Milano Cortina also marks the first time since 2014, the year that Lundqvist’s Sweden won silver in Sochi, that the Games will feature NHL players.
This, Lundqvist says, poses its own challenges for teams alongside the spectacle.
“You only have a few days to prepare going into an Olympic tournament,” he says.
“It’s different compared to maybe other athletes, where they prepare for months. Here you have players playing in the NHL, they come over here and get two practices, a couple of meetings, and then off you go.
“It is critical those first couple of days to get on the same page and both understand but also accept your roles.
“You have some players that might have a bigger role back in the NHL for their team, but now you’re on a national team.”
Sweden begin their Winter Olympic Games against hosts Italy on Wednesday (11 February).