Photo: Bildbyrån, X/@B/R Open Ice
Former national team captain Johan Garpenlöv does not think that Erik Karlsson should be part of Tre Kronor.
Olympic gold hero Henrik Lundqvist does not agree at all.
– I think the comment was a little too tough, he says.
The national team captain Sam Hallam has already taken out six Swedish NHL professionals who are part of Tre Kronor’s squad in the 4 Nations tournament in North America in February. One of the stars who have already received word that he is on the team is Erik Karlsson.
Garpenlöv’s attack on Karlsson
Karlsson is a given in the Swedish national team and was captain as recently as last spring when they took bronze in the WC. But the former national team captain Johan Garpenlövnow an expert on Radiosport, does not think he should be in the squad.
– I had not selected Erik Karlsson in this 4 Nations squad. The flaws in his defensive game are too big in a short tournament like this, every game will be so important. Then you can’t afford to make these bigger mistakes that Erik Karlsson is unfortunately making these days, says Garpenlöv to Radiosporten.
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He has received several people against him. Including Sam Hallam himself:
– There will always be opinions about who is taken out or not, regardless of whether it is the 4 Nations, the hockey WC, the football EC or Melodifestivalen. It’s part of the package. I just think it’s healthy that there are different opinions about it, he says to Radiosporten.
– I am very confident with Erik and very happy that we have the opportunity to have him in the team.
Lundqvist defends Erik Karlsson
Also the former New York Rangers and Tre Kronor goalkeeper Henrik Lundqvistnowadays an NHL expert away in North America, thinks that the criticism against Karlsson was unwarranted.
– It’s a little too tough. Karlsson has never been known to be a strong defender. He is good defensively, but offensively he is so talented. What I like about his game is that he gives momentum to every team, he says in Bleacher Report’s program Open Ice.
– By that I mean that he is a good first passer. The first pass that comes out of the own zone is so important to create momentum in the team. It’s about the timing of the pass. He makes sure to pass his teammates with speed so they can receive it and get into the zone. He is one of the best players when it comes down to it. But of course they need him to be stronger defensively, but I think the comment was a little too harsh, he continues.
Sweden’s former national team coach WENT IN on Erik Karlsson’s game currently 😳 pic.twitter.com/QO3PwRtnId
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) November 14, 2024 The problem in Pittsburgh
Right now things are going slow for the Pittsburgh Penguins, who recently lost 1-7 against the Dallas Stars. They have just one win in their last five matches. But “Henke” does not think that you can blame everything on Erik Karlsson, even if he bears some of the responsibility because he is one of the team’s biggest stars.
– For me, it’s not about one player, it’s the whole team that has problems in Pittsburgh right now. But if you are one of the top players, you will be scrutinized under a magnifying glass. “How are we going to turn this around?”. You start by looking at your top players, you don’t look at the third or fourth back pair. It comes with the press. They have to solve it, he says.
READ MORE: Sam Hallam hits back at harsh criticism of Erik Karlsson
READ MORE: Johan Garpenlöv does not want Erik Karlsson in Tre Kronor
He is called “The best Karlsson in the world” for a reason. Of course Erik Karlsson is going with Tre Kronor at 4 Nations. Most people should agree with that. What do you think? Feel free to comment!
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