Russia isn't the powerhouse it once was. I don't follow it, but don't think they'd be favored to win a game against either the US or Canada.
Russia, Canada, US, and Sweden are the true international hockey powers. Any of the four could win the gold and it wouldn't be entirely shocking. Canada is the odds on favorite though.
Go ahead and throw in the Czech Republic and Finland. All 6 have the ability to win a single elimination tournament.
Slovakia and Switzerland can beat anyone in a single elimination tournament but can't win 3 or 4 in a row.
Yea, I think The Czechs or Finns winning gold would still be a mild surprise. They do definitely have the ability but I don't think to many people would bet on it.
Switzerland seems to be the up and comer. The way things are going I wouldn't be surprised if they're better than both Czech Rep and Finland in 8 years.
The Czechs and the Fins have relatively young talent, the Swiss are really only buoyed by excellent goal keeping right now, they need to develop talent depth or else they will just be Germany circa 2006.
MIR's knowledge about every sporting event really blows my mind. MIR, who you got in Ice Dancing?
NBC did an amazing story on the us team, Davis & White. They have been dancing together since they were little kids, it was a very cute and amazing story at the same time. It was nice to see Meryl Davis not in her ice dancing garb, because she looks freakish in that makeup.
I'm also fascinated that the two best pairs in the world, the aforementioned Davis & White and a Canadian pair, share the same coach & practice rink
that's all I got ice dancing is boring