Tre Kronor landed in Riga on Wednesday evening and has managed two training sessions before the quarter-final against Latvia.
The match is sold out and there is expected to be a huge Latvian crowd in the stands.
– Yes, it will be super fun. I don’t think I really grasped how loud it will be. But you saw when they played against Switzerland in the group stage, then there seemed to be a good atmosphere in here. So it will be a lovely setting, says Jakob Silfverberg.
Sweden’s captain is so far in the tournament the only player who lacks both a goal and an assist in his personal column.
He’s taking it all in stride – even if he’s happy to contribute points tonight.
– Of course you want to join. Now I came here with the attitude of playing any role, but of course you had hoped to produce a little. Better late than never, it might blow tonight. That is perhaps what can be decisive.
Have you gotten any flak from your teammates?
– No one has dared so far (haha). Maybe it will come eventually. But it’s full focus on my game. I think I’ve had some chances here lately.
Can be drafted by Anaheim
Silfverberg is one of Tre Kronor’s oldest players in the WC.
Some players, such as Lucas Raymond and Jesper Wallstedt, are twelve years younger than Anaheim’s veteran.
Sweden also has Leo Carlsson in their squad. The 18-year-old who made history as the youngest player and goalscorer in Swedish WC history.
– I think he is incredibly skilled. He has most of it. He is big, strong on the puck. He may not be super physical, but he manages to wrestle his way past players. I am very impressed. It’s a player that I haven’t really seen play until he came here to the national team. You have heard a lot about him, and the talent he is. It is very nice to have seen him.
Incidentally, Jakob Silfverberg’s Anaheim Ducks draft as number two this summer after a weak season.
It could mean that Silfverberg gets a new Swedish colleague in California, because Leo Carlsson is predicted to be the top three in the NHL draft.
– I don’t have super smarts like that. Of course, it would have been incredibly fun to have another Swede in Anaheim. Leo will become a world player. Then I have no idea if he will go second or third. I don’t dare answer that, but it would be very fun with another Swede.
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