PHOTO: Bildbyrån
With their arms around each other, star poles Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson enjoyed “Du gamla, du fria” after the 3-1 victory over Kazakhstan.
Again.
– It just came naturally. We continue to build on the “bromance” we have, says Hedman.
It was a nice moment that the audience and television viewers got to experience after Tre Kronor’s fourth World Cup match.
Back stars and Poles with their arms around each other during the national anthem.
– We have done this after every match. It’s not something we’ve talked about, sometimes you just have a feeling. We are 33 years old now and it is getting to the last violin. You don’t know how many more chances you’ll get, he says Victor Hedman.
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The two star backs have played together in different national teams since they were 15 years old and have developed a close friendship.
Now they play together in Tre Kronor for the first time in eight years.
– We try to take advantage of every moment with the national anthems and the matches and try to do everything for Tre Kronor to win, says Hedman.
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Both went scoreless in the 3–1 win against Kazakhstan, but Erik Karlsson stands at 5 points (2 goals+3 assists) and Hedman at 4 (1+3) so far.
– It feels much better. Above all, physically and with stamina, says Hedman, who landed in Ostrava the day before the WC premiere.
About the narrow 3–1 victory despite 44–11 in shots, he says:
– Most of the time you are satisfied with three goals, but today we had a lot of chances. The goalkeeper made some sick saves, sometimes it happens when you have a hot goalkeeper against you, says Hedman about Kazakhstan’s goalkeeper Nikita Boyarkin.
– He reminded a bit of Italy’s goalkeeper in WC-92, Delfino (David). When Sweden played 0–0 against Italy, says the Tampa defender.
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