Sweden's Olympic journey in ice hockey came to a disappointing end as they were eliminated by the USA with a close score of 2-1 during overtime in the quarter-finals. This loss not only ended their hopes of a medal but also showcased a surprising early exit for a team that was considered a strong contender, ranked third behind only Canada and the USA in pre-tournament projections.

Following the defeat, it was reported that several Swedish players did not linger to wallow in their disappointment, but instead opted to return home almost immediately after the game. This decision was highlighted by the wife of Pittsburgh Penguins player Rickard Rakell, who shared on Instagram her plans to leave the arena at 1:30 AM and head to the airport by 7 AM. This quick exit indicates a shift in morale and focus for the players, who were expected to be more involved in the tournament until the end.

Swedish team General Manager Josef Boumedienne confirmed the early departures to Swedish media, reiterating that a few players were indeed choosing to leave. This decision reflects both the immediate disappointment following their unexpected exit and a broader recognition of the team's underperformance in a tournament where they had anticipated achieving significantly more. Without a unified team presence for the remaining duration, Sweden's exit marks a significant moment in Olympic ice hockey, impacting both player careers and national expectations for future competitions.