Lucas Raymond spoke with DetroitRedWings.com’s Jonathan Mills regarding playing for Team Sweden at the Four Nations Face-Off…
“The competitiveness has been really high in all of the games, but it’s been really fun and a great atmosphere,” Raymond told DetroitRedWings.com after Sweden’s morning skate at Agganis Arena on Monday. “It’s a really fast game. There’s a lot of skilled players out there, a lot of offense.”
Raymond is fitting right in among the sport’s best on the international stage, especially offensively. Through two tournament games, Raymond leads Sweden with three points (all assists) and a plus-3 rating.
“I feel good body-wise and mind-wise,” Raymond said. “I feel like I’m in a good spot. I obviously feel like I have a lot more not only against the U.S. tonight but continuing with the season back home in Detroit.”
As well as facing off against teammate and friend Dylan Larkin tonight:
“I’m very excited,” Raymond said about facing Larkin. “It’ll be a lot of fun. Obviously, we play with each other a bunch but maybe not as much against each other. I know the type of player he is. You have to be cautious with him and his speed.”
And naturally, Raymond has learned a lot from Larkin during their time together in Detroit.
“Not only on the ice, I think everyone sees the way he battles and competes, but off the ice as well,” Raymond said. “Just being around him, and we’re obviously very close friends. I see how he takes care of himself, which is impressive. His leadership skills are unreal as well.”
