Not Quite the Greatest Victory Ever / Predictions

Watching any national sports program today really made me wish Brett Favre was still in the spotlight to take the attention from the United States victory over Canada last night.

Don't get me wrong, the Americans 5-3 win isn't meaningless. It was the first time the Americans bested the Canadians at the Olympic Games since 1960, which I guess is neat. The victory also proved that the less talented USA team could hold their own with the current hockey powers of the world. And winning a bye into the quarterfinals is still rather important.

But spending 5 minutes watching the four-letter network or any similar station left you with the impression that this victory rivals the Miracle on Ice. It is not.

Yesterday's game did prove that USA goaltender Ryan Miller can steal a game. It also showed that the Canadians may be caving under the pressure to produce for the hometown fans. While this wasn't the biggest game for the Americans, it is one of the most important losses for Team Canada in Olympic competition.

The fact remains that if Team USA wants to win a medal of any color, it will need to be 'Miller Time' for 3 more games. The Americans do not have the firepower to hang with Sweden, the Czechs, Canadians, or Russians. Team Finland plays the same type of gritty game the Americans try to play, except they are more experienced and talented and have their own brick wall in Miikka Kiprusoff.


Qualification Playoffs Predictions

Enough talk on that subject, the first 4 of the single-elimination games are Tuesday.

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The first game on tap should be the most competitive. Team Belarus, led by former Pittsburgh Penguin first-rounder Konstantin Koltsov, has a very potent offense that nearly surprised Sweden in the preliminary round before coming alive against Germany.

Switzerland, led by Anaheim Ducks goaltender Jonas Hiller and New York Islanders rearguard Mark Streit, are a team that has relied on their defensive play to defeat their opponents. While not very gifted offensively, the Swiss defense should be able to provide enough opportunities for their offense produce.

Switzerland 3, Belarus 2

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I kind of feel bad for the Latvians. They were thoroughly out-played by the Czechs in their first meeting of these Olympics, and now they have to face a Jaromir Jagr who is more possessed and determined to produce than ever. This game will not be as close as their first meeting.

Czech Republic 6, Latvia 1

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Slovakia holds the biggest upset of this tournament, besting Team Russia in overtime. Norway was blown out in their first two games before being allowed in a track meet with Switzerland. The NHL-laden Slovaks should run away with this one.

Slovakia 5, Norway 2

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The Germans need to be prepared for an all-out assault from their qualification round opponent. Team Canada has a ton to prove, and the Germans likely will not be up to the task of holding them off. The biggest question about this game is whether Martin Brodeur gets another Olympics start.

Canada 7, Germany 2