Hayman's Olympic Men's Hockey Update

The week of preliminary rounds has finally passed and the excitement and energy predicted was second to none this week. The preliminary rounds provided everything needed to get a kick start to the men’s hockey this year in Vancouver. We saw upsets, great goals, big hits and goalies standing on their heads. My last post emphasized goaltending in this tournament and that’s really what a lot of games came down to. In a tournament like this where every game matters and the rounds are short, your goalie needs to bring his "A-game". That's what we saw out of players like USA’s Ryan Miller and Switzerland’s Jonas Hiller.

 1. U.S.A.: I have played and coach at competitive levels in the USA hockey system and it’s about time we get recognized for being just as good as anyone else. The greatest reason Team USA is in the number one spot is goalie Ryan Miller. Miller has single-handedly put the team on his back and carried it through a tough game against Canada as well as a tough couple periods against Switzerland. I would look for Ryan Miller to only get better during this tournament. Aside from goaltending, I agree with USA’s GM Brian Burke; I am disappointed with their subpar play in the neutral zone. Also, I keep hearing about Team USA's high-octane offense, but we have seen very little of it thus far.

2. Sweden: I have been extremely impressed with Sweden. This team that has it all: experience, youth and speed. The Swedes went undefeated through the preliminary round and shut out rival Finland to announce their presence in the tournament. I would look for Nicklas Lidstrom to keep playing his shut-down style of defense along with Sedin twins for high-powered offense in the games to come.

3. Russia: I was impressed with the Russians this week and yesterday’s game that convinced me that the Red Machine will be tough to beat in this year's Games. Despite a disappointing loss to Slovakia, the Russians really laid down the hammer on the Czechs on Sunday. The Russian’s first line, centered by Evgeni Malkin and led by Alex Ovechkin, rocked the entire world. Despite Malkin ringing up two goals, it was Ovechkin’s hit on Jaromir Jagar that had the entire world seeing Red.

4. Finland: Despite being shut out by rival Sweden, the Finns were able to clinch a bye in the fourth position. The Finns have so many explosive players on their roster, but I would like to see more productivity out of Saku Koivu and Kimo Timonen. As much as I would love to see Finland explode onto the Olympic scene, I just think the U.S.A. will want it more if they square off in the Semifinal round.

5. Czech Republic: The hit Jaromir Jagr took against the Russians demonstrated that it’s no longer his time. The Czechs put up a good fight against the Russians, but the depth is just not there to get past Finland.

6. Canada: The only word to describe Canada’s performance right now is disappointing. There is no doubt they have the best roster in the tournament. Too bad when you hit the ice, nothing on paper matters. Sidney Crosby has really shown up and done well so far - but where is everyone else? The list goes on and on with stars on this team, but I am not impressed with what I have seen. Canada will really have to come together against Germany if they want to contend with Russia in the Quarterfinals.

7. Slovakia: Slovakia has really turned a lot of heads this tournament by beating Russia. The truth is, Slovakia doesn’t have the guns or the goaltending, but Marian Hossa is proving why he is one of the elite players in the NHL.

Outlook: The U.S. earned quite an advantage by drawing the #1 seed. Their path to the gold medal game will be much easier than that of Russia, Canada or Sweden. Canada will have a very difficult time getting past Russia in the quarterfinals, especially coming off a qualifying game the day before. Slovakia will challenge Sweden, but the experienced Swedes will pull through. Russia's talent will get them to the gold medal game, but they'll be gassed after taking on Canada and Sweden. The U.S. goaltending will get the job done, and the U.S.A. will win gold on the 30th year anniversary of the Miracle on Ice.

Bracket Projection: