incawg
Registered User
Let's say you're a team in either Group A or Group B...what would be the order of preference as to which teams you'd *least* like to play? This is not a power-rankings per se, since it also incorporates potential.
From Group A:
1) Finland - They've always been a very strong defensive team internationally. If Selanne, Koivu, and Joikinen can continue to produce, they'll be very difficult to beat. Their goaltending thus far has been flawless.
2) Canada - Playing like crap right now, but on paper the best team in the tournament. You don't want to wake the sleeping giant.
3) Czech - See above. Not quite as strong without Hasek, but this team has a ton of talent and Jagr is the most skilled player in the world when he's on his game.
4) Switzerland - Yes, they've had the two biggest victories in their country's history in the past week, but this is still an unproven team. Until they win when both teams care about the outcome, I will remain unconvinced.
From Group B:
1) Russia - Right up there with Canada in terms of skill level and they're playing better than their arch-rivals right now. If they play a team game they're almost unbeatable.
2) Slovakia - Very underrated coming into the tournmanet. They have one of the most potent offenses in the tournament. Putting them behind Russia was the toughest choice I had to make.
3) Sweden - Still haven't quite put things together, but they've finally got a gamebreaker goalie. If Forsberg can stay healthy, they can beat anyone.
4) USA - I was unimpressed with the players selected and they've lived up (or down?) to expectations. Their core is too old and thier young players aren't stepping up.
From Group A:
1) Finland - They've always been a very strong defensive team internationally. If Selanne, Koivu, and Joikinen can continue to produce, they'll be very difficult to beat. Their goaltending thus far has been flawless.
2) Canada - Playing like crap right now, but on paper the best team in the tournament. You don't want to wake the sleeping giant.
3) Czech - See above. Not quite as strong without Hasek, but this team has a ton of talent and Jagr is the most skilled player in the world when he's on his game.
4) Switzerland - Yes, they've had the two biggest victories in their country's history in the past week, but this is still an unproven team. Until they win when both teams care about the outcome, I will remain unconvinced.
From Group B:
1) Russia - Right up there with Canada in terms of skill level and they're playing better than their arch-rivals right now. If they play a team game they're almost unbeatable.
2) Slovakia - Very underrated coming into the tournmanet. They have one of the most potent offenses in the tournament. Putting them behind Russia was the toughest choice I had to make.
3) Sweden - Still haven't quite put things together, but they've finally got a gamebreaker goalie. If Forsberg can stay healthy, they can beat anyone.
4) USA - I was unimpressed with the players selected and they've lived up (or down?) to expectations. Their core is too old and thier young players aren't stepping up.