though. Hard to rank.

I posted this for Team Canada on the National Hockey League Talk board, it would be interesting if someone could do the same for team Sweden:

Centres

Top - 7

Thornton (r)
Sakic (f)
Marleau (r)
Primeau (-)
Richards (r)
Lecavalier (r)
Lemieux * (f)

The Rest (No Particular Order)

Rucchin (f)
Savard (r)
Briere (r)
Arnott (f)
Draper (r)
Yzerman * (f)
Comrie (r)
Allison * (f)
Ribeiro (r)
Madden (r)
Peca (f)
Scatchard (-)
Lindros * (f)
Spezza (r)
White (r)
Langkow (-)
Morrison (r)
Nieuwendyk * (f)


Left Wing

Top - 7

Kariya (-)
Nash (r)
Tanguay (r)
Smyth (f)
Morrow (r)
Gagne (f)
Cooke (r)

The Rest (No Order)

Daze (-)
Bell (r)
Sanderson (f)
Shanahan (f)
Moreau (r)
Torres (r)
Hartnell (r)
Damphousse (f)
Stillman (r)
Roberts * (f)
Whitney (-)


Right Wing

Top - 7

Heatley (r)
Iginla (-)
St Louis (r)
Bertuzzi (r)
Doan (r)
Sullivan (r)
Murray (r)

The Rest (No Order)

Lapointe (f)
O'Neill * (f)
Ryder (r)
Walker (-)
Carter (f)
Fisher (r)
Recchi (f)
Williams (r)
Cheechoo (r)
Nolan * (f)


Defense

Top - 12

Pronger (-)
Blake (-)
Niedermayer (r)
Redden (r)
Jovanovski (-)
Aucoin (r)
Brewer (-)
Regehr (r)
McCabe (r)
Stuart (r)
Foote (f)
Hannan (r)

The Rest (No Order)

Boynton (r)
Warrener (f)
Morris (f)
Sydor (f)
Smith (-)
Bouwmeester (r)
Van Ryn (r)
Souray (r)
Hamhuis (r)
Stevens * (f)
Philips (-)
Desjardins * (f)
Jackman * (r)
MacInnis * (f)
McLaren (f)
Boyle (r)
Sarich (r)
Sopel (r)
Witt (f)



Goal

Top - 5

Brodeur (-)
Luongo (r)
Theodore (r)
Turco (r)
Belfour * (f)

The Rest (No Order)

Giguere (r)
Raycroft (r)
Weekes (r)
Thibault (f)
Biron (f)
Denis (-)
Joseph (f)
Roloson (r)
Lalime (f)
Burke (f)
Osgood (f)
Cloutier * (r)

* Significant injury issue. May or may not have affected ranking.
(r) Ranking has improved since the Olympics
(f) Ranking has fallen since the Olympics
(-) No change in ranking since the Olympics

That's quite impressive work. And really points out the depth among Canadian players.

Yeah, but this also feels like Sweden's last chance in a while, as out greatest stars is getting older. We seem to have good goalies coming, but the depth among forwards is not good at all. Among d-men I'm not that worried, we got some talents.

Interesting to make those rankings... I'll try... with the top 7 hockey nations...
This is considering the top 3 goalies, top 8 -men, and top 15 forwards...

Goaltending:
1 Canada
2 Finland
3 Czech R
4 USA
5 Russia
6 Sweden
7 Slovakia

Defense
1 Canada
2 Sweden
3 Czech R
4 Russia
5 Finland
6 USA
7 Slovakia

Forwards
1 Canada
2 Slovakia
3 USA
4 Sweden
5 Russia
6 Czech R
7 Finland

Especially among forwards it was hard, it depends on what aspects you look at (offenisive, defensive, all round, scorers). Slovakia has such great skill, but lacks of pysichal play and defensive awarness. Lovely to see though. Hard to rank.

Interesting comparison. I would rank Sweden higher on forwards and the USA higher on defence than you have but not far off from what I see. Overall I have

Canada
Sweden
USA
Czech Republic
Russia
Finland
Slovakia

Team Sweden depth chart :)

GOALTENDING
Mikael Tellqvist
Tommy Salo
Henrik Lundqvist
Johan Hedberg
Stefan Liv
Johan Holmqvist
Daniel Henriksson

DEFENSE
Nicklas Lidström
Mattias Öhlund
Mattias Norström
Kim Johnsson
Dick Tärnström
Marcus Ragnarsson
Daniel Tjärnqvist
Niclas Hävelid
Kenny Jönsson
Niklas Kronwall
Christian Bäckman
Henrik Tallinder
Mattias Timander
Anders Eriksson
Niclas Wallin
Andreas Lilja
Per Hållberg
Ronnie Sundin
Josef Boumedienne
Pierre Hedin

CENTERS
Peter Forsberg
Mats Sundin
Michael Nylander
Henrik Sedin
Samuel Påhlsson
Jörgen Jönsson
Per Svartvadet
Johan Davidsson


FORWARDS
Markus Näslund
Daniel Alfredsson
Henrik Zetterberg
Fredrik Modin
Daniel Sedin
Nils Ekman
Per-Johan Axelsson
Kristian Huselius
Marcus Nilson
Niklas Sundström
Andreas Johansson
Mattias Weinhandl
Peter Nordström
Mikael Renberg
Fredrik Sjöström
Mathias Tjärnqvist
Magnus Arvedson
Andreas Dackell
Christian Berglund
Rickard Wallin

Probably missed a couple of players, all IMO of course. Then some of the forwards - Wallin, Zetterberg can play other positions as well.. obviously :) Also this not at all how I think the WCUP-team will look like, more like how good I think they are when on top of their games.

Not that I have any high regards over Färjestad and their players but...
Are you serious when you imply that Henrik Sedin is a better centerforward than Jörgen Jönsson?

