Sweden
Outlook: Sweden is one of the most complete teams in the tournament and a medal possibility. The club boasts perhaps the world's most overlooked star goalie, Edmonton's Tommy Salo, who is comfortable performing in international events, and a player most consider to be the premier defenseman in the world, Detroit's Nick Lidstrom. With a nice mix of skill (Daniel Alfredsson, Mats Sundin, Markus Naslund) and grit (Tomas Holmstrom, Ulf Dahlen), Sweden will be a feared opponent. They should also be the most disciplined team in the field.
Key Player: Center Peter Forsberg may be the best two-way forward in the NHL, but he is on sabbatical from the sport. The league's highest-paid player entering the season, Forsberg has not played for the Stanley Cup-winning Colorado Avalanche, instead remaining in Sweden, wanting to heal mentally and physically from several injuries and dissatisfied with his recent play. Should Forsberg participate in the Winter Games and show up in shape-the fact his father Kent is no longer coaching the team could be a factor-the Swedes' chances for gold would rise dramatically.
Hometown Heroes: Capitals defenseman Calle Johansson, Sweden's captain in Nagano, is recovering from shoulder surgery and will miss the tournament. Winger Ulf Dahlen, among the NHL scoring leaders and another stalwart from the 1998 team, is a favorite to be named to the final roster, which must be completed by Saturday.
Olympic medal count: 1 gold (1994), 2 silver, 4 bronze.
In 1998: Fifth place, 2-2 record.
Preliminary schedule:
Feb. 15, vs. Canada
Feb. 17, vs. Czech Republic
Feb. 18, vs. qualifier
Quarterfinals begin Feb. 20.
Olympics