Countdown to Olympic Hockey

The 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics start 6 months from tomorrow. It is unbelievable how fast time flies. It seems like yesterday Sweden was upsetting Finland for Olympic gold. Next February's tournament returns to the Great White North for the first time since 1988 when it was held Calgary. With Canada being the world's hockey mecca, anticipation and expectation are growing exponentially. Coming off a disappointing tournament in Torino, Canada is expecting nothing less than gold. However it would not be wise to assume gold for Canada, not that I'm assuming anybody is. Okay, somebody in Red Deer is, but the majority are not. There are number is impressive teams being put together.

I suppose on paper any number of teams will provide a challenge to the tournament heavyweights. But in my opinion it comes down to two teams, Russia and Sweden. Think of a team that carries the ammunition and fire power of Ovechkin, Malkin, and Semin. Now think of a team in which those three players are on the same line. Yikes! And wait, there is more. Add to that Datsyuk, Kovalchuk, and Kovalev on the second line. Now it just isn't fair. A blueline with the likes of Gonchar, Markov, and Tyutin isn't to shabby either.

Let's not diss the defending champs, they demand respect because well....they're the defending champs. Sweden has all sorts of firepower as well and most importantly the best goalie in the world. King Lundqvist will be between the pipes and is the wildcard. We already almost saw him dismantle two-thirds of Russia's potential top line during last years playoffs during the Rangers/Capitals series. More often then not elite goaltending will stifle elite offense and come out on top, but remember international rinks are bigger than NHL rinks. The last thing any goalie wants is more space for Ovechkin, Crosby, and Malkin to roam around finding seams in between defenders. All the more reason why Lundqvist will be the most important player for Sweden. This isn't to suggest Sweden lacks at other positions. This team is loaded with talent, but what Olympic team isn't? Any team in this tournament is capable up netting 4 or 5 goals. The question is which goalie is going to stand on his head. My answer is Lundqvist. I promise the home nation will have it's hands full with Russian and Sweden. I can't wait to see how it plays out.

Six months is still a long way away but with pre-Olympic camps starting at the end of August, things are starting to heat up. Once the rosters are set, I'll have my predictions.