Nils Ekman could be useful if we need someone to run over the opponents goalie. ;)
Still I would rank him lower, if I had the "ork" to make a list of my own. :)

Well, in the NHL I would rank Sedin higher. On international ice I would never choose Henrik ahead of Jönsson. I must admit that I have never been a huge fan of Jönsson, but he is like a good wine.. get's better with age :)

As for Nils Ekman it is tough to say, obviously he has been doing great things this season and developed a lot. One of many players that we, here home in Sweden, can't be too sure about. Heck, looking at my list now.. I'd probably switch quite a few players. For example Peter Nordström who I think is better than a lot of the forwards ahead of him :)

oh well..

Modin Sundin Alfredsson
Naslund Forsberg Ekman
Zetterberg Nylander Holmstorm
D.Sedin H. Sedin Johansson

Lidstrom Norstrom
Ohlund Johnsson
Jonsson Tarnstrom

Tellqvist
Salo
Hedberg

U22 - Steen, Sjöström, Fransson

Modin Sundin Alfredsson
Naslund Forsberg Ekman
Zetterberg Nylander Holmstorm
D.Sedin H. Sedin Johansson

Lidstrom Norstrom
Ohlund Johnsson
Jonsson Tarnstrom

Tellqvist
Salo
Hedberg

U22 - Steen, Sjöström, Fransson

Don't need the U-22's, that rule is long gone..

Naslund-Forsberg-Sundstrom (O-Vik line)
Renberg-Sundin-Alfredsson (great at olympics)
Sedin-Sedin-Zetterberg
Modin-Nylander-Holmstrom
Axelsson, Pahlsson

Norstrom-Lidstrom
Ohlund-Johnsson
Jonsson-Tarnstrom
Ragnarsson

Salo
Hedberg

Renberg-Sundin-Alfredsson (great at olympics)

Only problem is it was Dahlen - Sundin - Alfredsson ;)

Don't want Renberg on the roster, he's done at this level IMO.

Don't want Renberg on the roster, he's done at this level IMO.

I can't see neither Renberg nor Sundström getting selected. Don't want any of them on the roster..

I can't see neither Renberg nor Sundström getting selected. Don't want any of them on the roster..

I could see Sundström as a good reserve, but at the moment both Samuel Påhlsson and Jörgen Jönsson are ranked ahead of him.

Näslund-Forsberg-Sundström
Modin-Sundin-Alfredsson
Huselius-Nylander-Zetterberg
Axelsson-Påhlsson-Holmström
(Marcus Nilsson)

Norström-Lidström
Öhlund-Johnson
Ragnarsson-Tarnström
(Bäckman)

Hedberg
Tellqvist
(Lundqvist)

Näslund - Forsberg - Sundström
Modin - Sundin - Alfredsson
Zetterberg - Påhlsson - Axelsson
Ekman - Jönsson - Nilson

Lidström - Norström
Ragnarsson - Johnsson
Hävelid - Tärnström
Öhlund - Tjärnqvist

Salo
Hedberg
Lundqvist

The team unfortunately has a weak right wing and Sundström is only included because of that line doing exceptionally well at the World Juniors 11 years ago. Bit nostalgic... Holmström could replace him in the squad but that would mean major restructuring of the lines. Holmström is left out by me.

Goalies are the true weak spot of the team. I know that Tellqvist will be included in the team IRL and that says a lot IMO. Remember that he's third on the Maple Leafs depth chart.

Is there some unknown reason as to why some of you would omit Kenny Jönsson from your suggestions (dispute with Nilsson or something)? With the exception of Lidström, he is far and away the most solid all-round Swedish defenseman. He is absolutely invaluable for your team come World Cup time :teach:

CIsle,
I think a lot of people (me included) think that Jönsson is going downhill. Main reason is though that he has always been mediocre (at best) with the Swedish national team, while other defensemen (who are not considered big stars over there) have performed very well with team Sweden.

Is there some unknown reason as to why some of you would omit Kenny Jönsson from your suggestions (dispute with Nilsson or something)? With the exception of Lidström, he is far and away the most solid all-round Swedish defenseman. He is absolutely invaluable for your team come World Cup time :teach:
He has quite simply sucked in Team Sweden. And the fact that he usually turns down the invitations to the WC doesn´t really make him more popular.

Here´s my team for the World Cup. I selected 3 goalies, 8 d-men and 15 forwards since quite a few of those forwards are more or less injured. I can´t see any reason to have more d-men either with so few games in the tournament. No Sedins for me thank you.

Goalies
Tommy Salo
Mikael Tellqvist
Henrik Lundqvist

Defensemen
Nicklas Lidström
Mattias Norström
Kim Johnsson
Mattias Öhlund
Niclas Hävelid
Marcus Ragnarsson
Daniel Tjärnqvist
Dick Tärnström

Forwards
Mats Sundin
Peter Forsberg
Daniel Alfredsson
Markus Näslund
Henrik Zetterberg
Fredrik Modin
Michael Nylander
Jörgen Jönsson
Samuel Påhlsson
Per-Johan Axelsson
Mikael Renberg (Will he be able to play at all?)
Tomas Holmström
Jonas Höglund
Kristian Huselius
Andreas Johansson


Reserves:
Johan Hedberg
Kenny Jönsson
Christian Bäckman
Ronnie Sundin
Marcus Nilson
Peter Nordström
Andreas Salomonsson
Johan Davidsson
Niklas Sundström
Nils Ekman

I can´t see any reason to have more d-men either with so few games in the tournament. No Sedins for me thank you.

