So here we are, the exact match up of a week ago, only now for all the marbles. Before I break into the statistical breakdown of this game, I'd like to briefly examine the social environment of this game from both sides. For the Canadians, this is as big as it gets on a national stage, and the consensus from them is one of confidence heading into this game, carried with the usual lack of respect for American hockey. That lack of respect is not entirely unfounded, and exists today as American apathy and ignorance towards hockey (for instance, some of my friends say things like ,"I haven't followed hockey since the strike" and, "I don't know any of the players anymore"). Canadian fans certainly do not want to see a country that clearly does not love hockey as much as it does win the Gold medal on their ice.
And on the other side of that coin, the American fans are confident, and almost cocky, heading into this game. The majority of Americans watching this game, to quote Al Michaels, "don't know the difference between a blue line and a clothes lines." They certainly feel that all the pressure is on the Canadians, especially after squeezing out a 3-2 win against the Slovaks on Friday. A lot of American hockey fans, myself included, feel that Canada never recognizes our attention, dedication to and love for the game. Alas, hockey fans are marginalized in this country, and ignorance seems to be the general trend of the American casual hockey fan (i.e. few fans of the Colorado Avalanche knew who Craig Anderson was before the start of the 2009-2010 season). Now that, in some semblance, the rivalry has been explained, I will now move on to analyze the game.
It is often said that the winner of an Olympic hockey tournament is the team with the best goaltender (a la Dominick Hasek in Nagano 1998). There is no question at this point who the best goaltender in this tournament is, and simply put, its Miller Time. Ryan Miller leads all goaltenders in the Olympics with a crazy .953 save percentage and an equally stunning 1.04 GAA. Roberto Luongo, his opponent in this game, has a .919 save percentage with a 1.75 GAA. Last Sunday, Miller made 43 saves against Martin Brodeur's 17 (on 22 shots, ouch). Regardless, the goaltender who should be starting here isn't, and won't see any ice time at these olympics (despite being on the roster and many other teams deploying 3 different goalies in the tournament, Mike Babcock seems to be holding a grudge against Marc-Andre Fleury for stone walling his Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Finals last season, but this rant is for another day). I expect the shot chart to look much the same, and Miller will need another Herculean effort today.
The biggest thing to watch in this game is whether or not the Americans get into penalty trouble, since their PK for the tournament has been a questionable 76.9%. The United States, however, has taken the least amount of penalties (13 in five games) of any team in this tournament, so they have been at least disciplined. Canada has given up one less power play goal than the US (3 to 2), and have the best PK in the tournament with an 88.24%. Power play wise, these two teams are just about as efficient as the other (Canada's 29.17% to USA's 28.57). If Canada gets on the advantage, this is certainly an area where they might dominate(their blue line has 27 points in 6 games, America's has only 12 from two players in 5 games). Look out for Shea Weber's bomb from the point that he literally put through the net in the play-in game against Germany.
Interestingly, the Americans have taken almost 100 less shots than the Canadians (155 in 5 games to 243 in 6 games), and have been much more opportune in that regard. Percentage wise, in terms of scoring efficiency, both teams are shooting around 15%(Canada 13.17, USA 14.19). Canada's 32 goals in the tournament are tops, America's 22 (tied with Slovakia) are second best. These teams will score given the chance. Offensive X factors include Sidney Crosby, Patrick Kane, Ryan Getzlaf, and Ryan Malone (not a dynamo, but if he scores it motivates his team).
On the defensive side, the US has given up just 6 goals in 5 games, while Canada has given up 14. The unit in red, white and blue is much more stout physically than Canada's, and while at once not as offensively gifted, they will hit you in the mouth without hesitation. The United States has played much more physically than any other team in this tournament, and if the trends continue today (Miller as a brick wall, USA as an opportune team, a little too much pressure on Canada), the Americans will have their first Gold in 30 years. However, I must stick with my guns, I've been harping on Canada as the gold winner for three weeks now, and I see them getting the job done today, 4-3.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Super Tuesday in Vancouver
For those expected to win yesterday in the preliminary round of the tournament there were no surprises. Some of the teams cut it a little close, but we'll still get, for the most part, power house match ups today. Tonight will be the biggest international confrontation between Russia and Canada since the Canada Cup in the late 80s. The hockey world is already buzzing at the thought of this game, and in some respects, this is much more tantalizing than an All-Star Game. The fact of the matter is, whoever loses does not medal, a prospect hockey pundits would've scoffed at merely a week ago, myself included. But that precisely is the magic of these Olympic games. Ovechkin/Crosby is gonna be good tonight, needless to say. Here, as usual, is my analysis of the games yesterday and today.
YESTERDAY:
SWITZERLAND 4, BELARUS 3 (SHOOTOUT)
- An interesting game considering the Swiss gave up 3 goals to the Belorussians. Their defense is good, no doubt, but one would have thought that this game would come a little easier for the Swiss. Word at the beginning of these games is that the Swiss want a medal. Not good news for them now that they have to play an extremely confident USA squad, but that was to be expected, considering their seeding. Belarus gave a solid effort at the Olympics, and if you're a country like Belarus, this is really all you'll be able to accomplish against super teams from the NHL.
CANADA 8, GERMANY 2
- This is pretty much what everyone expected would happen. Canada will play the rest of this tournament with a chip on their shoulders, and Roberto Luongo in net it looks like. Great team that just got upset hands it to a team that just can't keep up. Not much else here to consider except that Canada now has a top line of Eric Staal, Sidney Crosby, and Jarome Iginla. This team looked a lot more complete than they did against the USA team, but that was to be expected.
CZECH REPUBLIC 4, LATVIA 3 (OVERTIME)
- This was the big surprise on a day of otherwise fulfilled expectations. The Czechs should have won this game, and they were resiliant when they had to be, especially in the latter portion of the third period and moving into OT. However, that doesn't excuse the fact that they were playing Latvia, and any such lapses in scoring touch will put them in a quick hole against their next opponent Finland. If Kipprusoff stands on his head the way Latvia's Edgars Masalskis did last night, the Czechs will find themselves out of Vancouver shortly.
SLOVAKIA 4, NORWAY 3
- This is eerily similar to their rivals game aginst the Latvians. Norway's goalie wasn't particularly hot, the Slovaks just really wanted to lose this game, it felt like. Sure, they held the fort at the end, but they were playing one of the worst teams in the tournament and it should've been over long before that. If they come with the same lackadaisical effort against the Swedes, they'll get blown out. Even if they don't they might get blown out.
TODAY:
1:00- #1 USA VS. #8 SWITZERLAND
- This is precisely what the USA earned with its win over the Canadians on Sunday: the right to play a lower seeded team. The ball is in the Americans court to get to the gold medal game, at least. Their road is by far the easiest of any team in the tournament, as it should be for a top seed. Don't expect this to be as close as their 3-1 game in pool play. Even if Jonas Hiller is a wall, don't expect the Swiss offense to do much against the physical, smart American defense (they played with much more intelligence against Canada). The USA will win at least 4-1, and advance to play either Finland or the Czech Republic in the Semi-Finals.
5:30- #3 RUSSIA VS. #6 CANADA
- This game is going to be huge. Consequently, I will run through the offenses and defenses in this game, as well as analyze the goaltending and special teams of both teams. This is a game with social and even political implications for both countries. Both countries don't just want Gold like the Americans do, they expect it (a la USA basketball). And one of them will not medal. This is by far the biggest international rivalry going at this time, much to the shagrin of American fans.
WHEN RUSSIA ATTACKS: Look for quick puck movement between the shifty Russian forwards as they attempt to navigate around an all-star defense. Malkin will lead the way though, not Ovechkin as he lead the team in points in pool play. When not on the rush, look for the Russians to attempt to get as much traffic in front of Roberto Luongo as they can. When on the rush, the Russians will be trying to make Luongo move around in his crease and test his quickness. The Canadians will be physical with the Russians much more so than they were with the Americans. The depth of Canada's defensemen trumps the depth of the Russian forwards. EDGE: EVEN
WHEN CANADA ATTACKS: This team almost banked on the American defense jumping up into plays to create counter-attack oppurtunities on Sunday. The Americans didn't, and the Canadians lost. The Russian defenders are good, but not good enough to contain this roster unless they put forth a supreme effort as they are no where near as deep as the Americans. Canada will continue to do what it has done all tournament: work along the side boards to create chances, whether by working them down low into the slot, or passing it back to guys like Shea Weber who can literally put the puck through the net (incredible play from last night's game with the Germans). If Crosby works the sideboards all game, look out as his outlets from there are either Jarome Iginla or the aforementioned Weber. And Russia's defense may not be good enough, or fast enough, to keep up. EDGE: CANADA
RUSSIAN GOALTENDER: EVGENI NABOKOV
- In this tournament, Nabby is 3-0 with a .911 save percentage and a 2.00 GAA. He's been good when he has had to be. But the team he's facing tonight is a horse of a complete different color. An interesting note, however, is that Nabokov plays for the San Jose Sharks, and faces Canada's Heatley-Thornton-Marleau line every day in practice. He may have it in him to stand in his head tonight and pull out a win, do not count him out.
CANADIAN GOALTENDER: ROBERTO LUONGO
- Luongo, while facing decidedly lower competition in Norway and Germany, is in the shape one would expect with a .947 save percentage and a 1.00 GAA. What goes for Nabokov goes for Roberto as well, this is a super team Canada is facing tonight, even more talented than the Americans. He can easily stand on his head, and tonight should not be a big problem for him. However, if Russia gets in his head early and makes it 2-0 (just a random score), that is when Luongo can struggle to win games. If Russia gets in his head early, they have a much better chance to win.
EDGE: CANADA
WHEN RUSSIA IS ON THE POWERPLAY:
- Look for them to go with the Pittsburgh Penguin attack that they have been of playing Gonchar at the point and having Malkin up there as well and letting those two quarterback. Canada, though, knows how to play against that (or at least Crosby and Fleury do). The talent level for both teams is so high that even a one man advantage is huge. Both powerplays, if given the chance, should light the lamp. EDGE: RUSSIA
WHEN CANADA IS ON THE POWERPLAY:
- This powerplay could be compared to a weapon of mass destruction. That's how good they are. That said, they cannot wait to get the powerplay unit working until late in the third, as they did on Sunday. Crosby has to step up, and usually, when that's the case, he does. They have the better powerplay of the two teams, and they need to exploit one of the only advantages they are going to get against this Russian team. EDGE: CANADA
PICK
- This game could be one for the ages. These are two titans at the heights of their powers going at it. Ovechkin/Crosby will be the main focus I'm sure, and that will only make it a little easier for these teams to hate eachother, if they don't already. This is going to be a fantastic game, and I see the Canadians winning in overtime 5-4.
8:00- #4 FINLAND VS. #5 CZECH REPUBLIC
- Tough act to follow, to say the least. However, this game should provide plenty of drama as both teams can score, both can defend, and both can hit. Jaromir Jagr is still not 100% after taking that bomb of a hit from Alexander Ovechkin on Sunday, and his health is huge variable for this Czech team. Goaltending is the quesiton in this game, as Tomas Vokoun was shaky against the Latvians yesterday and Mikka Kipprusoff looked really questionable against the Swedes on Sunday night. The onus is on Finland to take control of this game and move on to the semis, which I think they will with a grind-it-out 3-2 win over the Czechs.
10:00- #2 SWEDEN VS. #7 SLOVAKIA
- Good way to end a full day of great games. Sweden's offense has not looked as impressive as it has in previous years (aging Peter Forsberg, Daniel Alfredsson, Niclas Lidstrom, no Mats Sundin). That is the one hope Slovakia has to win this game. They need a sub par effort from Sweden's scorers to even have a chance. Their effort against Norway was complete garbage, and they are lucky to be here. They could prove me wrong and play a fantastic game tonight (the pieces are certainly there). For Sweden, they just need to score 3 or 4 goals. If they score, they'll win with Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes.
-Since all my picks from the first round held true, I don't need to update my speculation bracket. Yet.
YESTERDAY:
SWITZERLAND 4, BELARUS 3 (SHOOTOUT)
- An interesting game considering the Swiss gave up 3 goals to the Belorussians. Their defense is good, no doubt, but one would have thought that this game would come a little easier for the Swiss. Word at the beginning of these games is that the Swiss want a medal. Not good news for them now that they have to play an extremely confident USA squad, but that was to be expected, considering their seeding. Belarus gave a solid effort at the Olympics, and if you're a country like Belarus, this is really all you'll be able to accomplish against super teams from the NHL.
CANADA 8, GERMANY 2
- This is pretty much what everyone expected would happen. Canada will play the rest of this tournament with a chip on their shoulders, and Roberto Luongo in net it looks like. Great team that just got upset hands it to a team that just can't keep up. Not much else here to consider except that Canada now has a top line of Eric Staal, Sidney Crosby, and Jarome Iginla. This team looked a lot more complete than they did against the USA team, but that was to be expected.
CZECH REPUBLIC 4, LATVIA 3 (OVERTIME)
- This was the big surprise on a day of otherwise fulfilled expectations. The Czechs should have won this game, and they were resiliant when they had to be, especially in the latter portion of the third period and moving into OT. However, that doesn't excuse the fact that they were playing Latvia, and any such lapses in scoring touch will put them in a quick hole against their next opponent Finland. If Kipprusoff stands on his head the way Latvia's Edgars Masalskis did last night, the Czechs will find themselves out of Vancouver shortly.
SLOVAKIA 4, NORWAY 3
- This is eerily similar to their rivals game aginst the Latvians. Norway's goalie wasn't particularly hot, the Slovaks just really wanted to lose this game, it felt like. Sure, they held the fort at the end, but they were playing one of the worst teams in the tournament and it should've been over long before that. If they come with the same lackadaisical effort against the Swedes, they'll get blown out. Even if they don't they might get blown out.
TODAY:
1:00- #1 USA VS. #8 SWITZERLAND
- This is precisely what the USA earned with its win over the Canadians on Sunday: the right to play a lower seeded team. The ball is in the Americans court to get to the gold medal game, at least. Their road is by far the easiest of any team in the tournament, as it should be for a top seed. Don't expect this to be as close as their 3-1 game in pool play. Even if Jonas Hiller is a wall, don't expect the Swiss offense to do much against the physical, smart American defense (they played with much more intelligence against Canada). The USA will win at least 4-1, and advance to play either Finland or the Czech Republic in the Semi-Finals.
5:30- #3 RUSSIA VS. #6 CANADA
- This game is going to be huge. Consequently, I will run through the offenses and defenses in this game, as well as analyze the goaltending and special teams of both teams. This is a game with social and even political implications for both countries. Both countries don't just want Gold like the Americans do, they expect it (a la USA basketball). And one of them will not medal. This is by far the biggest international rivalry going at this time, much to the shagrin of American fans.
