Swedish D Oliver Ekman-Larsson benched during semifinal win over Finland
Defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson found himself in unfamiliar territory during Sweden's 2-1 semifinal victory over Finland on Friday.
Oliver Ekman-Larsson didn't end up playing at all for Sweden today. Sat on the bench without taking a shift in 2-1 win.
— Jonas Siegel (@jonasTSN1050) February 21, 2014
The 22-year-old has scored eight goals and added 21 assists for the Phoenix Coyotes this season, averaging over 25 minutes a game.
In Sochi, however, he's averaged just over 10 minutes per game, behind Niklas Hjalmarsson, Johnny Oduya, Niklas Kronwall, Erik Karlsson and even Jonathan Ericsson. In limited time, he has registered three assists and five shots on goal.
Ekman-Larsson at one point revealed a possible reason for the situation he is facing at the 2014 Olympics.
Ekman-Larsson on being left off SWE 2009 WJC team: "The coach didn't like me, so that's why." That team's coach? '14 Olympic coach Par Marts
— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) February 21, 2014
Drafted sixth overall by the Coyotes in 2006, Ekman-Larsson has emerged as a Norris Trophy-caliber defenseman in the NHL. It appears, however, that he does not have the trust of his Olympic coach, and his role - or lack thereof - in Sunday's game against Canada could have an impact on Sweden's chances of winning a gold medal.