Forwards
Mats Sundin
Peter Forsberg
Daniel Alfredsson
Markus Näslund
Henrik Zetterberg
Fredrik Modin
Michael Nylander
Jörgen Jönsson
Samuel Påhlsson
Per-Johan Axelsson
Mikael Renberg (Will he be able to play at all?)
Tomas Holmström
Jonas Höglund
Kristian Huselius
Andreas Johansson


The Sedins combine for 100 points in the NHL and you have stiffs like Hoglund and J.Jonsson who cant even make the NHL? :dunno:

The Sedins combine for 100 points in the NHL and you have stiffs like Hoglund and J.Jonsson who cant even make the NHL? :dunno:

Jönsson would have no problems playing in the NHL, he just doesn't want to. By far the best player outside NA IMO. I know most of you dislike him but I don't. I really like that morris... ;)

Here´s my team for the World Cup. I selected 3 goalies, 8 d-men and 15 forwards since quite a few of those forwards are more or less injured. I can´t see any reason to have more d-men either with so few games in the tournament. No Sedins for me thank you.

Goalies
Tommy Salo
Mikael Tellqvist
Henrik Lundqvist

Defensemen
Nicklas Lidström
Mattias Norström
Kim Johnsson
Mattias Öhlund
Niclas Hävelid
Marcus Ragnarsson
Daniel Tjärnqvist
Dick Tärnström

Forwards
Mats Sundin
Peter Forsberg
Daniel Alfredsson
Markus Näslund
Henrik Zetterberg
Fredrik Modin
Michael Nylander
Jörgen Jönsson
Samuel Påhlsson
Per-Johan Axelsson
Mikael Renberg (Will he be able to play at all?)
Tomas Holmström
Jonas Höglund
Kristian Huselius
Andreas Johansson


Reserves:
Johan Hedberg
Kenny Jönsson
Christian Bäckman
Ronnie Sundin
Peter Nordström
Andreas Salomonsson
Johan Davidsson
Niklas Sundström
Nils Ekman

Jonas Höglund? No thanks. He has to play on the top lines top be effective, and I can't see that happen.

I wonder how Hardy thinks when it comes to the twins.

He have picked them for several WC's when they were very young, but haven't considered them the last years. I think he likes them, I really think they will be selected for the WC. Now when there are three open spots for forwards there is room to pick them.

I also think he likes them more than Niklas Sundström (wasn't picked for Champs last year) and Nils Ekman (didn't get a fair chance at the national team when being home in Djurgården).

Besides, Hardy often speaks of giving younger players experience and so on.

I wonder how Hardy thinks when it comes to the twins.



I think they both will be picked or not at all. If not I think Henrik could make the team but not Daniel.

That's how I would have done it.

Jönsson would have no problems playing in the NHL, he just doesn't want to. By far the best player outside NA IMO. I know most of you dislike him but I don't. I really like that morris... ;)

Yes, I'd rank him as our top #4 center, after the world champs maybe our #3 enter. I personally think it worked well having him center forsberg on lw.

I've never been a Jönsson fan, far from it, but he has really elevated his play.

Mach

These are my post-wc modified forward lines:

Forsberg - Jönsson - Alfredsson
Näslund - Sundin - Nylander
Modin - Påhlsson - Johan Davidsson
Axelsson - Zetterberg - Marcus Nilson

I believe that Jönsson and Påhlsson would be defensively responsible enough to play center on the team. Moving nylander and forsberg to wing won't hurt their play much since they are pretty much freewheeling anyway.

I'd also rate pahlssons and jönssons defensive play over them.

This would somewhat cover up our weakness on wing, and get very
sound defensive play at center. Left out Ekman since I'm not sure if he can excel in tight playoff games.

I'd keep Holmström on the roster to play pp.

Forsberg - Jönsson - Alfredsson
Näslund - Sundin - Nylander
Modin - Påhlsson - Johan Davidsson
Axelsson - Zetterberg - Marcus Nilson

Davidsson won't play, I'm sure of that. Påhlsson over Zetterberg? Won't do that either. And if Jörgen Jönsson is our top-center I'm gonna cry, he is a good player but no first line center on this team. He was good troughout the Champs, but didn't produce that much. Good work ethics and good defensive play is his streghts, valuable aspects if you gonna be 3rd or 4th line center, not top center.

Nice to see Marcus Nilson in the lineup though. Just watched the 2nd game between Calgary and San Jose, and Nilson is very good at the moment. Could very well be a fourth liner on this team. Ekman also impressed, working hard and seems to be in front of the goal a lot.

so when are they gonna announce that roster??? I can't wait! :cry:

Davidsson won't play, I'm sure of that. Påhlsson over Zetterberg? Won't do that either. And if Jörgen Jönsson is our top-center I'm gonna cry, he is a good player but no first line center on this team. He was good troughout the Champs, but didn't produce that much. Good work ethics and good defensive play is his streghts, valuable aspects if you gonna be 3rd or 4th line center, not top center.

I think Påhlsson has elevated his play alot this season. He has turned out quite a physical player. Zetterberg is obviously the more offensive gifted, but I don't see the huge upside all things considered.

You are correct that Jönsson would probably do better with 3'rd, 4'th line minutes. I imagine the top 2 lines would be about equal in ice time. Perhaps put Zetterberg with Forsberg and Alfredsson, and put Jönsson on th 4'th. Bumping Forsberg and Nylander to wing is the consequence of being weaker on wing. Even if Nylander had a quite good playoff, I'd still want someone more positionally sound as center vs the worlds stars. He would perform better on wing imo.

Also, I don't want to see Ekman (or Andreas Johansson) take the roster spots from Påhlsson/Jönsson, (even though Ekman normally plays a somewhat physical game). I'd like to build a team that can beat Canada, that can finish along the boards, rather than a technical team that can skate with the euro teams.

IMO, when it comes down to it, the games will be tougher than people realize, and I believe Swedes have a tendency to value finesse over grit.

Nice to see Marcus Nilson in the lineup though. Just watched the 2nd game between Calgary and San Jose, and Nilson is very good at the moment.

The way he is playing right now proves that he can swing with the best of them when it matters, imo.

Mach

was it today the roster was about to be announced?

According to Expressen the roster will be announced on Monday (17/5).

yup, just found it on tv4.se.
thanks :)

It was earlier said on Swehockey.se the roster was to be announced today. Bah. Just have to wait some days then.