WHEN RUSSIA ATTACKS: Look for quick puck movement between the shifty Russian forwards as they attempt to navigate around an all-star defense. Malkin will lead the way though, not Ovechkin as he lead the team in points in pool play. When not on the rush, look for the Russians to attempt to get as much traffic in front of Roberto Luongo as they can. When on the rush, the Russians will be trying to make Luongo move around in his crease and test his quickness. The Canadians will be physical with the Russians much more so than they were with the Americans. The depth of Canada's defensemen trumps the depth of the Russian forwards. EDGE: EVEN
WHEN CANADA ATTACKS: This team almost banked on the American defense jumping up into plays to create counter-attack oppurtunities on Sunday. The Americans didn't, and the Canadians lost. The Russian defenders are good, but not good enough to contain this roster unless they put forth a supreme effort as they are no where near as deep as the Americans. Canada will continue to do what it has done all tournament: work along the side boards to create chances, whether by working them down low into the slot, or passing it back to guys like Shea Weber who can literally put the puck through the net (incredible play from last night's game with the Germans). If Crosby works the sideboards all game, look out as his outlets from there are either Jarome Iginla or the aforementioned Weber. And Russia's defense may not be good enough, or fast enough, to keep up. EDGE: CANADA
RUSSIAN GOALTENDER: EVGENI NABOKOV
- In this tournament, Nabby is 3-0 with a .911 save percentage and a 2.00 GAA. He's been good when he has had to be. But the team he's facing tonight is a horse of a complete different color. An interesting note, however, is that Nabokov plays for the San Jose Sharks, and faces Canada's Heatley-Thornton-Marleau line every day in practice. He may have it in him to stand in his head tonight and pull out a win, do not count him out.
CANADIAN GOALTENDER: ROBERTO LUONGO
- Luongo, while facing decidedly lower competition in Norway and Germany, is in the shape one would expect with a .947 save percentage and a 1.00 GAA. What goes for Nabokov goes for Roberto as well, this is a super team Canada is facing tonight, even more talented than the Americans. He can easily stand on his head, and tonight should not be a big problem for him. However, if Russia gets in his head early and makes it 2-0 (just a random score), that is when Luongo can struggle to win games. If Russia gets in his head early, they have a much better chance to win.
EDGE: CANADA
WHEN RUSSIA IS ON THE POWERPLAY:
- Look for them to go with the Pittsburgh Penguin attack that they have been of playing Gonchar at the point and having Malkin up there as well and letting those two quarterback. Canada, though, knows how to play against that (or at least Crosby and Fleury do). The talent level for both teams is so high that even a one man advantage is huge. Both powerplays, if given the chance, should light the lamp. EDGE: RUSSIA
WHEN CANADA IS ON THE POWERPLAY:
- This powerplay could be compared to a weapon of mass destruction. That's how good they are. That said, they cannot wait to get the powerplay unit working until late in the third, as they did on Sunday. Crosby has to step up, and usually, when that's the case, he does. They have the better powerplay of the two teams, and they need to exploit one of the only advantages they are going to get against this Russian team. EDGE: CANADA
PICK
- This game could be one for the ages. These are two titans at the heights of their powers going at it. Ovechkin/Crosby will be the main focus I'm sure, and that will only make it a little easier for these teams to hate eachother, if they don't already. This is going to be a fantastic game, and I see the Canadians winning in overtime 5-4.
8:00- #4 FINLAND VS. #5 CZECH REPUBLIC
- Tough act to follow, to say the least. However, this game should provide plenty of drama as both teams can score, both can defend, and both can hit. Jaromir Jagr is still not 100% after taking that bomb of a hit from Alexander Ovechkin on Sunday, and his health is huge variable for this Czech team. Goaltending is the quesiton in this game, as Tomas Vokoun was shaky against the Latvians yesterday and Mikka Kipprusoff looked really questionable against the Swedes on Sunday night. The onus is on Finland to take control of this game and move on to the semis, which I think they will with a grind-it-out 3-2 win over the Czechs.
10:00- #2 SWEDEN VS. #7 SLOVAKIA
- Good way to end a full day of great games. Sweden's offense has not looked as impressive as it has in previous years (aging Peter Forsberg, Daniel Alfredsson, Niclas Lidstrom, no Mats Sundin). That is the one hope Slovakia has to win this game. They need a sub par effort from Sweden's scorers to even have a chance. Their effort against Norway was complete garbage, and they are lucky to be here. They could prove me wrong and play a fantastic game tonight (the pieces are certainly there). For Sweden, they just need to score 3 or 4 goals. If they score, they'll win with Henrik Lundqvist between the pipes.
-Since all my picks from the first round held true, I don't need to update my speculation bracket. Yet.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Commentary on Sunday's games and look ahead to medal round
The moniker "Super Sunday" seemed appropriate in describing the hockey action in Vancouver yesterday. Russia and the Czech Republic battled it out to determine the winner of group B, while Sweden and Finland renewed hostilities to determine the winner of that group. Russia showcased its talent, and Evgeni Malkin wants a little recognition (it seems he will always be under either Crosby or Ovechkin's shadow) with 3 points yesterday, including a huge goal on the powerplay. Sweden showed that Finland may not be as good as the Finns might think. Kipprusoff looked shakey at times last night in goal, but his defense was of little to no help. They should be grateful that they were able to pull out a first round bye, despite losing. But obviously, yesterday was about the huge upset of team Canada by the young guns of the United States. This was the biggest upset for team USA in some time, some would say their biggest since beating the USSR in 1980 in Lake Placid. However, such a comparison is ridiculous and carried no weight. Their upset was big, no doubt about that (it even got casual American sports fans talking about hockey, as shocking as it may seem). But to compare it to the biggest upset in the history of sports (I think its more like the 96 world championships, the last time the USA beat Canada) ignores the fact that the United States' roster is now comprised entirely of elite NHL talent, not the college kids that took on the highly trained and experienced Soviet squad back in 1980 who had beaten NHL teams, including NHL all-star teams. That's not to say the win wasn't exciting, as beating Canada without Mike Komisarek or Paul Martin speaks volumes about the depth of the USA team. They are now the top seed. The onus is on America to take care of business in what would otherwise be called an easy route to the gold medal game. Sunday was everything any hockey fan could have wanted to see. Here's the breakdown of the bracket's first round, game by game, and a quick overview of how I see the whole tournament going.
FEB 23-
1:00- #8 SWITZERLAND VS. #9 BELARUS (WINNER PLAYS #1 USA)
- This is an interesting matchup of lower teams, with the Swiss being the more defensive minded (and having an NHL goalie in Jonas Hiller) team and the Belarussians the more offensive. However, these games often come down to holding the defensive fort and not allowing the other team to score late in the game. Switzerland is simply the better team in this case (they held the USA to 3 goals and took Canada to a shootout). Switzerland moves on, 2-0 to get another crack at the Americans.
5:30- #6 CANADA VS. #11 GERMANY (WINNER PLAYS #3 RUSSIA)
- Canada has really put themselves in an awkward position with the way they finished pool play. They did not want to see Russia until the gold medal game, much less the quarterfinals, but they have only themselves to blame for not putting away Switzerland as they should have and not matching the grit of the Americans. Goaltending is in question now for Canada, do you stick with Brodeur, who hasn't looked good at all, or go with Roberto Luongo, who shut out Norway. The shocker in this case would be if Mike Babcock decides to ride the most clutch goalie he has into the tournament in Marc-Andre Fleury. This game is a no brainer for Canada, don't expect it to be close as they'll want to bounce back from that heartbreaker against the USA. Canada is loaded, Germany isn't. 6-0 at least. Let the pandamonium that will be Canada Vs. Russia ensue.
8:00- #5 CZECH REPUBLIC VS. #12 LATVIA (WINNER PLAYS #4 FINLAND)
- These two teams have already played once, with the Czechs taking a 5-2 win. Not much will change, except the margin might get a little bigger. The Czechs have it, and will take it easily. Finland and the Czechs should be a surprisingly good game.
10:00- #7 SLOVAKIA VS. #11 NORWAY (WINNER PLAYS #2 SWEDEN)
- The last two games on the first day of medal round play certainly don't look to have much excitement. These will be blowouts, and Norway hasn't really been able to show any adversity so far in this tourny. Watch for Norway to try to play dirty, as it did against the USA, in order to try to win. They won't, though.
SPECULATION TIME:
- Here, I'll pick the rest of the bracket. At the end of the tournament, everyone can look back at how wrong I was (My gold medal game was Russia Vs. Canada, thats already wrong).
USA/SWITZERLAND- USA WINS 5-1
FINLAND/CZECH REPUBLIC- FINLAND WINS 4-3
SWEDEN/SLOVAKIA- SWEDEN WINS 5-2
CANADA/RUSSIA- CANADA WINS 5-4
USA/FINLAND- USA WINS 3-1
SWEDEN/CANADA- CANADA WINS 4-2
BRONZE GAME:
FINLAND/SWEDEN- SWEDEN WINS 2-1
GOLD GAME:
USA/CANADA- CANADA WINS 4-3
FEB 23-
1:00- #8 SWITZERLAND VS. #9 BELARUS (WINNER PLAYS #1 USA)
- This is an interesting matchup of lower teams, with the Swiss being the more defensive minded (and having an NHL goalie in Jonas Hiller) team and the Belarussians the more offensive. However, these games often come down to holding the defensive fort and not allowing the other team to score late in the game. Switzerland is simply the better team in this case (they held the USA to 3 goals and took Canada to a shootout). Switzerland moves on, 2-0 to get another crack at the Americans.
5:30- #6 CANADA VS. #11 GERMANY (WINNER PLAYS #3 RUSSIA)
- Canada has really put themselves in an awkward position with the way they finished pool play. They did not want to see Russia until the gold medal game, much less the quarterfinals, but they have only themselves to blame for not putting away Switzerland as they should have and not matching the grit of the Americans. Goaltending is in question now for Canada, do you stick with Brodeur, who hasn't looked good at all, or go with Roberto Luongo, who shut out Norway. The shocker in this case would be if Mike Babcock decides to ride the most clutch goalie he has into the tournament in Marc-Andre Fleury. This game is a no brainer for Canada, don't expect it to be close as they'll want to bounce back from that heartbreaker against the USA. Canada is loaded, Germany isn't. 6-0 at least. Let the pandamonium that will be Canada Vs. Russia ensue.
8:00- #5 CZECH REPUBLIC VS. #12 LATVIA (WINNER PLAYS #4 FINLAND)
- These two teams have already played once, with the Czechs taking a 5-2 win. Not much will change, except the margin might get a little bigger. The Czechs have it, and will take it easily. Finland and the Czechs should be a surprisingly good game.
10:00- #7 SLOVAKIA VS. #11 NORWAY (WINNER PLAYS #2 SWEDEN)
- The last two games on the first day of medal round play certainly don't look to have much excitement. These will be blowouts, and Norway hasn't really been able to show any adversity so far in this tourny. Watch for Norway to try to play dirty, as it did against the USA, in order to try to win. They won't, though.
SPECULATION TIME:
- Here, I'll pick the rest of the bracket. At the end of the tournament, everyone can look back at how wrong I was (My gold medal game was Russia Vs. Canada, thats already wrong).
USA/SWITZERLAND- USA WINS 5-1
FINLAND/CZECH REPUBLIC- FINLAND WINS 4-3
SWEDEN/SLOVAKIA- SWEDEN WINS 5-2
CANADA/RUSSIA- CANADA WINS 5-4
USA/FINLAND- USA WINS 3-1
SWEDEN/CANADA- CANADA WINS 4-2
BRONZE GAME:
FINLAND/SWEDEN- SWEDEN WINS 2-1
GOLD GAME:
USA/CANADA- CANADA WINS 4-3
Friday, February 19, 2010
More olympic hockey, Stunning results from yesterday
All of yesterday's games were entertaining, and two of them turned out to be shocking. Canada now needs to beat the United States on Sunday if it wants a bye into the quarterfinals after taking Switzerland to a shootout. It looks like the United States has a legitimate chance to win on Sunday where hope may not have been as bright before. Russia now must do the same against the Czechs on Sunday to avoid playing in the opening round of the medal rounds. Slovakia shocked many yesterday with a huge upset of the Russians, and their chances for that bye are, for now, intact. The only team they have yet to play is Latvia, so Slovaks gotta be feeling pretty confident in their team right now. Here's the recap and analysis plus a look at the games today:
YESTERDAY:
USA 6, NORWAY 1
- This game was never necessarily in doubt, but American fans must be concerned with this team's inability to cut down odd man rushes defensively. If Canada gets as many chances as Norway and even Switzerland got, it won't be a close game. This USA squad looks uncertain of itself in many ways. Defenders are constantly pinching, and forwards are not covering their spots because it seems every player on the ice wants to be the hero, and plays that way. Americans have to be pleased with Switzerland for taking Canada to a shootout, thus making the showdown on Sunday witht the Canadians a win and you're in with a first round bye, lose and you might have to play in the first round.
CANADA 3, SWITZERLAND 2 (SHOOTOUT)
- Switzerland is a team designed around defense. More precisely, they are designed to take on Canada with the way that they play. Numerous times in the game, the Swiss defense flustered and frustrated the Canadian attack. The Swiss control the superstars through the neutral zones, and they trap them in the offensive zone. Go ahead and call the Swiss team an international version of the New Jersey Devils. This is the second time in the last two olympics that Switzerland has skated right with the Canadians, and to see the Canadians need a shooutout gives the USA team hope. Jonas Hiller is a legitimate star goalie in the NHL, and without him, the score of this game is much different. Don't fault him for being scored on by Sidney Crosby in the shooutout, fault the Swiss offense for not supporting their goaltender or scoring in the shootout against a Martin Brodeur that looked quite beatable in this game. Too bad for the United States Marty probably isn't playing on Sunday, I'd bet on Marc-Andre Fleury.
SLOVAKIA 2, RUSSIA 1 (SHOOTOUT)
- This game was easily the game of the day, and Slovakia shocked many in the hockey world with this win. To be honest though, the Russian offense went a little cold in this game, and Ilya Bryzgalov is not necessarily the guy you want in shootouts because of his size and lack of quickness. The Slovakians hung around a day after being beaten by their rivals in a game in which the Slovaks took numerous penalties. On this night, however, the Slovaks maintained their discipline and it was the Russians who became frustrated. One can question the Russian coach for having Ovechkin shoot 3 times in the shootout, whilst Malkin and Kovalchuk only shot once each. The Slovaks are sitting pretty for now, with their only opponent remaining being a Latvian team that was smashed by this Russian squad. Russia is put in a bit of a bind, but they certainly have the skill to dig themselves out of what at most for this team is a minor obstruction in playing in the first round. They must win on Sunday, or face a grab bag of teams that could really include anyone from the United States to Sweden or even Finland. Canada still could play in the first round as well.
