Lehtinen on the Rivalry:
"When I began playing for the junior national teams, every game against Sweden was massive. But there was always mutual respect between us. Of course, on the ice, you want to beat them, and there's nothing better than that. But over time, players like Markus Nslund and Peter Forsberg, who were representing Sweden, became great rivals. Even during my NHL career with the Dallas Stars, I faced them regularly. It was a fierce rivalry."
Hallams Early Experience:
"As a kid, we always tried to get to Finland to play their teams as much as possible. I first played there around the age of 12 or 13, and it was a highlight. Competing against teams like TPS Turku was always a big eventalmost like a national showcase. Those games were unforgettable."
Lehtinens First Encounter with Sweden:
"For me, we didnt travel much with club teams, so the games were typically played at home. I do remember the intensity of the first time we played against Sweden with the Under-16 team. That game stood out."
Memorable Rivalry Moments
A standout yet painful memory for Finnish hockey fans was the 2003 IIHF World Championship Quarterfinal in Helsinki. Finland had a commanding 5-1 lead but ended up losing 6-5 after Sweden mounted an incredible comeback. Sweden scored five straight goals after a goalie change from Tommy Salo to Mikael Tellqvist. Finnish journalists called it "the darkest day in Finland's hockey history." In response, Sweden sold Finnish jerseys with the number 5-6 to mock the scoreline.
Lehtinens Reflection:
"I was with Dallas that year, in the playoffs, so I wasn't playing in the tournament. A lot of people assume I was part of that team, but I wasnt."
Hallams Take:
"I remember that game well. It was played in Helsinki, and Peter Forsberg and Mats Sundin played pivotal roles in the Swedish comeback. They were incredible."
That dramatic quarterfinal game was followed by a tough loss for Finland at the 2006 Torino Olympics, where Sweden defeated Finland 3-2 in the gold medal game.
Hallam on the 2006 Swedish Victory:
"The 2006 Swedish team was special. There were so many Hall of Fame playersNicklas Lidstrm, Mats Sundin, and Peter Forsberg. Sweden had already won Olympic gold in 1994, but this victory in 2006 with NHL stars was something else. Beating Finland for the gold medal made it even more significant."
Lehtinen on the Heartbreak of the 2006 Olympics:
"It was a tough loss. We hadn't lost a game throughout the entire tournament before that final. Both teams played great, and it was a hard-fought match. It stings, but thats sports. Even though we walked away with a silver medal, it still hurt."
Anticipation for the Upcoming Tournament
Lehtinens Thoughts:
"Sweden vs. Finland is always massive. Its like a national event for us. Maybe its akin to the rivalry between the USA and Canada, but for Finland
Connor Hellebuyck 4NF Jersey, it feels even more personal. Weve often been the underdogs, but in the last 15 years, we've started winning more than losing against Sweden. They are a larger country, but weve been closing the gap. Its a rivalry thats finally becoming more balanced."
Hallam on the Rivalrys Intensity:
"Every time Sweden and Finland play, its big. In Finland, nothing gets bigger than this rivalry in hockey."
The Trainers Room: Challenges for Sweden
With the 4 Nations Face Off tournament starting on February 12, Sweden faces several key injuries. The biggest loss is the New Jersey Devils Jacob Markstrm, who is out for 4-6 weeks with a sprained MCL. Markstrm was expected to be Swedens starting goalie but was injured during a game against the Boston Bruins.
Ullmarks Return:
Ottawa Senators Linus Ullmark is nearing a return after being sidelined with back issues. He participated in Ottawas morning skate, and his recovery is progressing well.
Potential Replacements:
With Markstrm sidelined, Sweden may call on Filip Gustavsson Minnesota Wild), Samuel Ersson Philadelphia Flyers), or Anton Forsberg Ottawa Senators) to step in.
Up front, Vegas Golden Knights William Karlsson is also day-to-day with a lower-body injury. If he cant play, Mikael Backlund Calgary Flames) could be a solid defensive replacement, or Rickard Rakell Pittsburgh Penguins) could be called upon for more offense.
Hallams Preparation:
"Weve been in contact with players and their teams to monitor the situation. Its a dynamic situation , and were preparing for all possibilities. These players have been preparing hard, and we want them on the ice, but well be ready for any changes."
Quote of the Week
"I was really surprised by the trade. But now, Carolina gets one of the best players in the world, Mikko Rantanen. He and Sebastian Aho will be a huge duo for Finland at the 4 Nations."
Finland GM Jere Lehtinen, on the blockbuster trade that sent Rantanen to the Carolina Hurricanes in a three-team deal involving the Colorado Avalanche and Chicago Blackhawks.
Player Spotlight
As the 4 Nations tournament approaches, we look at players heating up in the NHL:
Quinn Hughes USA): The Vancouver Canucks defenseman scored both goals in a 2-1 victory over the Washington Capitals, helping end Washingtons six-game win streak.
Sebastian Aho Finland): The Carolina Hurricanes forward has six points 3 goals, 3 assists) in his last four games, aiming to connect with Rantanen.
Gustav Forsling Sweden): The Florida Panthers defenseman leads with a +23 rating after 50 games.
Mitch Marner Canada): The Toronto Maple Leafs forward has nine points 1 goal, 8 assists) in his past six games.
With so much on the line in the 4 Nations Face Off, this tournament is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling in years. The rivalry between Sweden and Finland will certainly be one of the main events to watch.
Brayden Point 4NF Jersey
