Who will win gold?

[Namba 17]

1. Sweden
2. Finland
3. Canada
4. USA

 

[PoutineSp00nZ]

Im more excited to see Russia get eliminated on home ice then i am about the potential of Canada winning the gold.

I think Sweden takes it this year.

 

[TweetyLeaf]

Dont know who is gonna win its so close with the top 4 Sweden, Canada, Usa, Russia.

However, Finland takes Bronze.

That doesn't suit me very well, only thing i want is Gold.
We wont get it unless we start taking risks with our lineup and the way we build the team.

At the moment finnish olympic team coaches etc have absolutely zero capability to make the really hard calls and take some risks. Prime example is Bergenheim and Ristolainen out from the games.

Westerlund is also most likely going to play Filppula on the wing and keep M.Koivu as first line center. Should build one heavy duty defensive line around M.Koivu and give Filppula the first scoring line.

They won't dare to drop M.Koivu from the 1st line is another example of finnish risk taking ability.

We never win Olympic gold with this mentality.

 

[jgoud*]

Russia is too top heavy, they have fricken Belov playing for them and any opposing players will be able to skate around them (especially on big ice). The same goes for Finland, only with less threat up front and solid goaltending. Sweden, Canada and the US have more well rounded teams and that's what you'll need to win. I'll say those 3 in any order, with Finland being the dark horse because of goaltending. The czechs have no chance because the way they chose their Team is just putrid, no Vrbata or Hudler but you have a guy like Petr Nedved on the Team? He was too ****ing old when he played for the oilers and that was 7 years ago! That team would have been alright for Salt Lake, but icing a bunch of 40 year olds is ridiculous. Seriously, what's the average age on that team? Because it's gotta be something like 33.

 

[BusQuets]

Dont know who is gonna win its so close with the top 4 Sweden, Canada, Usa, Russia.

However, Finland takes Bronze.

That doesn't suit me very well, only thing i want is Gold.
We wont get it unless we start taking risks with our lineup and the way we build the team.

At the moment finnish olympic team coaches etc have absolutely zero capability to make the really hard calls and take some risks. Prime example is Bergenheim and Ristolainen out from the games.

Westerlund is also most likely going to play Filppula on the wing and keep M.Koivu as first line center. Should build one heavy duty defensive line around M.Koivu and give Filppula the first scoring line.

They won't dare to drop M.Koivu from the 1st line is another example of finnish risk taking ability.

We never win Olympic gold with this mentality.

Finland was very damn close winning it in 2006 with the same coach..

 

[CpatainCanuck]

Somehow, looking at the defence corps of the different teams, I don't think the Russians have solved the defensive woes of four years ago. Belov? The Russian stars will be going up against wave after wave #1 NHL defensemen on the Canadian team...the bottom pairing of Russia will be going up against star Canadian forwards.

A. BELOV
S. VOYNOV
A. EMELIN
A. MARKOV
Y. MEDVEDEV
N. NIKITIN
I. NIKULIN
F. TYUTIN

J. BOUWMEESTER
D. DOUGHTY
D. HAMHUIS
D. KEITH
A. PIETRANGELO
P. SUBBAN
M. VLASIC
S. WEBER

It is no coincidence that the Russians medalled in the Olympics when they had a good defence: here's their d list from 1998.

Gonchar
Gusarov
Kasparaitis
Kravchuk
Boris Mironov
Dmitri Mironov
Yushkevich
Zhitnik

 

[boris4c]

Russia is too top heavy, they have fricken Belov playing for them and any opposing players will be able to skate around them (especially on big ice). The same goes for Finland, only with less threat up front and solid goaltending. Sweden, Canada and the US have more well rounded teams and that's what you'll need to win. I'll say those 3 in any order, with Finland being the dark horse because of goaltending. The czechs have no chance because the way they chose their Team is just putrid, no Vrbata or Hudler but you have a guy like Petr Nedved on the Team? He was too ****ing old when he played for the oilers and that was 7 years ago! That team would have been alright for Salt Lake, but icing a bunch of 40 year olds is ridiculous. Seriously, what's the average age on that team? Because it's gotta be something like 33.

It's true that Russia's defense stinks, but Belov is just having a terrible season and is a much better defender on the big ice, believe it or not. He was quite obviously chosen based on his past performances in the KHL and with the national team.

