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Mikey Boy
Rookie
Canada
103 Posts |
 Posted - 11/13/2009 : 15:06:13
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Poll Question:
I was just going over some of the other country's possible teams for the Olympics, and might i say wow this tournament isn't gonna be a walk in the park for Canada.
Who in your mind is Canada's biggest threat? why?
MP
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Edited by - Beans15 on 11/14/2009 08:27:05
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Kirby
Top Prospect
Canada
66 Posts |
Posted - 11/13/2009 : 15:19:03
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Russia, by far the greatest competition. With Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Kovalev, Nabokov and many others, they will be a huge challenge for team Canada. I didnt mention some others that im not wuite sure of like Datsuk, which makes me hope Canada doesnt have to face them, elimination wise anyways, until the gold medal game.(assuming they both make it)
I skate where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.-Wayne Gretzky |
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Mikey Boy
Rookie
Canada
103 Posts |
Posted - 11/13/2009 : 15:19:25
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Well sorry for spelling Canada wrong i should be hung for that.
Anyway, i think next to Canada...Russia impresses me the most. With guys like Ovechkin, Datsuyk, Kovalchuck, Semin, etc. their forwards match up pretty good with ours. Goaltending is strong if Nabokov is their starter. However i do think they lack a little on D. Other then Markov, there is not one other guy that comes to mind who is a proven nhl star from Russia. Grebeshkov is the only one and i don't think he would make Canada's second team if they iced one.
MP |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 11/13/2009 : 15:29:51
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Who voted for the USA? Hopefully it was an American? I seriously don't see them medalling, but then, you never know. Russia, should be our toughest challenge, followed by the usually tough Swedes.
Russia's D is def the question mark there, but they will be just as happy with a bunch of 7-6 games leading to gold as i'm sure anyone would be! Markov's injury is a huge blow to them. While he should make it back in time, he's gonna be coming off a serious injury and not have the luxury of being in mid season form like most others will be.
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irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 11/13/2009 : 15:57:03
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Russia impresses me more than Canada, and it saddens me to say this, greatly saddens me.
The top 5, to me look like this (hopefully I am wrong)
1. Russia
2. Canada
3. Sweden
4. USA
5. Czech Republic
Irvine |
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Guest0929
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Posted - 11/13/2009 : 16:05:19
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Russia has to be the biggest threat based mostly on it's forwards. This is very solid group up front, beyond the big guns (Ovie, Malkin, Dats, Semin, Kovalchuk) you have Frolov, Kovalev, V Kozlov, you have young guys like Filatov, Lisin, Anisimov, Kulemin. You've got guys you may not include like Fedorov, Samsonov, Slava Kozlov, Yashin. Some toughness with guys like Artyukin and you know there will be a bunch of guys from the KHL like Radulov and Morozov.
The goalies will be deep with Nabby, Khabby and Bryzgalov
The Defence may not be as deep but it will still be solid if it's healthy: Gonchar, Markov, Zubov, Volchenkov, Grebeshkov, Tyutin, Kalinin, Zyuzin and probably a dozen guys in the KHL who'll have a shot. And you can't talk about age because most people have Niedermayer, Pronger amongst other's on our shortlist.
The US may not be the biggest threat this year, but their future is bright, maybe 2014:
Parise, Stastny, Kane, Brown, Mueller, Kessel, Wheeler, Okposo, Oshie, Dubinsky, Pavelski, Kesler, Moss, Booth and then all the vets (many may be gone): Gomez, Drury, Malone, Rolston, Gionta, etc
Rafalski, Whitney, Hainsey, Suter, Corvo, Gilbert, Martin, Jack and Erik Johnson, Ballard, Bogosian, Carle, Liles
Miller, DiPietro, Thomas (for 2010) |
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Guest9494
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Posted - 11/13/2009 : 16:05:51
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| Never count the USA out im Canadian but i'm scared of what Miller could do in the tourny especially with his hot play of lately. But I think biggest threat to Canada success is Canada haha just because we have the talent to make 2 teams doesn't mean they will be able to Gel, Im hoping Yzerman picks a good team with proven clutch performers against high class opponents. |
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Guest9655
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Posted - 11/13/2009 : 22:24:54
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The USA is awful, although as mentioned above its a bright future, and a very young team. So they will get some much needed experience moving forward. This is all assuming that a deal for the winter olympics is found and NHL players are still playing there come 2014.