FRIDAY'S GAMES
1:00- SWEDEN 4, BELARUS 2 FINAL
5:30- CZECH REPUBLIC VS. LATVIA
10:00- FINLAND VS. GERMANY
YESTERDAY:
USA 6, NORWAY 1
- This game was never necessarily in doubt, but American fans must be concerned with this team's inability to cut down odd man rushes defensively. If Canada gets as many chances as Norway and even Switzerland got, it won't be a close game. This USA squad looks uncertain of itself in many ways. Defenders are constantly pinching, and forwards are not covering their spots because it seems every player on the ice wants to be the hero, and plays that way. Americans have to be pleased with Switzerland for taking Canada to a shootout, thus making the showdown on Sunday witht the Canadians a win and you're in with a first round bye, lose and you might have to play in the first round.
CANADA 3, SWITZERLAND 2 (SHOOTOUT)
- Switzerland is a team designed around defense. More precisely, they are designed to take on Canada with the way that they play. Numerous times in the game, the Swiss defense flustered and frustrated the Canadian attack. The Swiss control the superstars through the neutral zones, and they trap them in the offensive zone. Go ahead and call the Swiss team an international version of the New Jersey Devils. This is the second time in the last two olympics that Switzerland has skated right with the Canadians, and to see the Canadians need a shooutout gives the USA team hope. Jonas Hiller is a legitimate star goalie in the NHL, and without him, the score of this game is much different. Don't fault him for being scored on by Sidney Crosby in the shooutout, fault the Swiss offense for not supporting their goaltender or scoring in the shootout against a Martin Brodeur that looked quite beatable in this game. Too bad for the United States Marty probably isn't playing on Sunday, I'd bet on Marc-Andre Fleury.
SLOVAKIA 2, RUSSIA 1 (SHOOTOUT)
- This game was easily the game of the day, and Slovakia shocked many in the hockey world with this win. To be honest though, the Russian offense went a little cold in this game, and Ilya Bryzgalov is not necessarily the guy you want in shootouts because of his size and lack of quickness. The Slovakians hung around a day after being beaten by their rivals in a game in which the Slovaks took numerous penalties. On this night, however, the Slovaks maintained their discipline and it was the Russians who became frustrated. One can question the Russian coach for having Ovechkin shoot 3 times in the shootout, whilst Malkin and Kovalchuk only shot once each. The Slovaks are sitting pretty for now, with their only opponent remaining being a Latvian team that was smashed by this Russian squad. Russia is put in a bit of a bind, but they certainly have the skill to dig themselves out of what at most for this team is a minor obstruction in playing in the first round. They must win on Sunday, or face a grab bag of teams that could really include anyone from the United States to Sweden or even Finland. Canada still could play in the first round as well.
FRIDAY'S GAMES
1:00- SWEDEN 4, BELARUS 2 FINAL
5:30- CZECH REPUBLIC VS. LATVIA
10:00- FINLAND VS. GERMANY
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Analysis of yesterday and preview of today at the olympics
Yesterday was a lot more competitive than Tuesday, as none of the games particularly were blowouts. Some good hockey, and upon looking at the standings, with goals for being the first tie breaker after points, both Latvia and Belrus, despite losing, hold the final two spots in the medal round. That will change barring a big surprise, as both Germany and Slovakia should respond from losses yesterday. Today, the hockey will be return to the blowout style we saw Tuesday as Pool A resumes play with USA Vs. Norway at 1 and Canada Vs. Switzerland at 5:30. Tonight, two good teams go at it with Russia playing the Slovaks, fresh from a loss to their bitter rival, the Czech Republic. But let's start with a recap of the action from yesterday:
FINLAND 5, BELARUS 1
- Goaltender Vitali Koval kept Belarus in this game as long as he possibly could have. Mid-way through the second period, the score was 2-1 and Belarus was looking to seize momentum in the game. Niclas Hagman, however, scored for Finland shortly after, and the Finns roll. Selanne and Koivu, of course, played good games for this Finnish squad. For Belarus, it doesn't get any easier with Sweden next. On the bright side, at least they get the two best teams in the pool out of the way first right?
SWEDEN 2, GERMANY 0
- I thought Sweden would come out of the gates blazing to start pool play, but they stalled. Henrik Lundqvist finished with 21 saves and got some offense. Tough game for Peter Forsberg. All signs point to this being his final Olympics, and put any hopes he had of returning to the NHL to bed. Germany knew they probably weren't going to win, but they have to take care of business against Finland, and especially Belarus if they want to make the medal rounds.
CZECH REPUBLIC 3, SLOVAKIA 1
- Well, it certainly looks like Jaromir Jagr can still get it done. He single-handedly won this game for the Czechs in the second period with two goals 2:02 apart, scoring at a time when it looked like the Slovaks were beginning to get an edge. Frustrating game for Slovakia, and their game tonight against Russia won't be fun. Tough enough to do a back to back in the Olympics, but to do it against the Czechs and then the Russians is a tall order for anyone. Simply need to get better goaltending from Jaroslav Halak, or they might go to a fresh Petr Budaj, who has spent most of this season in the NHL on the bench behind Craig Anderson in Colorado.
TONIGHT:
1:00- USA VS. NORWAY
- This should be the Americans' easiest game in the entire Olympic tournament. That said, they can't afford to overlook Norway and have this game be close. If they take care of business, which they should, this game will be 5-0 easily, maybe worse. Norway was battered in their opening loss to the Canadians on tuesday, and don't expect things to get any easier for them. Well, they also get the top two teams in their pool out of the way first, but even a win against the Swiss on Saturday will not be enough to get them into the top 8.
5:30- CANADA VS. SWITZERLAND
- Canada needs to continue its offensive domination in this game, and it cannot wait until the end of the second period against the Swiss like they did against Norway to heat up. This Swiss team beat Canada in Torino in 2006 in what still is that country's biggest hockey win. Canada is much better than they were in Torino, however. I still think Canada will win even if this game becomes a defensive struggle, because of all the clutch talent they have on the bench when they need a goal (led by Sidney Crosby, of course). Probably 5-1.
10:00- RUSSIA VS. SLOVAKIA
- Slovakia needs to have instant amnesia in regard to their game last night if they want to have any hope to beat the Russians. The Russians, on the other hand, want more of the same from their last game, a 8-2 beating of Latvia. Should be plenty physical, and the scoring no doubt is there. Russia could lose this game, it is quite possible that the Slovaks have enough to beat them. Not necessarily probable, though. 4-2 Russia.
FINLAND 5, BELARUS 1
- Goaltender Vitali Koval kept Belarus in this game as long as he possibly could have. Mid-way through the second period, the score was 2-1 and Belarus was looking to seize momentum in the game. Niclas Hagman, however, scored for Finland shortly after, and the Finns roll. Selanne and Koivu, of course, played good games for this Finnish squad. For Belarus, it doesn't get any easier with Sweden next. On the bright side, at least they get the two best teams in the pool out of the way first right?
SWEDEN 2, GERMANY 0
- I thought Sweden would come out of the gates blazing to start pool play, but they stalled. Henrik Lundqvist finished with 21 saves and got some offense. Tough game for Peter Forsberg. All signs point to this being his final Olympics, and put any hopes he had of returning to the NHL to bed. Germany knew they probably weren't going to win, but they have to take care of business against Finland, and especially Belarus if they want to make the medal rounds.
CZECH REPUBLIC 3, SLOVAKIA 1
- Well, it certainly looks like Jaromir Jagr can still get it done. He single-handedly won this game for the Czechs in the second period with two goals 2:02 apart, scoring at a time when it looked like the Slovaks were beginning to get an edge. Frustrating game for Slovakia, and their game tonight against Russia won't be fun. Tough enough to do a back to back in the Olympics, but to do it against the Czechs and then the Russians is a tall order for anyone. Simply need to get better goaltending from Jaroslav Halak, or they might go to a fresh Petr Budaj, who has spent most of this season in the NHL on the bench behind Craig Anderson in Colorado.
TONIGHT:
1:00- USA VS. NORWAY
- This should be the Americans' easiest game in the entire Olympic tournament. That said, they can't afford to overlook Norway and have this game be close. If they take care of business, which they should, this game will be 5-0 easily, maybe worse. Norway was battered in their opening loss to the Canadians on tuesday, and don't expect things to get any easier for them. Well, they also get the top two teams in their pool out of the way first, but even a win against the Swiss on Saturday will not be enough to get them into the top 8.
5:30- CANADA VS. SWITZERLAND
- Canada needs to continue its offensive domination in this game, and it cannot wait until the end of the second period against the Swiss like they did against Norway to heat up. This Swiss team beat Canada in Torino in 2006 in what still is that country's biggest hockey win. Canada is much better than they were in Torino, however. I still think Canada will win even if this game becomes a defensive struggle, because of all the clutch talent they have on the bench when they need a goal (led by Sidney Crosby, of course). Probably 5-1.
10:00- RUSSIA VS. SLOVAKIA
- Slovakia needs to have instant amnesia in regard to their game last night if they want to have any hope to beat the Russians. The Russians, on the other hand, want more of the same from their last game, a 8-2 beating of Latvia. Should be plenty physical, and the scoring no doubt is there. Russia could lose this game, it is quite possible that the Slovaks have enough to beat them. Not necessarily probable, though. 4-2 Russia.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Post-game reaction and preview for Olympics tonight
Yesterday, Olympic hockey returned in all its glory. Ok, well, maybe not so glorious for some teams, but that was to be expected. Tonight there is a clash that may crush either Slovakia or the Czech Republic's shot at the medal rounds. Other than that, the best games are still yet to come.
LAST NIGHT:
USA 3, SWITZERLAND 1
- A solid performance by Switzerland, I had this game being 5-1. Their defense is stout, but as a team that wants to make the medal round, they can not afford a slip up against Norway in their final game. Don't bet on the Swiss beating Canada. On the American side, this game was scary, and could be called a disappointment in some ways. Sure, the Swiss are strictly a defensive team, but this doesn't bode all that well for a team with big games looming (Canada, others in the medal rounds against the likes of Sweden, Russia, Finland, etc).
CANADA 8, NORWAY 0
- Pretty much went as expected. The Canadians started out slow, but found their game. Crosby had 3 assists, Iginla a hat trick. For Canada, this was business as usual. Luongo was stellar, and this team proved why it is the favorite for gold. Norway tried, they really did, and they played well for a while, but this was like asking a child to fight a heavyweight boxer. Not pretty.
RUSSIA 8, LATVIA 2
- I was impressed with the effort Latvia showed throughout the game. This is a surprisingly speedy group, and they're feisty. They may not get far, or even advance out of pool play, but if they scratch their way in (say via upset of either Slovakia or the Czechs), they could upset someone in the medal round. However, last night, the Russians were simply too much. Malkin, Kovalchuk, and Afinogenov as a starting line is more than scary. Throw in Datsyuk, Semin, and Ovechkin on top of that. Exactly what everyone thought would happen. Latvia put up a fight, at least.
TONIGHT:
1:00 PM: FINLAND VS. BELARUS
- This game should be a good barometer for a Finnish team that honestly at this point doesn't know what to expect in this deep hockey field. Obviously, this is a must win for Finland, they cannot afford to slip up today. For Belarus, in their pool (Sweden, Germany, Finland the other teams) it is looking grim that they'll make the medal rounds. Expect Finland to dominate the game, but the score may be closer than those we saw yesterday, something along the lines of 4-2 for Finland.
5:30 PM: SWEDEN VS. GERMANY
- This will be an entertaining game, and might be the closest of those already played (Even though the USA/Swiss game was 3-1, it wasn't as close as the score indicated). Hockey fans all over the world are anxious to see Peter Forsberg play again for Sweden. Nothing but a great thing when Forsberg is in the olympics, or in the international hockey eye. I'm thinking if Sweden clicks early, they may roll 3-0 or 4-0. If not, I think they'll still win, but maybe only 4-2. Sweden is clearly the better team here, and the best team in their pool.
10:00 PM: SLOVAKIA VS. CZECH REPUBLIC
- This game is going to be dirty. Scrappy will be the operative word for most of this night. These teams absolutely despise eachother, and in the Olympics, that makes for great hockey. Both teams have solid offensive players who can put the puck in the net, and neither team's defensive players are a wall (that is, except for 6'9", 265 lb Zdeno Chara, who is closer to 7'0", 300 lbs on skates and equiptment). Should be a fireworks display, and a fight to the finish. As of now, I give the slight edge to the Slovaks because their defense is more stout than that of the Czechs. Powerplay-wise, these teams are dead even. Again, this will be a fantastic hockey game tonight, stay up and watch if you have the chance. This game may even end in a tie, but for now I've got Slovakia 3, Czech Republic 2.
LAST NIGHT:
USA 3, SWITZERLAND 1
- A solid performance by Switzerland, I had this game being 5-1. Their defense is stout, but as a team that wants to make the medal round, they can not afford a slip up against Norway in their final game. Don't bet on the Swiss beating Canada. On the American side, this game was scary, and could be called a disappointment in some ways. Sure, the Swiss are strictly a defensive team, but this doesn't bode all that well for a team with big games looming (Canada, others in the medal rounds against the likes of Sweden, Russia, Finland, etc).
CANADA 8, NORWAY 0
- Pretty much went as expected. The Canadians started out slow, but found their game. Crosby had 3 assists, Iginla a hat trick. For Canada, this was business as usual. Luongo was stellar, and this team proved why it is the favorite for gold. Norway tried, they really did, and they played well for a while, but this was like asking a child to fight a heavyweight boxer. Not pretty.
RUSSIA 8, LATVIA 2
- I was impressed with the effort Latvia showed throughout the game. This is a surprisingly speedy group, and they're feisty. They may not get far, or even advance out of pool play, but if they scratch their way in (say via upset of either Slovakia or the Czechs), they could upset someone in the medal round. However, last night, the Russians were simply too much. Malkin, Kovalchuk, and Afinogenov as a starting line is more than scary. Throw in Datsyuk, Semin, and Ovechkin on top of that. Exactly what everyone thought would happen. Latvia put up a fight, at least.
TONIGHT:
1:00 PM: FINLAND VS. BELARUS
- This game should be a good barometer for a Finnish team that honestly at this point doesn't know what to expect in this deep hockey field. Obviously, this is a must win for Finland, they cannot afford to slip up today. For Belarus, in their pool (Sweden, Germany, Finland the other teams) it is looking grim that they'll make the medal rounds. Expect Finland to dominate the game, but the score may be closer than those we saw yesterday, something along the lines of 4-2 for Finland.
5:30 PM: SWEDEN VS. GERMANY
- This will be an entertaining game, and might be the closest of those already played (Even though the USA/Swiss game was 3-1, it wasn't as close as the score indicated). Hockey fans all over the world are anxious to see Peter Forsberg play again for Sweden. Nothing but a great thing when Forsberg is in the olympics, or in the international hockey eye. I'm thinking if Sweden clicks early, they may roll 3-0 or 4-0. If not, I think they'll still win, but maybe only 4-2. Sweden is clearly the better team here, and the best team in their pool.
