I mentioned earlier I didn't think Landeskog was such an important addition to this team, considering he hasn't looked like a world beater in some earlier participations. Well, I was completely wrong and I think I want to start the party music, because he was the last puzzle piece for creating two lethal, offensive lines for Sweden. Both Nylander - Wennberg - Hörnqvist and Landeskog - Lindholm - Pettersson look like two lines that can decide close games. Anyone can show flashes of brilliance and be game deciders in their roles. I wouldn't exactly feel comfortable being the coach of an opponent facing that top 6.
Then the bottom 6, defensive forward lines are absolutely elite. They're not only extremely hard working, they're also an offensive threat if you blink. And then we still have Bratt coming back from his injury, looking hot and ready to go. Considering all their team roles, you can't ask for more. The quality is top class, you don't need a bunch of world stars to create that, if all of them knows how to play their kind of hockey.
Defensively, the addition of Klingberg was so important. In a WHC tournament, any team would beg on their knees to have Larsson - OEL and Ekholm - Klingberg as their top 4 pairing. Heck, that's good enough in the (real) olympics. That's the Swedish B-team on defense, but it's still just ridiculous and it shows. It also shows how effective a mobile, creative game can make the defensemen look. Defensive defenseman Adam Larsson just scored - and even drove to the net(!) - in the Swedish system. How often do you see him cycling behind the opposing net in Edmonton or is close to be the game winner in a gold medal game against Switzerland (damn post)?
It looks very, very good. The offensive lines have great potential, the defensive lines are great, the defense is kind of awesome, the goaltending is awesome and team morale is at a top. I get "Bengan" feelings from interviews with these guys, they're there to win while having fun playing hockey.
I have to give huge credit to Grönborg to give room to create this relaxed atmosphere. He doesn't punish players for making mistakes, he allows them to repay it, because he gives them confidence. Even the lowest of the low Loui Eriksson doesn't usually look out of place (except for the game against Austria, he's been doing his job).
Nylander came in with a torn confidence. Wennberg the same. Loui Eriksson the same. Larsson had it tough. Many players had tough seasons. Look at them now when they're allowed to make mistakes. Playing for this team is like hockey hippie healing for these guys. It's not a coincidence Sweden basically has 100% NHL players in this tournament and why they've won two straight golds. Because they all feel it's so damn fun.
I can nitpick about Grönborg's choosing of players and small tactical details, but when it comes to creating a winning atmosphere, he's a master. Buffalo lost a great chance recruiting this guy as their coach. We can nitpick positions, but I have to give Grönborg huge credit for giving his players confidence and a real chance to perform what is asked of them.
Compare Grönborg as a coach, compared to the situation in Finland, or the dark era of "Grossman kommer!". I'm actually softening the thought of Garpenlöv, because he has the same team philosphy as Grönborg's adept. As long as Sweden has 90-100% NHL players on the national team, I can't really complain, because winning is fun. I'll miss him.