Erik Karlsson has an odd way of explaining his most recent exposure to the Olympics in 2014.
“Not very good memories about that,” the Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman said Jan. 2 in Cranberry. “But no, I have great memories from Sochi. I think it was one of the best experiences in my hockey career.”
While he medaled, the experience wasn’t perfect. Skating for Sweden, he lost in the gold medal game to Canada, 3-0, in Sochi, Russia.
As he claimed silver, the person approximately 20 feet away at the back center of the Penguins’ dressing room won gold.
Forward Sidney Crosby captained Canada to a championship for the second time in his Olympic career.
“I know we lost in the Final with a very depleted lineup,” Karlsson said. “So very proud of the accomplishment that we had there. I think looking back at it, you know, we got the most out of everyone and ended up getting a silver. Overall experience was amazing and, obviously, something that I’ve missed for the past 12 years.”
The NHL has not sent players, coaches or management to the Olympics over the gulf of a dozen years for a variety of reasons.
In 2018, disagreements with the league’s business concerns were the primary factor. With the Olympics being staged in Pyeongchang, South Korea, a time difference of 14 hours from the East Coast of North America led to games being played during the wee hours of the morning for most hockey fans on this continent, limiting any beneficial exposure to an established or potential new audience.
By 2022, the NHL, the International Olympic Committee and the International Ice Hockey Federation reached agreements on the economics involved and the league was scheduled to participate in that year’s games in Beijing. But the harsh realities of the lingering pandemic halted those aspirations.
But starting next week, NHL players will be skating in Milan.
“Weird, you know?” Karlsson said of the 12-year gap. “Obviously, I missed two of them in the time that you could have played, which is very frustrating at one point, but at the same time, there’s nothing you can do about it. Just happy that it’s back on and, hopefully, it stays this way for the younger generation and we don’t get to miss another one because it’s a very special thing to be a part of.”
The 38-year-old Crosby — who famously scored the winning goal at the 2010 games in Vancouver — fully understands the unique opportunity he will be afforded, perhaps for the final time in his dazzling existence as a hockey player.
“Just enjoy it,” Crosby said Jan. 31. “It’s about coming together as a team. That’s the biggest thing. It’s a short-term thing. The quicker you can build chemistry and come together as a group, play a team game, the better off you’re going to be.
“Have an open mind because it’s a new experience and something that’s pretty cool to be a part of.”
Penguins forward Rickard Rakell is slated to be part of Sweden’s roster for the first time in the Olympics, though an undisclosed injury he suffered during a morning skate Thursday in Buffalo, N.Y., makes his status curious, at best.
Speaking with reporters in Buffalo following the skate Thursday, Penguins coach Dan Muse labeled Rakell as “day to day.”
“Obviously, super excited,” Rakell said. “It’s a dream come true for me to get the chance to play in the Olympics and represent my country. I couldn’t be more excited.”
The only other member of the Penguins’ roster scheduled to skate in Italy is rookie goaltender Arturs Silovs, who will suit up for Latvia.
Off the ice, a handful of Penguins staffers will participate.
President of hockey operations Kyle Dubas serves as Canada’s director of player personnel, whereas strength and conditioning coach Sean Young will have an identical role with Canada.
Video coach Madison Nikkel is inhabiting the same station for the United States.
When the NHL last participated in the Olympics, Karlsson led the tournament in scoring with eight points (four goals, four assists) in six games.
(He tied another future Penguins star, forward Phil Kessel, for the tournament lead.)
Karlsson is eager to collect some more good — if not greater — memories this time around upon the NHL’s return.
“I like those types of games where it matters a lot,” Karlsson said. “The margins are very small, and you have to be at your best at all times. And stay very focused.
“The tournaments where it’s do or die every game, it makes it easier to channel your best inner self.”
Note: Penguins rookie forwards Avery Hayes and Rutger McGroarty were assigned to Wilkes-Barre/Scranton of the American Hockey League on Friday morning.