10:00 PM: SLOVAKIA VS. CZECH REPUBLIC
- This game is going to be dirty. Scrappy will be the operative word for most of this night. These teams absolutely despise eachother, and in the Olympics, that makes for great hockey. Both teams have solid offensive players who can put the puck in the net, and neither team's defensive players are a wall (that is, except for 6'9", 265 lb Zdeno Chara, who is closer to 7'0", 300 lbs on skates and equiptment). Should be a fireworks display, and a fight to the finish. As of now, I give the slight edge to the Slovaks because their defense is more stout than that of the Czechs. Powerplay-wise, these teams are dead even. Again, this will be a fantastic hockey game tonight, stay up and watch if you have the chance. This game may even end in a tie, but for now I've got Slovakia 3, Czech Republic 2.
Monday, February 15, 2010
Olympic Roster Updates
This weekend as the NHL wrapped up play before the Olympic break, attention was focused on the health of certain players who had planned to play for their countries in Vancouver. Anaheim forward Ryan Getzlaf returned to the lineup against the Edmonton Oilers and had 4 points, making a clear statement that he can play, and play well, if Canada needs him to. They have since announced that he will play for Canada and have no roster changes planned. The other main player on the injury bubble for the olympics was Detroit forward Tomas Holmstom, who will not play, and will be replaced by teammate Johan Franzen, which could be big. Franzen is notably much more skilled than Holmstrom and can do just as much damage, if not more, on the powerplay. Sweden upgrades its roster, and indeed its chances to advance deep in the medal rounds.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Roster Freeze
Well , looks like I was dead wrong on the roster freeze, it looks like GMs would rather negotiate deals through the olympics. As a result, I think deadline day may be smaller in scale this season if deals are announced as soon as rosters are unfrozen. Even still, deadline day is mere 3 days after the Gold Medal game that is scheduled for Feb. 28, so teams may already have agreed to deals but wait til Mar. 3 to announce them. Here's all the deals that did happen last week before the freeze, and my analysis of the Kovalchuk deal:
- Chicago receives: Kim Johnnson and Nick Leddy, Minnesota receives: Cam Barker
- A swap of defenders, and the Blackhawks add a more veteran presence on the blue line than Barker, who's youth and energy should help a Minnesota squad struggling to stay afloat. In addition, Chicago gets Minnesota's 2009 first round pick in Leddy.
- Ottawa receives: Matt Cullen, Carolina receives: Alexandre Picard and 2nd round pick in 2010.
- Ottawa gets some baggage out and brings in Cullen, a forward who is certainly a veteran when it comes to the playoffs. Bryan Murray wants this team to advance past the first round, not simply qualify for the playoffs.
- Montreal receives: Dominic Moore, Florida receives: 2nd round pick in 2011.
- Moore is a solid forward who could add some depth to the Canadiens forwards.
- San Jose receives: 6th round pick in 2010, New York (R) receive: Jody Shelley
- Could be the Rangers are tired of getting bullied by the likes of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New Jersey within its own division.
- Thrashers receive: Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier, 1st round pick in 2010, Devils receive: Anssi Salmela, Ilya Kovalchuk.
- Sure, the Thrashers got a good group of prospects in this deal, but I don't think they got near what they thought they would get on the open market with Kovalchuk. Could be that this was the best deal the Thrashers got, and it that is the case, I don't see why Atlanta GM Don Waddell simply doesn't make more of an effort to re-sign Kovie. The Devils get a hell of a rental, and that's what he is in New Jersey, a rental. Expect him to sign elsewhere (Maybe even a mega deal in the KHL) come July 1.
- Chicago receives: Kim Johnnson and Nick Leddy, Minnesota receives: Cam Barker
- A swap of defenders, and the Blackhawks add a more veteran presence on the blue line than Barker, who's youth and energy should help a Minnesota squad struggling to stay afloat. In addition, Chicago gets Minnesota's 2009 first round pick in Leddy.
- Ottawa receives: Matt Cullen, Carolina receives: Alexandre Picard and 2nd round pick in 2010.
- Ottawa gets some baggage out and brings in Cullen, a forward who is certainly a veteran when it comes to the playoffs. Bryan Murray wants this team to advance past the first round, not simply qualify for the playoffs.
- Montreal receives: Dominic Moore, Florida receives: 2nd round pick in 2011.
- Moore is a solid forward who could add some depth to the Canadiens forwards.
- San Jose receives: 6th round pick in 2010, New York (R) receive: Jody Shelley
- Could be the Rangers are tired of getting bullied by the likes of Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and New Jersey within its own division.
- Thrashers receive: Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier, 1st round pick in 2010, Devils receive: Anssi Salmela, Ilya Kovalchuk.
- Sure, the Thrashers got a good group of prospects in this deal, but I don't think they got near what they thought they would get on the open market with Kovalchuk. Could be that this was the best deal the Thrashers got, and it that is the case, I don't see why Atlanta GM Don Waddell simply doesn't make more of an effort to re-sign Kovie. The Devils get a hell of a rental, and that's what he is in New Jersey, a rental. Expect him to sign elsewhere (Maybe even a mega deal in the KHL) come July 1.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Games start Tuesday, here's at least some thoughts on those games.
The first few games of this tournament and these especially will not be too particularly interesting if the talent on each team plays as it is expected. Don't expect any of the favorites to lose on this night. And if they do, be shocked. Be very shocked.
1:00 PM: United States Vs. Switzerland: The only reason I suspect this game to be close is if the NHL players on the USA side show some fatigue from just recently finishing games with their respective teams in that league. Switzerland is somewhat solid defensively, so it won't be complete dominance by the United States, but i do see them getting blown out late, maybe 4-1 or 5-1. If Switzerland takes a lot of penalties as a result of the gap in athletic talent on the ice between the two teams, expect the USA to take complete advantage with how many weapons that they have.
5:30 PM: Canada Vs. Norway: This is just going to be an ugly game, pure and simple. There is no remote hope for Norway in defending the likes of Sidney Crosby, Rick Nash, and Jarome Iginla. And that's just Canada's top line, they have three others with just as much talent. Give Norway some credit for finding their way back into the olympics, but this is an extremelty tough draw for anyone. Nobody wanted to play Canada in the first game, Norway has to. Maybe 8-0 or 9-0.
10:00 PM: Russia Vs. Latvia: I wish I could say that this is going to be slightly less of a blowout than Norway/Canada, but I can't, because Russia is absolutely going to destroy the Latvians in this game. Russia can be cruel and play Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk as a line or break them up. Whatever they do, the Latvians won't be able to stop it. Additionally, this Russian team is simply too physical for Latvia to handle. They might have a lot of KHLers on their roster, but they are playing world-class NHL talent, and it won't be pretty. This one might not be as bad as the game earlier in the day, but still don't be surprised to see the score 5-0 or 6-0.
-I'll be writing on each of these games in the Olympics along with a recap of all the games. Tomorrow, the games don't get much more competitive (Finland Vs. Belarus and Sweden Vs. Germany), but the international hockey world will once again get to see Olympic legend Peter Forsberg skate with the Triple Crown on his jersey. Also, we get to see the grudge match that is the Czech Republic Vs. Slovakia. Should be an awesome game late at night.
1:00 PM: United States Vs. Switzerland: The only reason I suspect this game to be close is if the NHL players on the USA side show some fatigue from just recently finishing games with their respective teams in that league. Switzerland is somewhat solid defensively, so it won't be complete dominance by the United States, but i do see them getting blown out late, maybe 4-1 or 5-1. If Switzerland takes a lot of penalties as a result of the gap in athletic talent on the ice between the two teams, expect the USA to take complete advantage with how many weapons that they have.
5:30 PM: Canada Vs. Norway: This is just going to be an ugly game, pure and simple. There is no remote hope for Norway in defending the likes of Sidney Crosby, Rick Nash, and Jarome Iginla. And that's just Canada's top line, they have three others with just as much talent. Give Norway some credit for finding their way back into the olympics, but this is an extremelty tough draw for anyone. Nobody wanted to play Canada in the first game, Norway has to. Maybe 8-0 or 9-0.
10:00 PM: Russia Vs. Latvia: I wish I could say that this is going to be slightly less of a blowout than Norway/Canada, but I can't, because Russia is absolutely going to destroy the Latvians in this game. Russia can be cruel and play Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk as a line or break them up. Whatever they do, the Latvians won't be able to stop it. Additionally, this Russian team is simply too physical for Latvia to handle. They might have a lot of KHLers on their roster, but they are playing world-class NHL talent, and it won't be pretty. This one might not be as bad as the game earlier in the day, but still don't be surprised to see the score 5-0 or 6-0.
-I'll be writing on each of these games in the Olympics along with a recap of all the games. Tomorrow, the games don't get much more competitive (Finland Vs. Belarus and Sweden Vs. Germany), but the international hockey world will once again get to see Olympic legend Peter Forsberg skate with the Triple Crown on his jersey. Also, we get to see the grudge match that is the Czech Republic Vs. Slovakia. Should be an awesome game late at night.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Roster Freeze Friday 1:00
Expect some teams to make moves now in the next couple of days rather than at the deadline just for the simple fact that there is a two week break and it might help get a player better used to a new roster. It looks like word out of Montreal is that both Jaroslav Halak and Carey Price are safe. But I'm not buying it. Expect one of them to be gone as both will fetch a pretty penny at market, especially Price. For Friday though, I'd at least expect a few big trades we'd normally see on deadline day.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Trade 2/10: Lehtonen to Dallas, Where Does that Leave Turco?
The Atlanta Thrashers have traded Kari Lehtonen to the Dallas Stars for defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy and their fourth-round pick in the 2010 draft.
Analysis: A good move for both teams. It seems Atlanta has just about given up on the playoffs this season but is looking after its future as well. Dallas adds a solid starter who is better than Marty Turco at this point in his career. Look for Turco to go to either Washington or Chicago for more than he's worth (probably a player and a draft pick).
Note: This is something I'll be doing with trades I feel are significant to mention or that I think will affect the standings. On Deadline Day, I'll be running a streaming commentary on trades as they happen.
Analysis: A good move for both teams. It seems Atlanta has just about given up on the playoffs this season but is looking after its future as well. Dallas adds a solid starter who is better than Marty Turco at this point in his career. Look for Turco to go to either Washington or Chicago for more than he's worth (probably a player and a draft pick).
Note: This is something I'll be doing with trades I feel are significant to mention or that I think will affect the standings. On Deadline Day, I'll be running a streaming commentary on trades as they happen.
Power Rankings, Week of 2/8
With these rankings, I'm going to post my rankings counting down from 30 to 1 with a little blurb about how I think each team is doing. This week, I'll explore each team's trade options before the olympic break.
30)Edmonton Oilers (18-31-6): Things are tough in Edmonton these days, and Sheldon Souray's days as an Oiler are numbered. Since winning back to back games, they've lost three straight and only scored three goals. Ouch.
29)New York Islanders (23-27-8): Losers of seven straight, the magic of John Tavares' rookie season is quickly coming to an end. 0 for 17 on the powerplay during that span as well. Gotta wonder what the tone is from management come trade deadline.
28)St. Louis Blues (25-25-9): Gotta think St. Louis is gonna pack it and trade what talent they can for future prospects come the deadline. Keith Tkachuk, as much as it pains me to say this, will likely be dealt. A monumental collapse in Denver against the Avalanche on Monday really seals these guys in as sellers.
27)Carolina Hurricanes (21-30-7): Cam Ward is hurt again. I see this team dealing Ray Whitney before the Olympic Break, possibly to the Pittsburgh Penguins, themselves desperate for a winger. Good sign for the future with Eric Staal as captain, 6-2 in their last 8.
26)Toronto Maple Leafs (19-30-11): Good trades for this team as Brian Burke is beginning to assemble a core for this young team moving forward. And that core seems to be based on physicality. For this season though, maybe Burke has another big deal up his sleeve come deadline.
25)Columbus Blue Jackets (24-27-9): This is a team that has tried with all its might to find an identity. Steve Mason for some reason, has struggled, as has Rick Nash. And it seemed that this team was going to contend for the Central division crown this year at the outset. I don't see this team doing much at the deadline other than moving salary around.
24)Florida Panthers (24-25-9): They've lost three in a row, and the playoffs are getting further and further out of their reach every day. As of right now, they stand two games back, very much in it. They must be praying Vokoun doesn't get overworked in Vancouver while playing for his native Czech Republic. This team could make a big splash at the deadline, as they have the caliber of prospects and veterans necessary for a blockbuster deal.
23)Atlanta Thrashers (25-24-8): No Kovalchuk, no playoffs. Unless this team goes out on the deadline and gets a legitamite first line scorer, they're not going anywhere. And Don Waddell does not want to start trading away all the prospects he's put together the past few years. I still think he didn't get a fair return on Kovalchuk. Don't expect them to risk a prospect for a rental.
22)New York Rangers (26-26-7): This team is still struggling, but they're beginning to pick it up since acquiring Olli Jokinen. I think they'll be satisfied with him, and won't be aggressive on deadline day. He may lead them to the playoffs.
21)Minnesota Wild (29-25-4): Another team that is beginning to find a bit of a rhythm after a slow start. If they make the right moves at the deadline (another gritty winger a la Clutterbuck and maybe another solid defender), they'll move back in the race for the Northwest division, providing Nicklas Backstrom can provide the goaltending necessary to do so.
20)Boston Bruins (24-22-11): Boy, that 10 game losing streak hurt. Took them right out of a tight race for the Northeast, now looking like a sprint between the Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Senators. Don't necessarily need to make a move to make the playoffs, but if they don't do something to change the pace of their season, they'll be on the outside looking in come mid April.
19)Detroit Red Wings (27-21-10): Losers of their last 2, the Red Wings are still struggling to find goals. Injuries have devastated this team, but in addition this team has started to age. Some players on the roster simply can't be effective professionals anymore, and their record is starting to reflect that. Barring a huge deal, there's a bigger chance than not that Detroit misses the playoffs.
18)Anaheim Ducks (28-24-7): This is a team that has allowed 181 goals this season, and before this season had a reputation of being particularly stout. The dominance they showed in the playoffs last season is gone, and they're lucky Ryan Getzlaf isn't hurt worse than he is, and will only remain day-to-day. Definitely need to upgrade their roster to keep playing once the playoffs start.
17)Dallas Stars (26-21-11): They remain competitive in the Western conference despite not having Mike Ribeiro in the lineup. Need players like James Neal to step up and lead this team to the playoffs. Maybe need to get more physical on the blue line at the deadline to secure an eight seed at best.
