Lucas Raymond of the Detroit Red Wings can’t help but feel a little star-struck when he sees his teammates on Sweden’s first power-play unit during the world championship. No offense to Dylan Larkin and Moritz Seider.
“Playing among the world’s finest players is incredibly fantastic,” Raymond said to the Swedish website Aftonbladet.se.
As the Swedes defeated Poland 5-1 to win their second straight game, the Swedish power play went two for five on Sunday. Sweden defeated the USA 5-2 in the tournament’s opening match, never allowing them to use the man advantage.
Raymond Is a Member Of A Risky Group
Victor Hedman of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Erik Karlsson of the Pittsburgh Penguins play on the points with Raymond as part of Sweden’s first power-play unit. Hedman is the quarterback on power plays, which frees up the explosive Karlsson to roam freely in the attacking zone.
Adrian Kempe is shooting from the flank, and Joel Eriksson-Ek of the Minnesota Wild is working the net up front. Raymond is being used as the bumper by Sweden. Larkin typically plays that position on Detroit’s first PP unit.
“We have a guy that is used to playing there and is extremely excellent at it with “Jolla” in front of goal,” Swedish coach Sam Hallam said to the Swedish outlet Expressen.se. “Hedman is performing well in Tampa and is right on target. Adrian has a cool head, a terrific swagger, and a knack for shooting.
“Ray” in the middle gives us clear-cut opportunities, and Erik threatens from one side both with the play and the shoot.”
Raymond has played some in the bumper role for the Red Wings and has scored even-strength goals in both of Sweden’s victories. With 31 goals this season, including six on the power play, he led Detroit.
“Throughout the season, I have spent a lot of time playing in the middle position,” Raymond stated. “Under pressure, I strive to be a viable alternative, but I also take shots and second pucks.”
Rasmus Dahlin, Marcus Johansson, Fabian Zetterlund, Andre Burakovsky, and Victor Olofsson’s No. 2 unit and top unit both scored power-play goals in the Poland game.
Top-D Pairing Excites Red Wings Raymond
The two Norris Trophy winners, Karlsson and Hedman, are also playing five-on-five as a tandem.
Victor Hedman and Erik Karlsson together in a power play is unusual, according to Raymond. Furthermore, they are in the same back pair as us.
“It’s really enjoyable.”
