Sweden began its Olympic men’s hockey tournament with a 5-2 win over Italy, registering 60 shots, the highest by any team in a Winter Olympics featuring NHL players. Erik Karlsson contributed an assist on Sweden’s opening goal, and Rickard Rakell was involved in the play as well. Rakell also assisted on another goal late in the third period.
Rakell reflected on his relationship with Gabriel Landeskog, saying, “We would spend our whole summers together.” Landeskog influenced Rakell’s decision to play junior hockey in the Ontario Hockey League. “Gabe was playing in Kitchener at the time. Us being good friends, I mean, he was loving it,” Rakell said. “There were not many Europeans back then who were Swedish players who came over at that time. So, I thought I’d give it a shot. If I didn’t like it. I was just gonna go home. But then I ended up staying for three years, and yeah, that turned out to be the right decision for me.”
Rakell and Hampus Lindholm became close after both were drafted by Anaheim and are now rooming together during the Games in Milan. Karlsson said about returning to international play: “I think just being around people that you’ve known for a very long time, and speaking your native tongue on a regular basis.”
The next game for Sweden is against Finland.
Sidney Crosby leads Team Canada as captain while Erik Karlsson serves as alternate captain for Team Sweden. Crosby seeks his third Olympic gold medal since NHL players began participating in the Games.
Rickard Rakell is making his first Olympic appearance with Team Sweden; Arturs Silovs is among Latvia’s representatives.
Penguins Head Coach Dan Muse commented: “It’s been so long now since we’ve seen that with the players in our league and these guys,” adding: “I’m excited for hockey fans across the world. I’m really excited for our players, that they’re going to have that opportunity and get to be a part of something really special, getting to represent their countries. I think it’s always exciting, but especially where it’s been such a long time now.”
The Pittsburgh Penguins have several staff members involved at these Olympics: President of Hockey Operations and GM Kyle Dubas is serving as Director of Player Personnel for Team Canada; Strength & Conditioning Coach Sean Young continues his work with Hockey Canada; Video Coach Madison Nikkel has joined Team USA’s staff.
In women’s hockey, four DICK’S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Penguins Elite alumni are representing Team USA: Hannah Bilka, Laila Edwards (the first Black woman to play hockey for Team USA at the Olympics), Ava McNaughton and Gwyneth Philips. Edwards scored during their 5-0 victory over Canada; Bilka added two goals.
The schedule includes multiple games involving Penguins-affiliated athletes and staff throughout preliminary rounds leading into quarterfinals and medal matches.
The Pittsburgh Penguins organization has been recognized for its Hall of Fame figures including notable players and executives (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/). The team maintains consistent competition through playoff appearances and division titles (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/), forms an integral part of Pittsburgh’s sports culture with strong community ties (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/), hosts home games at PPG Paints Arena (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/), operates under Fenway Sports Group ownership (https://www.nhl.com/penguins/), and continues its legacy within professional hockey.