Goaltenders:
Henrik Lundqvist (1982)
Tommy Salo (1971)
Mikael Tellqvist (1979)

Defense
Kim Johnsson (1976)
Niclas Hävelid (1973)
Nicklas Lidström (1970)
Mattias Norström (1972)
Marcus Ragnarsson (1971)
Daniel Tjärnqvist (1976)
Dick Tärnström (1975)
Mattias Öhlund (1976)

Offense
Daniel Alfredsson (1972)
Per-Johan Axelsson (1975)
Nils Ekman (1976)
Peter Forsberg (1973)
Thomas Holmström (1973)
Andreas Johansson (1973)
Fredrik Modin (1974)
Michael Nylander (1972)
Markus Näslund (1973)
Samuel Påhlsson (1977)
Daniel Sedin (1980)
Henrik Sedin (1980)
Mats Sundin (1971)
Niklas Sundström (1975)
Henrik Zetterberg (1980)


With Marcus Nilson's success in the playoffs I take him over Niklas Sundström. He has the toughness and work ethics which could be valuable for the team. Other wise I'll stick with my roster ;)

The Sedins combine for 100 points in the NHL and you have stiffs like Hoglund and J.Jonsson who cant even make the NHL? :dunno:
Well, the national team is somewhat different than the NHL and Jonas Höglund has scored 11 goals in 29 WC-games so far. If you didn´t notice I did actually rank the players with the ones at the bottom questionable. Watching Marcus Nilson last game would suggest a spot for him at the World Cup, I wouldn´t be at all surprised if he get´s selected.

Only 96 for the Sedins...

Jörgen Jönsson is a better and more experienced player than Henrik Sedin.

Isn´t Peter Worrell swedish?

Jörgen Jönsson is a better and more experienced player than Henrik Sedin.


Sedin is a legit 2nd line centre in the best league in the world. And, again, Jonsson isn't even in the NHL. The management for team Sweden wont take into account how many times Jonsson has represented his country at the WC either. :teach:

Sedin is a legit 2nd line centre in the best league in the world. And, again, Jonsson isn't even in the NHL. The management for team Sweden wont take into account how many times Jonsson has represented his country at the WC either. :teach:

Jönsson would also be in the NHL if he WANTED to, but he choose the family over the money. He would also be a legit 2nd or 3rd line center on almost any team, one of the best players outside the NHL, although we have hard to admit it. He is not a favourite player among many, but despite this, he is always among the best playing for the national team. He will most likely make the WC team, but was upsets most is if he is choosen as a depth guy over youngsters as the Sedin twins. But, if Jönsson is selected, it is for playing a 3rd or 4th line center role.

Isn´t Peter Worrell swedish?

Nope.

Sedin is a legit 2nd line centre in the best league in the world. And, again, Jonsson isn't even in the NHL.

Your point is?

Nope.
:D Are you sure?

That´s the kind of player I would like to have on Swedens roster when we play against Canada or USA. I´m fed up with Rob Niedermayer, Cory Cross, Keith Primeau etc, etc...

That´s the kind of player I would like to have on Swedens roster when we play against Canada or USA. I´m fed up with Rob Niedermayer, Cory Cross, Keith Primeau etc, etc...

Agree. It would be nice if Sweden could produce some tank-sized fighters, or at least a new Ulf/Kjell Samuelsson... :shakehead

the closest thing to Ulf Samuelsson that we got is Johnny Oduya. I for one think he will have a much stronger second year in the SEL, but he is no Uffe :)

Caps defenseman Boumedienne is also quite aggressive, but at the same time he can be a liability. I think Oduya is a safer bet.

:D Are you sure?

That´s the kind of player I would like to have on Swedens roster when we play against Canada or USA. I´m fed up with Rob Niedermayer, Cory Cross, Keith Primeau etc, etc...




Cory Cross... Yeah, I still haven't forgot his hit on Nylander after he had scored a couple of years ago. Nylander literally flew into the boards.

Oduya is tough. But he's a head shorter than Worell (come to think about it, that's Domi too but..). So how about his old teammate from Hammarby Elias Abrahamsson? I haven't seem him play but he's supposed to be tough and he's very big.

he is tough, but can he play? :) While a tough guy hardly must the best player in the world but an average 2nd-tier league player is not good enough imo ;)

Perhaps this still rather unknown Swede .. Douglas Murray, could be something?
http://www.eliteprospects.com/player.php?player=2616

Not a figher, but a physical and tough player.

Your point is?

That Sedin is much, much more deserving for the WC than Jonsson.

That Sedin is much, much more deserving for the WC than Jonsson.

A lot of people in Sweden would disagree.

I think both Sedins or none will be selected and I don't think Daniel will be and that leaves Henrik outside of the team.

That Sedin is much, much more deserving for the WC than Jonsson.

How do you know that? Have you actually seen Jönsson play this year?

That Sedin is much, much more deserving for the WC than Jonsson.

You are so wrong.

You are so wrong.

You're so right... :banana:

Jönsson is a high quality international player and he is always great in the national team. Henrik hasn't shown that much in Tre kronor..

You're so right... :banana:

Jönsson is a high quality international player and he is always great in the national team. Henrik hasn't shown that much in Tre kronor..

