Eklund: Predicting the Olympics is all about the Goalies. Your Picks? +Rumor Update

Eklund: Predicting the Olympics is all about the Goalies. Your Picks? +Rumor Update
- Eklund

USA with the best Defense ? are you including goalies as part of defense ? who on team Canada is Faulk better then ? Suter is a stud but other then that these guys are 6-7 guys on Canada come on man.

Finland, Canada, USA, Sweden and then a drop.

Finns in 7th?..

Finland, Canada, USA, Sweden and then a drop.
- willey101

Finland, USA, Canada, sweden

Sweden over Canada for gold

Really? You think a defense corps that includes Justin Faulk, Paul Martin, and John Carlson is better than a defense corps where PK Subban is currently the 7th guy?

It astounds me that you're able to make a living off of hockey.

Really? You think a defense corps that includes Justin Faulk, Paul Martin, and John Carlson is better than a defense corps where PK Subban is currently the 7th guy?

It astounds me that you're able to make a living off of hockey.
- razr

I totally agree and it was weird that is was worded as if it wasn't his opinion but in fact the consensus which would be absolutely ridiculous.

Really? You think a defense corps that includes Justin Faulk, Paul Martin, and John Carlson is better than a defense corps where PK Subban is currently the 7th guy?

It astounds me that you're able to make a living off of hockey.
- razr

I must say.... this is baffling.

So is saying that the Swiss with Hiller has better goaltender than Canada with Luongo and Price??

This is a beauty:

"It is relatively clear the most talented defense is playing for America.
(although Canada is 1A in my opinion)"

Orpik
Fowler
Carlson
Shattenkirk
McDonagh
Suter
Faulk
Martin

Is better than

Weber
Doughty
Keith
Pietrangelo
Bouwmeester
Subban
Hamhuis
Vlasic

Almost as good - a team with Rask, Lehtonen, Niemi in net is #6!?

USA with the best Defense ? are you including goalies as part of defense ? who on team Canada is Faulk better then ? Suter is a stud but other then that these guys are 6-7 guys on Canada come on man.
- blizzzard

Miller will make there D look better...




Nevermind he's not playing...

ruutuu and a 1st for Gaborik

Call me a homer all you want

Ok, I will. You are a homer. As everyone else said: USA Defense #1... .

Eklund: Predicting the Olympics is all about the Goalies. Your Picks? +Rumor Update
- Eklund

Best defense?
You are joking right?
Not even close.
Canada has the best D, centers and a great group of forwards.
US has some great wingers.

Finland and Sweden will have the best tender tandem.

Miller will make there D look better...




Nevermind he's not playing...
- Fruitcakenipple

None of the US goalies this year have proved to be 'The Guy" Quick, Miller and Howard (especially Howard) Have been shaky at times.

The US alleged strength, does not look so strong at the moment.

I just don't see how the make up of the U.S squad is going to make up for the sever lack of talent and to me a not overwhelmingly fast looking team outside of a few guys.

North Americans can't handle the big ice. Sweden-Russia finals, book it now.

Gold: Sweden
Silver: Russia
Bronze: USA

It's comments such is this that call Eklund's credibility into question. I often think he spits this stuff out just to get arise out of the followers. It's all about hits & cash.

For me it's not even a contest. The Canadian's have the best D by a significant margin. A top 4 of Weber, Doughty, Keith & Pietrangelo. Untouchable by any country. In Boumeester & Vlasic at 5 & 6 it's rediculous how solid this D is & that doesn't even factor in Subban. What a joke.

With the exception of Suter not 1 of the US D would make Canada's top 4. No slight to Fowler, Carlsson, Shattenkirk or Faulk but these are just kids. The US D has the potential to implode under preassure they are so young & inexperienced.

As for the forward groups. Canada may have the best depth on paper & buy quality but 4 or 5 teams teams can keep the pace & play against the Canadians.

The real issue is going to come down to goaltending. teams will play 5 to 7 games in 12 days depending upon their route to the medal round. In such a short tournament a hot goalie could steal the tournament. That's what makes the format so exciting, although I hate the NHL shutting down. Bring on the World Cup in September, every 2 years.

None of the US goalies this year have proved to be 'The Guy" Quick, Miller and Howard (especially Howard) Have been shaky at times.

The US alleged strength, does not look so strong at the moment.
- ImThatGuy

Schneider is miles better then Howard. I am sure it won't come down to the third guy but how Howard is there over Cory is just crazy to m. Never been a big Howard guy he seems like a more then capable starting goalie but nothing special by any means especially with the players that play in front of him or have.

Eklund: Predicting the Olympics is all about the Goalies. Your Picks? +Rumor Update
- Eklund

It is relatvely clear that Elund struggles to assess defense corps strengths. US isn't even better than Sweden's def.

EDIT: And Goalies.

It's comments such is this that call Eklund's credibility into question.
- striker777

I'm guessing you're new here.

Best Goalies: Finland
Best Forwards: Canada
Best Defense: Canada
Most Pressure: Russia
My Pick to Win: Sweden
Dark Horse: Czechs
Glue Factor..?: United States

Sweden tops canada in the gold medal game on the back of Henrik. Landeskog scores of course (as an Avs fan I'm obligated to say this)

Russia beats the United States for bronze in order to prevent a national fallout. **Insert conspiracy theories about the officiating at the olympics**

I'm not nearly as high on the swiss as what appears to be EVERYONE else. I'd be shocked if they were to even make it to the medal rounds.

USA does not have a better defense than Canada... how can you even think this. Canada's B team would have a better D than the US.

How has Quick not proved he is "The Guy"?? What more do you want then posting a 1.41 GAA and a .946 Save % in the playoffs when the Kings won???
- cap1681

OK and Miller was named MVP of teh tournament 4 years ago. neither of those things matter.

Have you seen Quicks recent starts this year?

In his last 10 starts. he has had a Sub .900 in 5 of them. and the 6th was a .900 exactly.

And he is coming off an injury.