Sochi 2014 Olympic Men's Hockey Preview: Group A

The Men's Hockey starts in Sochi on Wednesday, giving us some time to break down each group. We start with Group A, which features the host Russians, 2010 silver medalist USA, medal hopefuls Slovakia, and first time participates Slovenia.

World Ranking

3. Russia
6. United States of America
8. Slovakia
17. Slovenia

Team Roster

Russia
Goalies:

Name	Club (League)
Sergei Bobrovsky	Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Semyon Varlamov	Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Alexander Yeryomenko	Dynamo Moscow (KHL)

Defensemen:

Name	Club (League)
Anton Belov	Edmonton Oilers (NHL)
Alexei Emelin	Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
Andrei Markov	Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
Yevgeny Medvedev	Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Nikita Nikitin	Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Ilya Nikulin	Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Fedor Tyutin	Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Slava Voynov	Los Angeles Kings (NHL)

Forwards:

Name	Club (League)
Artem Anisimov	Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
Pavel Datsyuk	Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Ilya Kovalchuk	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
Nikolai Kulemin	Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
Evgeni Malkin	Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
Valeri Nichushkin	Dallas Stars (NHL)
Alexander Ovechkin	Washington Capitals (NHL)
Alexander Popov	Avangard Omsk (KHL)
Alexander Radulov	CSKA Moscow (KHL)
Alexander Semin	Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
Alexander Svitov	Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Vladimir Tarasenko	St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Alexei Tereshchenko	Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
Viktor Tikhonov	SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)

Slovakia
Goalies:

Name	Club (League)
Peter Budaj	Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
Jaroslav Halak	St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Jan Laco	Donbass Donets’k (KHL)

Defensemen:

Name	Club
Ivan Baranka	Avangard Omsk (KHL)
Zdeno Chara	Boston Bruins (NHL)
Milan Jurcina	TPS Turku (SM-liiga)
Martin Marincin	Edmonton Oilers (NHL)
Andrej Meszaros	Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)
Andrej Sekera	Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
Lubomir Visnovsky	New York Islanders (NHL)
Rene Vydareny	HC Hradec Kralove (Tipsport Extraliga)

Forwards:

Name	Club (League)
Milan Bartovic	Slovan Bratislava (KHL)
Michal Handzus	Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Marcel Hossa	Dinamo Riga (KHL)
Marian Hossa	Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Tomas Jurco	Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Tomas Kopecky	Florida Panthers (NHL)
Tomas Marcinko	HC Kosice (Slovak Extraliga)
Michel Miklik	Slovan Bratislava (KHL)
Peter Olvecky	Slovan Bratislava (KHL)
Richard Panik	Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL)
Tomas Surovy	Dinamo Minsk (KHL)
Tomas Tatar	Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Tomas Zaborsky	Salavat Yulaev Ufa (KHL)

Slovenia
Goalies:

Name	Club
Luka Gracnar	Epinal Dauphins (Ligue Magnus)
Andrej Hocevar	EC Red Bull Salzburg (EBEL)
Robert Kristan	HK Nitra (Slovak Extraliga)

Defensemen:

Name	Club (League)
Blaz Gregorc	HC Pardubice (Tipsport Extraliga)
Sabahudin Kovacevic	Sary Arka Karaganda (VHL)
Ales Kranjc	Kolner Haie (DEL)
Ziga Pavlin	IF Troja/Ljungby (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Matic Podlipnik	HC Dukla Jihlava (Czech 1.liga)
Klemen Pretnar	EC VSV (EBEL)
Mitja Robar	Krefeld Pinguine (DEL)
Andrej Tavzelj	Rouen Dragons (Ligue Magnus)

Forwards:

Name	Club (League)
Bostjan Golicic	Briancon Diables Rouges (Ligue Magnus)
Ziga Jeglic	ERC Ingolstadt (DEL)
Anze Kopitar	Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
Anze Kuralt	Epinal Dauphins (Ligue Magnus)
Jan Mursak	CSKA Moscow (KHL)
Ales Music	Olimpija Ljubljana (EBEL)
Ziga Pance	HC Bolzano Foxes (EBEL)
Tomaz Razingar	IF Troja/Ljungby (HockeyAllsvenskan)
David Rodman	IK Oskarshamn (HockeyAllsvenskan)
Marcel Rodman	Schwenninger Wild Wings (DEL)
Robert Sabolic	ERC Ingolstadt (DEL)
Rok Ticar	Kolner Haie (DEL)
Jan Urbas	EHC Munchen (DEL)
Miha Verlic	Olimpija Ljubljana (EBEL)

United States of America
Goalies:

Name	Club (League)
Jimmy Howard	Detroit Red Wings (NHL)
Ryan Miller	Buffalo Sabres (NHL)
Jonathan Quick	Los Angeles Kings (NHL)

Defensemen:

