I don't want to pretend I know anything about why they made the groups they way they are, but those groups are pretty reasonable. You have US-Canada and Finland-Sweden together, Team Europe facing both NA national teams, while the NAU24 team facing only european teams. Having both Euro and NA teams together in one group isn't clever. And having the North American team play Canada or the US immediately in the group stage isn't either imo, it's better to give them the chance to play only european teams there.
I don't want to pretend I know anything about why they made the groups they way they are, but those groups are pretty reasonable. You have US-Canada and Finland-Sweden together, Team Europe facing both NA national teams, while the NAU24 team facing only european teams. Having both Euro and NA teams together in one group isn't clever. And having the North American team play Canada or the US immediately in the group stage isn't either imo, it's better to give them the chance to play only european teams there.
If the groups were to be made perfectly, what would it be?
Canada, Russia, Czechs, NA
USA, Sweden, Europe, Finland
perhaps? not sure if it gets any better, besides the one fact that you don't have US and Canada together
This group is easier for US and Canada. All remaining teams will have tough job. but thats detail. You exactly draft that groups how they should be eventually. If we and euros are considered as weakest ones we shouldnt be together. Anyway it does not really matter. These are still pretty good teams so I am eager to watch us against US and Canada in group.that's the thing I think. I don't believe the NHL considers Team Europe the weakest. I think they consider them being better than Finland, the Czechs, and perhaps close with Sweden. They have Josi, Chara, Kopitar, Hossa, Nielsen, Zuccarello, Boedker, Gaborik, Draisaitl, and many others. To me, this team definitely has the chance to make the finals, if they take it seriously. All it really takes is to beat the US, which is certainly possible with that roster. Don't get me wrong, the US is, in my opinion the only team that could beat Canada imo, and I think they will finish 2nd (hopefullyI dont want to be much biting here, but it always depends "clever for who". This group is certainly not that clever for us as lets say NA24, Euro, Finnland and Czechs would be easier
), but in one game anything can happen and Team Europe has the strenght to possibly beat them. Which I certainly wouldn't say about the Czech team. No offence (or no defense, 
).that's the thing I think. I don't believe the NHL considers Team Europe the weakest. I think they consider them being better than Finland, the Czechs, and perhaps close with Sweden. They have Josi, Chara, Kopitar, Hossa, Nielsen, Zuccarello, Boedker, Gaborik, Draisaitl, and many others. To me, this team definitely has the chance to make the finals, if they take it seriously. All it really takes is to beat the US, which is certainly possible with that roster. Don't get me wrong, the US is, in my opinion the only team that could beat Canada imo, and I think they will finish 2nd (hopefully
I'm sure excited to see your team too. I think you are underrated and could possibly make some noise. You have a couple of very good two-way players and Krejci and Voracek are both really good.
Krejci out, even the smallest chance of some kind of surprise is gone now. He was the best player on the roster. He will probably be replaced by Hudler.
One of the few things I looked forward to (Krejci-Pastrnak duo) won't happen and there is literally nothing to be excited for in the World Cup.
One of the few things I looked forward to (Krejci-Pastrnak duo) won't happen and there is literally nothing to be excited for in the World Cup.
Hudler gets overlooked once again, no youngster either... It's Cervenka!!
Calling it now, a reserve player Cervenka will end up in the top 6, pushing Hertl or Pastrnak to 3rd line.
After this poor coach decision I kinda fear he will make another one with goalies, giving Pavelec the starter position because ''he is the more experienced''.
I have a feeling this tournament will end up very, very badly for us...
