Is this the most competitive WHC in years ?

[ViD]

To me, it seems that this WHC is one of the most competitive tournaments in years.

Every team has lost points, the battle for the play off spots are fierce with 5-6 teams having a chance to qualify.

Some nations are having a surprisingly well performance so far such as Latvia, Norway, France.

All in all, a very interesting and competitive tourney

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[Rob]

There have been quite a few upsets for sure. Come the playoff round I think we will see Russia and Sweden dominate. I know the Swedes lost to the American in the round robin but with Lundqvist on the team I think they are now Gold medal favorites along with Russia.

 

[LiveeviL]

The tournament is rather even it seems, which is fun so it is competitive in that way. There's some teams below the highest tier who really have improved. That is super important for the sport, France perhaps being the most important one given the market.

There have been quite a few upsets for sure. Come the playoff round I think we will see Russia and Sweden dominate. I know the Swedes lost to the American in the round robin but with Lundqvist on the team I think they are now Gold medal favorites along with Russia.

For Sweden's part we really can't expect to have a better team than we have now with a lot of good forwards still in the SC (Rakell, Silvferberg and Forsberg would all have had a spot on this team). It is a bit unusual for Sweden to get this many NHL-players for the WC. And as you write, it makes the whole difference to get a NHL-star goalie compared with a backup. Getting a 1C in Bäckström will matter a lot too for the team.

Russia too have a great team and will apparently do well in the tournament.

Canada might be a little weaker this year, but it will anyway be a contender for the final.

 

[fredligh]

Have to say that this tournament had some really good games. Seems like one of the most entertaining tournaments in recent years, so far.

 

[Tuoppi]

To me, it seems that this WHC is one of the most competitive tournaments in years.

Every team has lost points, the battle for the play off spots are fierce with 5-6 teams having a chance to qualify.

Some nations are having a surprisingly well performance so far such as Latvia, Norway, France.

All in all, a very interesting and competitive tourney

I would add Germany and Switzerland. Denmark and Slovakia underachieving but they have potential.

 

[Orange Dragon]

I miss strong big 7.

 

[Jakk123]

I miss strong big 7.

So do I.

 

[SaltNPeca]

Have to say that this tournament had some really good games. Seems like one of the most entertaining tournaments in recent years, so far.

I've been to all the Germany games and like 5 others in Cologne.
ProTip: Russia is hot.

 

[Uncle Rotter]

It seems the "Paul Wells First Rule Of Canadian Politics"

1: For any given situation, Canadian politics will tend toward the least exciting possible outcome.

applies to the World Hockey Championships.
1: For any given situation, the World Hockey Championships will tend toward the least exciting possible outcome.
Once again, top 6 country flirts with missing the QF but survives. Once again, non-elevator team flirts with relegation but survives.

 

[QnebO]

I miss strong big 7.

Yup.. Good old days when you could coast trough the base-series as practice games, and start serious play on QF.. no matter what roster you had.

Well, it's still kinda that way.. Serious games are playoffs. But now you can lose more than - one or two depending on group - games in base round.. Specially if with a semibad roster, these Latvijas, Frances and Norways are trying to seriously win you.

Definitely more competitive, and thrilling, though. In a way, it makes it more interesting for sure.

 

[Iceman]

Well, since they can't go to the Olympics, they go to the IIHF WC.

NHL can go **** themselves really.

 

[tony d]

It's been pretty good. Good to see Latvia fighting for a playoff spot still. Still if they lose today 8 of the top 9 hockey nations will be in the playoffs (Canada, USA, Sweden, Finland, Russia, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland)

 

[Smif]

I'm loving it. This tournament would be huge in Canada if it wasn't during the day. Thankfully my setup at work allows me to watch every game.