Name	Club (League)
John Carlson	Washington Capitals (NHL)
Justin Faulk	Carolina Hurricanes (NHL)
Cam Fowler	Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
Paul Martin	Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
Ryan McDonagh	New York Rangers (NHL)
Brooks Orpik	Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)
Kevin Shattenkirk	St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Ryan Suter	Minnesota Wild (NHL)

Forwards:

Name	Club (League)
David Backes	St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Dustin Brown	Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
Ryan Callahan	New York Rangers (NHL)
Patrick Kane	Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)
Ryan Kesler	Vancouver Canucks (NHL)
Phil Kessel	Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
T.J. Oshie	St. Louis Blues (NHL)
Max Pacioretty	Montreal Canadiens (NHL)
Zach Parise	Minnesota Wild (NHL)
Joe Pavelski	San Jose Sharks (NHL)
Paul Stastny	Colorado Avalanche (NHL)
Derek Stepan	New York Rangers (NHL)
James van Riemsdyk	Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL)
Blake Wheeler	Winnipeg Jets (NHL)

Team Breakdown

Russia: If you want firepower, this is the team that has it in spades. It might suffer though, as Datsyuk's status is still questionable and they didn't name KHL goal and points leader Sergei Mozyakin to the squad (I have read something about a strife with the coaching staff months ago, but I'm not going to say that's the reason). The defense looks fine, as they surprisingly load up on duos instead of taking the best available. In goal, Varlamov is having a good season and should carry them while Bobrovsky has come down from his Vezina season last year. Yeryomenko is having a good season with Dynamo Moscow and will be a good third string goalie.

Slovakia: A few new faces for Slovakia's offense this time around, as they mix young and old. They will miss Gaborik's scoring ability as he is out. Chara once again is the anchor on a blueline that is basically the same as 2010 (Marincin and Vydareny are new to the squad). As with the last Olympics, Halak will carry the Slovakian torch in net, while Budaj and Laco will serve to be suitable second and third string goalies (respectively).

Slovenia: Slovenia is definitely the team that will face the toughest challenge during the tournament. Unless Kopitar channels his inner Gretzky/Lemieux (combined) then I doubt they will go far. Outside of Kopitar, keep an eye on Ticar (who lead Slovenia in points in the last World Championship) and Razingar (just because I like him). Their defense is virtually the same as the one in the past World Championship (Podlipnik is an addition). In goal, Slovenian vet Kristan is expected to start while Gracnar and Hocevar will split backup duty.

USA: USA's offense is alright, as Kane and Kessel will no doubt lead the way in scoring. They do lack a bit in the skill department at center and might rely too much on guys grinding out victories rather than let their skill work for them. Their defense is alright, and everyone should get a chance with Suter when he starts playing all 60 minutes. The States goaltending should take them far in this tournament, as Quick is expected to start while 2010 starter Miller will be backup. Howard is the third stringer.

Schedule

February 13
Russia vs. Slovenia
Slovakia vs. USA

February 15
Slovakia vs. Slovenia
USA vs. Russia

February 16
Russia vs. Slovakia
Slovenia vs. USA

Predictions

Brad
1 - Russia
2 - United States of America
3 - Slovakia
4 - Slovenia

MDK
1 - Russia
2 - Slovakia
3 - United States of America
4 - Slovenia

Saturday Night Hockey: Pre-Olympic House Cleaning

The Olympics have started, but the men's hockey is still a few days away (previews will be out soon). But until then there have been a few notable things this week (mostly not good).

Broad St. Bullies Builder Passes Away

On Tuesday, Keith Allen passes away. Allen was the first coach in Flyers history and their second GM. During his tenure as GM (1969-1983) he built the famous Broad St. Bullies team that captured two cups in 1974 and 1975. Our condolences go out to the Allen family and the Flyers organization.

Nashville Hazards

It wasn't a good week for Nashville, as GM David Poile and TV broadcaster Pete Weber were both hospitalized. Poile was hit with an errand puck and suffered facial lacerations while Weber needed a heart procedure done. Both are reported to be doing well, and while Poile will miss the start of team USA's Olympic tournament, he is expected to be in Sochi later on. We wish a speedy recovery to both Poile and Weber.

Letang Out

In the last of health scare news, Penguins defenseman Kris Letang is out for at least six weeks after suffering a stoke. He has done a few test and is currently taking blood thinner to treat his current illness. We wish a speedy recovery for Letang.

Trades

Well the pre-Olympic trade deadline came and went with not much happening, but here is what went on.

To Montreal: Dale Weise
To Vancouver: Raphael Diaz
Trade Analysis: In hindsight the writing was on the wall for Diaz, as the Habs can't hold on to a Swiss defenseman to save their playoff life. The one thing the Habs didn't need (bottom six forward) they got for the one thing they did need (defensive depth). Not a knock on Weise, who can be a good fourth liner, but this wasn't the move the Habs needed to make. As for the Canucks, they get a good defenseman who will have no problem filling the defensive hole this team has because of injuries (Diaz already has two points in two games).

