One thing is for certain for NHLers, country pride is a real thing. The 4 Nations Face-Off in 2025 has been an incredible tournament so far that has seen some exciting and intense moments, but not so much for Sweden.
Sweden fell in both games in the tournament in overtime. The most recent game was this past Saturday when Sweden fell to Finland 4-3 in overtime. Against Finland, Ottawa Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark made 15 saves in relief of Filip Gustavsson. Ullmark took over for Gustavsson at the start of the second period.
Sweden will play the United States tonight at 8 p.m. ET at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. However, the goaltender starting tonight for Sweden has helped the Senators big time.
Ullmark gets rest before Sens first game back from break
Ullmark will not play tonight for Sweden as he is not feeling well. It now leads to Samuel Ersson starting against the United States.
Per @sportbladet, Linus Ullmark is not feeling well…so Samuel Ersson starts vs USA
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) February 17, 2025
Prior to the tourtournament, Ullmark missed 19 games before starting two of the Senators' three final games before the break. Ersson starting tonight gives Ullmark more time to rest before the Senators return to play this Saturday against the Montreal Canadiens. Ersson had not played for Sweden yet prior to tonight's game.
Had Canada not win in regulation against Finland prior to tonight, it could've been unsure if Ullmark would've started had Sweden had something to play for. But, rest for Ullmark right now is important for him and the Senators. Having Ullmark rested more can help him when the Senators are back in action.
Ullmark and Matinpalo will now watch Canada and the United States play for the 4 Nations Face-Off championship on Thursday night.