My MVP's of each team, 2/2:
LAT: Two shootout losses against Finland and Denmark dropped Latvia to the relegation round, where they surprisingly lost to Slovenia. It would be a bit shame if Latvia would be relegated, as it usually has been able to contend with Germany, Switzerland and Belarus, and hasn't been easy opponent to anyone. My MVP choice is speedy forward Mikelis Redlihs, who might even have some NHL potential. Alternative choice is Oskars Cibulskis, who has played lot but still is only defender who hasn't got negative plus-minus.
NOR: Started with a huge suprise against Sweden, also did lead 2-0 after two periods against USA. My MVP award goes to current scoring leader of the tournament, Mathis Olimb, and alternative choice is defenseman Jonas Holos. Also Lars-Erik Spets deserves mention after his astonishing SH effort in overtime against Sweden, where he blocked five shots.
RUS: Looked like the old team Russia with no chemistry in their first two games, but after that they have upgraded their game. MVP choice goes to Sergei Zinovjev, who is part of the most dangerous line of the tournament with Danis Zaripov and Alexei Morozov. Alternative option is Ilya Nikulin, who has been impressive in both ends of the ice. I'd also like to present the "Worst player of the tournament" -award to Evgeni Nabokov, who hasn't been able to catch a beachball, and shouldn't been chosen to the roster at all, and "Most stupid player of the tournament" -award to Evgeny Arthyukhin, who only tries to kill his opponents, especially goalies by running them over.
SLO: Having Anze would've really helped Slovenia, but they haven't given up, and now it looks possible that they'll drop either Latvia or Belarus to Division I. MVP choice is goalie Robert Kristan, who could easily play in KHL instead of EBEL, and alternative choice is Tomaz Razingar, who's part of easily the best line of Team Slovenia with Rodman brothers.
SUI: Slow start against France, but they're getting stronger all the time, and we're able to force Canada into shootout. MVP of the team so far is their scoring leader, Ivo Rüthemann, and alternative choice are their goalies, especially backup Leonardo Genoni after his performance against Canada.
SVK: Host nation Slovakia begun the tournament with high hopes, but they haven't been able to do anything, and rumours tell that head coach Glen Hanlon is going to be sacked soon. MVP choice is veteran forward Ladislav Nagy, and alternative choice is another veteran Lubomir Visnovsky, who joined the team a bit late (maybe too late?). The word "veteran" sums up this Slovakian team, and maybe they really should've chosen their up-and-coming youngsters like Tomas Tatar or Richard Panik instead of old guys.
SWE: With new head coach Pär Mårts, Sweden has done what Slovakia didn't, by choosing young squad instead of experienced veterans (although many of those veterans said "no" when they were asked to join). Mårts has also succesfully changed Sweden's style of play to a bit more agressive and faster style. MVP award goes to Patrik Berglund and alternative choice is Viktor Fasth, who's had amazing debut season in Elitserien as 28-year-old "rookie", and has performed well in here also. Fasth has gotten much help from solid (and young) Swedish defense, led by Oliver Ekman-Larsson and Carl Gunnarsson, and they deserve honorable mention.
USA: Didn't change their philosophy after last years disaster, which received some criticism, but they have shown way better efforts than last year, although goaltending is big problem. Especially Al Montoya has been abysmal. MVP choice of team USA is defensive star Jack Johnson, followed closely by Blake Wheeler.