Oliver Ekman-Larsson made his feelings clear after Sweden’s opener benching

When Team Sweden took the ice against Team Italy for their first game of the Olympics, there was a distinct lack of Oliver Ekman-Larsson, who was on the bench but never played a single shift through the entire game, but came away with a victory nonetheless.

What is certainly a frustrating situation for Ekman-Larsson considering the circumstances, the veteran seemed to take everything in stride and wasn't complaining about not touching the ice but knowing that it may be one of his last chances -- he wants to play no doubt.

Which is why it was great news that he took the ice against Finland on Friday though wasn't able to help the team secure a victory against their Scandinavian rivals as they fell to Finland 4-1.

Though OEL suffered a defeat, he was grateful that he was able to take the ice and told reporters post-game that it was just great to get himself involved and he is willing to do anything to help be in playing or sitting:

It's not too surprising to see OEL speak nonchalantly about his benching, as he seems to really take things as they come and doesn't concern himself with the small things.

He's part of Team Sweden regardless and his veteran leadership on and off the ice is going to be crucial for the rest of the team. If he can't play then at least he can offer advice or use his vast knowledge of the game to see exploits in the opponents and pass that onto his teammates.

But he does deserve to play given how effective he's been even at 34. In 57 games this season, he's posted 34 points (8 goals, 26 assists) while adding 36 PIM and a minus-one in 20:45 TOI.

That type of performance is fantastic, and compared to other defenders like Gustav Forsling and Philip Broberg, he would add much more offense on the backend and utilize the open ice some more; and he's not a bad defender so it's not like the team is losing out dramatically.

But at 34 now, he will be 38 years old by the time the next Olympics rolls around and if he's on the downswing of his career and not coming close to the production he's put forth this season, it'll be hard to put him in the lineup beyond sentimental reasons.

Which is why Team Sweden needs to utilize Ekman-Larsson as much as they can because it might be the final time they can bring him aboard on their quest for a gold medal.

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