Why Sweden isn’t playing Rasmus Andersson or Jesper Bratt in Olympics today vs. Latvia originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Sweden might be taking a risk.
On Tuesday in their Olympics knockout matchup with Latvia, they aren’t playing Rasmus Andersson or Jesper Bratt.
People are very confused.
The only half-justification I can think of is they’re saving guys for tomorrow, if they make it. Insane choices, top to bottom. https://t.co/wtFetVPzLW
— Steve “Dangle” Glynn (@Steve_Dangle) February 17, 2026
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Why isn’t Sweden playing Rasmus Andersson or Jesper Bratt?
There’s no official news out about this. It really does look like Sweden could be saving them.
It’s a risk, to be sure. If Latvia were to beat Sweden on Tuesday, there’d be no tomorrow.
But on the flip side, you can see the logic a bit. To get a medal, Sweden has to do more than win Tuesday. They also have to upset the United States on Wednesday.
To beat a well-rested Team USA, Sweden needs its best lineup on the ice, and so maybe this is a calculated gamble.
Yes, it could backfire. But if it means having a few key pieces more rested to take on the U.S., it could work out to be worth it.
Sweden coach is insane 😭
Feel bad for Jesper tbh, this is so undeserved https://t.co/s6ROsgO6rO
— Devils Red Alert (@DevilsRedAlert) February 17, 2026
As the embedded tweets show, though, most fans aren’t on board.
So it better work, or it’ll look even worse for Sweden.
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