[bevoaustintx]

This will be the first time in 8 years, yes 2 Olympics (1998 Nagano and 2002 Salt Lake City) that Preliminary Rounds are actually having to be played by all the teams. In Salt Lake City, Germany and Belarus were the 2 teams that advanced playing in Classification Rounds in a round involving...Latvia, Austria, France, Slovakia, Ukraine, Switzerland.

It was the "Final Round" that we saw Sweden go 3-0 in Group C with Czech Republic, Canada and Germany (finishing in that order), and saw USA go 2-0-1 in Group D with Finland, Russia, and Belarus finishing below them. Now after this "Final Round" is where the "Medal Round" play began and well we know how Canada came out there. Point here is that in the previous two Olympics these major teams got a little bit of a break before actually needing to go into the i guess what we call starting tomorrow, Classification. So with that being said, I believe results really will surprise a lot of people who think jet lag and what not might be a decisive factor.

USA -2.5 over Latvia & o5.5 goals

A lot of critics might be saying how old the USA team is getting, but personally, the older the skate, the greater the outcome. Latvia really does only have three professionals in Irbe, Ozolinsh, and Skratins. Now dont get me wrong, they have a nice team compiled of some Latvian players from all over the Euro leagues such as HPK (Finland SM-Liiga), Malmo (Swedish Elitserien), and Krefeld (German DEL). But those three Euro leagues mixed in with the other leagues from their other players, really are different from the NHL style, and with the common complaint that some NHL officials wanted the rinks to be big for such a faster game, dont be surprised to see this game be a shootout in USA's favor as will Russia/Slovakia and Canada/Italy. As for the American's roster, well you do have some first timers in Leopold and Liles, but this roster is also stacked with the veterans in Modano, Guerin, Hatcher, and team captain Chris Chelios. With such leadership, Latvia should be a stepping stone.

Sweden -4 over Kazakahstan

Kazakahstan doesnt have the luxury of Nabokov in net for them this year, and only Antropov from the Leafs really has experience in the NHL. Dont be surprised to see this game be similar to Canada/Italy, because besides Antropov and w/o really any big experience in net, Sweden should wipe the floor with these guys. I took the Puck Line, because starting for Sweden in net most likely will be Swedish and New York Ranger sensation Henrik Lundqvist. This may be his first Olympic experience, but people, I bet Euro Hockey, and this man was money last year in the Swedish league. Comes in at 24 years old, tied for 2nd in the NHL with GAA at 2.09 and Save Percentage at 0.927. Really wouldnt be surprised to see a shutout folks, and with a Swedish team the likes of Forsberg, Ohlund, Lidstrom, Sundin, Zetterberg, and Alfredsson, how can you not like a team looking to make a statement after an embarassing upset loss to Belarus in Medal Round.

Canada -5.5 over Italy & o6.5 goals

What can be said about this team that hasnt been said before, experienced, talented, riding high on defending their championship, and well just that damn good. Italy comes in just looking to stay in it for the first ten minutes, but doubt it will happen. I believe your over should be nailed down by the second period, and though i remember being one that got screwed on puck lines in the World Championship, i truly think this wont be a game that Canada wants to let up, seriously, its probably a for sure thing on a Brodeur shutout.

Czech Republic -4 over Germany

There are two things going great here for Germany, and that is Olie the goalie, and new head coach and former player Uwe Krupp. Besides that, this Czech team with Hasek refreshed and ready to go, and as i stated before, the first team officially arriving in Torino has of Monday, really will get tested to start this game, but i think the Republic slowly drives down Germany to get a nice 4-5 goal win. Im risking the push here, for the fact that these same teams played last year where Hasek and company took down Germany 7-2. The Republic have very underrated guys in Elias, Rucinsky, and Straka, that should make this team a formidable weapon that took gold in Nagano in 1998. Much like most of these teams outside of USA and Canada, Germany comes in with a lot of guys from European competition and come into this game w/o Marco Sturm whom apparently is out of the Olympics with an upper body injury.

Russia/Slovakia o5.5

All i want to know is why so many books have this game listed as the underdog at +105 here and +120 there. Russia will start Nabokov, which seemingly will be a good pick there to possibly include the Russia puck line, but where it really comes into play about this total possibly hitting is the Slovakian netminder Peter Budaj. Budaj has played in 19 games for Colorado this season, compiling a 7-5-4 mark and 2.62 goals-against average, while Nabokov has been tremendous in keeping the Sharks in some contention on the Pacific. Then we get to the scoring machines of both teams, yes i said both teams. Russia has Kovalchuk, Datsyuk, Kovalev,Ovechkin, Yashin, and Afinogenov. Dont forget about those veterans in Victor Kozlov and nice scoring dman Sergei Gonchar. With so much open ice for the young guys, its going to be a clinic. Slovakia is no slouch though when it comes to their scorers in Chara, Visnovsky, Bondra, Hossa, Gaborik, Satan, and Zednik. This could be the easiest pick of the day, even more than Canada.

Good Luck Guys!

[naught33]

nice writeups bro! so far you got sweeden, they wont by 5....and already have the over in the canada/italy after 2 periods...can is up 6-2 in the 3rd...hopefullly they can get that next goal to cover the spread for you....

the russia/slovakia total looks too good to be true, i too was wondering why its plus $$ given the offenses both teams possess...might lay off that one, but looking to put some change on team usa later on today!

lets get that parlay you had me put in last night hehe

[Tommy]

BOL Bevo!