World Cup of Hockey 2016: Get to know Sweden’s forwards

Sweden doesn’t touch Canada in terms of overall talent or depth, but this is one team that at least has a chance of upsetting the Maple giants. Reading up and down the Swedish roster features players you’ve actually seen play before — and play quite well, at that. If Sweden is to pull off an upset, it’ll be in large part thanks to its forwards (okay, and goaltending).

Sweden’s Forwards

Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals

Loui Eriksson, Boston Bruins

Filip Forsberg, Nashville Predators

Patric Hornqvist, Pittsburgh Penguins

Carl Hagelin, Pittsburgh Penguins

Marcus Kruger, Chicago Blackhawks

Gabriel Landeskog, Colorado Avalanche

Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks

Jakob Silfverberg, Anaheim Ducks

Carl Soderberg, Colorado Avalanche

Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings

Rickard Rakell, Anaheim Ducks

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Loui Eriksson

One of the best scorers in the NHL, Eriksson brings a certain experience and consistency to Sweden. He has scored more than 20 goals in six of his 10 NHL seasons and has scored 40 points in 43 games with the Swedish national team.

Gabriel Landeskog

Another talented forward, Landeskog will get the unique opportunity to ply his trade with a relatively competent team. In addition to having great hair, Landeskog is a great scorer and possession driver.

Nicklas Backstrom

Backstrom has tallied more than 70 points in three-straight seasons and the center is slightly above average in the faceoff circle. He scores the vast majority of his goals at even strength but creates plenty of chances for others while playing with the extra man.

Group: B

First Game: Sept. 18, Team Sweden vs. Team Russia, 12 p.m. PT, ESPN