It's alot easier for the NHL to go along with it when its in North America- Russia? Not so much. To be honest there's merit to the argument that pros don't belong in the Olympics. Sure, its not as bad as the USA and basketball- but there isn't anything remotely 'olympic' feeling about NHL all star teams from diff countries. Even though its cool, I wouldnt mind the Olympics getting back to its 'amateur' roots and shedding all pros from all events. |
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Alex116
PickupHockey Legend
6113 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2009 : 00:33:26
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As much as i don't think the US will medal, i wouldn't completely count them out! My comment "who voted for the USA" was to do with "who'd be Canada's biggest threat". I'm not saying the USA couldn't beat any of the teams on a given day, i just don't think they have enough to go all the way, which is what i assume the OP is referring to (Canada winning gold)???
If Canada were to play USA in the semis while Russia and Sweden played in the other, i guess USA would be our biggest threat?
I think the USA has the type of team which could surprise ANY of the top teams in a one game tourney! Just don't think they have enough to make a 3 or 4 game run at gold.
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2009 : 08:41:34
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I completely agree with Irvine in his assessment, with adding Finland as a very close 6th.
Ultimately, any one of those 6 teams can win legitimately, which makes this Olympic Hockey Tourney have the most potential for upsets/excitement.
It really could come down to one bad game or one brilliant streak.
Personally, I think the Russians will get stung on too much offense and too many 'me' type players. Plus, I don't think the Russians care to win in Canada as much as they will in Stochi in 2014. Just a personal thing with me.
Finland is good, but much like the US, a few pieces towards the bottom of the their line up simply do not match up with the other Hockey Superpowers.
Don't count out the Czech's either. Seriously, look at the line up. Speed, strength, goaltending, defense. They really have all the pieces needed to win.
I think Sweden is in a decline. Unless Forsberg circa 1999 is there, most of their strength is in the twilight of their careers.
Canada has to pick the right players, not the popular players, or it will be a repeat of Turino.
And although I don't see a sleeper team (Germany, Belarus) making noise, another roster that is interesting is Slovakia. If Hossa is healthy, the have some talent there that can surprise with the likes of Chara, Visnovsky, Meszaros, Hossa, Hossa, Gaborik, Halak, Demitra(if healthy) Satan. That game won't be a walk.
It has the potential to be the best 2 weeks of hockey of this generation. Especially when you think the NHLer's may not be in the next Olympics. |
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n/a
deleted
4809 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2009 : 12:03:20
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Defiinitely Russia, followed by the US, for me.
I think most people are actually understating how powerful Russia's forwards are . . . they have the two best players in the game today with Ovechkin and Malkin. They have the top two snipers in the game today with Ovechkin and Kovalchuk. They have a "support cast" of scorers that reads like the who's who of top twenty players . . . Datsyuk (top defensive forward in the league), Semin (top sniper), Frolov, Kovalev, Kozlov, Radulov . . . the list goes on and on. Just like all these teams, they will need to gel and get some some chemistry together, and it's not a guarantee that they click . . . but having the two best offensive and dynamic players in the game today (Ovechkin and Malkin) and arguably the second best goal scorer in Kovalchuk (who is pretty dynamic himself) and the top defensive forward who is also a top offensive threat (Datsyuk), this gives a huge advantage to Russia.
For the forwards, that is. On defence, with Markov only coming back from injury just before, they are (thankfully!) a little thinner. Not too bad though. Their goaltending isn't spectacular, but it's very solid.
I think a lot of people are selling the US short, in just saying they are a weak team with a strong goaltender. Those young forwards are good NOW, and although they don't have the top ten players that Russia and Canada have, they are deep enough so that their third and fourth lines will be right there. If their defence gels and they play fast, carefree hockey as the underdog . . . with Miller playing as hot as he is, they could certainly win a game against anyone.
Sweden is over the hill, and their time has passed, I think . . . although Lunqvist is the best in the game, so they always have a chance. Finland always plays a good team game, and with very solid goaltending and stingy defence, they will also be a tough out.
My rankings:
1.a Russia
1.b Canada
3. USA
4. Finland
5. Sweden
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug |
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Guest6003
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Posted - 11/14/2009 : 12:39:41
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quote:
Originally posted by slozo
Defiinitely Russia, followed by the US, for me.