However I do agree that someone else should have been picked above him.

The Czech Republic's average age is 29.68 which makes them the oldest team at the tournament.

 

[chauron]

1. Sweden
2. Canada
3. Finland
4. Russia
5. Czech
6. Switzerland

 

[Joe MacMillan]

Finland was very damn close winning it in 2006 with the same coach..

But with a much stronger lineup.

We're much weaker on paper this year, and we couldn't have afforded to make such boneheaded moves in leaving Bergenheim and Ristolainen off the roster.

That said, Finland will win gold.

 

[Holkoun]

@Hitmen19, where did Vlad say Russia would win it? You constantly bring up Russia . Anytime a European does not put Canada as the Gold Medal favourite you ramble on and on like a broken record.

hitmen is just big troll here on this board...

 

[boris4c]

hitmen is just big troll here on this board...

He is a troll but what's sad is that he believes what he writes. He doesn't just write to provoke a reaction, but is actually serious in his statements.

 

[Holkoun]

But with a much stronger lineup.

We're much weaker on paper this year, and we couldn't have afforded to make such boneheaded moves in leaving Bergenheim and Ristolainen off the roster.

That said, Finland will win gold.

If the biggest omissions means higher chance to win a gold, than CZ is the hottest candidate to win. I dont think any of the other team has such big omissions as CZ (without taking into account that Can could make one or two more similarly strong teams as the one picked)

He is a troll but what's sad is that he believes what he writes. He doesn't just write to provoke a reaction, but is actually serious in his statements.

so it is bonus for him but he is just 19, so what

 

[Alfapet]

Sad to say, but I think Sweden is becoming a bit overrated. I don't think the D pairings are optimal and I think there are too many puck holders and not enough shooters. Also, there are many players in the team that are currently injured. Some others don't play their best hockey right now (Lundqvist, Sedins for example).

1. Canada
2. Russia
3. USA

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

hitmen is just big troll here on this board...

He is a troll but what's sad is that he believes what he writes. He doesn't just write to provoke a reaction, but is actually serious in his statements.

No more dumping on hitmen, guys. Please. If you don't like him, just block.

 

[hitmen19]

No more dumping on hitmen, guys. Please. If you don't like him, just block.

lol, don't worry kevyd, im a big boy, I can handle the junior insults.

Its typical of people that don't like the message, they attack the messenger.

By rereading every post, you will see I have never said anything to anyone if they picked a European team to win, or if they didn't pick Canada, etc

What I have responded to is Russians saying Canada can't win on the big ice argument. Its amusing because its a fallacy, and I have linked to a article stating Canada actually does better on the big ice. And then there is Canadians have no heart posts, whereas I have never said anything about anybodys personal characterics. But when I ask, ok your implying Canada's and usa aren't winning, that's means someone else must be. so I ask whats Russia ever won, every one gets personal because they can't answer the question, because they never have won anything, and then it becomes oh no hitmen is a troll, " because if you want to bring up Canada's record, I want to bring up your record.

I find it quite amusing to be honest

 

[hitmen19]

He is a troll but what's sad is that he believes what he writes. He doesn't just write to provoke a reaction, but is actually serious in his statements.

NO, I don't need to "believe what I write", the history books say so.

Canada 2 gold medals,

Russia 0 gold medals

What other thing do I "believe to be true" is an inaccuracy???

 

[boris4c]

What other thing do I "believe to be true" is an inaccuracy???

Quite a few things, including that the 2002 OG were played in an international size rink.

 

[1Gold Standard]

Quite a few things, including that the 2002 OG were played in an international size rink.

It wasn't played on NHL ice. More the Finnish hybrid version.

And hitman is correct. Over the past 10 years on all IIHF levels N. Americans teams have won more in Europe. The argument that Canada is lost on international ice is a fallacy.

 

[boris4c]

It wasn't played on NHL ice. More the Finnish hybrid version.

I know.

 

[hitmen19]

Quite a few things, including that the 2002 OG were played in an international size rink.

it was considered big ice, it was bigger then nhl, and iihf approved.

quote from iihf

The 2010 Winter Olympics were held in Vancouver, Canada, the first time since NHL players were allowed to compete that the Olympics were held in a city with an NHL team. For the first time, Olympic games were played on a narrower NHL-sized ice
rink, measuring 61 metres × 26 metres (200 ft × 85 ft), instead of the international size of 61 m × 30.5 m (200 ft × 100 ft).

