2014 Sochi Olympics Predictions: Who Will Win Gold in Sochi? As pool play rounds out, we know who the best teams in the tournament are. Here are my summaries of the top three teams who I think have the best chance to win Gold and why, and then ultimately a prediction of how things will go. 1. Canada: How can you bet against the Canadian Olympic Team? Their third line is better than most first lines in this tournament, except maybe for Russia, and they have the best defensive depth in the tournament. If theres a weakness to this team it has to be in net. I question whether the combination of Luongo and Price can deliver a gold medal, both have a history of choking in big games. Yes, Luongo won gold last Olympics, but he also allowed the tying goal at the close of regulation. The point? Theyre very beatable. They were +150 if you acted early enough, and closed as mild favorites. 2. Russia: The United States beat Russia in pool play, but did so in eight rounds of one of the greatest shootouts in Olympic history and only after the game-winning goal was disallowed. Russias top line is absolutely absurd, and the combination of Malkin, Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, and Datsyuk may be the best four players in the games. Still, theyre obviously very beatable with streaky goaltending and a lack of depth. Home ice advantage may be tough to overcome in the medal rounds for challenging countries, however. They too were +150 in the early going, but finished up at even money. 3. United States: My sleeper pick to win it all, hedged with a now sharply decreased Canada line that was once +150, the +350 US Olympic hockey team is oozing with value. Quick is one of the most consistent and talented goaltenders in the world, giving the US a big edge. That said, they lack defensive depth like Canada and offensive firepower like Russia. With no glaring weaknesses and a good goalie, they can beat anyone. With fewer dynamic players than Canada and Russia, they will have to be perfect to win Gold. SO WHO WILL WIN GOLD: As I discussed in the VIP Club of our membership site, I am very happy with my hedged bets. I dont think Russia has the depth or goaltending to win through all the rounds coming up, even with home ice. I expect Canada and the United States to be battling it out for Gold, with the winner of their matchup winning it all. The only way I lose is if a Cinderella team steals gold or if Russia defends home ice. I dont think that happens. Obviously, I think Canada has the best chance to win this tournament. Their defensive pairings are unbelievably deep and skillful. I also think they have enough scoring depth to win games with offense. Their goaltending is a liability, but their defense seems to be making up for it so far. In the end, I think this is their tournament to lose... unless Jonathan Quick steals the tournament, which I think could absolutely happen. America has closed the gap with their little brother to the north, and I think this is the year they might finally pull out the win.
Posted on: Mon, 17 Feb 2014 00:20:56 +0000
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