Olympic Preview #3

I've been so busy with previews and recaps lately, I almost forgot about my premature Olympic previews. Today we'll be taking a look at the 2006 gold medalist...Team Sweden

I want to preface this preview with a single fact: I don't know squat about Team Sweden. Still think they'll be better than Team USA, however.

When you think of Sweden, you probably think of tall, blonde people, lots of snow, and Peter Forsberg. Or his ankle. Either way, you'll want to start thinking of Goaltenders. A lot of great, young kids from Sweden aren't making it in the NHL, being released, playing in the SEL for 5-6 years, and coming out smelling like roses. Look at Jonas Gustavabbbaloo, that kid the Maple Leafs picked up. He's supposed to be...well, just great.

However, there's more to this Scandinavian country than goalies and beautiful amazonian women. The 2nd overall pick in last season's NHL entry draft was Viktor Hedman, and despite his suggestive name, he's apparently pretty good. So is Niklas Kronwall, though a bit dirty.

So they have Defensemen and Goaltenders...what about offense? Three Words: Ouch, my ankle. That's right, Peter Forsberg is still alive and well, and suffering from an ankle injury in the SEL. While retired from the NHL, he's still playing and is a definite candidate for the Olympic team. As much as he gets injured, he can be dominant when healthy.

Of course, he is somewhat old. Still, with young talent such as the Capitals' Nicklas Backstrom, former Red Wing, Mikael Samuelsson, and like the entire rest of Detroit's current team, Sweden should have some great offensive talent and at the same time a better base chemistry than most other olympic teams.

Of course, Canada has home ice, dominant players, and great coaching. Russia has the 2004 draft's top two picks. The USA has...Ryan Malone? But the point is, as talented at the Swedes will be, they'll still have an uphill battle, and by no means an easy path.

I could see Team Sweden getting the Bronze, maybe getting lucky for a silver.