Depending on how the competition unfolds, the format could see the best teams meeting before the Gold Medal Game. But we're picking a showdown of hockey's historic rivals, with the Russians set to spoil Canada's party.
1. Gold Medal: Russia
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They've always had the talent. Now the Russians have their act together. No rumors of internal squabbling or lingering resentments dating back to the Soviet era. The potent attack and the motivation are not in doubt - stars like Ovechkin and Kovalchuk go all out for the national team.
The question mark is defence. But recent Russian teams have won a lot of close, low-scoring games, and their goaltending is a match for anyone on any given day.
2. Silver Medal: Canada
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Canadian sportswriters like to chide fans for demanding gold at every international event. But expectations should be high for a team with this much talent. Anything less than an appearance in the gold medal game would be rightly viewed as a letdown.
This team is better positioned than most to absorb a key injury or two, and has the personnel to mount a great power play and stifling defence. But Canada no longer holds an advantage in net. Brodeur and Luongo have both looked shaky in recent playoff years.
3. Bronze Medal: USA
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If Ryan Miller is at the top of his game, he'll be the best goaltender in the tournament. That alone could get the U.S. to a semifinal.Young scorers (Kane, Ryan), grinders (Malone, Callahan) and established elite players (Kesler, Langenbrunner, Parise) make for a nice forward mix.
There are issues, of course - most notably on the blue line. But if the coaches can reel in any pond-hockey tendencies, and Miller can steal a playoff game, there's plenty of reason to believe.
