World Cup predictions

Well it’s almost time for the World Cup. It’s the first time the tournament has run since 2004 when Canada won it all. Team USA won the inaugural World Cup in 1996 on the back of Mike Richter, who was phenomenal in that tournament. The preseason games have been chippy, which is a welcome sight. Many were concerned that the players would gloss over this. That doesn’t appear to be the case. With real games starting soon, all eyes will be on this tournament.

• Team USA has surprised a few in the exhibition games, beating Canada (once in two games) and Finland, finishing the pre-tournament schedule with a 2-1 record. Most, including myself, expect Team USA to struggle due to a lack of scoring depth. That may still be the case, but for now, they are hanging in there.
• Team North America is fun to watch. They steamrolled Team Europe twice, and have one more exhibition game to go. They could surprise people in this tournament. Assuming they beat Finland in round robin play, a surprise win against Russia may not be that much of a surprise, launching them to the single elimination tournament.

• I don’t expect much from the Europe or Czech Republic teams. They have some great players, but I think depth is lacking for both teams. Luckily for Team USA, both clubs are in their pool. Wins against both will ensure Team USA makes it beyond round robin play.
• Pool B is a dogfight, but Sweden should run the table there. I think the biggest fight and most exciting game of the tournament will be Russia vs. Team North America. That game likely decides who moves on, and both teams are high flying with questions on defense. If there’s one non-USA game you watch, it’s this one.
• My predictions for round robin play: USA, Canada, Sweden, and North America make it to the playoff tournament. Assuming Canada and Sweden don’t play each other in the semis, I think they face each other in the finals.
• If Canada and Sweden do see each other in the finals, it’s really a coin flip at that point. Both teams are dangerous and deep with solid goaltending. I give the edge to Canada based on raw scoring ability. But Henrik Lundqvist in net for Sweden is a game changer.
• Bold prediction: This tournament is a rousing success and leads to the NHL pulling players from the Olympics.

What do you guys think will happen? Think I’m nuts?