Agreed. Jönsson also tends to be better as the opposition gets tougher. It's not that the Sedins don't have potential, it's just that Jönsson is solid both offensivly and defensivly. He can play with anybody and is one of the best penalty killers we have. In the SEL, I hate Rödluvan, but I can't imagine Tre Kronor without him. (especially since how he have played in the worlds the last two years)

Agreed. Jönsson also tends to be better as the opposition gets tougher. It's not that the Sedins don't have potential, it's just that Jönsson is solid both offensivly and defensivly. He can play with anybody and is one of the best penalty killers we have. In the SEL, I hate Rödluvan, but I can't imagine Tre Kronor without him. (especially since how he have played in the worlds the last two years)
He is one of the best penaltykillers of all swedes, he and Axelsson. :)

He is one of the best penaltykillers of all swedes, he and Axelsson. :)

Yeah, thats what I was trying to say. ;)

test

#1
frednorth
Registered User
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 1 Team Sweden World Cup

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

hejsan hockey! här är mitt förslag:

Näslund-Sundin-Alfredsson...(Alfredsson ÄR grovjobbare)
Sedin-Sedin-Forsberg...(om de här får fäste i anfallszon...)
Modin-Jönson-Nordström...(läs Modin-Richards-Stillman)
Axelsson-Påhlsson-Nilsson...
Holmström-Steen-Sjöström...både Zetterberg och Nylander petade alltså...

reserv: Zetterberg, Johansson...

Lidström-Jönsson...
Ragnarsson-Johnsson...
Norström-Öhlund...
Tärnström-Fransson (eventuellt offra en forward mot Hävelid...)

Tärnström...suck...tycker inte att han är någon vinnare plus att vi har bättre offensiva backar (Lidström, Johnsson)...backparen komponerade för att undvika rollkonflikter...

Tellquist
Salo
Lundquist

Det borde inte vara några otydligheter om detta:

- Kenny Jönsson är självskriven...
- Inga Sedinare...ingen Zetterberg...tror dessutom att Sedinarna börjar bli lite elaka...klagar på istid osv :)


SLUTLIGEN! Vad var det för MES-SOPPA mot Kanada??

När Niedermeyer blivit utvisad och vi ledde med 3-1 skulle vi först:

Försökt ta ut Heatley ur matchen...om den följande utvisningen inte resulterat i ett baklängesmål gått efter Scott Niedermeyer...(trevlig kille, men det är Foppa också)...med andra ord offrat ett mål...PS, var det Tärnström som var super-soft på 4-3 målet?

Ska vi lägga oss i World Cup också?? Fram med en coach som förstår det psykologiska spelet!

frednorth,
Welcome to the community, however in the future please post in English ;)
Your team differs a lot from the most ones I have personally seen on the boards. You have youngsters like Steen, Sjöström, Fransson on the team.. despite it's not anymore required to have 3 U22 players. Also I do think that it would be a HUGE surprise if Zetterberg gets cut :)

At defense I would like to ask you why Kenny Jönsson is such a sure bet. A player that IMO has basically always been an underachiever with the national team. :)

frednorth,
Welcome to the community, however in the future please post in English ;)
Your team differs a lot from the most ones I have personally seen on the boards. You have youngsters like Steen, Sjöström, Fransson on the team.. despite it's not anymore required to have 3 U22 players. Also I do think that it would be a HUGE surprise if Zetterberg gets cut :)

At defense I would like to ask you why Kenny Jönsson is such a sure bet. A player that IMO has basically always been an underachiever with the national team. :)

Hello! (now in english!) Three u22 not required anymore? are you sure? if there´s a source I´d be happy! still 26 on the roster then or 23?

Kenny is a defensive d-man which comes in short supply for us...when Lidstrom start to play a little shaky nowadays I think it will be a good idea to pair him with Kenny. He is also interchangable (nice word? :) with Ohlund...

As I said...I´d rather go with twins than Zetterberg...reason to the Z cut is that he´s a litttle soft...as is Axelsson and J. Jonsson...however he is first to join IMO...Sweden is good up front now for the first time EVER!

yes, I saw...repealed..rescinded...dictionairy...:) 23 players then...I believe Sweden had the worst u22 players of all teams...

Not so much as how I would want the team to be, as to how I think it will be.

Goaltenders: Tellqvist, Salo, Lundquist
Tellquist – a lock in the roster. With Salo and Hedberg having lousy seasons and Tellquist having a history with Hardy – which includes the miracle game in Helsinki, the starters job is his to lose.
Salo – Sweden won’t go without Salo. And besides, he may just not be done with yet.
Lundquist – Impressed at the World Championships, which probably secured him the third spot.
This means that Hedberg will miss the boat – a the likely outcome ever since he wasn’t given an invitation to the world championships and Lundqvist cracked the all star team. On the other hand it takes time to adjust to small rinks, so he could possibly still unseat Lundqvist.

Defense: Lidström, Norström, Johnson, Öhlund, Tjärnqvist, Ragnarsson, Tärnström, Bäckman

Lidström, Norström and Kim Johnson are locks. Öhlund should also be a lock, though Malin Fransson in DN predicted the other day that he would be left home. Ragnarsson will probably be selected as well, since Öhlund and Norström are our only other physical defensemen of any higher standard. Normally I would put Kenny Jönsson as our fifth or sixth defenseman, but with Tärnström’s and Tjärnqvist’s play in the in the world championships, he may have slipped. The latter two should in any case crack the team. As for Jönsson, I don’t think he’ll be selected. He hasn’t shown any heart or desire to play for Team Sweden and he is reportedly (DN:s Magnus Nyström) not on speaking terms with Sundin. If Hardy thinks he is only seventh or eighth defenseman, he will probably omit him in order to prevent any disturbances among the scratched players. As for Bäckman, Hardy and Dahlén couldn’t stop praising him during the world championships, and besides he probably performed better than Hävelid – the only other candidate.

Offence: Forsberg, Sundin, Näslund, Alfredsson, Zetterberg, Nordström, Jönsson, Modin, Axelsson, Påhlsson, Holmström, Marcus Nilson, H. Sedin, D. Sedin, Ekman.

