I can't see how getting just Nylander puts Sweden as the favourite. That's a team that still seems to be offensively challenged. A good team, but gold faves?.......I dunno.
I don't think any team has shown enough to be called a favourite yet myself.
Nylander was 32 points in his last 18 games at the World's. He's a bit terrifying here.
Ullmark might be the best NHL goalie here? Elvis, Vejmelka, Thompson, Swayman (who I'd want the most for the Oilers) I think are the big names from NHL. I could be missing someone though.
Without those 2... they are undefeated. Absolutely smoked my Czechs in a clinical beatdown and beat the FInn's with their golden coach (no sarcasm, big fan of him). 17 goals for and 6 against.
They only have one tough matchup left before quarters and it is today! USA. So watch the US beat them and cast a shadow on all of it.haha
Deepest blue line here IMO.
I don't disagree that it may be too soon to call a favorite and sometimes new players showing up late hurts chemistry as well (eg. I'm glad Czech roster is complete).
We will see. My gold is a quarter win and 2 extra games next weekend!