I think most people are actually understating how powerful Russia's forwards are . . . they have the two best players in the game today with Ovechkin and Malkin. They have the top two snipers in the game today with Ovechkin and Kovalchuk. They have a "support cast" of scorers that reads like the who's who of top twenty players . . . Datsyuk (top defensive forward in the league), Semin (top sniper), Frolov, Kovalev, Kozlov, Radulov . . . the list goes on and on. Just like all these teams, they will need to gel and get some some chemistry together, and it's not a guarantee that they click . . . but having the two best offensive and dynamic players in the game today (Ovechkin and Malkin) and arguably the second best goal scorer in Kovalchuk (who is pretty dynamic himself) and the top defensive forward who is also a top offensive threat (Datsyuk), this gives a huge advantage to Russia.
For the forwards, that is. On defence, with Markov only coming back from injury just before, they are (thankfully!) a little thinner. Not too bad though. Their goaltending isn't spectacular, but it's very solid.
I think a lot of people are selling the US short, in just saying they are a weak team with a strong goaltender. Those young forwards are good NOW, and although they don't have the top ten players that Russia and Canada have, they are deep enough so that their third and fourth lines will be right there. If their defence gels and they play fast, carefree hockey as the underdog . . . with Miller playing as hot as he is, they could certainly win a game against anyone.
Sweden is over the hill, and their time has passed, I think . . . although Lunqvist is the best in the game, so they always have a chance. Finland always plays a good team game, and with very solid goaltending and stingy defence, they will also be a tough out.
My rankings:
1.a Russia
1.b Canada
3. USA
4. Finland
5. Sweden
"Take off, eh?" - Bob and Doug
I vote for slozos Dont undersestimate us And I beleive Sweden is in decline |
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Guest6003
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Posted - 11/14/2009 : 12:46:31
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| Sorry I meant don 't count out USA. I have to stick with canada, but russia if they get the goaltending or even if they dont with that firepower look out. My prediction if possible seedings etc is USA and Canada in the final with Americans upsetting the Russians in the semis.Thomas steals one with Parise scoring winner from gionta. |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2009 : 17:17:10
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The problem I see with the Russians is who will take a step back, take a lesser offensive role, and shut down the other teams top line???
They have 10-12 legitimate top forwards but only spots for 3 on each of the top two lines. What are the other 6 forwards going to do??? Kovalev/Radulov/Semin on a 3rd line is dangerous. Dangerous for Russia that is.
Too many me first. They will not win based on that, but will learn that for 2014 and WALK on everyone. |
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Guest2120
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Posted - 11/14/2009 : 17:39:07
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Beans, you need to look past your stereotypical "Russians are always me first all the time" attitude. You raise a lot of good points, and are an intellectual member of this forum, but your unwavering rigidity in relying on a stereotype based argument really detracts from the quality of your posts.
I agree, some Russians lean towards individual statistics before their teams. But to suggest that the Russian National Team couldn't field a competent checking line is absolutely ridiculous.
Federov - Datsyuk - Morozov
Veteren leadership, strong two way play, and a threat to score on every shift.
I don't think I need to go into detail on Federov and Datsyuk's resumes.
For those of you who don't know, Morozov left the NHL after the lockout. Last season he finished in the top 10 in KHL scoring despite missing signifigant time due to injury. He was the playoff MVP scoring 26 points in 13 games. He then went on to Captain the Russian World Championship team to a Gold medal. |
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irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2009 : 17:47:28
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I will agree to a degree that Sweden is in a slight decline, but they are still a top 5 Olympic team in my opinion.
The reason they still remain a top 5 team is because, what have the Fins or other teams done to improve that much, they they are now a head of a slight decline Swede team?
Slovakia, this a team that can boost itself in to a top 5 team, if there players can remain healthy. A lot of their top scorers and playmakers have injuries, or are known to be prone to injuries. (Marian Hossa, Demitra, Gaborik.) Those three are needed, if they want to be a top 5 contender.
Finland, the fins can make a noise any given year. They slide slightly under the radar, but we can see them in a medal round if things go their way. But for now, they have not improved enough to surpass even a declining Swede team.