Forsberg, Sundin, Näslund, Alfredsson, Zetterberg and Modin are locks. Jönsson is a lock as long as Hardy is the coach. Nordström figured in Hardy’s plans late in 2003 – when omitting him and Jönsson from the roster to play in Baltika he explained in an interview that they needed the rest as they were going to play both in the World Championships and the World Cup. So, if fully recovered, Nordström will be there. As for Axelsson, he is always selected by Hardy, and he brings a nice mixture of good attitude, solid 2-way play and some offence. After the Canada – game, Hardy said he would have liked bigger players in his roster. Since Påhlsson was at the same time our best forward and our most physical player in the World Championships, that means he is in. Hardy’s desire in conjunction with a malfunctioning power play should mean that Holmström is in too. As for Nilson, he was the best player on the ice in the exhibition games before the world championships 2003, he is apparently playing the hockey of his life at the moment and he may just be our most physical forward at the moment. Hence, he is in.

The real intrigue lies in the competition for the last three spots. Going by skill alone, it should probably be the Sedins and Nylander. A strong case could however be made to include another winger that can be both a scorer and a checker. That would mean Ekman or Johansson, and since Ekman has the better season behind him, he will likely crack the team. Nylander on the other side has never been liked by Hardy, who preferred Mathias Johansson over him when selecting the original roster to the last Olympics, Nylander didn’t have much of a world championship, and besides he would at best be third line center in the World Cup. Since Hardy would probably prefer a 2-way center at that position, Nylander likely has little chance of cracking the lineup. Furthermore, even if one of our two top centers are injured, Zetterberg will be the likely replacement. Hence, Nylander would at best be second reserve to any position, and Hardy would as a consequence likely let him miss the party altogether. The Sedins are a different matter. They could possible form a wing pair together – didn’t Hardy play them as such in Russia in 2000? And besides, Henrik is apparently not as much a defensive liability as Nylander. As for the other candidates, Johansson’s place has been taken by Ekman, Sundström said in an interview with the Swedish radio a few months back that he had had a bad season and didn’t expect to get picked for the National team, and Renberg is apparently injured and anyway considering to retire from the National team. Longshots that could crack the team but is unlikely to do so include, Höglund, M. Tjärnqvist and Sjöström. All three put in decent performances at the world championships, but all three were at various points benched. I don’t think anyone else, like Davidsson, Niklas Andersson and Huselius, has any chance whatsoever of cracking this team. Having said that, Hardy do tend to surprise us…

Great posts there Leo and I agree on a lot of points. I still have my doubts about the Sedin's making the team though. I think it is pretty much 50/50.

I say that Jönssons and Påhlssons play during the Worlds will make it very hard for the Sedins to get a spot.

I say that Jönssons and Påhlssons play during the Worlds will make it very hard for the Sedins to get a spot.

Well, they are probably going to carry 15 forwards. Now, I don't think they will play much, or anything, during the tournament, but they must have some capable alternatives waiting in the wings. Since, Jönsson, Påhlsson, Zetterberg (likely winged), Forsberg and Sundin are the likely starters at this point among the centres, there is one spot open for a center among the scratched players. Since Nylander is in my opinion out of the running, Henrik Sedin is the best centre available for that spot. With his brother having some sort of break-out year, chances are both will be selected.

Why is Kenny Jönsson out of so many lists? He´s definitely better than Tjärnquist, Bäckman, Hävelid and Tärnström... IMO he´s a good fit because of his solid defense. Actually I see Kenny as a leader for this team.

On paper he is alot better but on national team he is always horrible.

I disagree. It´s not so much a case of Jönsson being horrible as of Jönsson never playing. Since the last World Cup, Jönsson has only played for Sweden in the Olympics. As far as I can remember he was decent there - except against Belarus, but then everyone was horrible in that game. Personally I think he should be in the roster, unless that thing with Sundin, whatever that may be, could disrupt team morale.

Anyone know if there will be 23 or 26 players on the roster now?

Post from an outsider: Nylander would give the Swedish team a boost on the Powerplay.

OK, 26 players 15+8+3...

Axelsson-Sundin-Alfredsson...
Näslund-Forsberg-Zetterberg...
Modin-Jönsson-Nordström...(read Modin-Richards-Stillman!)
Johansson-Påhlsson-Nilsson...competent fourt line
Sedin-Sedin-Holmström...best fifth line ever...

Lidström-Jönsson...
Ragnarsson-Johnsson...
Norström-Öhlund...
Hävelid-Tärnström...close: Bäckman...

Tellquist
Salo
Lundquist

Convalescence in summer: Nordström?, Forsberg, Ragnarsson...

Yeah, thats what I was trying to say. ;)
Hmm, you know I´m so tired on fridays... ;)

Swedish defensemen stats:

Kenny Jönsson 79 5+24=29 +25
Nicklas Lidström 81 10+28=38 +19
Kim Johnsson 80 13+29=42 +16
Mattias Ohlund 82 14+20=34 +14
Marcus Ragnarsson 70 7+9=16 +12
Mattias Norström 74 1+13=14 -3
Dick Tarnstrom 80 16+36=52 -37

Sweden can be the first team with 3 pair of brothers...


Kenny and Jörgen Jönsson...
Henrik and Daniel Sedin...
Daniel and Mattias Tjärnquist...

I'll throw in some more stats :)

Swedish defensemen stats at the World Championships
Daniel Tjärnqvist: 42 5 13 18 8
Mattias Öhlund: 30 6 5 11 32
Dick Tärnström: 18 5 5 10 6
Kim Johnsson: 35 5 5 10 16
Nicklas Lidström: 16 4 4 8 6
Mattias Norström: 33 1 5 6 36
Niclas Hävelid: 18 0 4 4 8
Marcus Ragnarsson: 15 2 1 3 14
Christian Bäckman: 9 1 2 3 6
Anders Eriksson: 10 0 3 3 14
Kenny Jönsson: 13 0 2 2 14

Hehe. Jönsson is behind Anders Eriksson. :lol

I'll throw in some more stats :)

