4 Nations Face-Off

Devils Jesper Bratt Sends Team Sweden Out of the 4 Nations Face-Off With a Bang

Jesper Bratt scores the game-winning goal for Sweden against the USA, propelling his country to their lone victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Published

1 month ago

February 17, 2025

James Nichols

United States goaltender Jake Oettinger, left, makes a save on a shot by Sweden's Jesper Bratt during the first period of a 4 Nations Face-Off hockey game, Monday, Feb. 17, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

He might not be competing for gold, but the New Jersey Devils can certainly be proud of their Swedish forward at the 4 Nations Face-Off.

Leading up to the final game of the round-robin play, Team Sweden was left as the lone winless team in the 4 Nations tournament. That changed, however, following Team Sweden’s 2-1 victory over Jack Hughes and Team USA on Monday night.

Earlier in the day, Team Canada punched their ticket to the 4 Nations championship with a regulation win over Team Finland.

Sweden essentially had nothing but pride to play for heading into the Monday evening tilt.

Both Sweden and the U.S. were shorthanded. With illness and injuries circulating, each team dressed 11 forwards and 17 skaters.

On the stick of Chris Kreider, who was playing his first game of the tournament, Team USA took an early 1-0 lead over Sweden. However, Gustav Nyquist tied the game halfway through the opening frame, and before the first period could end, the Devils forward deposited the go-ahead goal on the rush.

“‘Do you have any idea how easy this is for me?!’ – Will Hunting” – Jesper Bratt pic.twitter.com/b8vypSppkm

— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) February 18, 2025

Sweden went on to lock down the United States with the help of goaltender Samuel Ersson for the remainder of the game. Bratt’s goal in the first ended as the game-winner, which sealed the victory over the tournament favorite. It also netted the Devils forward player of the game honors. Bratt received the award from ex-Devils forward and Boston University head coach, Jay Pandolfo.

Bratt leaves the 4 Nations Face-Off, scoring a goal and an assist in three games.

The Devils forward started the tournament, playing the first two games alongside Joel Eriksson Ek & Lucas Raymond. However, in Sweden’s final game of the tournament, Bratt played on a line with William Nylander and Leo Carlsson.

Both Sweden and Finland exit the tournament as of Monday evening. However, they’re not going home winless.

Sweden has Bratt to thank for that, as he now turns his attention to the remainder of the Devils’ season.

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