16)Nashville Predators (31-22-4): 3-6-1 in their last 10, they are quickly falling out of a playoff spot. Their defense is stout, and this mid season slump of the Predators should fade after the Olympic break. Have to go 4 of 6 on the road before that though. If they don't pick it up, yikes.
15)Tampa Bay Lightning (25-21-11): Sticking around in the eighth and final spot in the East, the young guns of this team appear to be bringing about some change. They've won 7 of 10, and are certainly carrying momentum with them into the Olympic Break.
14)Montreal Canadiens (28-26-6): With Bob Gainey now gone as GM of the team, this is a team looking for answers. A losing record at the Belle Centre certainly does not bode well for some of these players when the deadline comes around.
13)Philadelphia Flyers (29-25-3): Just above .500, the Flyers continue to hang around despite poor goaltending. They have got to start winning some games on the road if they want to make the playoffs, or even avoid a first-round date with a team like Washington.
12)Calgary Flames (29-21-9): Beginning to turn things around in the post-Phaneuf era in calgary, they are still only 3-4-3 over their last 10, and hopes of catching Colorado and Vancouver are fading rapidly for this team. More changes await this team, maybe even another big transition and another superstar in Calgary if they continue to lose ground.
11)Ottawa Senators (33-22-4): An awfully impressive 11 game win streak recently cut short, the Senators are right back in the middle of the race for the Northeast. Need Pascal Leclaire to find a healthy place for his game, because if he goes down again, they're done.
10)Buffalo Sabres (32-18-7): Losers of 8 of their last 10, Ryan Miller might be looking ahead to the Olympics in Vancouver. That or what little support he was getting from his defense is crumbling. Trending down, while Ottawa seems to be trending up. Could see a trade to try to reverse fortunes, maybe they could pursue a Scott Hannan out of Colorado for the right price.
9)Pittsburgh Penguins (35-22-2): They're beginning to get healthy again, and it is obvious this team is not necessarily interested in pushing with everything they've got just to win the Atlantic. Probably going to finish a deal for Ray Whitney any day now, and pairing him with Sidney Crosby would be dominant. Threw away that game on Sunday in Washington.
8)Los Angeles Kings (36-20-3): This team is looking better and better every week. They could easily finish with the fourth seed in the Western Conference and home ice advantage. Johnathan Quick leads the league in wins (34).
7)Phoenix Coyotes (36-19-5): Dave Tippet is an absolute magician with this roster thus far this season. Can tell they love playing in Phoenix still, with a 22-8-2 record at home this year. Bryzgalov will only gain confidence with his upcoming trip to the olympics. Don't need to trade for anything, but might pick up a veteran or two anyway to try to cement their spot in the top 8.
6)Vancouver Canucks (35-20-2): Another team that is looking better and better each week. Henrik Sedin has been outstanding, and certainly must be considered an MVP candidate (though at this juncture Ryan Miller of Buffalo must be considered the favorite). Don't need anything at the deadline, may try to get more physical though to challenge the Avalanche to do the same.
5)New Jersey Devils (36-20-2): Only won 3 of their last 10, they are hoping that Kovalchuk can seal a division for them. With him on their team, they really don't need to trade for anything else at the deadline.
4)Colorado Avalanche (33-19-6): The depth of young talent on this roster is simply mind boggling. Some credit must be given to ex-GM Francois Giguere for drafting the likes of Chris Stewart, who had the Gordie Howe Hat Trick on Monday against the Blues. Matt Duchene should win the Calder. If anything, the Avs would like to get one or two more hard working veterans to cement the squad. Craig Anderson is an MVP candidate.
3)Chicago Blackhawks (38-15-5): Though they've only been .500 over their last 10 games, they still have scored the fourth most goals this season (trailing only Pittsburgh, San Jose and Washington), while allowing the second least amount of goals (behind only New Jersey). Don't need a thing at the deadline, although to win a Cup it is this writer's opinion that they need a better goalie.
2)San Jose Sharks (39-11-9): Cruising right along for the Sharks, 8-1-1 over their last 10. Looking good going into the playoffs, I think the Sharks roster is more or less set for the rest of the season. The only mission left for this team is in the postseason.
1)Washington Capitals (41-12-6): Beginning to look dominant, the Capitals lead the league in goals with 234, 34 more than the Sharks' 200. Offensively, this team is special. Defense and Goaltending wise, this team may struggle when the playoffs get deeper and deeper. If this phrase is applicable to anyone right now, it'd be the Caps, "Defense Wins Championships." If they can go out and add A) a legitimate starting goaltender and B) another strong defender, they may have enough to overwhelm the likes of Pittsburgh and New Jersey in the Eastern Conference.
30)Edmonton Oilers (18-31-6): Things are tough in Edmonton these days, and Sheldon Souray's days as an Oiler are numbered. Since winning back to back games, they've lost three straight and only scored three goals. Ouch.
29)New York Islanders (23-27-8): Losers of seven straight, the magic of John Tavares' rookie season is quickly coming to an end. 0 for 17 on the powerplay during that span as well. Gotta wonder what the tone is from management come trade deadline.
28)St. Louis Blues (25-25-9): Gotta think St. Louis is gonna pack it and trade what talent they can for future prospects come the deadline. Keith Tkachuk, as much as it pains me to say this, will likely be dealt. A monumental collapse in Denver against the Avalanche on Monday really seals these guys in as sellers.
27)Carolina Hurricanes (21-30-7): Cam Ward is hurt again. I see this team dealing Ray Whitney before the Olympic Break, possibly to the Pittsburgh Penguins, themselves desperate for a winger. Good sign for the future with Eric Staal as captain, 6-2 in their last 8.
26)Toronto Maple Leafs (19-30-11): Good trades for this team as Brian Burke is beginning to assemble a core for this young team moving forward. And that core seems to be based on physicality. For this season though, maybe Burke has another big deal up his sleeve come deadline.
25)Columbus Blue Jackets (24-27-9): This is a team that has tried with all its might to find an identity. Steve Mason for some reason, has struggled, as has Rick Nash. And it seemed that this team was going to contend for the Central division crown this year at the outset. I don't see this team doing much at the deadline other than moving salary around.
24)Florida Panthers (24-25-9): They've lost three in a row, and the playoffs are getting further and further out of their reach every day. As of right now, they stand two games back, very much in it. They must be praying Vokoun doesn't get overworked in Vancouver while playing for his native Czech Republic. This team could make a big splash at the deadline, as they have the caliber of prospects and veterans necessary for a blockbuster deal.
23)Atlanta Thrashers (25-24-8): No Kovalchuk, no playoffs. Unless this team goes out on the deadline and gets a legitamite first line scorer, they're not going anywhere. And Don Waddell does not want to start trading away all the prospects he's put together the past few years. I still think he didn't get a fair return on Kovalchuk. Don't expect them to risk a prospect for a rental.
22)New York Rangers (26-26-7): This team is still struggling, but they're beginning to pick it up since acquiring Olli Jokinen. I think they'll be satisfied with him, and won't be aggressive on deadline day. He may lead them to the playoffs.
21)Minnesota Wild (29-25-4): Another team that is beginning to find a bit of a rhythm after a slow start. If they make the right moves at the deadline (another gritty winger a la Clutterbuck and maybe another solid defender), they'll move back in the race for the Northwest division, providing Nicklas Backstrom can provide the goaltending necessary to do so.
20)Boston Bruins (24-22-11): Boy, that 10 game losing streak hurt. Took them right out of a tight race for the Northeast, now looking like a sprint between the Buffalo Sabres and the Ottawa Senators. Don't necessarily need to make a move to make the playoffs, but if they don't do something to change the pace of their season, they'll be on the outside looking in come mid April.
19)Detroit Red Wings (27-21-10): Losers of their last 2, the Red Wings are still struggling to find goals. Injuries have devastated this team, but in addition this team has started to age. Some players on the roster simply can't be effective professionals anymore, and their record is starting to reflect that. Barring a huge deal, there's a bigger chance than not that Detroit misses the playoffs.
18)Anaheim Ducks (28-24-7): This is a team that has allowed 181 goals this season, and before this season had a reputation of being particularly stout. The dominance they showed in the playoffs last season is gone, and they're lucky Ryan Getzlaf isn't hurt worse than he is, and will only remain day-to-day. Definitely need to upgrade their roster to keep playing once the playoffs start.
17)Dallas Stars (26-21-11): They remain competitive in the Western conference despite not having Mike Ribeiro in the lineup. Need players like James Neal to step up and lead this team to the playoffs. Maybe need to get more physical on the blue line at the deadline to secure an eight seed at best.
16)Nashville Predators (31-22-4): 3-6-1 in their last 10, they are quickly falling out of a playoff spot. Their defense is stout, and this mid season slump of the Predators should fade after the Olympic break. Have to go 4 of 6 on the road before that though. If they don't pick it up, yikes.
15)Tampa Bay Lightning (25-21-11): Sticking around in the eighth and final spot in the East, the young guns of this team appear to be bringing about some change. They've won 7 of 10, and are certainly carrying momentum with them into the Olympic Break.
14)Montreal Canadiens (28-26-6): With Bob Gainey now gone as GM of the team, this is a team looking for answers. A losing record at the Belle Centre certainly does not bode well for some of these players when the deadline comes around.
13)Philadelphia Flyers (29-25-3): Just above .500, the Flyers continue to hang around despite poor goaltending. They have got to start winning some games on the road if they want to make the playoffs, or even avoid a first-round date with a team like Washington.
12)Calgary Flames (29-21-9): Beginning to turn things around in the post-Phaneuf era in calgary, they are still only 3-4-3 over their last 10, and hopes of catching Colorado and Vancouver are fading rapidly for this team. More changes await this team, maybe even another big transition and another superstar in Calgary if they continue to lose ground.
11)Ottawa Senators (33-22-4): An awfully impressive 11 game win streak recently cut short, the Senators are right back in the middle of the race for the Northeast. Need Pascal Leclaire to find a healthy place for his game, because if he goes down again, they're done.
10)Buffalo Sabres (32-18-7): Losers of 8 of their last 10, Ryan Miller might be looking ahead to the Olympics in Vancouver. That or what little support he was getting from his defense is crumbling. Trending down, while Ottawa seems to be trending up. Could see a trade to try to reverse fortunes, maybe they could pursue a Scott Hannan out of Colorado for the right price.
9)Pittsburgh Penguins (35-22-2): They're beginning to get healthy again, and it is obvious this team is not necessarily interested in pushing with everything they've got just to win the Atlantic. Probably going to finish a deal for Ray Whitney any day now, and pairing him with Sidney Crosby would be dominant. Threw away that game on Sunday in Washington.
8)Los Angeles Kings (36-20-3): This team is looking better and better every week. They could easily finish with the fourth seed in the Western Conference and home ice advantage. Johnathan Quick leads the league in wins (34).
7)Phoenix Coyotes (36-19-5): Dave Tippet is an absolute magician with this roster thus far this season. Can tell they love playing in Phoenix still, with a 22-8-2 record at home this year. Bryzgalov will only gain confidence with his upcoming trip to the olympics. Don't need to trade for anything, but might pick up a veteran or two anyway to try to cement their spot in the top 8.
6)Vancouver Canucks (35-20-2): Another team that is looking better and better each week. Henrik Sedin has been outstanding, and certainly must be considered an MVP candidate (though at this juncture Ryan Miller of Buffalo must be considered the favorite). Don't need anything at the deadline, may try to get more physical though to challenge the Avalanche to do the same.
5)New Jersey Devils (36-20-2): Only won 3 of their last 10, they are hoping that Kovalchuk can seal a division for them. With him on their team, they really don't need to trade for anything else at the deadline.
4)Colorado Avalanche (33-19-6): The depth of young talent on this roster is simply mind boggling. Some credit must be given to ex-GM Francois Giguere for drafting the likes of Chris Stewart, who had the Gordie Howe Hat Trick on Monday against the Blues. Matt Duchene should win the Calder. If anything, the Avs would like to get one or two more hard working veterans to cement the squad. Craig Anderson is an MVP candidate.
3)Chicago Blackhawks (38-15-5): Though they've only been .500 over their last 10 games, they still have scored the fourth most goals this season (trailing only Pittsburgh, San Jose and Washington), while allowing the second least amount of goals (behind only New Jersey). Don't need a thing at the deadline, although to win a Cup it is this writer's opinion that they need a better goalie.
2)San Jose Sharks (39-11-9): Cruising right along for the Sharks, 8-1-1 over their last 10. Looking good going into the playoffs, I think the Sharks roster is more or less set for the rest of the season. The only mission left for this team is in the postseason.
1)Washington Capitals (41-12-6): Beginning to look dominant, the Capitals lead the league in goals with 234, 34 more than the Sharks' 200. Offensively, this team is special. Defense and Goaltending wise, this team may struggle when the playoffs get deeper and deeper. If this phrase is applicable to anyone right now, it'd be the Caps, "Defense Wins Championships." If they can go out and add A) a legitimate starting goaltender and B) another strong defender, they may have enough to overwhelm the likes of Pittsburgh and New Jersey in the Eastern Conference.
Olympic Rosters and Commentary
Hardly a week from the start of the Winter Games in Vancouver, I figured I should start this blog already. And there couldn't be a better time to start. This year's field of teams is certainly much more competitive than in Torino, In 2006, the rosters of most of these teams was either completely different from the 2010 version, or a lot of the younger players on young teams have simply matured a little. This is especially true in the case of Russia (Alexander Ovechkin, Evgeni Malkin, Alexander Semin, etc). These players give that country a chance to run the table and seize the Gold Medal. And even still, the early juggernaught and favorite appears to be an absolutely stacked Team Canada(as usual), led by Sidney Crosby. Among the other teams, Sweden appears to have just as a solid a team in 2006, when it won gold over Finland, including one Peter Forsberg. But of course, one has to keep an eye on a young and hungry USA team with a ton of talent and physicality. Here is my analysis of each teams roster and commentary on their chances to win.
BELARUS (Group C)
Goalies:
- Vitali Koval (Dynamo Minsk)
- Maxim Malyutin (HK Vitebsk)
- Andrei Mezin (Dynamo Minsk)
- Not necessarily the talent level required to win many games at the olympics. Could be a tough draw for Belarus as they have to play Germany, Finland and Sweden in the opening round. Don't expect them to do much.
Defensemen:
- Andrei Antonov (Shakhter Soligorsk)
- Andrei Bashko (Shakhter Soligorsk)
- Vladimir Denisov (Dynamo Minsk)
- Viktor Kostiuchenok (Amur Khabarovsk)
- Ruslan Salei (Colorado Avalanche)
- Nikolai Stasenko (Amur Khabarovsk)
- Vadim Sushko (Shakhter Soligorsk)
- Alexander Syrei (Shakhter Soligorsk)
- Wow! An NHLer! Don't know how reliable he'll be though, he's been hurt most of the Avalanche's season. And if he's the best defenseman on the team (which he is), you know much can't be said for the rest. Forsberg on a line with the Sedins will eat that up offensively.