Swedish defensemen stats at the World Championships
Daniel Tjärnqvist: 42 5 13 18 8
Mattias Öhlund: 30 6 5 11 32
Dick Tärnström: 18 5 5 10 6
Kim Johnsson: 35 5 5 10 16
Nicklas Lidström: 16 4 4 8 6
Mattias Norström: 33 1 5 6 36
Niclas Hävelid: 18 0 4 4 8
Marcus Ragnarsson: 15 2 1 3 14
Christian Bäckman: 9 1 2 3 6
Anders Eriksson: 10 0 3 3 14
Kenny Jönsson: 13 0 2 2 14
Even more players so we fully understand Kenny's excellent work with Tre Kronor. :)

Ronnie Sundin: 36 3 8 11 10
Christer Olsson: 37 5 5 10 32
Björn Nord: 16 3 5 8 10
Thomas Rhodin: 18 5 2 7 20
Thomas Johansson: 14 3 1 4 10
Per Gustafsson: 9 2 2 4 2
Pierre Hedin: 9 2 1 3 4
Hans Jonsson: 26 1 1 2 22
Jan Huokko: 10 0 2 2 2
Magnus Johansson: 18 1 0 1 12

Though one could say stats isn´t everything but Kenny Jönsson hasn´t looked good on the ice either, playing for Team Sweden at the World Championships. He has in fact only played 12 games with Sweden since 1995, making it a total of 48 games (48-2-7-9-26).

Though one could say stats isn´t everything but Kenny Jönsson hasn´t looked good on the ice either, playing for Team Sweden at the World Championships. He has in fact only played 12 games with Sweden since 1995, making it a total of 48 games (48-2-7-9-26).

It's not really fair to judge him by his performances for Sweden though, since he has only played three games in eight years, and not in the World Championships since 1996. Having said that a good case could probably be made to exclude him due to his apparent lack of desire to play for Sweden and the fact that other players such as Tjärnqvist has performed remarkably well for the national team.

It's not really fair to judge him by his performances for Sweden though, since he has only played three games in eight years, and not in the World Championships since 1996.

Agreed. And the Kenny Jönsson now, isn't the Kenny Jönsson then. Besides, Jönsson had some quite good games in the 2002 Olympics IMO. Not spectacular, but good. He should be considered, and I personally would pair him with Mattias Öhlund.

Agreed. And the Kenny Jönsson now, isn't the Kenny Jönsson then. Besides, Jönsson had some quite good games in the 2002 Olympics IMO. Not spectacular, but good. He should be considered, and I personally would pair him with Mattias Öhlund.

I second that. It is logical to play Lidström with Norström, since they has played together in the past and Johnsson with Ragnarsson as they are teammates. With Jönsson and Öhlund both being solid defensively, they could form a rather effective shutdown pairing.

I second that. It is logical to play Lidström with Norström, since they has played together in the past and Johnsson with Ragnarsson as they are teammates. With Jönsson and Öhlund both being solid defensively, they could form a rather effective shutdown pairing.
Yes, it seems logical with those two pairings. :)

Sweden really need to have Norström, Öhlund and Ragnarsson on the ice if we are going to cope with bigger and stronger opposition. Lidström and Johnsson are already in of course and I expect Hardy to use his favourite d-man Daniel Tjärnqvist.

Kenny Jönsson could be an option though, so could Tärnström and Hävelid.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Lasse Anrell has written some interesting stuff today, remembering back to the World Championships 1997 when Keith "I´ll rip your ******* head off" Primeau managed to spear Thuresson where the lowerbody meets the upperbody before a face-off. Those are the kind of players we have to deal with effectively in order to win against Canada in Canada. Go Öhlund!

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/sport/story/0,2789,478350,00.html

Lasse Anrell has written some interesting stuff today, remembering back to the World Championships 1997 when Keith "I´ll rip your ******* head off" Primeau managed to spear Thuresson where the lowerbody meets the upperbody before a face-off. Those are the kind of players we have to deal with effectively in order to win against Canada in Canada. Go Öhlund!

http://www.aftonbladet.se/vss/sport/story/0,2789,478350,00.html

Must admit I've forgotten this, although the hockey interest wasn't on top at that time. Maybe it was wrong to injur Primeau, but such players deserve a real hit at times (especially with this vocabulary Anrell described). Wish we had done the same with Niedermayer, not with an awful hit, but with an hard hit scaring him up.

Must admit I've forgotten this, although the hockey interest wasn't on top at that time. Maybe it was wrong to injur Primeau, but such players deserve a real hit at times (especially with this vocabulary Anrell described). Wish we had done the same with Niedermayer, not with an awful hit, but with an hard hit scaring him up.
No, it wasn´t wrong to nail him with a legal hit and Lasse is right when he describes Primeaus vocabulary. I will NEVER forget! Primeau acted like a big clown and later received what he deserved.

That was Swedens 2nd game in the tournament, Canada was defeated by 7-2 and they were not happy. In the same game Cory Cross sent Nylander flying into the boards after he had scored the 7th goal. Andy Murray then sat at the press conference and apologized for his players bad behaviour.

Canada then went on in the tournament with the biggest WC-fight in modern history when they took on the czech team. Blake, Nolan, Donovan, Green, Prochazka, Lang, Slegr and Vujtek all received 5 min + game misconduct at 18.30 in the 3rd period. Canada lost (3-5) that game as well...

