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Henrik Lundqvist out for Sweden's World Cup opener vs. Russia

josh cooper
GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN - SEPTEMBER 09: Henrik Lundqvist of Sweden during Team Sweden ice practice ahead of the match between Sweden and Finland, september 9th, 2016 at Scandinavium, Gothenburg, Sweden. (Photo by Nils Petter Nilsson/Ombrello/Getty Images)
Henrik Lundqvist of Sweden during Team Sweden ice practice ahead of the match between Sweden and Finland (Getty Images)

TORONTO – Team Sweden goaltender Henrik Lundqvist is sick and will not play in his team’s tournament opener against Russia in the World Cup of Hockey.

Jacob Markstrom led Team Sweden on the ice and will likely start for the group at the Air Canada Centre.

Not having the 34-year-old Lundqvist, a former Vezina Trophy winner and superstar for the New York Rangers, in net could hurt Sweden’s chances in this early game against the Russians and their powerful forwards led by Alex Ovechkin. Sweden’s defense, along with Lundqvist, was considered one of their biggest strengths.

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In the 2010 Olympic Games, Lundqvist held a 1.34 goal-against average and .927 in three games for the Swedes. At the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, he had a 1.50 goal-against average and .943 save percentage to help his group to a silver medal.

With the Vancouver Canucks last season, Markstrom held a 2.73 goal-against average and .915 save percentage in 33 games. He played six games at the last World Championships and had a 3.16 goal-against average and .896 save percentage.

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Josh Cooper is an editor for Puck Daddy on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at puckdaddyblog@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!

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