Forwards:
- Oleg Antonenko (Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg)
- Sergei Demagin (Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk)
- Mikhail Grabovski (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Alexei Kaliuzhny (Dynamo Moscow)
- Konstantin Koltsov (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Andrei Kostitsyn (Montreal Canadiens)
- Sergei Kostitsyn (Montreal Canadiens)
- Alexander Kulakov (Dynamo Minsk)
- Andrei Mikhalev (Dynamo Minsk)
- Andrei Stas (Dynamo Minsk)
- Alexei Uragov (MVD Balashikha)
- Sergei Zadelenov (Dynamo Minsk)
- Well, there are some talented players here from the NHL, but not enough of them. The Kostitsyns won't be that much help defensively, and Grabovski is hardly known to dominate anything, much less against the teams Belarus will be playing. The good players will score, but not enough to win. Belarus will not advance in the pool they are in, simple as that.
CANADA (Group A)
Goalies:
- Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils)
- Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)
- Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- By far and away the best goalies in the Olympics. No other group holds even a candle to the talent of these three. If one of them gets hot, which will probably happen considering their skills, the tournament will be over shortly.
Defensemen:
- Dan Boyle (San Jose Sharks)
- Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
- Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Brent Seabrook (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks)
- Chris Pronger (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)
- Again, by far and away the best group of defensemen in the tournament. Not even close with all these dominant defensemen Canada has lined up on the blue line. All of them are dominant defenders, and all of them can absolutely wreck opposing players with their ability to hit. Scary good.
Forwards:
- Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)
- Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks)
- Dany Heatly (San Jose Sharks)
- Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames)
- Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks)
- Brenden Morrow (Dallas Stars)
- Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks)
- Mike Richards (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks)
- Johnathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Dear god, can it get any better than this collection of forwards? This is unstoppable, I don't care who your defense is (most of the best defenders in the world are on this team anyway). Even if Ryan Getzlaf misses the games, which he might, then the next absolute offensive force in Canada's reserve is Jeff Carter, who was 2nd in the NHL in goals last season. I don't see anyone stopping this lineup. I do see one team challenging them in Russia, but I just dont think Russia will win a shootout game with this team either. If its 6-5 or even 7-6, expect Canada to be on top. They should win the Gold Medal on their home turf.
CZECH REPUBLIC (Group B)
Goalies
- Tomas Vokoun (Florida Panthers)
- Jakub Stepanek (HC Vitkovice Steel)
- Ondrej Pavelec (Atlanta Thrashers)
- A solid group of goaltenders here. Vokoun should anchor them, how far that is depends on how well he plays. The best this team could do is get to the Bronze Medal game even if he is hot. Tough tests in Slovakia and Russia await them in the round robin.
Defensemen
- Miroslav Blatak (Salavet Julajev Ufa)
- Jan Hejda (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Tomas Kaberle (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Filip Kuba (Ottawa Senators)
- Pavel Kubina (Atlanta Thrashers)
- Zbynek Michalek (Phoenix Coyotes)
- Roman Polak (St. Louis Blues)
- Marek Zidlicky (Minnesota Wild)
- Some pretty good defenders here, including Kaberle. But none are better than mediocre at best. Don't get me wrong, they'll be fine, but they won't be able to contain offenses like Russia's, Canada's, the United States', or Sweden's come the medal round.
Forwards
- Petr Cajanek (SKA Petrohrad)
- Roman Cervenka (HC Slavia Praha)
- Patrick Elias (New Jersey Devils)
- Martin Erat (Nashville Predators)
- Tomas Fleischmann (Washington Capitals)
- Martin Havlat (Minnesota Wild)
- Jaromir Jagr (Avangard Omsk)
- David Krejci (Boston Bruins)
- Milan Michalek (Ottawa Senators)
- Tomas Plekanec (Montreal Canadiens)
- Tomas Rolinek (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)
- Josef Vasicek (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl)
- A surprisingly good mix of players from the NHL, the Czech league and the KHL. As usual, they'll be able to score, the defense and goaltending is the question this year, though. There's no more Dominik Hasek in his glory days, they'll have to score a lot to win in all likelihood. At best they're in the Bronze game, but I don't see them winning it.
FINLAND (Group C)
Goalies:
- Niklas Backstrom (Minnesota Wild)
- Mikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames)
- Anterro Nittymaki (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- A really good group of goaltenders. Don't expect Nittymaki to get much playing time, especially if this team advances out of their pool, which they should. Both Backstrom and Kiprusoff are capable of backstopping a team to a gold medal, which they fell just short of in 2006 (the gold medal game was the only game Finland lost in the entire Olympics).
Defensemen:
- Lasse Kukkonen (Avangard Omsk)
- Sami Lepisto (Phoenix Coyotes)
- Toni Lydman (Buffalo Sabres)
- Janne Niskala (Frolunda)
- Joni Pitkanen (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Sami Salo (Vancouver Canucks)
- Kimmo Timonen (Philadelphia Flyers)
- All in all, this is a solid group of defenders that could potentially see them to a gold medal game if they can upset Russia or Canada. More offensive than defensive, though.
Forwards:
- Valtteri Filppula (Detroit Red Wings)
- Niklas Hagman (Calgary Flames)
- Jarkko Immonen (Ak Bars Kazan)
- Olli Jokinen (New York Rangers)
- Niko Kapanen (Ak Bars Kazan)
- Mikko Koivu (Minnesota Wild)
- Saku Koivu (Anaheim Ducks)
- Jere Lehtinen (Dallas Stars)
- Antti Miettinen (Minnesota Wild)
- Ville Peltonen (Dynamo Minsk)
- Jarkko Ruutu (Ottawa Senators)
- Tuomo Ruutu (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Teemu Selanne (Anaheim Ducks)
- A lot of veteran NHL players in this group of forwards. It will be interesting to see how the lines are constructed with these players and to see which veterans go with which of the younger players. I wouldn't say they necessarily have the offense to get them past the best defenses and the best goalies. This is a good team, but the furthest they get is a Bronze Medal, and thats assuming all the pieces fall together for this team.
GERMANY (Group C)
Goalies:
- Dennis Endras (Augsburger Panther)
- Thomas Greiss (San Jose Sharks)
- Dmitri Patzold (ERC Inglostadt)
- Well, certainly good goalies in certain contexts, but the Olympic games is not one of them. If they can't find a way to get hot against Finland and Sweden in the round robin, they won't make the medal round.
Defensemen:
- Michael Bakos (ERC Inglostadt)
- Christian Erhoff (Vancouver Canucks)
- Jakub Ficenec (ERC Inglostadt)
- Jason Holland (DEG Metro Stars Dusseldorf)
- Korbinian Holzer (DEG Metro Stars Dusseldorf)
- Chris Schmidt (Alder Mannheim)
- Denis Seidenberg (Florida Panthers)
- Alexander Sulzer (Milwaukee Admirals[AHL])
- A lot of solid defenders from the German league, but that simply won't be able to contain the plethora of NHL stars they'll have to deal with in pool play alone. I don't think the Belarus game is necessarily a slam dunk for this team either.
Forwards:
- Alexander Barta (Hamburg Freezers)
- Sven Felski (Eisbaren Berlin)
- Marcel Goc (Nashville Predators)
- Philip Gogulla (Portland Pirates[AHL])
- Thomas Greilinger (ERC Inglostadt)
- Manuel Klinge (Kassel Huskies)
- Marcel Muller (Kolner Haie)
- Travis James Mulock (Eisbaren Berlin)
- Andrei Rankel (Eisbaren Berlin)
- Marco Sturm (Boston Bruins)
- John Tripp (Hamburg Freezers)
- Michael Wolf (Iserlohn Roosters)
- Again, I'm sure this group is an effective German league All-Star team, but at this level, and considering the NHL laden rosters they have to deal with, they'll need a miracle to make the medal round. Finland and Sweden are simply too good for Germany to deal with, and they will not advance to the medal round. Since the Belarus game is not a lock by any means, if they lose that, stick a fork in Germany, they'd be done.
LATVIA (Group B)
Goalies:
- Edgars Masalskis (Dinamo Riga)
- Ervins Mustokovs (Dinamo Riga)
- Sergejs Naumovs (Dinamo Riga)
- Well, this is Latvian goaltending. Even at its best all it could boast was Arturs Irbe. In their pool, they are hopeless against Slovakia, Russia and the Czech Republic. They simply will be overwhelmed. I wouldn't hesitate to say Russia could beat this team 10-0.
Defensmen:
- Oskars Bartulis (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Georgijs Pujacs (Sibir Novosibirsk)
- Karlis Skrastins (Dallas Stars)
- Arvids Rekis (Wolfsberg)
- Krisjanis Redlihs (Dinamo Riga)
- Rodrigo Lavins (Dinamo Riga)
- Guntis Galvins (Dinamo Riga)
- Kristaps Sotnieks (Dinamo Riga)
- The only 2 NHL players are here, and neither of them are that good. The offenses they will face will tear them apart, and they have little to no chance. They are the epitome of a cupcake team in this year's group of teams.
Forwards:
- Herberts Vasiljevs (Krefeld Pinguine)
- Janis Sprukts (Dinamo Riga)
- Aleksandrs Nizivijs (Dinamo Riga)
- Martins Karsums (Norfolk Admirals[AHL])
- Martins Cipulis (Dinamo Riga)
- Girts Ankipans (Dinamo Riga)
- Lauris Darzins (Dinamo Riga)
- Aleksejs Sirokovs (Amur Khabarovsk)
- Michelis Redlihs (Dinamo Riga)
- Kaspars Daugavins (Birmingham Senators[AHL])
- Armands Berzins (Dinamo Riga)
- Gints Meija (Dinamo Riga)
- So who thinks Dinamo Riga plus a few other mediocre at their very best players can take on Russia, the Czech Republic or Slovakia? I'm waiting. This team is almost the worst in the tourney, but that honor is Norway's. 0% chance to make the medal round.
NORWAY (Group A)
Goalies:
- Pal Grotnes (Stjernen Frederickstadt)
- Andre Lysenstoen (Heki Heinola)
- Ruben Smith (Storhamar Dragons)
- These goalies come from the Norwegian and Finnish leagues. They have to take on Canada and the United States. Beating Switzerland would be considered an upset. I'd be surprised if this team won a game in Vancouver.
Defensemen:
- Alexander Bonsaksen (Modo)
- Jonas Holos (Farjestad Karlstad)
- Tommy Jakobsen (Lorenskog IK)
- Juha Kaunismaki (Stavanger Oilers)
- Lars Erik Lund (Valarenga Oslo)
- Ole Kristian Tollefsen (Detroit Red Wings)
- Mats Trygg (Kolner Haie)
- If this is the best Norway has for the teams its gonna be facing and the offensive weapons they'll have to face, they don't have even a puncher's chance. All the Canadian weapons and the young guns of the USA will simply have a feast on this defense.
Forwards:
- Mats Zuccarello Aasen (Modo)
- Morten Ask (Nuremberg Ice Tigers)
- Anders Bastiansen (Farjestad Karlstad)
- Kristian Forsberg (Modo)
- Mads Hansen (Brynas Gavle)
- Marius Holtet (Farjestad Karlstad)
- Mathis Olimb (Frolunda Gothenburg)
- Martin Roymark (Frolunda Gothenburg)
- Per-Age Skroder (Modo)
- Lars Erik Spets (Valarenga Oslo)
- Patrick Thoresen (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Tore Vikingstad (Hannover Scorpions)
- Martin Laumann Ylven (Linkopings HC)
- A lot of these players are from the Swedish Elite league, so there is certainly some talent here. Thoreson has played in the NHL previously, and they do have one other NHLer in Tollefson. Regardless, they simply don't have the talent to be one of the top 2 teams in the pool that advances, save the miracle of olympic history. Expect Canada to destroy and demoralize this team, and the USA to do much the same. The game against Switzerland may be a good game.
RUSSIA (Group B)
Goalies:
- Evgeni Nabokov (San Jose Sharks)
- Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix Coyotes)
- Semyon Varlamov (Washington Capitals)
- This is certainly a talented group of goaltenders. Nabokov is really the balance between the two dominant traits of the others, speed and quickness for Varlamov and pure size and strength for Bryzgalov. Should be an easy task for this team, even against Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Defensemen:
- Sergei Gonchar (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- Fedor Tyutin (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Dmitri Kalinin (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Denis Grebeshkov (Edmonton Oilers)
- Anton Volchenkov (Ottawa Senators)
- Andrei Markov (Montreal Canadiens)
- Konstantin Korneyev (CSKA Moscow)
- Ilya Nikulin (Ak Bars Kazan)
- This group of defenders is certainly skilled at hitting. The offensive skill is there as well, making this unit one of the best in the tourny, and certainly the best in their pool. This group should be able to control the teams they face in the round robin with little difficulty. It'll be late medal round before this group sees its first real challenge (perhaps the United States).
Forwards:
- Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
- Ilya Kovalchuk (New Jersey Devils)
- Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- Maxim Afinogenov (Atlanta Thrashers)
- Alexander Semin (Washington Capitals)
- Alexei Morozov (Ak Bars Kazan)
- Viktor Kozlov (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Alexander Radulov (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Denis Zaripov (Ak Bars Kazan)
- Sergei Zinoviev (Salavat Yalayev Ufa)
- Sergei Fedorov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)
- Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings)
- Certainly as much firepower as Canada, but nowhere near as much depth. This team will need to ride the momentum of Ovechkin and Malkin if they want to win gold. The power play of this team is an absolute nightmare for other teams (Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Datsyuk, etc), and should be a source of motivation for this team. They will easily advance to the medal round. They should be in the gold medal game, as they are clearly the second most talented roster behind Canada. This team does need to beware of the upset in the medal rounds, though. Especially if they're playing an emotionally charged United States team. The sky is the limit for Russia, but in the end, I think they lose to Canada in the final game and get the Silver medal.
SLOVAKIA(Group B)
Goalies:
- Jaroslav Halak (Montreal Canadiens)
- Peter Budaj (Colorado Avalanche)
- Rastislav Stana (Severstal Cerepovec)
- Halak is usually an overachiever, and has outshined Carey Price in Montreal. It will be a battle with their territorial rival, the Czech Repiblic, that will determine whether or not they advance to the medal round. Budaj is solid, but by no means can carry a team to a medal.
Defensemen:
- Zdeno Chara (Boston Bruins)
- Milan Jurcina (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Richard Lintner (Dinamo Minsk)
- Andrej Meszaros (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Andrej Sekera (Buffalo Sabres)
- Lubomir Visnovsky (Edmonton Oilers)
- Martin Strbak (HK MVD)
This is a solid group of defensemen, led by the biggest beast defenseman in the NHL. If it all comes down to their game against the Czech Republic, look for this group to surprise and take Slovakia to the medal round. It is within close grasp, depending on how they play. They can shut down their offense at the very least if thats what it takes to win. And to spite your rival in doing so would be special.
