The Olympic Break

Since the NHL is going on a two week break for the Olympics and seeing as I have yet to make my predictions for Olympic hockey, I will be making my predictions as to who medals and why, as well as a team or two to watch for, so without further ado, here goes:

GOLD: Canada-Every Olympics, Team Canada is favored to at least, get a medal in the Olympic games and certainly, they will have extra motivation after a disappointing showing in the 2006 Olympics in Torino. Balanced in every aspect (forwards, defense, goaltending), if Canada can put all of the pieces together, there is no reason why they shouldn't get the gold.

SILVER: Sweden-I know you're asking why I would rank Sweden this high, especially given the talent level on the Russian team. Well, after seeing how the team did in 1994 and 2006, it is hard to ignore Team Sweden, and with a big game goaltender in Henrik Lundqvist, Sweden is never out of medal contention. He's carried the country to gold before (2006), so it would be foolish to doubt Sweden again, and they have their fair share of talent, too in players such as Henrik Zetterberg and Daniel Alfredsson.

BRONZE: Czech Republic-Yes, I know that I am going out on a limb here, but like Sweden, they have the capability to win gold, as they did in 1998, when they rode the goaltending of Dominik Hasek. This year's team doesn't have Hasek, but they still have a very good goaltender in Tomas Vokoun. Obviously, he is the key to this year's team, as there isn't much proven talent behind him.

DARK HORSE: United States-Less talented than most of their counterparts, their blue line group suffered some losses prior to the Games, with injuries hitting David Martin and Mike Komisarek. However, if the United States wishes to be even close to medal contention, they will have to ride the goaltending of Ryan Miller. One of the best goalies in the NHL right now will have to play like one in the Olympic games if the U.S. is to have a shot.