Team Sweden makes an emergency change just before game with USA

According to a report from Swedish publisher Aftonbladet, Team Sweden will play goaltender Samuel Ersson against USA this evening, as starting goaltender Linus Ullmark is out with an illness.

Really though... can you blame Ullmark?

Even if he's not ill and he's 100% fit to play, I wouldn't blame him for handing the crease over to Ersson. This is a true 'mean nothing' game for Sweden with both USA and Canada clinching spots in the championship game on Thursday evening.

All the Sweden has left to play for is pride. Go out there, give things your best effort and then get on a plane back home. That's likely what Sweden is focusing on this evening. As for Ullmark? Well... maybe he can get an early flight? Filip Gustavsson is the team's third goaltender and he's expected to back up Ersson this evening.