The USA have some talented youth, and they have some goaltenders making noise in the NHL. This combined with old vets, they are a top 5 contender.
Czech Republic... this team never seems to get much attention, yet they any given year, a medal can be likely. They have some scoring depth from NHL players, and the guy who should be an NHL player... Jagr. Their Defence may be a little weak, but they are not exactly a slouch either. The only real issue I see with the Czechs is perhaps, Goaltending.
I suspect if any team drops out of the top 5 this year, it will be my Power Ranking team #5, the Czechs. With either Finland or Slovakia moving in to that position. Depending on health and attitude. I would even go as far as saying the Czechs could drop in to 7th, with both teams surpassing them this year. If the Czechs do not get solid goaltending.
Irvine |
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2009 : 17:51:36
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Hey, "guest" before you make comments about someones "unwavering rigidity in relying on a stereotype based argument" you might want to take a look at just a few of my 3000+ posts, where many of those were defending European players to the 'typical' Canadian stereotype.
I take offense to that. I mean that realistically speaking, the top two lines for team Russia will more than likely include Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Datsuyk, Radulov and Frolov.
Meaning the PLAYERS (regardless of their Nationality) such as Kovalev, Afinogenov, Zherdev et al have a past of being a little less than team players.
It no different than saying that the players on Team Canada are all pretty solid 2 way players. Not because they are Canadian, but because of the PLAYERS. |
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Guest2120
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Posted - 11/14/2009 : 18:14:49
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Perhaps I misread your post, and you only meant to insinuate that the particular players making the Russian national team are selfish. If that is the case, I apologize.
However, I'm not going to search through all the forums on the site, but I'm fairly certain you've argued Russian players play a 'me-first' type game a few times before. I'm willing to concede that you've probably also defending European players.
You asked for a responsible checking line for Russia, I named one.
On another note, I imagine Russia will spread out its talent.
Ovi - Malkin - Semin
Kovalchuk - Datsyuk - Mozyakin
Frolov - Federov - Morozov
Top 3 lines are easy, 4th line could be whoever's hot and not injured, I imagine its as much in debate out there as it is back here. But looking at those top 3 lines, are they really dominated by a 'me first' attitude? I admit some of the players...cough, Semin, cough...might play 'me first', but I don't think you can characterize them all like that.
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Beans15
Moderator
Canada
8286 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2009 : 20:11:16
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The other danger to the Russian team is that their top 3 defensemen (Markov, Gonchar, and Volchenkov) have all had pretty serious injuries this season. Markov may not be back at all. The back end is definately their weakness. If they have do depend on the likes of Tutin and Grebeshkov, they will be in for a world of hurt.
I would agree that one paper, they look sick. Really sick. Offensively speaking, they might be able to take the gold playing run and gun and not even worry about defense. But, it's just a hunch of mine that the selfish players (who just happen to be Russian playing for Team Russia ) will rot this team and they will flounder.
Or, they sweep through everyone and take the Gold.
I don't think there will be anything in the middle. |
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Guest2120
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Posted - 11/14/2009 : 20:47:06
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without Markov, something like this?..
Gonchar - Volchenkov
Zubov - Kalinin
Nikulin - Grebeshkov
Tyutin
Its not phenominal, they'll still be a run and gun team, but its not as bad as it sounds. |
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irvine
PickupHockey Veteran
Canada
1315 Posts |
Posted - 11/14/2009 : 20:59:22
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I strongly agree with you here Beans.
If Russia will have a downfall, it will be there Defense. But this is nothing really new, Russia more often than not, have a highly talented offensive core who can score goals. They normally have a decent goaltender, but their defense lacks. The years Russia have won gold, it's usually because they have outscored their opponents. Not because they limited the opposition on scoring chances, to take a grinding win.
With Russia it will be score a lot or lose. That's how I feel.
But with that being said, I still believe they sit at Power Ranking #1 at this current moment in time. The ranking could change as we edge closer to game time, and we see just who is injured and who is not, especially on the back-end.
My Top 10 2010 Power Rankings:
1. Russia
2. Canada
3. Sweden
4. USA
5. Czech Republic
6. Finland
7. Slovakia
8. Germany
9. Switzerland
10. Belarus
The only teams who really are of interest, are the top 7. All others usually are irrelevant. But, you never know!
Irvine |
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Canada's biggest threat? 
