Update: Dustin Byfuglien Scratched....interesting move by Torts....we will see...
Team Czech
In my opinion this team’s chances comes down to one player and tonight we should get to see how far that can go against Canada. Michal Neuvirth can get very hot and can work miracles in a one game situation. Just ask Cap fans about game 5 in the opening round last year. Neuvirth appears to be starting tonight and the Czechs could be a huge wildcard.
Team Europe.
I don’t put any stock into the pre tournament games with Team Europe. Most of the players on this team didn’t need to play some meaningless games to get into shape. Most of these players came right out of the tournament in Europe to qualify for the Olympics. Also, this is the oldest team in the tournament. They weren’t going full out at all. I expect much more. Kopitar has a flare for the dramatic. Zuccarello is far more deserving of praise than people realize. Halak is capable of lifting his game....Again Caps fans? I think Europe will challenge Team USA for the second spot. I wouldn’t be shocked if they grabbed it, and if they do get the second spot they will be even odds to play Canada in the final.
Team USA.
Team USA is on a mission. They are playing Torts hockey and will finish every check and block every shot. It can take a toll over a long season, but in a short tournament there ought to be enough adrenaline to keep them driving. NHL teams may get some very tired players back however. Again...goalies. Jonathan Quick may be the best goalie in the world in a one game situation and the fact that he plays unorthodox reminds me so much of Mike Richter...The blocker along the ice save....The way to beat Quick is firing the puck from everywhere...don’t try to be perfect. Will they have enough offense? Perhaps. The biggest issue I have is this team was so finely tuned to play Canada that the other two teams they play could cause them issues. Team USA is a counter attack team and counter attack teams struggle against other counter attack teams...especially when they feel they are the more talented team...
Team Canada.
What more can you say about Canada. The only “if… in my opinion was Carey Price....and he looked VERY strong against Russia. Crosby and Bergeron are owning the ice. They will be very hard to stop. Everyone is saying Canada got an easy draw here, but actually I think the way they play doesn’t match up well against three counter attack teams. Sweden and Russia may be easier than Finland or USA. Europe could give them fits. Neuvirth tonight... I don’t see anyone stopping them, but I do see how it is possible they stumble...but they’d have to stumble ALOT to not make it to the Semis...and then they should be able to topple either Russia or Sweden or North America...
My picks..
Canada and the USA move on...but not without drama. I believe one or even both could struggle in game 1...
What say you?