Taking a quick look down the match-ups, here's how, in this writers opinion, it's going to go down in the semi final round and beyond.
Qualification Round
#8. Slovenia vs. #9. Austria
Somehow, Slovenia managed to not only be competitive but also actually win a game. That in itself is a surprise. Despite Slovenia's strong play up till this point - Austria takes this with another great offensive performance from Michael Grabner who's excellent speed is showing to be a real asset for the Austrians on the big ice surface.
Winner: Austria
#7. Czech Republic vs. #10. Slovakia
The battle of what used to be Czechoslovakia will go to the........Czech Republic. Despite having a decent team on paper, the Slovakians have decided not to show up in this tournament. They've looked terrible in every game they've played and I don't see that changing now. Czech Republic wins it in a relatively low scoring - and very high hitting - affair. Slovakians fail to show up - again.
Winner: Czech Republic
#6. Switzerland vs. #11. Latvia
As I predicted in my first Olympic article, the Swiss are the real deal. Despite not having a lot of offensive, they have the best defense up till this point and Jonas Hiller is playing out of his mind. His play, and the play of the Swiss defense, continues here in this game and the Swiss take this one from a Latvian team with very little offensive talent. Hiller sensational once again.
Winner: Switzerland
#5. Russia vs. #12. Norway
Plainly put, Russia just isn't that deep a team. Yes, their first two lines of forwards are great but after that things just fall off - especially on the back end. Despite that they are able to take down a Norway team, who has played surprisingly solid hockey up till this point, in a low scoring affair. Varlamov with the start in goal - solid once again.
Russia: Russia
Quarterfinal Round
#1. Sweden vs. #9. Austria
Austria puts up a strong fight but can't get enough pucks behind Swedish goalie Henrik Lundqvist, who has been the backbone of the #1 seeded Swedish squad.
Winner: Sweden
#2. United States vs. #7. Czech Republic
Czech Republic goes quietly into the night as they can't match the intensity from a team who that has proved they are the best team in this tournament. Quick gets the start in net.
Winner: United States
#3. Canada vs. #6. Switzerland
Here's your upset folks. The Swiss continue their strong defensive play and take down a Canadian team who has been out of sync all tournament. Jonas Hiller - that is all.
Winner: Switzerland
#4. Finland vs. #5 Russian
I believe Finland is the second best team in this tournament and I have since it began. On the backs of goaltender Tukka Rask and rookie phenom Olli Maatta - they are able to shut down the Russian's top two lines and the Russians, who once again have no depth beyond that, fall apart.
Winner: Finland
Finals Round
#1. Sweden vs. #2. United States
Despite carrying a #1 seed - it's clear after this game who is really the best team in these games. The U.S. break through a beat up Swedish team and finally solve The King who is chased from the net at some point during the game. Total team effort from the U.S. - as it has been the case all tournament long.
Winner: United States
#6. Switzerland vs. #4. Finland
A 1-0 win, either way. It will depend on who's goaltender can stand on his head the longest. I'm sticking with my gut though and going with the Fins who have impressed me since the start of the games.
Winner: Finland
Bronze Medal Game
#1. Sweden vs. #6. Switzerland
Lundqvist bounces back from being chased in the U.S. game and puts up another great game. Swiss squad can't match the offensive of the Swedish squad - but they put up another great effort and they leave the games clearly with more hope for their program than they began with. Man, do the Anaheim Ducks have a great goaltender in Jonas Hiller - not enough people talk about him.
Winner: Sweden
Gold Medal Game
#2. United States vs. #4. Finland
My original pick for the gold medal game comes to fruition and it's a great one. The Fins and U.S. battle neck and neck - both boasting complete team efforts. The game goes into O.T. - where the United State's deeper offensive shows up and takes down the Fins after a defensive slug fest. Both Tukka Rask and Jonathan Quick post up fantastic, awe inspiring games.
Winner: United States
MVP: T.J. Oshie
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