PREDICTION

The last two times the Winter Olympics were held in America, the United States won the gold medal. With potent playmakers such as Mike Modano and a resurgent Keith Tkachuk, this year’s team is much less an underdog and another victory wouldn’t be such a surprise.

It’s impossible to talk about hockey without mentioning Canada. And it’s almost as difficult to comprehend how the Canadians haven’t won gold since 1952. They’re loaded with talent, but with such stars as Eric Lindros and Mario Lemieux slowed by injuries and goalie Patrick Roy deciding to sit these games out, they’re susceptible.

Goalie Dominik Hasek is back with the Czech Republic team, which automatically gives them a chance to defend their gold medal. Having Jaromir Jagr around also won’t hurt. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Nikolai Khabibulin has been one of the best players in the NHL, and he’ll man the nets for Russia.

The absence of Saku Koivu and Peter Forsberg will hurt Finland and Sweden, respectively, but they still have Teemu Selanne and Mats Sundin.

The Olympics’ larger ice surface tends to benefit the European players and their finesse game.

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J.A. Adande