Bracketology

In preparation for March Madness, I have decided to do a bracket for a much easier tournament to predict: the Olympic Men's Ice Hockey tournament! Here are my picks, with some analysis below:



It would be a major upset if any of the top seeds lost in the qualification round, so the quarterfinals is where this tournament really gets interesting. The U.S. game could be a bit of a trap game as the U.S. is coming off of an emotional win against Canada, and the Swiss goalie, Jonas Hiller, is capable of stealing a game for Switzerland. The U.S. has already beat the Swiss 3-1 in group play, and I don't see the Swiss being a problem. The Czech Republic v. Finland game should be the second most interesting game of the quarterfinals. Both teams have great goaltending in Vokoun and Kiprusoff, as well as some great scoring threats. I think the Finns are slightly better, though, and will win. Sweden should beat Slovakia easily. The marquee match-up is of course Russia v. Canada. A lot of people (Canadians) will tell you that the U.S. beating Canada was not a big deal because it happened in the prelims, but this game is why it was a HUGE deal. Many people thought that Canada and Russia would be walking away with Silver and Gold hanging around their necks, but instead one of these two powerhouses will have to go (or stay) home with nothing. This game is a must watch. It's a huge rivalry already, and add to that the Crosby v. Ovechkin element, and both teams are under huge pressure from their native countries to win the Gold. I think that Canada will have Luongo in net, and the Vancouver Canuck netminder will limit Russia's potent offense and win this one for Canada.

The semifinals are a lot tougher to call. The Americans will have a tough game against Finland, but will continue to ride Ryan Miller to the gold medal game. Coming off a huge win over Russia, Canada will have a let down as the Sedin twins put multiple pucks past their Vancouver Canucks teammate, Luongo, causing Canucks fans to become so angry with them that the organization will trade them to the San Jose Sharks (please, please, please!).

In the bronze medal game, Canada will be motivated to walk away with at least some medal, even if it is not the color they would have liked, and the Finns will be finished (see what I did there?). Finally, in the gold medal game I am predicting that the U.S. will win it's first gold medal away from home (although about as close to home as you can get.)