DetroitRedWings.com’s Dana Wakiji spoke with Red Wings prospect Jesper Eliasson regarding his performance during Sweden’s 5-2 loss to Team Canada on Friday at the World Junior Summer Showcase, as well the goaltender’s upcoming season:
“Of course it depends on the team. I’m just focused on myself, doing the best I can,” Eliasson said. “It’s hard sometimes to play alone with a lot of breakaways and stuff like that. Of course I just have to focus on myself. I cannot control the team, just play my own game.”
Because the Swedes will hold [goaltender Olof] Lindbom out, Eliasson will serve as the backup for Erik Portillo when Team Sweden faces Team Finland Saturday in the rivalry game.
“It’s like a neighbor. All the time it’s tough games,” Eliasson said. “I played them twice, real fun experience to play against them.”
Eliasson said no matter what the results were at the World Junior Summer Showcase, he will take those lessons with him when he returns to Sweden for his upcoming season in the Allsvenskan, Sweden’s second highest hockey league.
“Just get better at everything, the work,” Eliasson said. “Just work on the edge and everything, quickness. It’s good teams here. It will be in Sweden as well. Just take the games with me and take the things that I can improve.”
