Today’s schedule is full of games with four games on the line and implications for the rest of the bracket.
Game one: Switzerland vs. Belarus 3:00 p.m. ET
Switzerland and Belarus will do battle to see who gets to play the United States in the next round. Switzerland has a very solid net presence with Jonas Hiller but little on the attacking end. Belarus has a couple of guys that can put the puck in the net and can keep the pace up. Grand Rapids Griffin Sergei Kolosov is the lone Detroit representative in this game.
Prediction: Switzerland over Belarus.
Game two: Canada vs. Germany 7:30 p.m. ET
Canada should bowl over Germany with ease but seemingly only one game so far has come to Canada with ease. The German team is not one to take lightly and has some NHL talent of its own (Marcel Goc comes to mind). Nevertheless, this is a game Canada not only should win but needs to win. Imagine a first round exit for the Canadians: oh what chaos there would be for our northern neighbors. Also, watch for how Roberto Luongo plays in net, in place of Martin Brodeur.
Prediction: Canada makes a statement, wallops Germany.
Game three: Czech Republic vs. Latvia 10:00 p.m. ET
The Czechs lost a tough game last time out against the very skilled Russians. Expect them to come back firing on all cylinders against the lowest seeded team. The Czechs easily outmatch the Latvians and this game probably won’t even be close except for at the initial puck drop.
Prediction: Czechs easily hand Latvia a loss.
Game four: Slovakia vs. Norway 12:00 a.m. ET
The Slovakian team is full of talent and has the ability to dominate Norway from start to finish. Don’t count Norway out though, they handle Canada for close to two full periods and have some skill of their own. In the end, Slovakia is too talented and has a solid netminder Jaroslav Halak in net. Like Brian Kiernicki of The Obstructed View said, I kind of hope that Marian Hossa makes it to the gold medal game and ends up in second place again. I’ll be rooting for Norway though.
Prediction: Slovakia over Norway, sorry Andy.
Enjoy the games and comment below.
Most intriguing game?
| Switzerland/Belarus | 10 |
| Slovakia/Norway | 6 |
| Canada/Germany | 24 |
| Czech Republic/Latvia | 5 |
