Photo credit: IIHF Images
Maple Leafs fans are going to get a taste of friendly competition when Auston Matthews and William Nylander face off. But when exactly is that set to happen?
We as hockey fans are getting a treat this February as the NHL is back in the Winter Olympics where there are bound to be stories aplenty about heroic victories, underdog miracle runs, and showcase who is the best of the best internationally.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are well represented this season as they will have three of their players suiting up for their respective countries. While we knew Auston Matthews and William Nylander were going to play for Team USA and Team Sweden, Oliver Ekman-Larsson’s inclusion was a pleasant surprise.
Matthews vs. Nylander: When does it happen?
So then becomes then question of when are these two going to face off? There is bound to be a lot of anticipation about who is truly the top player and while Matthews has a strong group behind him, you can never count out Nylander and the Tre Kronor.
Since USA and Sweden are in separate groups, it will be dependent on how the preliminary rounds play out in order to see both players go at it.
Team USA is in Group C which comprises of themselves, Latvia, Germany, and Denmark so suffice to say they may have a little easier time that Sweden’s Group B placement.
Sweden joins Italy, Slovakia, and Scandinavian rivals Finland as they try to earn Olympic gold, and while it’s not a powerhouse group; there is still some solid competition.
It all depends on how things play out (and a bit of luck thrown in too)
If Sweden and the USA make it through, then it wouldn’t be until the end of the 2026 Games when we see them play.
It depends on the play-off seeding, at which point we get a slate of quarterfinal games on Feb. 18, then the semis on Feb. 20 with the Bronze Medal Game being played on Feb. 21, and the Gold Medal game the next day on Feb. 22.
You also have to keep in mind the other teams who could come in and completely throw a wrench into things like Czechia and of course Canada.
But for Maple Leafs fans who want to see their two top players face off in international play, it may have to depend on some luck and outside factors in order to get there.
Previously on Hockey Patrol
POLL
1 HOUR AGO|41 ANSWERS
When could Auston Matthews face William Nylander at the Olympics? The bracket path is the real story
Which team are you cheering for most in the Olympics?