I'm Back!

I’m Back!

         It’s been awhile, but I’ve returned from a busy, yet fun summer to start blogging again! Though it’s Friday, I don’t have a weekly recap for this week. However, I will be making predictions as well as supplying some personal analysis on tomorrow’s opening games of the 2016 World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.

USA vs. Europe

         The kick-off game of the tournament begins tomorrow at 3:30. In the pre-tournament exhibition games, USA held a 2-1 record while Europe went 1-2. While these records are meaningless, I’d say the US has a better chance of winning this game simply because they looked better overall in the exhibition games than Europe. Though Europe did dominate Sweden on Wednesday as they cruised to a 6-2 win.

         While team Europe has a lot of depth in their lineup, they have a lot of veteran players who I feel are past their prime. This makes them the oldest team in the tournament. Team USA also has a lot of depth, but I’d say they have a more equal combination of skill, grit, and goaltending. Also, USA has a lower average age than Europe, giving them a subtle advantage in certain facets of the game such as speed.

         In the end, I feel that USA will win because they hold the edge in goaltending. Johnathan Quick is expected to start tomorrow. He will be backstopped by Ben Bishop, another Vezina finalist from last season. While Jaroslav Halak, Europe’s expected starting goalie, is certainly good, I think he’ll be outclassed by the elite goalies of USA.

         USA head coach John Tortorella has previously emphasized playing rough and getting in their opponents’ faces. I think this strategy will work as long as players don’t go over the line and take too many penalties. If USA is undisciplined, that will be their undoing. If they take too many penalties, Europe’s power play will be what beats them. But I predict USA will maintain their discipline and beat Europe 4-2.

Czech Republic vs. Canada

         Game number 2 of opening day will start at 8:00 tomorrow. This one for me is a toss-up and very hard to predict the winner. Canada is the heavy favorite to win, but the Czech Republic played surprisingly well in the exhibition games. Due to this fact, it’s almost impossible to predict.

         I’d say Canada holds the advantage in all categories. Their superstar lineup is backstopped by 3 elite NHL goalies. The only way I feel they can lose is by getting complacent and not being prepared for what the Czechs will throw at them. To win, the Czech Republic will have to be on top of their game, which they will, so I suspect they will give Canada everything they’ve got.

         Another advantage for Canada is the fact that they will hold home-ice advantage throughout the tournament. I think this will give them a big boost in meaningful games. However, home-ice can occasionally be a curse. If the team struggles, the disgruntled fans will inject a lot of negative energy into the building, lowering the home team’s confidence in their abilities.

         All things considered, I think Canada will prevail. The Czechs, though, will make the game very interesting and close. Though I don’t think their desperation will be enough to withstand the sheer power of Canada. I predict Canada will squeak out a 4-3 win.