World Championships- Group A Preview

3. SWEDEN

Apr 2, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Red Wings center

(14) takes a shot for a goal in the third period against the Boston Bruins at Joe Louis Arena. Detroit won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Considering the depth of talent that Sweden possesses, the lineup Sweden will be playing is quite poor. Although they have some intriguing names up front in Gustav Nyquist, Mikael Backlund, and Oscar Moller, they do no have any sold NHL defencemen on the back end and New York Islanders backup, Anders Nilsson, will likely be shouldering the load in net.

Player to Watch: Gustav Nyquist, Detroit Red Wings
Although Nyquist had 0 points in Detroit`s 5 game first round loss to Boston, Gustav was the NHL`s hottest scorer in the second half. It will be interesting to see if he can replicate his scoring touch in Minsk.

Coach: Par Marts

Forwards:
Dick Axelsson, Frolunda Gothenburg
Mikael Backlund, Calgary Flames
Nicklas Danielsson, Rapperswil-Jona Lakers
Jimmie Ericsson, Skelleftea AIK
Simon Hjalmarsson, Linkopings HC
Calle Jarnkrok, Nashville Predators
Linus Jlasen, Lulea HF
Joakim Lindstrom, Skelleftea AIK
Joel Lundqvist, Frolunda Gothenburg
Oscar Moller, Skelleftea AIK
Gustav Nyquist, Detroit Red Wings
Dennis Rasmussen, Vaxjo Lakers
Mattias Sjogren, Linkopings HC
Anreas Thuresson, Brynas Gavle

Defence:
Jonas Ahnelov, Frolunda Gothenburg
Niclas Anderson, Severstal Cherepovets
Mattias Ekholm, Nashville Predators
Tim Erixon, Columbus Blue Jackets
Johan Fransson, Lulea HF
Erik Gustafsson, Philadelphia Flyers
Magnus Nygren, Farjestad Karlstad
Daniel Rahimi, Linkopings HC

Goalies:
Joacim Eriksson, Vancouver Canucks
Anders Nilsson, New York Islanders
Linus Ullmark, MODO Ornskoldsvik