February 16th, 2010

I love that the Olympics don't have advertisements. The boards were refreshing and also quite trippy. They should have made them the vintage white with the red top and black puck marks. Plus, the goalies should still switch sides in the middle of the period, it would truly make the game epic.

So to finish the last 4 teams off...
Czech Republic: Tomas Fleischman
In my opinon, this Czechs are going into the Games with a very mediocre team. The entire 7 defencemen named to the roster are solid, but certainly not standouts. I wouldn't mind having Kaberle, Kuba, Michalek or Polok on my NHL team but when you look at the likes of Canada's and Russia's core you would dump them pretty quickly. Then you look at their forwards, and it is very much the same. Tomas Fleischman will be looked upon to continue his fantastic season into this tournament. He won't come out the point leader on the team, leave that to Jaromir Jagr but he may end up needing to provide the all important secondary scoring. If he is able to play great all the time, he may be able to spark some energy into the 3rd and 4th lines.

Sweden: Niklas Kronwall
I chose Kronwall because of very similar reasons of picking Luca Sbisa of the Swiss team. He won't be playing the big minutes but will need to play an impressive tournament. Fellow NHL teammate and Norris hogger, Nicklas Lidstrom will be the main D on the roster. If Kronwall can make the punishing hits he is able to land, then the rest of the team can go out and complete their roles. Looking down Sweden's roster, I am very impressed. They have players that are able to do certain roles very well. They are a force to be reckoned with.

Norway: Per-Age Skroder
A prety weak team, to say the least. They have two names you may able to recognize, Ole Kristian Tollefsen and Patrick Thoresen but unless you're a crazy hockey nut, that is about it. The player I chose I was able to see a couple of times at the World Championships and always impressed me. Per-Age Skroder is a 5'10" 203 pound left winger for Modo, in Sweden. Last year he was the leading point getter in the leaugue. This year in 47 games he has 33 points. He will be relied on to provide much of the scoring for Norway.

Canada: Jonathan Toews
So many people to choose from. It really is almost a lottery. I don't know who is raring to go and who is tired. I guess that is why we try to make educational guess! Jonathan Toews in a versatile player that should be counted on to kill penalties. He will provide the team with much energy, and without a doubt raise his game at this stage. He has proven his success and dedacation with Hockey Canada. Mike Babcock knows how good of a player he is, seeing him often in the NHL. Like many of the players I chose, he won't log huge numbers but without a doubt be very clutch. And I would be very surprised if Babcock didn't choose him to be in the shootout if needed. Toews better raise his game but let's hope everyone does on Team Canada, and watch our team take the gold as it should be!

Canada has been able to add another gold medal to these Games, picking up a gold in womans snowboard cross! Way to be. So, sit'er down, and enjoy the game we've all been waiting for. It would be kind of embarrising to see Canada loose to Norway, but I so suppose weirder things (not many) have happened in the world.

All my Best; Enjoy Life
Ryan Francis