Time for the quarter finals! Here are some thoughts:
Sweden - Czech Republic
Lean: Sweden
Sweden have a better goalkeeper and may have the upper hand after beating the Czechs earlier in the tournament. Sweden have a pretty physical team and will try to out-muscle the Czechs, but they can't afford too many penalties. Sweden has some good young players that have improved their game as the tournament has progressed. They will put the Czechs under a lot of pressure early on.
Canada - Norway
Lean: Canada -4,5
Norway seem quite content with having reached the quarter final stages (as they should be - well done!). The big question is how much of an effort the Canadians will put up. It's possible that they'll just score three or four goals and then take it easy, saving their energy for the next round. On the other hand, they're the home team and may look to make a big impression on the crowd.
Russia - Switzerland
Lean: Over 5,5
The Swiss are an up-and-coming hockey nation but a Russian team with some of the greatest stars in the game should be too much for them. If the Russians have a bad day in the tournament, as they often do, it's more likely to come in the next round. The Swiss will put up a spirited, well-disciplined fight though, and scored three in their earlier meeting with the mighty Russians (3-5).
USA - Finland
Lean: USA
Look for the Americans to seek revenge for their last meeting, in which a refereeing mistake may have cost them victory (see above). Actually, I had expected more of this young and very talented Team USA, so I'm a bit hesitant to pull the trigger on this play. The Finns will always fight hard in the World Championships. Probably no play for me.
GL!
