If you're talking about chances to win this Olympics, I'd say that they'd roughly follow the world rankings, except Russia gets a boost for being at home, and Canada and USA get a bit of a boost from having more stars.

NHL participation affects all the teams, though, so I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the rankings as having no bearing. If anything, it shows how big of an advantage hosting teams and the big-ice are to the EU countries... Sweden/Finland hosted two of the past 4 WC's, and all 4 were held in EU countries. The lone anomaly was Vancouver 2010 on small ice... US/Canada owned that one.
- Tomahawk

I just don't put much stock into those games. Those games are less about finding the right players and more about who is available. There is very little preparation.

USAs goalie was John Gibson I think. All teams are at a disadvantage. That's why I don't think you can draw. Many conclusions from those games

So if I were a betting man, I might say:

1. Sweden
2. Russia
3. Canada
4. Finland
5. USA
6. Czech Rep.
7. Switzerland
8. Slovakia
- Tomahawk

I know Finland is supposed to be a lunch pale team but I really don't see how they can compete down the stretch with a top 6 of
Granlund-Barkov-Selänne
Korpikoski-Olli-Ruutu

They have an underrated, young defense and outstanding goaltending but I don't see where the goal scoring will come from against the tougher teams.

I know Finland is supposed to be a lunch pale team but I really don't see how they can compete down the stretch with a top 6 of
Granlund-Barkov-Selänne
Korpikoski-Olli-Ruutu

They have an underrated, young defense and outstanding goaltending but I don't see where the goal scoring will come from against the tougher teams.
- JAKEw1234

They are in a transitional year. They have aging former stars (koivus selanne timonen) and several future stars (Maata, Grandland, Barkov, Vaananan).

I know Finland is supposed to be a lunch pale team but I really don't see how they can compete down the stretch with a top 6 of
Granlund-Barkov-Selänne
Korpikoski-Olli-Ruutu

They have an underrated, young defense and outstanding goaltending but I don't see where the goal scoring will come from against the tougher teams.
- JAKEw1234

They're the opposite of Russia. They'll have to win some 3-2 games to have a shot, as opposed to the 7-6 games.

They are in a transitional year. They have aging former stars (koivus selanne timonen) and several future stars (Maata, Grandland, Barkov, Vanaanan).
- PhillySportsGuy

Don't forget Ristolainen. Damn they'll have a good defense in a few years

Don't forget Ristolainen. Damn they'll have a good defense in a few years
- JAKEw1234

Him too. Is Sami Kapanen's son Finnish? Not sure where he was born and raised

I know Finland is supposed to be a lunch pale team but I really don't see how they can compete down the stretch with a top 6 of
Granlund-Barkov-Selänne
Korpikoski-Olli-Ruutu

They have an underrated, young defense and outstanding goaltending but I don't see where the goal scoring will come from against the tougher teams.
- JAKEw1234

Over a 7-game series, I think superior talent wins out... but in single-elimination, team play, airtight-D and crazy goaltending can get you by.

If you're talking about chances to win this Olympics, I'd say that they'd roughly follow the world rankings, except Russia gets a boost for being at home, and Canada and USA get a bit of a boost from having more stars.

NHL participation affects all the teams, though, so I wouldn't be so quick to dismiss the rankings as having no bearing. If anything, it shows how big of an advantage hosting teams and the big-ice are to the EU countries... Sweden/Finland hosted two of the past 4 WC's, and all 4 were held in EU countries. The lone anomaly was Vancouver 2010 on small ice... US/Canada owned that one.
- Tomahawk

If that listing was roughly the chances to win this Olympics, Canada would not be ranked 5th.

Him too. Is Sami Kapanen's son Finnish? Not sure where he was born and raised
- PhillySportsGuy

Kasperi is Finnish, born in Kuopio, and has played for Finland internationally.

Kasperi is Finnish, born in Kuopio, and has played for Finland internationally.
- bodiva88

That team could be a nice squad in four years

typical North American bs in here i see
- Crimsoninja

it's people like you that make me hate myself

Ole-Kristian Tollefsen should sign with Flyers

Zombieland in the south
- PhillySportsGuy

wtf it's so cold the cars are bursting into flames?

wtf it's so cold the cars are bursting into flames?
- -davies-

It's that new hot ice they've been talking about

Ole-Kristian Tollefsen should sign with Flyers
- Winning

i thought he had a good game against the canadians
so did zuccarello

i thought he had a good game against the canadians
so did zuccarello
- -davies-

He had some nice hits. If Norway is one thing, it's physical (in a smart way).

He had some nice hits. If Norway is one thing, it's physical (in a smart way).
- jmatchett383

So like Carcillo?

So like Carcillo?
- PhillySportsGuy

Exactly.

Also, maybe leight, but Carter off the top line and late add St. Louis on the top line.

Exactly.

Also, maybe leight, but Carter off the top line and late add St. Louis on the top line.
- jmatchett383

that was fast

that was fast
- PhillySportsGuy

Apparently, a guy they didn't even intend to take is better suited for his job.

Apparently, a guy they didn't even intend to take is better suited for his job.
- jmatchett383

I don't know how they'll survive without high and wide. Where will they get their speed froM!?!?!?

I don't know how they'll survive without high and wide. Where will they get their speed froM!?!?!?
- PhillySportsGuy

Chris Kunitz. He can flat out fly

Exactly.

Also, maybe leight, but Carter off the top line and late add St. Louis on the top line.
- jmatchett383

Canada always juggles through the prelim rounds. The last 3 or 4 Olympics, the goalie who started the first game was either the back-up or in the press box for their last game.

Chris Kunitz. He can flat out fly
- Jsaquella

He's so graceful. He and hartnell should really be paired in figure skating

Ole-Kristian Tollefsen should sign with Flyers
- Winning

Think the following team would have any chance of medaling?

JvR Carter Voracek
Streit Sharp Jagr
Handzus Nedved Radivojevic
Raffl Thoreson Nodl

Hamhuis Timonen
Krajicek Meszaros
Bartulis Kukkonen
Vaananen Tollefsen

Bobrovsky
Kovar