William Nylander and David Kampf undergo quarter-final showdown at the IIHF World Championship | NHL News
The IIHF Men’s World Championship quarter-finals are so much more intense with two familiar NHL names joining the fray: William Nylander and David Kampfhave returned to their respective national teams, Sweden and the Czech Republic, just days after their playoff elimination. With new energy and NHL-level experience, the two youngsters have stepped up to the international stage.As Sweden gears up to face Czech Republic, the game has now gained some added excitement with former teammates now locked in battle for national pride.
William Nylander and David Kampf bring former NHL glory into Sweden-Czechia Quarter-Finals
Sweden’s squad was given some good reinforcement with the arrival of William Nylander, who had a great NHL season with 45 goals and 84 points. Carrying that fine form into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Nylander finished with 15 points in 13 games before Toronto was eliminated. This will be Nylander’s fourth trip to international waters for the World Championship, having gold under his belt from 2017.A pivotal addition for Sweden, some manner of second group of six-1-0, their only loss coming against Canada. Nylander’s offensive creativity and vision bring leadership to Sweden’s attack. Earlier this year, he further showed his commitment to international hockey by taking part in the 4 Nations Face-Off, where he supplied two assists.On the other hand, the Czechs have drafted David Kampf, a hard-working centre with an emphasis on defensive responsibility and faceoffs. Compared to Nylander, however, Kampf’s NHL season was barely worth mentioning, scoring five goals and 13 points in 59 games; yet his role in Czechia’s system can become crucial in negating Sweden’s top lines. With just one playoff game under his belt, Kampf’s knowledge and experience of Sweden’s star could provide Czechia with a tactical advantage.Czechia finished in third place in Group B with just one loss in the group stage. They are an evenly combative side using their consistent form and structured gameplay, and the presence of Kampf lends them further strength down the middle. Also Read: 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference final preview: Panthers vs. Hurricanes – Game 1 odds, controversial picks, and key player propsSweden and Czechia will meet in the quarter-finals on Thursday, with the focus turning toward William Nylander and David Kampf. This resurgence of pending rivalry on the international front offers Plot B for an already high-stakes encounter. Both teams casting their eyes on the semi-final berth translates into an intense, polished game with added NHL drama.
