Norway versus Sweden is normally a fierce rivalry, but add in the Olympic factor, and there are bound to be war wounds.
The two Scandinavian rivals faced off in men’s ice hockey Thursday and predictably there was damage.
Norwegian center Kristian Forsberg was struck in the nose by a skate of Sweden’s Joel Lundqvist after he leaned in to try to win a loose puck during the second period.
The 31-year-old was forced off the ice by the surprising incident, leaving with a gashed face and blood gushing from his nose.
Oddly, Forsberg was handed a two-minute penalty for cross-checking while Lundqvist, the 35-year-old brother of Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist, received a high-sticking penalty for two minutes.
Unfortunately for Forsberg and Norway, Sweden won 4-0, which leaves Norway at the bottom of Group C after its first game.