Gustavsson, Markstrom, and Ullmark Face ‘Tough’ Choices for Sweden in 4 Nations Face-Off

Sweden’s remarkable goaltending depth has presented the national team with challenging decisions. On Wednesday, Filip Gustavsson of the Minnesota Wild, Jacob Markstrom of the New Jersey Devils, and Linus Ullmark of the Ottawa Senators were named as the country’s three goaltenders for the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, a prestigious tournament featuring NHL players from Sweden, Finland, Canada, and the United States.

The tournament, set to take place from February 12 to 20 at Bell Centre in Montreal and TD Garden in Boston, promises to be a thrilling showcase of elite hockey talent. For Sweden, deciding how to allocate playing time between their three elite netminders will be as critical as choosing their starter for the tournament opener against Canada on February 12.

A Tough Decision for Sweden’s Coaching Staff

“It’s going to be tough because we’ll be pushing each other, and everyone wants to play,” said Gustavsson.

While much has been said about Team USA’s goaltending depth, led by Connor Hellebuyck of the Winnipeg Jets, Sweden’s General Manager Josef Boumedienne and Head Coach Sam Hallam are confident their roster stacks up well. This tournament marks the first major international event featuring NHL talent since the 2016 World Cup of Hockey.

“Of course, we love our goaltending depth,” Hallam said. “But it’s not just about depth—we’re thrilled with the top-end talent we have. We’re fortunate to have three excellent goaltenders, and we haven’t decided on a number one yet. They’ll compete, and we’ll determine who starts based on their performances leading up to the tournament.”

Ullmark, the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy winner, and Markstrom, the 2021-22 Vezina runner-up, bring significant experience. Meanwhile, Gustavsson has been a standout for Minnesota this season, boasting a league-leading 2.04 goals-against average (GAA) and a .929 save percentage among goalies with at least nine games played. His record of 12-4-3 includes two shutouts, placing him among the NHL’s top goaltenders this year.

Markstrom and Ullmark: Proven Performers

Markstrom, in his first season with New Jersey, has been pivotal in helping the Devils (17-9-2) stay atop the Eastern Conference standings. He holds a 12-6-1 record with a 2.54 GAA and a .907 save percentage, including one shutout in 19 games.

Ullmark, after a trade from Boston to Ottawa in June, has faced an adjustment period. His current stats—5-7-2, a 3.07 GAA, and a .888 save percentage—reflect a challenging season. Despite this, his pedigree as a Vezina winner makes him a crucial asset for Sweden.

“Filip has been unbelievable for Minnesota, and Linus is a world-class goalie who won the Vezina just a year ago,” Markstrom said. “As for me, I feel like I’m hitting my stride, playing some of my best hockey. There are plenty of talented Swedish goaltenders knocking on the door, but we’re ready to step up and perform.”

Notably, promising Swedish goalies like Samuel Ersson (Philadelphia Flyers) and Anton Forsberg (Ottawa Senators) were left off the roster, with Boumedienne emphasizing that experience and readiness to win now were key factors in their selection process.

International Experience Matters

All three selected goaltenders bring valuable international experience. Markstrom is the only one of the trio with World Cup of Hockey experience, having made 27 saves in Sweden’s 2-1 victory over Russia in 2016. Gustavsson was instrumental in Sweden’s bronze medal finish at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, posting a 6-1-0 record with a 2.13 GAA and a .903 save percentage.

For Gustavsson, the chance to represent Sweden again is a major motivator. “Sweden has always produced great goalies, so I know I need to bring my best to be part of this team,” he said. “We left some unfinished business at the World Championship last year, and I’m eager to help us perform even better in February.”

Focus on the Prize

As the tournament approaches, the goal for all three goalies is clear: help Sweden win. The 4 Nations Face-Off will see each team play three round-robin games, with the top two advancing to the final on February 20. How Sweden’s coaching staff manages their trio of goaltenders could be pivotal in their success.

“Our job is to push each other,” Markstrom said. “Filip, Linus, and I all want to start, but ultimately, Sam has to make the tough decisions. That’s part of competing at this level. We’re here to support each other and bring out our best.”