Top Performer(s): LW Carl Grundstrom (2016) and C Chris Mastomäki (2016) alongside RW Axel Ottosson (2016) formed Sweden’s best line, combining for eight points in three games, with the 17-year-old Grundstrom netting points in all three contests thanks to relentless forechecking and Johnny-on-the-spot awareness. Mastomaki is a big center who wore defenders down while using his reach and leg strength to cause match-up problems in the low slot and crease areas. LHD Oliver Kylington (CGY 2nd/2015) was absolutely stellar in all three zones, leading all tournament rearguards in scoring with a goal and three assists. He not only displayed confidence and physicality, but took a take-charge attitude when ragged play was the norm. Even with his world-class skating abilities, however, he is prone to getting caught up ice. But unlike his last few international performances, paying for his risks was the exception and not the rule.

Key Moment: Sweden tried all it could to build a lead against the Finns, but Finnish G Joona Voutilainen (2016) put on a show for the first 40 minutes as Tre Kronor went into the third period trailing, 2-1. Already stuck behind a disappointing 5-3 loss to Russia the night prior, Sweden finally broke through when Mastomäki scored to force the extra session, where it handed Finland its only loss of the tournament thanks to a winning shootout goal by RW Robin Kovacs (NYR 3rd/2015).

Who Impressed: Kovacs also scored a clutch goal in the 4-3 win over the Czechs and led the entire competition with 15 shots on goal. He also contributed on special teams, acting as a key cog on Sweden’s penalty kill, which killed eight of nine power plays against. LW John Dahlstrom (CHI 7th/2015) may have been the last player chose in the 2015 NHL Entry Draft, but he certainly didn’t play like a kid who was picked so low. Both players were used together at times, providing the Swedes with energy and creating chances off turnovers they forced.

Who Disappointed: RHD Jesper Lindgren (TOR 4th/2015) may have been added to the roster by default, but we still expected more from him in terms of making plays after he created time and space with his mobility. He’s undoubtedly a gifted skater and made subtle yet important plays to beat pressure. But the Four Nations was far from a “Who’s Who” of amateur stars, meaning we wanted to see him take advantage of his peers. It seemed like Kylington did enough for the both of them.