Team Canada 1997 World Championships:

Sean Burke (11-610-22-1-2,16)
Rick Tabaracci (11-50-0-0-0,00)
Eric Fichaud (1-0-0-0-0-0,00)

Steve Chiasson (11-0-3-3-8)
Rob Blake (11-1-3-4-43)
Joel Bouchard (11-0-1-1-2)
Chris Pronger (9-0-2-2-12)
Cory Cross (11-0-2-2-49)
Don Sweeney (11-1-3-4-6)
Bryan McCabe (11-0-2-2-10)

Rob Zamuner (11-4-2-6-16)
Geoff Sanderson (11-3-2-5-2)
Owen Nolan (10-4-3-7-31)
Jarome Iginla (11-2-3-5-0)
Dean Evason, C (11-3-2-5-20)
Mark Recchi (9-3-4-7-0)
Jeff Friesen (11-3-4-7-16)
Bob Errey (11-2-1-3-6)
Anson Carter (11-4-2-6-4)
Travis Green (11-3-6-9-33)
Shean Donovan (10-1-1-1-31)
Keith Primeau (11-3-3-6-14)
Chris Gratton (11-0-5-5-14)

Andy Murray
Wayne Cashman
Mike Johnston

Yes, it seems logical with those two pairings. :)

Sweden really need to have Norström, Öhlund and Ragnarsson on the ice if we are going to cope with bigger and stronger opposition. Lidström and Johnsson are already in of course and I expect Hardy to use his favourite d-man Daniel Tjärnqvist.

Kenny Jönsson could be an option though, so could Tärnström and Hävelid.


I agree that we need at least one physical defensive defenseman on each pairing, and the above three are clearly the best options. I somewhat worried that Ulf-Hardy doesn't agree with this though, and may try and omit one from the roster - the prospect of having Tärnström and Hävelid as a third pairing doesn't appeal to me at all.
As for the spot of sixth defenseman, I don't expect Jönsson to get it, nor do I expect him to be in the roster. And while I believe that Jönsson is the better player, we would not be significantly weaker with Tjärnqvist. What I do hope is that Hävelid doesn't figure in Hardy's plans. He is more of a defensive liability than Tärnström and he doesn't bring nowhere near the same offensive capacity.

What I do hope is that Hävelid doesn't figure in Hardy's plans. He is more of a defensive liability than Tärnström and he doesn't bring nowhere near the same offensive capacity.

He probably don't. He didn't play much in the WC Final, and Hardy ranks Tärnström and Daniel Tjärnqvist ahead of him. The last spot is between Jönsson and Hävelid, and Jönsson is far ahead IMO.

No, it wasn´t wrong to nail him with a legal hit and Lasse is right when he describes Primeaus vocabulary. I will NEVER forget! Primeau acted like a big clown and later received what he deserved.

That was Swedens 2nd game in the tournament, Canada was defeated by 7-2 and they were not happy. In the same game Cory Cross sent Nylander flying into the boards after he had scored the 7th goal. Andy Murray then sat at the press conference and apologized for his players bad behaviour.


I wish I could see that game. Didn't see it 'cause we hadn't TV3 in that time. Remember Nylander being throwed into the boards though, must have seen some highlights.

Besides, that was one strong Canadian roster IMO. Must have been around then when Canada started to care about the World Championships.

I second that. It is logical to play Lidström with Norström, since they has played together in the past and Johnsson with Ragnarsson as they are teammates. With Jönsson and Öhlund both being solid defensively, they could form a rather effective shutdown pairing.

I fully agree about the defense. I've suggested these pairings earlier and both me and Robertsson 4-ever have pointed out that this is exactly what we need. Three defensive d-men and three with somewhat offensive talent. Let's hope this is what Hardy presents today. No Tärnström (at least not in the top six, could see him on the roster) and absolutely no Hävelid.

Anyone know what time today it will be annouced?

haven't heard anything, but I'm guessing sometime after lunch :)
http://www.expressen.se/sport
is pretty fast usually, when it comes to announcing rosters

the time is 14:30, according to Expressen.
I'll just delete this thread after the roster has been announced :)

Goahead! =)

Think Modin, Ekman and M. Nilsson will make it? =)

hehe, there's another thread for WC speculations, but hey.. why not :)
I think Modin and nilson most definitely will make the team, I'd say it is 50/50 that Ekman makes it.

This is my team!

Näslund-Foppa-Alfredsson
Nylander-Sundin-Modin
Zetterberg-Jönsson-Pebben
Nilsson/Holma-Påhlsson-Ekman

Salomonsson

Agreed. And the Kenny Jönsson now, isn't the Kenny Jönsson then. Besides, Jönsson had some quite good games in the 2002 Olympics IMO. Not spectacular, but good. He should be considered, and I personally would pair him with Mattias Öhlund.

I think Lidström would benefit from playing with Kenny instead of Norström. Kenny is the defensive d-man who also have some offensive upside...also...Norström and Öhlund is a defense pairing made in heaven! You know...the plus and the minuses on the batteries....

top 5 not that probable but for me unthinkable omissions from the team later on today...

1. Kenny Jönsson
2. Twin Tower
3. Salo
4. Ragnarsson
5. Nordström

the time is 14:30, according to Expressen.
I'll just delete this thread after the roster has been announced :)


How do we know they won't run and hide like they did in May 12? :D ;)

ZeroTheHero- I´ll leave that to Hardy, he is getting payed, I am not...=(

How do we know they won't run and hide like they did in May 12? :D ;)

hehe, this time it seems to be a sure thing. About two hours from now, we'll know :)

top 5 not that probable but for me unthinkable omissions from the team later on today...

1. Kenny Jönsson
2. Twin Tower
3. Salo
4. Ragnarsson
5. Nordström

The top-4 are defintely on my team as well. Ragnarsson have had a splendid season (however injuried at the moment) and must be selected. Can't think of anything else.

hehe, this time it seems to be a sure thing. About two hours from now, we'll know :)

Those 2 hours will feel like two days. ;)

Besides, that was one strong Canadian roster IMO. Must have been around then when Canada started to care about the World Championships.

No, not really IMO. :)

Remember that some of those guys weren´t the kind of players they are today, Iginla, Pronger & McCabe for example. Many of them were big, strong, mean and equipped with big mouths though, well they still are.

Those 2 hours will feel like two days. ;)

where is it??? I want it!

the press conference starts in 2 minutes, you'll find it posted as soon as it announced on the web.

I waaaaaaaaaaaannnnnnnntttttttt iiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttt noooooooooooooooowwwwwww! :cry: