Which team will finnish 4th in the NA division?

[SChan*]

Which team will finish 4th in the NA division?

This is a tough one! Many probably think Slovakia, but they have many talented NHL players.

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[Rabid Ranger]

This is a tough one! Many probably think Slovakia, but they have many talented NHL players.

Yeah, many talented players that were shut down when it mattered most in this year's World Championships, questionable goaltending, and even more questionable defense. That being said, I think Russia will finish fourth, although it's really a toss up. All four countries have solid to excellent rosters.

 

[wilka91*]

4th? Russia of course!

 

[HellsBells]

Yeah, many talented players that were shut down when it mattered most in this year's World Championships, questionable goaltending, and even more questionable defense. I pick Canada, although I I think the U.S. could do it.

Canada 4th ??? That is ridiculous. I don't see how you can put any of the other teams ahead of Canada, let alone all 3. You have something against Canada ??

 

[Epsilon]

The USA is the least impressive team in this group to me. Canada is too well-rounded to finish outside the top 2, while Russia and Slovakia both have the firepower to grab some games.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Canada 4th ??? That is ridiculous. I don't see how you can put any of the other teams ahead of Canada, let alone all 3. You have something against Canada ??

My bad. For some reason I thought the poll was about what nation would finish first.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

The USA is the least impressive team in this group to me. Canada is too well-rounded to finish outside the top 2, while Russia and Slovakia both have the firepower to grab some games.

Yeah, but can they keep the puck out of their own nets? Will the scorers score? I think the U.S., while perhaps not the most dynamic team has a roster perfectly suited for this type of tournament, and enough of the intangibles to win.

 

[wilka91*]

The Russians will sleep off this tournament ... unless the young players step up.

 

[canucksfan]

Russia

 

[Snakeeye]

The Russian Hockey Federation is a mess right now. They have neither the organization, nor the talent to pull it off at the moment.

Pity. Canada-Russia games used to be the best hockey in the world.

 

[Burnaby_Joe*]

Someone voted Canada 4th?

 

[SChan*]

It's not like Canada will finish 4th, but they certainly have to work hard in their games. The only non-quality team in this tournament is Germany, and they are in the euro division.

• Canada-Russia, A classic. Not a pushover for Canada.

• Canada-USA, the battle of North America. Not a pushover for Canada.

• Canada-Slovakia, Slovakians want revenge for the semifinal loss. Not a pushover for Canada.

 

[wilka91*]

Slovakia has yet to prove they can beat a top 6 hockey Nation.

Some will say that Slovakia plays great at the WOrld Championship, and they have already won it once, but Slovakia has never beaten Canada, Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland and USA when those teams used all their best players.

 

[big_steve]

Slovakia has yet to prove they can beat a top 6 hockey Nation.

Some will say that Slovakia plays great at the WOrld Championship, and they have already won it once, but Slovakia has never beaten Canada, Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland and USA when those teams used all their best players.

It's also interesting to note that Slovakia has never had the chance to play those teams with their top players. I know you could mention the 1998 Olympics but it was only like 5 guys their from the NHL and Team Slovakia wasn't nearly as good as they are now. At 2002 Olympics they never even got past the preliminary round with very, very little NHL players playing, which meant another chance to play the top teams gone.

This is Slovakia's first ever time as a stronger hockey nation to play the other top teams with their top players.

 

[wilka91*]

And how about the 1996 World Cup?

 

[Slick Nick]

The Russian Hockey Federation is a mess right now. They have neither the organization, nor the talent to pull it off at the moment.

Pity. Canada-Russia games used to be the best hockey in the world.

I know one Russian that will leave a sour taste in your mouth for a while; Khabibulin

 

[Hitman*]

Poor Russia. I think they will finish 4th, but hardly at the fault of the talent they have available. Just the federation that controls it.

 

[Hitman*]

Some will say that Slovakia plays great at the WOrld Championship, and they have already won it once, but Slovakia has never beaten Canada, Russia, Sweden, Czech Republic, Finland and USA when those teams used all their best players.

Mostly because they've never had the real opportunity to use their own best players.

Guys like Hossa, Gaborik, Chara, Palffy et all were never all available at the same time until now. Their only questionable position is goaltending.

 

[SChan*]

lasak isn't bad at all