Forwards:
- Lubos Bartecko (SC Bern)
- Branko Radivojevic (Spartak Moscow)
- Martin Cibak (Spartak Moscow)
- Pavol Demitra (Vancouver Canucks)
- Marian Gaborik (New York Rangers)
- Michal Handzus (Los Angeles Kings)
- Marian Hossa (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Marcel Hossa (Dinamo Riga)
- Tomas Kopecky (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Zigmund Palffy (HK 36 Skalica)
- Jozef Stumpel (Barys Astana)
- Miroslav Satan (New York Islanders)
- Richard Zednik (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl)
- This is where this team hinges on whether or not it can make the medal round. If the offensive stars of this team can gel, they can easily make the medal round. If not, they won't. As far as their chances go for a medal, I don't see them getting to even the Bronze Medal game. Too much talent when it comes to the best 4 or 5 teams for them to crack it, even if Halak is amazing.
SWEDEN (Group C)
Goalies:
- Jonas Gustavsson (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Stefan Liv (HV71 Jonkoping)
- Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers)
- Lundqvist has already proven he can win a gold medal. Gustavsson is a solid backup in this Olympic context. The question is whether or not Lundqvist can get hot and carry this team on his back. If he can do that, the offense will take care of itself.
Defensemen:
- Tobias Enstrom (Atlanta Thrashers)
- Magnus Johansson (Linkopings HC)
- Niklas Kronwall (Detroit Red Wings)
- Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings)
- Douglas Murray (San Jose Sharks)
- Johnny Oduya (Atlanta Thrashers)
- Mattias Ohlund (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Henrik Tallinder (Buffalo Sabres)
- This group is a good mix of young defenders and veterans who have won olympic gold in the past. Lidstrom has won 2 gold medals, and his presence certainly is huge in determining how far this team can go.
Forwards:
- Daniel Alfredsson (Ottawa Senators)
- Peter Forsberg (Modo)
- Tomas Holmstrom (Detroit Red Wings)
- Patric Hornqvist (Nashville Predators)
- Fredrik Modin (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Samuel Pahlsson (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Daniel Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)
- Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)
- Mattias Weinhandl (Dynamo Moscow)
- Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit Red Wings)
- Obviously, this is the best team in group C. I wouldn't count them out on defending the gold they won 4 years ago, the have the offensive talent and the goaltending to do it again. They will advance to at least the Bronze Medal Game, and if they are in it, they have a good chance to win. Their challenge is simply taking care of business, not letting any outside pressure fall on them.
SWITZERLAND(Group A)
Goalies:
- Martin Gerber (Atlant Mytishchi)
- Jonas Hiller (Anaheim Ducks)
- Tobias Stephan (Geneva-Servette)
- Hiller is a solid starting option even in the Olympics. Switzerland really wasn't going to get a good draw in regards to who they play in the round robin, and the United States and Canada should each be too much for this team to handle.
Defensemen:
- Goran Bezina (Geneva-Servette)
- Severin Blindenbacher (Farjestad Karlstad)
- Rafael Diaz (EV Zug)
- Roman Josi (SC Bern)
- Luca Sbisa (Lethbirdge Hurricanes)
- Mathias Seger (ZSC Lion Zurich)
- Mark Streit (New York Islanders)
- Yannick Weber (Hamilton Bulldogs[AHL])
- Solid, servicable defensemen all accross the board, but definitely not enough to contain the USA or Canada. Should be able to manhandle Norway, though.
Forwards:
- Andres Ambuhl (Hartford Wolf Pack[AHL])
- Thomas Deruns (Geneva-Servette)
- Hnat Domenichelli (HC Lugano)
- Sandy Jeannin (HC Fribourg)
- Thibaut Monnet (ZSC Lions Zurich)
- Thierry Paterlini (Rapperswil)
- Martin Pluss (SC Bern)
- Kevin Romy (HC Lugano)
- Ivo Ruthemann (SC Bern)
- Raffaele Sannitz (HC Lugano)
- Julien Sprunger (HC Fribourg)
- Roman Wick (Kloten Flyers)
- Well, this is a Swiss team. I hear they're hoping to win a medal, but there is just no way that is going to happen in my mind. For them to do so, they would need a collapse from the USA team, and there is just too much talent on that roster for that to be even likely. Again, should be able to beat Norway, but don't expect them to beat either the USA or Canada.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA(Group A)
Goalies:
-Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins)
- Johnathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings)
- Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)
- This is probably the second best group of goalies in the tournament, the other happens to be in their pool. Miller and Thomas should be able to handle Switzerland and Norway, and their showdown with Canada likely won't mean a thing except tournament positioning.
Defensemen:
- Ryan Whitney (Anaheim Ducks)
- Erik Johnson (St. Louis Blues)
- Jack Johnson (Los Angeles Kings)
- Tim Gleason (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Brian Rafalski (Detroit Red Wings)
- Ryan Suter (Nashville Predators)
- Brooks Orpik (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- This is also a young, talented, physical group of defensemen that could take this team deep if it dominates. The offenses they're facing (excluding Canada) are easily dealt with, or should be, by this group. Some solid offensive strength here as well, and the powerplay has no shortage of weapons on the back end.
Forwards:
- David Backes (St. Louis Blues)
- Dustin Brown (Los Angeles Kings)
- Ryan Callahan (New York Rangers)
- Chris Drury (New York Rangers)
- Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks)
- Phil Kessel (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Jamie Lagenbrunner (New Jersey Devils)
- Ryan Malone (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils)
- Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks)
- Bobby Ryan (Anaheim Ducks)
- Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche)
- This is a scary team. Assuming they take care of whats in front of them, an honest break in the pool they were placed in should get this team to the medal round. That's where they become the team that no one wants to play. The death of Brenden Burke, team general manager Brian Burke's son will motivate this team to perform at its best. I think they will win Bronze safely, and it is not set in stone that the Gold Medal game is set as Canada Vs. Russia. This team, especially if Ryan Miller or Tim Thomas carries them with spectacular play, could win the Gold medal, in all actuality. It would be tough, but talent wise, this team is almost as stacked as Canada, and probably as stacked as Russia. This team is deep, and talent is everywhere for different reasons. This team is physical, and Brooks Orpik should set a tone of physicality from the start. Like Russia, the sky is really the limit for this American team, and anything they want is in their grasp.
FINAL PICKS
GOLD MEDAL GAME: CANADA VS. RUSSIA
BRONZE MEDAL GAME: SWEDEN VS. USA
GOLD: CANADA
SILVER: RUSSIA
BRONZE: USA
Tournament MVP: Sidney Crosby
BELARUS (Group C)
Goalies:
- Vitali Koval (Dynamo Minsk)
- Maxim Malyutin (HK Vitebsk)
- Andrei Mezin (Dynamo Minsk)
- Not necessarily the talent level required to win many games at the olympics. Could be a tough draw for Belarus as they have to play Germany, Finland and Sweden in the opening round. Don't expect them to do much.
Defensemen:
- Andrei Antonov (Shakhter Soligorsk)
- Andrei Bashko (Shakhter Soligorsk)
- Vladimir Denisov (Dynamo Minsk)
- Viktor Kostiuchenok (Amur Khabarovsk)
- Ruslan Salei (Colorado Avalanche)
- Nikolai Stasenko (Amur Khabarovsk)
- Vadim Sushko (Shakhter Soligorsk)
- Alexander Syrei (Shakhter Soligorsk)
- Wow! An NHLer! Don't know how reliable he'll be though, he's been hurt most of the Avalanche's season. And if he's the best defenseman on the team (which he is), you know much can't be said for the rest. Forsberg on a line with the Sedins will eat that up offensively.
Forwards:
- Oleg Antonenko (Avtomobilist Yekaterinburg)
- Sergei Demagin (Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk)
- Mikhail Grabovski (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Alexei Kaliuzhny (Dynamo Moscow)
- Konstantin Koltsov (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Andrei Kostitsyn (Montreal Canadiens)
- Sergei Kostitsyn (Montreal Canadiens)
- Alexander Kulakov (Dynamo Minsk)
- Andrei Mikhalev (Dynamo Minsk)
- Andrei Stas (Dynamo Minsk)
- Alexei Uragov (MVD Balashikha)
- Sergei Zadelenov (Dynamo Minsk)
- Well, there are some talented players here from the NHL, but not enough of them. The Kostitsyns won't be that much help defensively, and Grabovski is hardly known to dominate anything, much less against the teams Belarus will be playing. The good players will score, but not enough to win. Belarus will not advance in the pool they are in, simple as that.
CANADA (Group A)
Goalies:
- Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils)
- Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks)
- Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- By far and away the best goalies in the Olympics. No other group holds even a candle to the talent of these three. If one of them gets hot, which will probably happen considering their skills, the tournament will be over shortly.
Defensemen:
- Dan Boyle (San Jose Sharks)
- Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings)
- Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Brent Seabrook (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim Ducks)
- Chris Pronger (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Shea Weber (Nashville Predators)
- Again, by far and away the best group of defensemen in the tournament. Not even close with all these dominant defensemen Canada has lined up on the blue line. All of them are dominant defenders, and all of them can absolutely wreck opposing players with their ability to hit. Scary good.
Forwards:
- Patrice Bergeron (Boston Bruins)
- Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks)
- Dany Heatly (San Jose Sharks)
- Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames)
- Patrick Marleau (San Jose Sharks)
- Brenden Morrow (Dallas Stars)
- Rick Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks)
- Mike Richards (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks)
- Johnathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Dear god, can it get any better than this collection of forwards? This is unstoppable, I don't care who your defense is (most of the best defenders in the world are on this team anyway). Even if Ryan Getzlaf misses the games, which he might, then the next absolute offensive force in Canada's reserve is Jeff Carter, who was 2nd in the NHL in goals last season. I don't see anyone stopping this lineup. I do see one team challenging them in Russia, but I just dont think Russia will win a shootout game with this team either. If its 6-5 or even 7-6, expect Canada to be on top. They should win the Gold Medal on their home turf.
CZECH REPUBLIC (Group B)
Goalies
- Tomas Vokoun (Florida Panthers)
- Jakub Stepanek (HC Vitkovice Steel)
- Ondrej Pavelec (Atlanta Thrashers)
- A solid group of goaltenders here. Vokoun should anchor them, how far that is depends on how well he plays. The best this team could do is get to the Bronze Medal game even if he is hot. Tough tests in Slovakia and Russia await them in the round robin.
Defensemen
- Miroslav Blatak (Salavet Julajev Ufa)
- Jan Hejda (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Tomas Kaberle (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Filip Kuba (Ottawa Senators)
- Pavel Kubina (Atlanta Thrashers)
- Zbynek Michalek (Phoenix Coyotes)
- Roman Polak (St. Louis Blues)
- Marek Zidlicky (Minnesota Wild)
- Some pretty good defenders here, including Kaberle. But none are better than mediocre at best. Don't get me wrong, they'll be fine, but they won't be able to contain offenses like Russia's, Canada's, the United States', or Sweden's come the medal round.
Forwards
- Petr Cajanek (SKA Petrohrad)
- Roman Cervenka (HC Slavia Praha)
- Patrick Elias (New Jersey Devils)
- Martin Erat (Nashville Predators)
- Tomas Fleischmann (Washington Capitals)
- Martin Havlat (Minnesota Wild)
- Jaromir Jagr (Avangard Omsk)
- David Krejci (Boston Bruins)
- Milan Michalek (Ottawa Senators)
- Tomas Plekanec (Montreal Canadiens)
- Tomas Rolinek (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)
- Josef Vasicek (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl)
- A surprisingly good mix of players from the NHL, the Czech league and the KHL. As usual, they'll be able to score, the defense and goaltending is the question this year, though. There's no more Dominik Hasek in his glory days, they'll have to score a lot to win in all likelihood. At best they're in the Bronze game, but I don't see them winning it.
FINLAND (Group C)
Goalies:
- Niklas Backstrom (Minnesota Wild)
- Mikka Kiprusoff (Calgary Flames)
- Anterro Nittymaki (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- A really good group of goaltenders. Don't expect Nittymaki to get much playing time, especially if this team advances out of their pool, which they should. Both Backstrom and Kiprusoff are capable of backstopping a team to a gold medal, which they fell just short of in 2006 (the gold medal game was the only game Finland lost in the entire Olympics).
Defensemen:
- Lasse Kukkonen (Avangard Omsk)
- Sami Lepisto (Phoenix Coyotes)
- Toni Lydman (Buffalo Sabres)
- Janne Niskala (Frolunda)
- Joni Pitkanen (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Sami Salo (Vancouver Canucks)
- Kimmo Timonen (Philadelphia Flyers)
- All in all, this is a solid group of defenders that could potentially see them to a gold medal game if they can upset Russia or Canada. More offensive than defensive, though.
Forwards:
- Valtteri Filppula (Detroit Red Wings)
- Niklas Hagman (Calgary Flames)
- Jarkko Immonen (Ak Bars Kazan)
- Olli Jokinen (New York Rangers)
- Niko Kapanen (Ak Bars Kazan)
- Mikko Koivu (Minnesota Wild)
- Saku Koivu (Anaheim Ducks)
- Jere Lehtinen (Dallas Stars)
- Antti Miettinen (Minnesota Wild)
- Ville Peltonen (Dynamo Minsk)
- Jarkko Ruutu (Ottawa Senators)
- Tuomo Ruutu (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Teemu Selanne (Anaheim Ducks)
- A lot of veteran NHL players in this group of forwards. It will be interesting to see how the lines are constructed with these players and to see which veterans go with which of the younger players. I wouldn't say they necessarily have the offense to get them past the best defenses and the best goalies. This is a good team, but the furthest they get is a Bronze Medal, and thats assuming all the pieces fall together for this team.
GERMANY (Group C)
Goalies:
- Dennis Endras (Augsburger Panther)
- Thomas Greiss (San Jose Sharks)
- Dmitri Patzold (ERC Inglostadt)
- Well, certainly good goalies in certain contexts, but the Olympic games is not one of them. If they can't find a way to get hot against Finland and Sweden in the round robin, they won't make the medal round.
Defensemen:
- Michael Bakos (ERC Inglostadt)
- Christian Erhoff (Vancouver Canucks)
- Jakub Ficenec (ERC Inglostadt)
- Jason Holland (DEG Metro Stars Dusseldorf)
- Korbinian Holzer (DEG Metro Stars Dusseldorf)
- Chris Schmidt (Alder Mannheim)
- Denis Seidenberg (Florida Panthers)
- Alexander Sulzer (Milwaukee Admirals[AHL])
- A lot of solid defenders from the German league, but that simply won't be able to contain the plethora of NHL stars they'll have to deal with in pool play alone. I don't think the Belarus game is necessarily a slam dunk for this team either.
