Olympic Preview #2

So I've established Russia as my favorite to take Gold in the 2010 Olympics. Who's my number 2? Team Canada.

As a somewhat alluded to last time in my Team Russia Preview, Team Canada has the potential to be a beast. They looks to have to most depth in the tournament, the best defense, probably the most consistent scoring, and potentially the best goaltending.

Any time you can sport a top line of perennial All-Star players (in this case, a suggested top line is Crosby-Igilna-Nash), you know you've got a good thing. Toss in the fantastic coaching of Mike Babcock, Jacques Lemaire, Lindy Ruff and Ken Hitchcock and you would think that you have an unstoppable force and a great coaching staff for making dick jokes.

Hockey is one thing that Canada really excels at and the kids get excited for it up north. Home ice should also help these professionals win a few close games. Despite the women choking (I'll hold my togune on the dick jokes here...ba-zing!) in the Memorial Cup this year in Canada, most of this team is seasoned NHL professionals who have a lot of experience playing in front of large crowds (though with names like Joe Thornton and Jarome Iginla, the constant threat is there for a first round choke and exit).

So what sets this team apart from everyone else? Depth, home ice, and star power. Chances are even the casual hockey fan has heard every name on this team. The whole way down the roster. And when the USA gets an early boot from the tournament (more on that on the Team USA preview, which should be #4 or so), Team Canada might pick up some of the more die-hard american hockey fans. At least for this part of the tourney.

The only thing that can stop the dynamo that is Team Canada probably has four names: Evgeny Malkin / Alex Ovechkin. These guys are so dominant that they will probably be the biggest threat to Canada's Men's hockey dominance. Team USA could be a sleeper is the kids can compete, and The Swedes will probably surprise more casual fans with a strong showing as well.

Expect Team Canada and Team Russia to be vying for the Gold in February-March of 2010.