Elias Pettersson, known as 'EP', is Sweden's highest-paid player in the NHL but has experienced a challenging couple of years with the Vancouver Canucks, struggling with his scoring and overall performance on the ice. His point production has not been at par with his early seasons in the league, a disappointment echoed in his recent performances with Sweden's national team, where he failed to make an impact during the Four Nations tournament last year.

In the latest Olympic qualifying match against Slovakia, Pettersson broke his scoring drought by netting two goals, showcasing his offensive skills that have been missing in prior games against other teams like Italy and Finland. His first goal was a critical point during the match, reflecting not only his individual resurgence but also contributing significantly to the team's morale and performance. He expressed relief and happiness at finding the back of the net again, highlighting the importance of overcoming his scoring challenges.

This return to form could be pivotal for Pettersson as he aims to regain his position as a top player both in the NHL and on the international stage for Sweden. With the Olympics approaching, his performance will be crucial for not only his personal career trajectory but also for the prospects of the Swedish national team. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching how he builds on this performance in the upcoming games.