"Of course I win gold" Maybe not this time Alex....
With every media outlet firing out our team Canada hopefuls faster than your morning's medium double double. I thought it would be useful to give you an update on the competition, starting with the Russians.
Since the times of the Soviet Union, never has the POSSHA been more feared. Speaking of which, Fetisov is making a return in the KHL this weekend! They may not be able to field multiple teams that could compete for a medal, but their cream of the crop is definitely tops. In case you haven't imagined it already - check it. Here is a look at their forwards.
Ovechkin-Malkin-Kovalchuk
Semin-Datsyuk-Kovalev
Semin-Datsyuk-Kovalev
Frolov-Kozlov-Radulov (remember him?)
Morozov-Yashin-Afinogenov
Yikes.
But your thinking that their defense will be weak since they always have been. They only have 7 defenseman with games played in the NHL this season (I looked it up, kinda surprised) with a total of 121 games played; extrapolated over an 82 game season it means they have only played in 21% of games this season. All that to say, yes, their defense IS weak.
Gonchar-Markov
Volchenkov-Tyutin
Grebeshkov-Kulikov
Goaltending is a different story of course, they not only have veteran incumbents but rising stars (or Sputniks). The experience of Nabokov, Khabibulin put them atop the rankings however I would slide the ever shut-out-ing Ilya Bryzgalov into the mix. Don't forget about Washington's Varly as he has just one loss in 16 games played this season.
Bryzgalov
Nabokov
Varlamov
Simply looking at their offense, the Russians have too much firepower to be stopped by any defense. Yes, Canada does have it's on-ice version of NORAD in Neidermayer and Pronger. But no one, can stop Ovechkin-Malkin-Kovalchuk on one line.
Final placement: Silver Medal
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