Ice hockey Sochi Olympics discussion

**~~Acquisitor~~** · 12-25-2013, 03:08 PM

Who has the best team and who is going to win it and why ?

Imo Canada could easily take it, the team stacked with NHL stars is bound to win.

Other candidates are: USA, Sweden, Russia, Czech republic and the underdogs are Finland and Slovakia.

Canada, US and Sweden are the mostly likely candidates imo.

The US is just not Canada, Sweden does have some very skilled players but it can't compete against Canada or the US imo, and Russia is a mess.

speculate.

**~~Acquisitor~~** · 12-25-2013, 04:59 PM

come on guys and girls, what's more fun than ice hockey

a top sport imo, with drama, REAL fights, injuries and skill

**~~Harkonnen~~** · 12-25-2013, 05:26 PM

I just want to see Teemu Selänne skate into his 6th Olympics. I used to hate (yes hate is a strong word here) that guy in his younger years, but boy has he grown onto me. He's like 50 years old and still physically superior to 99% of the clowns in the NHL (yes clown is a very strong word here).

**~~Acquisitor~~** · 12-25-2013, 05:48 PM

Originally Posted by Aurinko

I just want to see Teemu Selänne skate into his 6th Olympics. I used to hate (yes hate is a strong word here) that guy in his younger years, but boy has he grown onto me. He's like 50 years old and still physically superior to 99% of the clowns in the NHL (yes clown is a very strong word here).

what do you think about the Finnish odds to take the gold ?

when I watch the Bruins play I always keep an eye on Tuukka Rask's skill. He is one tough goalie imo

**~~Harkonnen~~** · 12-25-2013, 05:55 PM

Well truth to be told, not good most likely. All of our old legends are indeed old as fuck and when it comes to the young ones, the reality is that this country has not produced top quality players in ages. But you never know, Finland seems to quite often overperform, and as you mentioned Rask, with a strong goalie anything's possible, especially now when we got Westerlund at the bench, whose a master of turtle defense tactics.

**~~Acquisitor~~** · 12-25-2013, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by Aurinko

Well truth to be told, not good most likely. All of our old legends are indeed old as fuck and when it comes to the young ones, the reality is that this country has not produced top quality players in ages. But you never know, Finland seems to quite often overperform, and as you mentioned Rask, with a strong goalie anything's possible, especially now when we got Westerlund at the bench, whose a master of turtle defense tactics.

I have always admired the Finnish team for its very good defense and the Finnish hockey in general, I mean the fact that a nation with such a small population can produce such high skilled players is amazing.

The Finnish gene pool has to be superior (at least in sports).

**xajapa** · 12-25-2013, 06:08 PM

Well, i would like to think the Americans have a chance, but they are a long shot, especially if Jonathon Quick is still injured. The Canadians always have a good team, but, I think the Russians will prevail, as they will have extra motivation to win it all in their homeland. With that said, their chances will be reduced if Malkin cannot play, as he is a close second to Ovechkin as the best player on that team. The Swedes and Finns are always in due to their goaltending.

**~~Harkonnen~~** · 12-25-2013, 06:16 PM

Originally Posted by Acquisitor

I have always admired the Finnish team for its very good defense and the Finnish hockey in general, I mean the fact that a nation with such a small population can produce such high skilled players is amazing.

The Finnish gene pool has to be superior (at least in sports).

The Finn Gene is prob alright when it comes to sports but as I'm not now in any kind of trolling mood I wish not to speak about any kind of absolute superiority. Finns have done good in sports especially historically, but the future most likely dim, but still alright. But you never know..

**~~Accountant~~** · 12-25-2013, 06:22 PM

Finland has been performing very well in Euro Hockey Tour (already secured the win with one tournament left to play) but I still doubt they'll be able to make it to the finals. Russia doesn't probably stand a chance either when the team is filled with overpaid idiots like Radulov and Kovaltšuk.

**~~Acquisitor~~** · 12-25-2013, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by xajapa

Well, i would like to think the Americans have a chance, but they are a long shot, especially if Jonathon Quick is still injured. The Canadians always have a good team, but, I think the Russians will prevail, as they will have extra motivation to win it all in their homeland. With that said, their chances will be reduced if Malkin cannot play, as he is a close second to Ovechkin as the best player on that team. The Swedes and Finns are always in due to their goaltending.

the russian team is a mess, khl is a shitty league and most russian NHL players have way too much money to care. Geno hasn't been himself since his 2011 triumph imo, so even if he does recover from his latest injury streak I dont think he will be such a force. Russian defense is a mess, always been. And with Varlamov as the best goalie, I don't think Russia can do well, impossible.

and Ovechkin, well he is a good player when Backstrom is around, not sure whether he can be so great without him.