I like your argument that because it wasn't maybe exactly 100 feet wide, and was more hybrid closer to 95 ft, you try to make yourself feel better by diminishing the record of someone else. Again, ive demonstrated Canada has a better record on the big ice starting with a 3-1 record in Moscow with the 72 summit series.

Again, on what size of ice can Russia EVER win on??? Maybe you should worry about Russia winning something, on any ice to start, rather then quibble on what ice Canada is winning on, don't ya think??? You know, Russia is supposed to be the other hockey superpower, they should be able to win SOMEWHERE

 

[boris4c]

I like your argument that because it wasn't maybe exactly 100 feet wide, and was more hybrid closer to 95 ft, you try to make yourself feel better by diminishing the record of someone else. Again, ive demonstrated Canada has a better record on the big ice starting with a 3-1 record in Moscow with the 72 summit series.

Nobody is trying to make themselves feel better, other than perhaps you. I've said it, and I will say it again, I believe Canada and the USA can win on the international ice, but that's something that still has to be proven at the OG as it never happened before.

You asked what other inaccuracies you posted, and I gave you a proper answer. Is there something wrong?

 

[WarriorofTime]

it was considered big ice, it was bigger then nhl, and iihf approved.

quote from iihf

The 2010 Winter Olympics were held in Vancouver, Canada, the first time since NHL players were allowed to compete that the Olympics were held in a city with an NHL team. For the first time, Olympic games were played on a narrower NHL-sized ice
rink, measuring 61 metres × 26 metres (200 ft × 85 ft), instead of the international size of 61 m × 30.5 m (200 ft × 100 ft).

I like your argument that because it wasn't maybe exactly 100 feet wide, and was more hybrid closer to 95 ft, you try to make yourself feel better by diminishing the record of someone else. Again, ive demonstrated Canada has a better record on the big ice starting with a 3-1 record in Moscow with the 72 summit series.

Again, on what size of ice can Russia EVER win on??? Maybe you should worry about Russia winning something, on any ice to start, rather then quibble on what ice Canada is winning on, don't ya think??? You know, Russia is supposed to be the other hockey superpower, they should be able to win SOMEWHERE

Nobody calls Russia a hockey superpower, except for you in a mocking tone. They are clearly a far step below where they were in the Soviet-era. Nobody is picking them to win, I don't know why you're so obsessed with them.

 

[hitmen19]

Nobody is trying to make themselves feel better, other than perhaps you. I've said it, and I will say it again, I believe Canada and the USA can win on the international ice, but that's something that still has to be proven at the OG as it never happened before.

You asked what other inaccuracies you posted, and I gave you a proper answer. Is there something wrong?

semantics by you I see. Its typical when people try to make themselves feel better by attacking others. The iihf said it was international sized ice, and I went by what they said, it sure wasn't nhl sized ice.

I also believe Russia can win a best on best tournament but that's something that still has to be proven at any tournament as it never happened before.

 

[hitmen19]

Nobody calls Russia a hockey superpower, except for you in a mocking tone. They are clearly a far step below where they were in the Soviet-era. Nobody is picking them to win, I don't know why you're so obsessed with them.

Russians are the only one bringing it up. Don't see any swedes, fins or cze fans on here making the same arguments.

 

[boris4c]

I also believe Russia can win a best on best tournament but that's something that still has to be proven at any tournament as it never happened before.

Me too, but I didn't predict Russia to win gold in Sochi 2014. Of course some people did, but the majority of Russian fans didn't. However you started attacking some Russian posters who didn't pick Canada to win gold.

Not to mention sending private messages left and right.

Russians are the only one bringing it up. Don't see any swedes, fins or cze fans on here making the same arguments.

Bringing what up? The size of the ice? A lot of people are bringing it up, regardless of their nationality, including Canada's coaches and the direction, who know that Canada has struggled on larger ice surfaces. Reading their pre-selection interviews is enough to understand.

Canada is the favourite coming into this tournament, regardless of the size of the ice. But it is a factor so there's no need to attack the posters who mention it. No need to cry if somebody claims Canada won't win gold.