2010 WINTER OLYMPICS PREVIEWS: MEN’S ICE HOCKEY

Slovakia is Interesting as a 40-1 Longshot

Ice hockey has always been a marquee event of the Winter Games and the inclusion of NHL superstars since 1998 has only upped the ante. Canada is a perennial favorite, and now more than ever playing at home in Vancouver. Then again, home ice also adds a ton of pressure. Rivals take note that the Canadians whiffed completely at Calgary in 1988. Russia is more than capable of upstaging the locals, with NHL MVP Alexander Ovechkin leading a powerful offensive attack. And then there’s defending champion Sweden, 1998 gold medalists the Czech Republic, and a darkhorse USA team loaded with youth, speed, and red hot goaltender Ryan Miller. Finland, as always, has great goaltending as well. Looking for a deep sleeper? How about Slovakia. The Slovaks came out of the gates 5-0 in the 2006 Olympic tournament and finished a very respectable 5-1 overall after being eliminated in the quarterfinals. It’s worth noting that this year’s games will be played on the smaller NHL size rink as opposed to the more spacious international surface. This could work to the advantage of the Americans and Canadians while working against skaters like the Czechs, Finland, and possibly Sweden. Indications are that the NHL may reverse course and keep its stars out of the 2014 games. That means that 2010 could be the end of a brief golden age of world class Olympic hockey.