Now it bubbles: Swedish stars clashed in the World Championships – Jokerit player saw it all
The Norwegian national ice hockey team’s defender Max Krogdahl reported seeing exceptional turmoil in the Swedish camp during the World Championship match between Sweden and Norway. Sweden succumbed to Norway with a score of 2–3 on Saturday.
Krogdahl, who recently signed a contract with Jokerit, followed the heated confrontation closely from the locker room corridor after the second period.
– They were shouting at each other in the corridor after the second period and were angry with each other. We felt that we had made them nervous and that there was frustration in the Swedish team. That works to our advantage, Krogdahl described to Expressen.
Swedish NHL defender Oliver Ekman-Larsson strongly denied the Norwegian player’s claims and emphasized that there was no visible discord within the team.
– No, I don’t believe that. It certainly didn’t feel that way from our side. I guess that’s their way of seeing things, Ekman-Larsson commented.
He considered Krogdahl’s view as a retrospective interpretation and stressed the team’s internal unity.
– Easy to say in hindsight.
– I thought it was similar to other matches. We encourage each other and are a tight group. Sam (Hallam, head coach) came with good energy and I felt that it was good.
Norwegian forward Noah Steen, who scored two goals in the match, also noted that the Swedes seemed to be focused on other matters during the game. According to him, Sweden complained about the conditions of the rink, among other things.
– They talked about the ice not being cleaned and that it was wet. Their focus was elsewhere. We have a hell of a good focus and we are good at following the game plan, Steen said.
The loss to Norway meant a difficult situation for Sweden in Group B. Norway rose to 10 points with their victory, surpassing Sweden, which now has 9 points. Slovakia leads the group with 11 points.
Sweden’s progression to the knockout stage is now at risk, and a spot in the next round requires a victory over Slovakia on Tuesday as well as help from the results of other matches.
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