2010 Winter Olympics Preview: Ice Hockey

When you begin discussing the Winter Olympics, Ice Hockey is the one event that can stir up boisterous support for your team the same way the World Cup of Soccer does. Let's take a look at which countries will be the favorites to take home a medal during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Team Canada

What can be said about the team when the biggest problem will come down to whether they want rising talent or current NHL All-stars on their team. The team is loaded with talent, from Sidney Crosby, Joe Thorton, Scott Niedermeyer, and Martin Broduer.

With the 2010 Winter Olympics on their home soil, anything less than a gold medal is going to be a disappointment. While there is a chance another team can step up, they will find it a difficult task to knock out team Canada. They will step up and show why they produce most of the premier players in hockey.

Team Russia

The Russians are coming off a 2008 World Championship where they knocked off team Canada and appear poised to be as competitive as Canada. The team is made up of NHL stars like Evgeni Malkin, Pavel Datsyuk, and Evgeni Nabokov.

While the offense of the Russians should be explosive, they may run into problems with the thin defensive ranks. Goalie Nabokov may need to put in a MVP performance if the Russians are going to bring home a gold medal.

Team Sweden

The defending gold medal champions from the 2006 Winter Olympics are one of the teams who can end the domination of the team Canada. With NHL stars like Henrik Zetterberg, Daniel Sedan, and Henrik Lundqvist this team a definite choice for the medal rounds.

While their style of play is better suited for an international style rink, Sweden will still prove to be a force to reckon with thanks to having one of the top goaltenders from the field.

Team United States

While this squad may not have the same name power as the teams from the past, they should not be overlooked for the medal rounds in the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The team is the perfect mix of rising talent and veterans like Patrick Kane, Brian Rafalski, and Zach Parise, where they should be able to make some heads turn. The fresh young legs are going to help with the International rules and should give us something to cheer for.

Team Finland

During the 2006 Winter Olympics, the team fell short by one goal despite goalie Antero Nittymaki having an outstanding tournament and earning the MVP award. The team is still led by Teemu Selanne, but has a decent supporting cast with Oili Jokinen and Mikko Koivu.

Finland will be without Nittymaki this time around and will need another young goalie to step up if they are going to advance to the medal rounds.

Resources

http://www.vancouver2010.com/