Sweden Secures Quarterfinal Spot with Dominant Win Over Latvia

Lucas Raymond shines as Sweden beats Latvia in Olympic Hockey

Sweden's men's ice hockey team secured a 5-1 win over Latvia, setting up a quarterfinal matchup against the US at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

“It's important for us to regroup after this one, obviously recognise what we did well...”

Sweden's men's ice hockey team secured a 5-1 win over Latvia on Tuesday, setting the stage for a thrilling quarterfinal matchup against the United States. The Swedes, who had a slow start to the tournament, bounced back with goals from Adrian Kempe and captain Gabriel Landeskog in the first period, followed by Filip Forsberg's goal in the second, and Mika Zibanejad and William Nylander's goals in the third.

This victory marks a turning point for Sweden, which had struggled in their previous games. Their strong performance against Latvia has earned them a spot in the quarterfinals, where they'll face the undefeated US team. Sweden's roster boasts impressive NHL talent, including Lucas Raymond, Rasmus Dahlin, and Erik Karlsson, making them a formidable opponent.

Lucas Raymond's three assists, including helps on Landeskog's goal and both third-period tallies, fueled the Detroit Red Wings' push. The team was a surprise entry in the qualification playoffs, having finished third in Group B - a shocking result that missed them a spot in the quarter-finals and the day off.

The perennial medal contenders are fighting for a spot in the main playoffs now. 

“This is when the fun begins,” said Landeskog. “It's important for us to regroup after this one, obviously recognise what we did well ⁠but understanding how our opponent's going to go up another level tomorrow and recognise what a great opportunity it is to see what we're made of.”

SWEDEN HAS ADVANCED!!! 🇸🇪

Watch USA vs. Sweden in the quarterfinals at the #MilanoCortina2026 #WinterOlympics TOMORROW at 3:10p ET on @NBCSports, @peacock, @cbcsports, @cbcgem, & @Sportsnet! pic.twitter.com/cpJB1LBuGT

— NHL (@NHL) February 17, 2026

Erik Karlsson's superb pass to Filip Forsberg sealed the deal, with Forsberg tapping it in midway through the second period. Latvia's Eduards Tralmaks scored a consolation goal, pushing a rebound past Swedish goalie Jacob Markstrom, but Sweden upped their game after that.

Mika Zibanejad swatted one into an open net six minutes into the final period, and William Nylander wrapped up the scoring with a beauty around Latvian goalie Elvis Merzlikin.

Red Wings forward Lucas Raymond (0-3—3) became the first skater for Team Sweden to post three points in consecutive #WinterOlympic games with NHL participation and helped his country advance into the quarterfinals at #MilanoCortina2026.#NHLStats: https://t.co/zTDkQzi9MU pic.twitter.com/OsUjFfvsWG

— NHL Public Relations (@NHLPR) February 17, 2026

Sweden takes on the US on Wednesday in a quarter-final clash that's shaping up to be a heavyweight bout between two pre-tournament favourites. The stakes are high, and both teams are hungry for a spot in the last four.