Quote:
Originally posted by johnny:
No, no need to discuss the gold medallist, i'm sure everyone knows that Canada will win that, so no need to argue.
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Actually, quite a few prognosticators are picking the Czechs to win it. After Canada, they're probably the most balanced team, and their goaltending is just terrifying. The other main ones:
Russia: Crazy group of forwards. Ovechkin-Malkin-Kovalchuk might be the scariest line I've ever heard of. But they have like 0 reliable d-men, and Khabibulin has been awful in Chicago, even if he's playing. Their #2 is who, Bryzgalov? Nothing like playing a guy who's a backup on an NHL team.
Slovakia: Good forwards. Couple of ok D, and that friggin 6'whatever behemoth Zdeno Chara. No goaltending. And when I mean none, I really mean awful.
Finland: Gonna be
really hurt by the loss of Kiprusoff. Niitymaki's good, but goaltending's gonna be a sore point. They have a good, versatile team, with some upper echelon talent, but depth could be a problem. They did make it to the World Cup finals (albeit with Kiprusoff), so they could do it again.
Sweden: No Naslund
really hurts. Their fortunes rest with two players: Forsberg and Lundqvist, and there's a possibility Forsberg doesn't play. Unless they play disturbingly well, I don't see them competing.
U.S.A.: Ugh. So many better players who should be on this team. If USA hockey would get its head out of its collective rear, they would be unstoppable internationally. As it is, they play so much politics that they weaken the team, and are leaving their best goaltender (Miller), and their best young d-man (Ballard), at home for a 44 year old Chris Chelios. Bravo.
I still like Canada though. Here's the powerplay: Iginla and Sakic on the half-boards in the umbrella. Blake and McCabe at the point with Bertuzzi standing in front...that's scary.
Flames losing 2-1
I will be really happy when I see this vaunted 2nd line of the Canucks once again disappear during the playoffs.
Kakero, Man U really needs to figure out this Malcolm Glazer situation. Once they do that, and go back to their old formula (bringing in good players to complement a home-grown core), they will once again be at the top. Maybe the early exit from the CL will send Ferguson the message he needs: blowing his entire transfer budget on one striker, when you have other needs, is not the best idea.
EDIT: For those of you interested in hockey, I found an
amazing offer on eBay. Get it while it's hot!
[ 02-04-2006, 12:52 AM: Message edited by: True_Moose ]