Quote:
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Originally Posted by Kevsh
Theory:
With the NHL going back to a more open-ice style (rules changes, etc.) it's benefitting the European players/teams more - esp. on the bigger ice surface, which they didn't have in Salt Lake City.
Don't be surprised if a team like Slovakia, Finland, Czech wins the gold and Canada/USA *MAY* not even be in the final game. You read it here first.  |
Your theory is valid.
But I also think that many people in N America are overlooking the fact that there are pro leagues in Europe and Russia that are producing some world class players. We never get to see those teams play except for their best players now, in the Olympics.... and we better wake up.
The NHL is no longer the end-all be-all it once was for having the world's greatest players.
Thus I support that last statement you made. Any one of about a half dozen teams could take the 3 medals in Italy. The Fins are looking good and they are undefeated, the Russians are playing well, the Swiss looked very good today, Latvia now has a strong team, Slovakia looks good, and the Swedes are always a contender.
It's anybody's game this time.