Monday night brought the end of Adrian Kempe’s experience at the 4 Nations Face-off event. After what began last week with him scoring a goal for Team Sweden in their opening contest against Canada, the group suffered a bitter overtime loss to longtime rival Finland on Saturday before securing a rather convincing 2-1 victory over Team USA in their final contest.
Just moments after it was over, it truly was just that — over. Kempe and his Swedish teammates at reached the end of the road at his first best-on-best competition at this level.
Yes, Kempe had previously represented his home country four times at the World Championship (2018, 2019, 2021 & 2024), earning a goal medal in 2018 and a bronze in 2024, as well as being a top goal scorer at the World Junior Championship in both 2015 and 2016, this was something altogether new for the 28-year-old winger. In fact, it was something he had been looking forward to with great anticipation, as he spoke with Mayor’s Manor about in the days before departing for Montreal.
As quickly as it all began, he was still trying to wrap his head around things when we reconnected in the bowels of TD Garden, just moments after he had taken off his jersey and other equipment.
“I think the first game was really good, and I think our second game was not as good as we wanted,” he said, when we began discussing the 4 Nations event in totality. “The thing we take with us though is that we didn’t lose a single game in 60 minutes. That’s good, but obviously it sucks. You know, to play three games and only lose after 60, and you don’t get to play in the final game. That’s kind of tough. But I think we had a pretty solid game today against a really good American team, so that’s something we can build on in future.”
NHL players have already been announced as participating in next year’s Olympic Games, so this year’s tournament has served as just a precursor for next year. However, that’s still another year away. For now, there’s still time to reflect on Sweden’s play at the 4 Nations.
Monday began with Sweden still mathematically eligible for a spot in Thursday’s championship final; it was a slim chance, but it still existed, nonetheless. After Canada won their afternoon game, though, that set them up for a rematch with Team USA later in the week. Given how it all played out, how challenging was it for Kempe and Sweden to ramp up and be emotionally invested for Monday evening’s contest — knowing that no matter what happened, they’d be going home instead of advancing?
“It was a little difficult, more mentally” Kempe admitted. “You’re hoping for something in the early game, and then it doesn’t happen. But I think once everybody got here [to the arena], we got excited to play again. We wanted to end with a strong game and show everybody that we deserved to be in the final game. We deserved to play against the best teams. We could have won all three games; two went to overtime and then we won tonight in regulation. It was tough, and tight overall. It was a fun tournament overall.”
Following up on the earlier chirping from Doughty, what was it like playing against Doughty?
“It was fun,” he said with a huge smile.
And scoring in the first game, with Doughty right in your face?
“Yeah, that was fun too!” added Kempe with one of his classic half smiles and quick head nod.
Ever the teammate, he quickly praised LA’s future Hall of Fame defenseman.
“I think I think he played great,” continued Kempe. “I don’t think he was the happiest after the game against us. But I think the last two games, watching him playing against Finland and the U.S., I thought he was one of Canada’s better D. It’s fun to see. I think he’s slowly and steadily getting back to the Drew we know. That’s being offensively good, and especially defensively. It’s been a really good tournament from him and fun to watch.”
Coming into the tournament, Kempe was eager to put his personal game on display against the very best. How would he evaluate his performance in the three games?
“I thought it was all right,” he remarked. “Obviously, it’s a little different role compared to playing in LA. I had to adjust a little bit; tried to make the best out of it. I tried to play physical, get some hits in, get some shots on net, and tried to use my speed as much as I could. I thought my best game was probably against Canada. Obviously, [I was playing] a few less minutes than I usually play, but I think overall — just like the team — I think I had a couple good games, one game that wasn’t the best, but overall, it was an OK tournament.”
As for the final game on Thursday between Canada and USA?
Yes, Kempe said he’ll be watching once he gets back to the West Coast.
He was also clear on what he’s expecting. “I’m gonna cheer for Doughty and hopefully he can be a difference maker.”
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