Bold statement: Sweden’s netminding could decide the fate of a pivotal Olympic qualifier, and the choice is about to be revealed. But here’s the twist: the decision isn’t just about who starts tonight against Latvia; it could shape Sweden’s entire tournament run. Here’s a clear, beginner-friendly rewrite that preserves all facts while expanding a bit for context and clarity.
Sweden appears ready to deploy their starting goalie for the crucial Olympic qualification clash with Latvia. Jacob Markstrom was the first goalie off the ice at Sweden’s morning skate, signaling that he is poised to start Tuesday’s game. If this holds, Markstrom will guard the net as Sweden attempts to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
Viewers can watch the game live on TSN at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time / Noon Pacific. (https://www.tsn.ca/live)
Sweden head coach Sam Hallam had indicated to reporters on Monday that he already knew which goalie would start on Tuesday, but he chose not to disclose the name ahead of time.
In the Olympic tournament’s early rounds, both Markstrom and Filip Gustavsson have seen action. Notably, Gustavsson’s Minnesota Wild teammate, Jesper Wallstedt, is the third goaltender on Sweden’s roster, providing an additional option if needed.
If Sweden wins on Tuesday, they will advance to face the United States in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. That outcome would put Hallam in a position where he must decide whether to use the same goaltender on back-to-back days or switch to the other netminder for the potential rematch.
Analysis from the day’s developments shows Markstrom was the first off the ice during morning skate, while Gustavsson and Wallstedt were working on extra drills. This sequence strongly suggested that Markstrom would start tonight’s game against Latvia.
Gustavsson started the first two games for Sweden but had a rough start in each: he allowed two goals on the first four shots in the tournament-opening win over Italy, and he yielded two goals on his first six shots in a 4-1 loss to Finland. Through two games in Milan-Cortina 2026, Gustavsson has allowed five goals on 45 shots, for a save percentage of .888.
Sweden turned to Markstrom on Saturday to face Slovakia, with Markstrom stopping 29 of 32 shots in a 5-3 victory. Wallstedt served as the backup for the preliminary-round finale.
Coach Hallam summarized the situation after the Slovakia win: he wanted to see Markstrom in game action and noted that Markstrom showed strong presence, good puck handling, and was involved in a few key breakouts. Hallam said Markstrom’s performance left a positive impression.
Season context: Gustavsson has been solid for the Minnesota Wild in 2025-26, posting a 2.61 goals-against average and a .907 save percentage across 36 games. Markstrom, who is 36, carries a 3.20 GAA and a .882 save percentage in 30 games for the New Jersey Devils so far this NHL season.