Forwards:
- Alexander Barta (Hamburg Freezers)
- Sven Felski (Eisbaren Berlin)
- Marcel Goc (Nashville Predators)
- Philip Gogulla (Portland Pirates[AHL])
- Thomas Greilinger (ERC Inglostadt)
- Manuel Klinge (Kassel Huskies)
- Marcel Muller (Kolner Haie)
- Travis James Mulock (Eisbaren Berlin)
- Andrei Rankel (Eisbaren Berlin)
- Marco Sturm (Boston Bruins)
- John Tripp (Hamburg Freezers)
- Michael Wolf (Iserlohn Roosters)
- Again, I'm sure this group is an effective German league All-Star team, but at this level, and considering the NHL laden rosters they have to deal with, they'll need a miracle to make the medal round. Finland and Sweden are simply too good for Germany to deal with, and they will not advance to the medal round. Since the Belarus game is not a lock by any means, if they lose that, stick a fork in Germany, they'd be done.
LATVIA (Group B)
Goalies:
- Edgars Masalskis (Dinamo Riga)
- Ervins Mustokovs (Dinamo Riga)
- Sergejs Naumovs (Dinamo Riga)
- Well, this is Latvian goaltending. Even at its best all it could boast was Arturs Irbe. In their pool, they are hopeless against Slovakia, Russia and the Czech Republic. They simply will be overwhelmed. I wouldn't hesitate to say Russia could beat this team 10-0.
Defensmen:
- Oskars Bartulis (Philadelphia Flyers)
- Georgijs Pujacs (Sibir Novosibirsk)
- Karlis Skrastins (Dallas Stars)
- Arvids Rekis (Wolfsberg)
- Krisjanis Redlihs (Dinamo Riga)
- Rodrigo Lavins (Dinamo Riga)
- Guntis Galvins (Dinamo Riga)
- Kristaps Sotnieks (Dinamo Riga)
- The only 2 NHL players are here, and neither of them are that good. The offenses they will face will tear them apart, and they have little to no chance. They are the epitome of a cupcake team in this year's group of teams.
Forwards:
- Herberts Vasiljevs (Krefeld Pinguine)
- Janis Sprukts (Dinamo Riga)
- Aleksandrs Nizivijs (Dinamo Riga)
- Martins Karsums (Norfolk Admirals[AHL])
- Martins Cipulis (Dinamo Riga)
- Girts Ankipans (Dinamo Riga)
- Lauris Darzins (Dinamo Riga)
- Aleksejs Sirokovs (Amur Khabarovsk)
- Michelis Redlihs (Dinamo Riga)
- Kaspars Daugavins (Birmingham Senators[AHL])
- Armands Berzins (Dinamo Riga)
- Gints Meija (Dinamo Riga)
- So who thinks Dinamo Riga plus a few other mediocre at their very best players can take on Russia, the Czech Republic or Slovakia? I'm waiting. This team is almost the worst in the tourney, but that honor is Norway's. 0% chance to make the medal round.
NORWAY (Group A)
Goalies:
- Pal Grotnes (Stjernen Frederickstadt)
- Andre Lysenstoen (Heki Heinola)
- Ruben Smith (Storhamar Dragons)
- These goalies come from the Norwegian and Finnish leagues. They have to take on Canada and the United States. Beating Switzerland would be considered an upset. I'd be surprised if this team won a game in Vancouver.
Defensemen:
- Alexander Bonsaksen (Modo)
- Jonas Holos (Farjestad Karlstad)
- Tommy Jakobsen (Lorenskog IK)
- Juha Kaunismaki (Stavanger Oilers)
- Lars Erik Lund (Valarenga Oslo)
- Ole Kristian Tollefsen (Detroit Red Wings)
- Mats Trygg (Kolner Haie)
- If this is the best Norway has for the teams its gonna be facing and the offensive weapons they'll have to face, they don't have even a puncher's chance. All the Canadian weapons and the young guns of the USA will simply have a feast on this defense.
Forwards:
- Mats Zuccarello Aasen (Modo)
- Morten Ask (Nuremberg Ice Tigers)
- Anders Bastiansen (Farjestad Karlstad)
- Kristian Forsberg (Modo)
- Mads Hansen (Brynas Gavle)
- Marius Holtet (Farjestad Karlstad)
- Mathis Olimb (Frolunda Gothenburg)
- Martin Roymark (Frolunda Gothenburg)
- Per-Age Skroder (Modo)
- Lars Erik Spets (Valarenga Oslo)
- Patrick Thoresen (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Tore Vikingstad (Hannover Scorpions)
- Martin Laumann Ylven (Linkopings HC)
- A lot of these players are from the Swedish Elite league, so there is certainly some talent here. Thoreson has played in the NHL previously, and they do have one other NHLer in Tollefson. Regardless, they simply don't have the talent to be one of the top 2 teams in the pool that advances, save the miracle of olympic history. Expect Canada to destroy and demoralize this team, and the USA to do much the same. The game against Switzerland may be a good game.
RUSSIA (Group B)
Goalies:
- Evgeni Nabokov (San Jose Sharks)
- Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix Coyotes)
- Semyon Varlamov (Washington Capitals)
- This is certainly a talented group of goaltenders. Nabokov is really the balance between the two dominant traits of the others, speed and quickness for Varlamov and pure size and strength for Bryzgalov. Should be an easy task for this team, even against Slovakia and the Czech Republic.
Defensemen:
- Sergei Gonchar (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- Fedor Tyutin (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Dmitri Kalinin (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Denis Grebeshkov (Edmonton Oilers)
- Anton Volchenkov (Ottawa Senators)
- Andrei Markov (Montreal Canadiens)
- Konstantin Korneyev (CSKA Moscow)
- Ilya Nikulin (Ak Bars Kazan)
- This group of defenders is certainly skilled at hitting. The offensive skill is there as well, making this unit one of the best in the tourny, and certainly the best in their pool. This group should be able to control the teams they face in the round robin with little difficulty. It'll be late medal round before this group sees its first real challenge (perhaps the United States).
Forwards:
- Alexander Ovechkin (Washington Capitals)
- Ilya Kovalchuk (New Jersey Devils)
- Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- Maxim Afinogenov (Atlanta Thrashers)
- Alexander Semin (Washington Capitals)
- Alexei Morozov (Ak Bars Kazan)
- Viktor Kozlov (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Alexander Radulov (Salavat Yulayev Ufa)
- Denis Zaripov (Ak Bars Kazan)
- Sergei Zinoviev (Salavat Yalayev Ufa)
- Sergei Fedorov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk)
- Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit Red Wings)
- Certainly as much firepower as Canada, but nowhere near as much depth. This team will need to ride the momentum of Ovechkin and Malkin if they want to win gold. The power play of this team is an absolute nightmare for other teams (Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Datsyuk, etc), and should be a source of motivation for this team. They will easily advance to the medal round. They should be in the gold medal game, as they are clearly the second most talented roster behind Canada. This team does need to beware of the upset in the medal rounds, though. Especially if they're playing an emotionally charged United States team. The sky is the limit for Russia, but in the end, I think they lose to Canada in the final game and get the Silver medal.
SLOVAKIA(Group B)
Goalies:
- Jaroslav Halak (Montreal Canadiens)
- Peter Budaj (Colorado Avalanche)
- Rastislav Stana (Severstal Cerepovec)
- Halak is usually an overachiever, and has outshined Carey Price in Montreal. It will be a battle with their territorial rival, the Czech Repiblic, that will determine whether or not they advance to the medal round. Budaj is solid, but by no means can carry a team to a medal.
Defensemen:
- Zdeno Chara (Boston Bruins)
- Milan Jurcina (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Richard Lintner (Dinamo Minsk)
- Andrej Meszaros (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Andrej Sekera (Buffalo Sabres)
- Lubomir Visnovsky (Edmonton Oilers)
- Martin Strbak (HK MVD)
This is a solid group of defensemen, led by the biggest beast defenseman in the NHL. If it all comes down to their game against the Czech Republic, look for this group to surprise and take Slovakia to the medal round. It is within close grasp, depending on how they play. They can shut down their offense at the very least if thats what it takes to win. And to spite your rival in doing so would be special.
Forwards:
- Lubos Bartecko (SC Bern)
- Branko Radivojevic (Spartak Moscow)
- Martin Cibak (Spartak Moscow)
- Pavol Demitra (Vancouver Canucks)
- Marian Gaborik (New York Rangers)
- Michal Handzus (Los Angeles Kings)
- Marian Hossa (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Marcel Hossa (Dinamo Riga)
- Tomas Kopecky (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Zigmund Palffy (HK 36 Skalica)
- Jozef Stumpel (Barys Astana)
- Miroslav Satan (New York Islanders)
- Richard Zednik (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl)
- This is where this team hinges on whether or not it can make the medal round. If the offensive stars of this team can gel, they can easily make the medal round. If not, they won't. As far as their chances go for a medal, I don't see them getting to even the Bronze Medal game. Too much talent when it comes to the best 4 or 5 teams for them to crack it, even if Halak is amazing.
SWEDEN (Group C)
Goalies:
- Jonas Gustavsson (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Stefan Liv (HV71 Jonkoping)
- Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers)
- Lundqvist has already proven he can win a gold medal. Gustavsson is a solid backup in this Olympic context. The question is whether or not Lundqvist can get hot and carry this team on his back. If he can do that, the offense will take care of itself.
Defensemen:
- Tobias Enstrom (Atlanta Thrashers)
- Magnus Johansson (Linkopings HC)
- Niklas Kronwall (Detroit Red Wings)
- Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings)
- Douglas Murray (San Jose Sharks)
- Johnny Oduya (Atlanta Thrashers)
- Mattias Ohlund (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Henrik Tallinder (Buffalo Sabres)
- This group is a good mix of young defenders and veterans who have won olympic gold in the past. Lidstrom has won 2 gold medals, and his presence certainly is huge in determining how far this team can go.
Forwards:
- Daniel Alfredsson (Ottawa Senators)
- Peter Forsberg (Modo)
- Tomas Holmstrom (Detroit Red Wings)
- Patric Hornqvist (Nashville Predators)
- Fredrik Modin (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Samuel Pahlsson (Columbus Blue Jackets)
- Daniel Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)
- Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks)
- Mattias Weinhandl (Dynamo Moscow)
- Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit Red Wings)
- Obviously, this is the best team in group C. I wouldn't count them out on defending the gold they won 4 years ago, the have the offensive talent and the goaltending to do it again. They will advance to at least the Bronze Medal Game, and if they are in it, they have a good chance to win. Their challenge is simply taking care of business, not letting any outside pressure fall on them.
SWITZERLAND(Group A)
Goalies:
- Martin Gerber (Atlant Mytishchi)
- Jonas Hiller (Anaheim Ducks)
- Tobias Stephan (Geneva-Servette)
- Hiller is a solid starting option even in the Olympics. Switzerland really wasn't going to get a good draw in regards to who they play in the round robin, and the United States and Canada should each be too much for this team to handle.
Defensemen:
- Goran Bezina (Geneva-Servette)
- Severin Blindenbacher (Farjestad Karlstad)
- Rafael Diaz (EV Zug)
- Roman Josi (SC Bern)
- Luca Sbisa (Lethbirdge Hurricanes)
- Mathias Seger (ZSC Lion Zurich)
- Mark Streit (New York Islanders)
- Yannick Weber (Hamilton Bulldogs[AHL])
- Solid, servicable defensemen all accross the board, but definitely not enough to contain the USA or Canada. Should be able to manhandle Norway, though.
Forwards:
- Andres Ambuhl (Hartford Wolf Pack[AHL])
- Thomas Deruns (Geneva-Servette)
- Hnat Domenichelli (HC Lugano)
- Sandy Jeannin (HC Fribourg)
- Thibaut Monnet (ZSC Lions Zurich)
- Thierry Paterlini (Rapperswil)
- Martin Pluss (SC Bern)
- Kevin Romy (HC Lugano)
- Ivo Ruthemann (SC Bern)
- Raffaele Sannitz (HC Lugano)
- Julien Sprunger (HC Fribourg)
- Roman Wick (Kloten Flyers)
- Well, this is a Swiss team. I hear they're hoping to win a medal, but there is just no way that is going to happen in my mind. For them to do so, they would need a collapse from the USA team, and there is just too much talent on that roster for that to be even likely. Again, should be able to beat Norway, but don't expect them to beat either the USA or Canada.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA(Group A)
Goalies:
-Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins)
- Johnathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings)
- Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres)
- This is probably the second best group of goalies in the tournament, the other happens to be in their pool. Miller and Thomas should be able to handle Switzerland and Norway, and their showdown with Canada likely won't mean a thing except tournament positioning.
Defensemen:
- Ryan Whitney (Anaheim Ducks)
- Erik Johnson (St. Louis Blues)
- Jack Johnson (Los Angeles Kings)
- Tim Gleason (Carolina Hurricanes)
- Brian Rafalski (Detroit Red Wings)
- Ryan Suter (Nashville Predators)
- Brooks Orpik (Pittsburgh Penguins)
- This is also a young, talented, physical group of defensemen that could take this team deep if it dominates. The offenses they're facing (excluding Canada) are easily dealt with, or should be, by this group. Some solid offensive strength here as well, and the powerplay has no shortage of weapons on the back end.
Forwards:
- David Backes (St. Louis Blues)
- Dustin Brown (Los Angeles Kings)
- Ryan Callahan (New York Rangers)
- Chris Drury (New York Rangers)
- Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks)
- Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks)
- Phil Kessel (Toronto Maple Leafs)
- Jamie Lagenbrunner (New Jersey Devils)
- Ryan Malone (Tampa Bay Lightning)
- Zach Parise (New Jersey Devils)
- Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks)
- Bobby Ryan (Anaheim Ducks)
- Paul Stastny (Colorado Avalanche)
- This is a scary team. Assuming they take care of whats in front of them, an honest break in the pool they were placed in should get this team to the medal round. That's where they become the team that no one wants to play. The death of Brenden Burke, team general manager Brian Burke's son will motivate this team to perform at its best. I think they will win Bronze safely, and it is not set in stone that the Gold Medal game is set as Canada Vs. Russia. This team, especially if Ryan Miller or Tim Thomas carries them with spectacular play, could win the Gold medal, in all actuality. It would be tough, but talent wise, this team is almost as stacked as Canada, and probably as stacked as Russia. This team is deep, and talent is everywhere for different reasons. This team is physical, and Brooks Orpik should set a tone of physicality from the start. Like Russia, the sky is really the limit for this American team, and anything they want is in their grasp.
FINAL PICKS
GOLD MEDAL GAME: CANADA VS. RUSSIA
BRONZE MEDAL GAME: SWEDEN VS. USA
GOLD: CANADA
SILVER: RUSSIA
BRONZE: USA
Tournament MVP: Sidney Crosby
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