Sweden is the reigning Olympic champion, and could have much of the 2006 team return.
Goaltenders - Henrik Lundqvist will be king of the nets for Sweden again, no doubts about it.
Defense - The blue line will be anchored by the seemingly ageless Nicklas Lidstrom. The best defenseman in the world is a pretty good starting point. Hard-hitting Detroit teammate Niklas Kronwall and Vancouver's Mattias Ohlund are virtual locks as well.
Like every nation except Canada, the blue line thins out. Buffalo's Henrik Tallinder, Vancouver's Alex Edler, Atlanta's Tobias Enstrom and Niclas Havelid, San Jose's Douglas Murray and Swedish Elite League stars Kenny Jonsson and young Victor Hedman could round out the back end.
Hey, it does not look formidable, but a similar group got the job done in 2006. Players willing accepted their roles which allowed the team to gel nicely.
Forwards - We will see a passing of the torch of sorts for Sweden up front. Key players Mats Sundin, Peter Forsberg, and Jorgen Jonsson are likely done, while Daniel Alfredsson and Markus Naslund will bridge the gap.
Regardless, Henrik Zetterberg will lead the charge, with the Sedin twins, Nicklas Backstrom and Johan Franzen expected to emerge on the international stage.
You can also count on Sami Pahlsson to bring his shut down game, Tomas Holmstrom to bring his crease crashing ways, Kristian Huselius to bring his slick puck handling ablities. Mikael Sameulsson a nice combination of skill and grit, too.
The Swedes may wish to round out the roster with SEL veterans again. Otherwise watch out for young Patrick Berglund. He's the real deal and has a heck of a shot.
Summary - On paper, the Swedes do not look to be the most feared of teams. But they were not in 2006 either. With some good goaltending and quick gelling, Sweden could very well repeat as Olympic gold medallists.
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