Table of Groups

Belarus-  Most of the roster is dominated by non- nhlers, but there are a couple of noticeable names in the group;  Ruslan Salei the seasoned defensemen from the Avalanche anchors their blue line, with the Kostitsyn brothers of the Canadiens highlighting their attack. What should be noted is that seven players on the team play on the same team in the Russian Kontinental League, known as the RKL. Hockey is a team sport, so it seems as if chemistry might not be a problem for Belarus so look for a possible upset of a favored team in their group, let’s say Sweden or Germany?

Canada- Where does one begin when describing this team? One word; loaded. This team is filled with all stars, elite players who can put pucks in the net, defend, hit, and seem to be children of hockey gods. Led by Olympic veterans Martin Brodeur and Jerome Iginla, they will have to provide leadership to younger players, such as Sidney Crosby who is in his first Olympics along with 14 other players on the team. Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer are among some of the blue liners for the Candians who on paper appear to be the strongest team in the field. However, as seen before talent does not always create victories, but then again it isn’t bad to have Patrice Bergeron centering your fourth line!

Czech Republic- The Czechs appear to be in pretty good shape for a good run at a medal. Jaromir Jagr is the only player remaining from the 1998 team that won gold. He nows plays in the RKL, and is forgotten by many here in the States and Canda, well he can still put pucks in the net. Some other notable players that should be mentioned are NHL-ers: Patrick Elias, Martin Havlat, David Krejci, and Tomas Kaberle. That is some world class talent so the Czech should not be overlooked.

Finland- The Fins may very well have the best goaltending in the entire tournament and that is saying something. Their goalies are Mikka Kiprusov, Niklas Bakstrom, and Andreji Nittymaki, three great goaltenders. The question is who to start? Well it is never a bad thing to have 2 or 3 premier goalies. Besides their great goaltending the Finnish have Olli Jokinen, Teemu Selanne, Saku Koivu, as well as Jere Lehtienen who is in his 5^th Olympic games. The Fins are coming into the tournament under the radar but could turn a few heads once it begins.

Germany- Not a whole lot is known about the German team stateside, but the Germans do have some noticeable talent on their team. Marco Sturm is who having a comeback season with the Bruins right now headlines a German attack, along with Marcel Goc, and a top AHL prospect in Philip Gogulia. The Blue Line will be defended by Dennis Seidenburg of the Panthers among others. In goal for the Germans is backup Sharks goaltender Thomas Greiss who has proven to be capable in the past.

Latvia-  Latvia is a team dominated by the Russian KHL league, the Dinamo Riga; 15 of their players are on the Latvian Olympic team. This team is going to know how to play as a unit and could pose problems. Some players you may have heard of are Karlis Skrastins of the Stars, and Oskars Bartulis of the Flyers. However, it just seems as their isn’t enough elite talent for Latvia to do to much damage, but like I have said before team chemistry outweighs talent.

Norway- Norway has only one player from the NHL, Ole Kristian Tollefsen of the Flyers. The rest of their players are from various leagues throughout Europe which is why Norway has to be considered a bit of a cupcake in the tournament. Only one player on the team has Olympic experience, and that is vital in a tournament such as this. Unless Norway can develop some sort of cohesiveness, it appears they will have an early exit in the 2012 Olympiad.

Russia- This team may very well bring a gold medal back to Mother Russia. The goaltending is outstanding, headlined by Evgeni Nabakov, the resurgent Ilya Bryzgalov, and Calder candidate Semyon Varlymov.  Alexander “the great” Ovechkin looks to set the nets on fire in Vancouver. Along with Capital teammate Alex Semin, and others such as Pavel Datsyuk, prolific scorer Ilya Kovalchuk, speedster Maxim Afinogenov, Victor Kozlov, Oh yeah, I forgot to mention they also have Playoff MVP Evgeni Malkin, ANOTHER one of the best players in the world. The only weak spot I see on this team is possibly their defense, but with puck moving players such as Sergei Gonchar and Andrei Markov. With all the goals that the Russians are going to put in the net, they may not need to play defense.

Slovakia- Well, Slovakia definitely has some talent. They have one of my favorite players and one of the best defensemen in the world in Zdeno Chara. Peter Budaj the backup goalie for the Avalanche and Jaroslav Halak the backup net minder for the Canadiens look to solidify the defense. Lubomir Visnovsky of the Oilers will provide leadership along with Chara. Slovakia seems fully capable of putting pucks in the net as well with Marian Gaborik leading the attack. He is feeling great and is leading the NHL in goals as of today. Pavol Demitra, Miroslav Satan, and Marian Hossa are also proven scorers and playmakers which makes Slovakia a team to be reckoned with.

Sweden-  The Swedes are going to have one of the best defenses in the tournament. In net is the world class talent Henrik Lundqvist of the Rangers. Playing defense is the likes of multliple Norris trophy winner Nicklas Lidstrom, and Niklas Kronwall both of the Red Wings. The likes of Douglass Murray (Sharks), Johnny Oduya (Devils), Mattias Ohlund (Lightning) will solidify their defense. The offense will also be high powered. Nicklas Backstrom, Daniel Alfredsson, Petr Forsberg, the Sedin Brothers, and Henrik Zetterberg. The Swedes are definitely a team to be reckoned with.

Switzerland- Switzerland doesn’t seem to be a team that has a run in them to contend for a medal. Jonas Hiller is a quality goaltender but they don’t appear to have enough talent around him to contend. Most players on the team play in European leagues, however 10 players on the team competed in the 2006 Olympics so they might be better than they appear. However, even with experience I feel as if a medal is not in the cards for the Swiss.

United States of America- The US is loaded with young exciting players who have yet to experience the Olympic atmosphere. Goaltending is the biggest strength for the Americans with the likes of Ryan Miller, Jonathan Quick, and last years Vezina winner Tim Thomas. You cannot go wrong with any player here. The defense looks solid with the likes of Erik and Jack Johsnon, heavy hitter Mike Komisarek, Ryan Suter, and the wily Veteran Brian Rafalski. The attack is young but will be exciting with the likes of Phil Kessel, David Backes, Bobby Ryan, Zach Parise, Patrick Kane, and Joe Pavelski among others. This definitely has potential to put pucks in the nets, but the big question is will the young team handle the Olympic heat? Karma may be on the side of America, as their World Juniors team won the World Championship in January. Also Ryan Suter is the son of Bob Suter who was on the infamous 1980 mircale on Ice US hockey team.

Predictions- Final Four Teams- Canada, Russia, Slovakia, United States

US vs. Russia- Russia is going to be a bit to much for the young American team to handle. The US will get into an early hole and fight hard but won’t be able to come out with the win. Russia wins 4-2.

Canada vs. Slovakia- Canada is dominant on paper but it will be a close game. To much talent on one side is Slovakia’s downfall but they will fight valiantly and lose. Canada wins 5-3.

Bronze Medal- As much as I want America to win the gold, I feel like they are 4 years away from making a gold medal run. However I do feel that the US is going to win a medal, most likely a bronze. Look for America to play tough against all opponents and beat Slovakia to win Bronze.

Canada vs Russia- This is a popular pick, well because both teams have it all. They have talent that goes for days and both rosters have guys who seem like all they want to do is win. This truly will be a see saw game both teams answering the others call. However, I feel that Canada is going to win. They have home ice advantage and will use it to their advantage. Canada wins 6-5 in OT!!!!!!!!!!!!!