Yeah, sadly, we may not have to play the States this year, I see the Russian's beating them in the Semi's.
Then we would draw who, potentially the Swedes in the Semis? Ouch.
Let's assume for the sake of argument Canada wins our pool. In order for Russia to play the United States in the Semis, by my understanding of the rules, they would need to finish 2nd in Pool B (2B plays 3A, who then crosses over to play 1A on the assumption that 1A v. 2B is the match).
If the performance goes like this:
1A - U.S.
2A - Finland
3A - Switzerland
1B - Canada
2B - Russia
3B - Sweden
QF:
1A [U.S.A.] - Bye
2B [Russia] v. 3A [Switzerland] (likely winner: Russia)
1B [Canada] - Bye
2A [Finland] v. 3A [Sweden] (likely winner: Sweden) *Also: Would probably be one of the most exciting games of the tournament*.
SF:
1A [U.S.A] v. 2B [Russia]
1B [Canada] v. 3B [Sweden]
That would be quite the interesting set of games....
It certainly has the potential to be a VERY intriguing WJC. Actually, the only thing that would make it more interesting is if Slovakia finds a way to sneak in as the 3rd team in Pool A and give Russia a run for their money. That would be huge. Russia v. Slovakia is an outstanding rivalry (not as good as CZE v. Russia, but pretty close). Then you get the Scandinavian duel... before the tight medal round.
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However, all of this could be changed if Sweden or Czech have something to say about it. Pool B is so competitive that no one can be certain who will be 1, 2 or 3.