World Gup Power Rankings

Darren Paterson, Sports Editor

 

 

 

BG | OunerPPeSs

With the World Cup only days away as I write this
article, here’s my take on the teams to beat.

1. Canada—Come on, this team’s a powerhouse.
We’ve got Norris Trophy winners, Art Ross winners,
Rocket Richard winners, and most importantly a
Vezina winner. Plus we have arguably the greatest
hockey player ever in Mario Lemieux. This is the
deepest team in the tournament at every position
and anything less than winning the Cup would be

a disappointment.

2. Sweden—Great offensive talent
on this team. Naslund, Forsberg
and Sundin in particular should
light it up for this very strong team.
I also like that these players can play
with -an edge, which should help
them in the smaller NHL rinks. The
only question is can Tommy Salo keep the
pucks out of the net this time or does
Germany have a chance at the
semis?

3. USA—They’re getting older
but they’re still a tough team.
The loss of Roenick should hurt
them but expect veterans like
Brett Hull, Doug Weight and
Chris Chelios to carry the 9
load. Again the big ques- .
tion is in goal where
young Rick DiPietro may
have to play the tourna-
ment of his life.

i

4. Czech Republic—They ad a
say they're playing for Ivan

Hlinka, the recently deceased Czech hockey legend
and their coach and that should be a powerful incen-
tive to win. They’re a well-rounded team with young
game breakers like Milan Hejduk and Martin Havlat
that could turn any game in their favour. I expect an

emotional showing from this team.

5. Finland—I like this team. Only a couple of big
names and then a bunch of hard working character
players. Olli Jokinen or Saku Koivu can score the big

   
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   

goals and the goaltending of Mikka Kiprusoff
should give them an opportunity to challenge the big
three teams in this tournament.

6. Slovakia—This team is a tale of the Marians.
Hossa and Gaborik are dynamite players and can
pick apart any defense. If you’ve been a Canucks fan
for the past couple of years you know what I’m talk-
ing about with Gaborik. Zdeno Chara is their

standout on defense but, like other teams, they
are weak in goal sporting three no-name
players.

7. Russia—Beating
Germany in the depth
chart based on talent
alone this team will not
win. They have lots of
great players, yet none of
them are playing, Making

news more for the players
that aren’t showing this
team has no chemistry. The
coaching staff is not liked by

the players, and the once

mighty Red Army is but a

mere memory as a result.
Don’t expect this team to
even make a splash.

8. Germany—With only a
handful of NHL players, highlighted by
Olaf Kolzig in goal, this team was only invit-

ed to round out the tournament. Maybe they’ll
squeak out a win or two with exceptional defensive
play, but I don’t expect their international players to

adapt well to the NHL rinks and rules. If you

like to cheer for the underdog, this is your
team.

Well, there you have it. My take on what should be
two weeks of amazing hockey. I’m worried about a
work stoppage in the NHL but this should keep my
mind off that until at least mid-September. And
maybe, just maybe, it'll remind the NHL and
NHLPA of what they run the risk of losing if they
can’t close the deal.