Filip Gustavsson is making a strong case to be Sweden’s go-to guy in net as the Winter Olympics get underway in Milan.
During Sweden’s morning skate on Wednesday, Gustavsson was the first goaltender off the ice-a strong indicator that he’s in line to start when Tre Kronor opens Group B play against Italy. While head coach Sam Hallam hasn’t confirmed who will get the nod, all signs are pointing toward the Minnesota Wild netminder taking the crease.
And if that’s the case, it means Gustavsson has edged out some serious competition. He’s up against fellow Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt and New Jersey Devils veteran Jacob Markstrom, both of whom bring plenty to the table. Markstrom has the experience, Wallstedt has the upside-but right now, Gustavsson has the hot hand.
The 27-year-old has been rock solid for Minnesota this season. Through 36 starts, he’s put together a 20-9-6 record with a 2.64 goals-against average, a .907 save percentage, and three shutouts.
That kind of consistency has helped keep the Wild firmly in the playoff mix, nipping at the heels of the Central Division-leading Colorado Avalanche. And with Wallstedt also playing well, Minnesota’s goalie tandem has quietly become one of the more dependable duos in the league.
This wouldn’t be Gustavsson’s first rodeo with the national team. He was Sweden’s primary starter during last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off, though the results didn’t exactly go his way-he went 0-2 with a 4.18 GAA and an .813 save percentage. But international hockey is often about timing and momentum, and Gustavsson enters this tournament playing some of his best hockey.
He also brings a solid résumé from previous international stints. The Skellefteå native has medaled at just about every level: silver at the IIHF World Juniors, silver at the IIHF Under-18 World Championship, silver at the Hlinka Gretzky Cup, and a bronze at the 2024 IIHF Men’s World Championship. He’s been there, done that, and now he’s poised to take on the Olympic stage.
If Gustavsson does get the start against Italy, it’ll be a well-earned opportunity to anchor a Swedish team with real medal aspirations. And based on his current form, he might just be the steady presence Tre Kronor needs between the pipes.