Olympics Bring World Class Hockey Tournament

When the Winter Olympics begin on February 12, the games will feature a men's hockey tournament that boasts the best players in the game playing for their respective countries. The game's biggest stars will vie for one of the two great prizes in their sport, an Olympic gold medal.

Hockey experts agree that this is the biggest event in the Olympics. "It's the marquee event of the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, and a long-awaited showdown among the world's best hockey players," said Jamie Fitzpatrick, of About.com.

Twelve countries will send teams to compete for the Gold Medal. Experts have tagged host country Canada as the favorites to win, but it's hard to say they are the clear favorite with so much talent their opponents' rosters. Russia has arguably two of the top three players in the world with Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin. The Swedes are the defending gold medalists and have the current NHL point's leader in Henrik Sedin. Most teams in the tournament have a star player that can take over a game or a goalie that can steal one in the tournament. This is one of the main reasons why this tournament is intriguing.


The teams will play on an NHL sized rink for the first time. NHL rinks are smaller than the International ice surfaces, but the Olympic Committee decided to use Vancouver's NHL rink instead of constructing a larger international size ice rink. According to the Tri City Hearld, "Both ice hockey venues, General Motors Place and UBC Thunderbird Arena, will feature rinks that are 200 by 85 feet instead of the larger international-sized surfaces (200 by 98.5 ft.)."

 

Though Canada is the choice by many hockey experts I do not see them winning the 2010 Winter Olympic Gold. Here is how I rank the top teams:

1. Russia
Strengths- Russia have Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin on their roster. Any time you have two of the three best players in the game you should be the favorite. Forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Alexander Semin are also world class players. Russia also has strong goaltending from Evgeni Nabokov and Ilya Bryzgalov.

Weakness- Defense. The team has defensive talent, but compared to their Forwards the defensive unit is lacking. Anton Volchenkov brings a tough presence to the defensive unit, but most of their defense is small skilled defensive players.

2. Sweden
Strengths- Sweden will try to defend its title with skill players such as the Sedin twins Daniel and Henrik. They also have a great passer in Niklas Backstrom. Veteran players Nicklas Lidstrom and Niklas Kronwall will sure up the defensive line. Peter Forsberg is a wildcard for the team after playing for MODO of the Swedish Elite League.

Weakness- Other than Henrik Lunqvist the team has little depth on goaltending. He will have to carry the load for team Sweden to be successful.

3. Canada
Strengths- The reason this team is considered the favorites by many is they are also considered the most complete team. Sidney Crosby, Jerome Iginla, and Joe Thorton lead the prolific offensive attack. Martin Brodeur is one of the game's all time best and most consistent goaltenders.

Weakness- There is nobody under more pressure to succeed than team Canada. To win a gold medal in their home country would make them heroes for a lifetime. This pressure could wear on them and could benefit teams like Russia and Sweden. The Defensive unit is relatively young with Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, and Brent Seabrook all playing in their first Olympic games.

4. USA
Strengths- The American team will be lead by goaltender Ryan Miller who currently leads the NHL in save percentage at 93.3%. NHL stars like forwards Patrick Kane and Zach Parise will lead the team's offensive attack.

Weakness- The American's are putting a young team out on the ice. Their inexperience could cost them in the end, but they will be a hungry team that could exceed expectations.

5. Finland
Strengths- Finland won the silver medal in Turin, Italy in 2006. The team will have strong goaltending with Miikka Kiprusoff and Niklas Backstrom. Veterans Olli Jokinen and Saku Koivu will lead the offensive unit while Kimmo Timonen and Sami Salo lead the defense.

Weakness- This team lacks the firepower on offense that most of the top teams have. They are a veteran team but will need to score goals to stay in the hunt for a medal.

6. Czech Republic
Strengths- The Czechs have a top consistent goaltender in Thomas Voukun. They are lead by Jaromir Jagr who will make his return from the Kontinental Hockey League in Russia to play with the top NHL players. They also have one of the top offensive defenseman in Thomas Kaberle.

Weakness- This team behind Voukun has little goaltending depth. They also do not have a top offensive team like the other contenders do so they will need to rely on Voukun to keep them in games.