To San Jose: Chad Rau
To Minnesota: Curt Gogol
Trade Analysis: When you look up the term "minor league deal", this trade is the example that is probably given.

To Montreal: Robert Czarnik
To Los Angeles: Steve Quailer
Trade Analysis: When you look up the term "minor league deal", this trade is the example that is probably given. Whoa, Deja Vu!

To Pittsburgh: Spencer Machacek
To Columbus: Paul Thompson
Trade Analysis: When you look up the term "minor league deal", this trade is the example that is probably given. *Gets beaten over the head with a dictionary*

To Chicago: Pierre-Marc Bouchard, Peter Regin
To New York I: 4th round pick (2014)
Trade Analysis: We sure Stan is a Bowman? Because he's making deals like a Pollack. A 4th round pick nets him 2 good depth players, and he got the Islanders to retain some of Regin's salary! That's some top notch GMing right there.

To Boston: Blake Parlett
To Columbus: Carter Camper
Trade Analysis: When you look up the te *window closes*

Lineup Notables

Calgary Flames vs. Philadelphia Flyers

Calgary: Curtis Glencross (high ankle sprain) and Karri Ramo (knee) are out. Reto Berra starts this afternoon.
Philadelphia: Chris Pronger (concussion) is out. Ray Emery is going to start.

Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues

Winnipeg: Evander Kane (hand), Jim Slater (groin), Matt Halischuk (upper body) and Grant Clitsome (illness) are out. Al Montoya gets the start.
St. Louis: Vladimir Sobotka (leg) is out. Brian Elliot is in net.

Ottawa Senators vs. Boston Bruins

Ottawa: Mark Stone (arm) and Chris Phillips (lower body) are out. Craig Anderson will be in net.
Boston: Marc Savard (concussion), Dennis Seidenberg (knee), Adam McQuaid (lower body) and Zdeno Chara (flag waving) are out. Chad Johnson starts.

Vancouver Canucks vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Vancouver: Henrik Sedin (ribs), Mike Santorelli (shoulder), Kevin Bieksa (foot), Chris Tanev (thumb), Andrew Alberts (concussion) and Yannick Weber (upper body) are out. Roberto Luongo is the probable starter.
Toronto: Dave Bolland (ankle), Trevor Smith (hand) and Carter Aston (hand) are out. Jonathan Bernier might start.

Montreal Canadiens vs. Carolina Hurricanes

Montreal: Alex Galchenyuk (hand), Michael Bournival (upper body), Ryan White (upper body) and Drew Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Carey Price in net.
Carolina: Joni Pitkanen (heel) is out. Anton Khudobin will start.

Sunday Night Hockey: Super Bowl Comparisons

While there is no NHL games going on right now because of the Super Bowl (currently at halftime), doesn't mean I can put something half-assed out that compares current NHLers to players currently playing in the Super Bowl. Hey, I'm doing that right now! Anyway I got a few, if there are any others feel free to comment.

Peyton Manning : Sidney Crosby

Both are captains that put up ridiculous numbers, lost time because of a head/neck injury, and only won one championship (I wanted to originally compare Manning to Jonathan Toews because I can see Toews doing the hockey equivalent of this).

Wes Welker : Martin St. Louis

Both are undersized guys who went undrafted, bounced around early in their careers, and finally broke out when they had stars under/at center.

Marshawn Lynch : Rick Nash

They both aren't known for speaking to the media (at least I don't hear much from Nash), but both will turn on Beast Mode (go to 53 seconds in the Nash clip, I don't know how to make it auto-jump to that moment).

Richard Sherman : Chris Pronger

Hard-nose defenders who can irate opponents anyway they damn well can.

Saturday Night Hockey: Outdoor Games, Trades

Outdoor Games

With the recent success of the Stadium Series (and there is still two to go), it comes as know surprise that the NHL is looking to do this again next year. It's being reported that the NHL is looking to have four outdoor games for the 2014-15 season. Four is probably the best number of outdoor games the league could have without overkilling the novelty of the event. It would be nice to see the outdoor games set up like this:

January 1st: Winter Classic
End of January (28-31): Stadium Series Game 1
Mid-February (13-18): Stadium Series Game 2
Early/Mid March (8-13): Heritage Classic

This way, the Winter Classic doesn't move, and the 3-week break between games doesn't interfere with other games and the ice crews aren't burnt out.

So far for next year the only known game is the Winter Classic, which will be held in Washington (no word on who the Caps opponent will be). As for the Stadium Series, it seems like every team is pushing for a game, but the one making the most noise might be a sponsor, as Coors Light wants it's own game in Colorado. For Canada, no Heritage Classic is planned for next season but it's reported that games will be held in Winnipeg in 2016 and Ottawa in 2017.

Trades

To Nashville: Michael Del Zotto
To New York R: Kevin Klein
Trade Analysis: This is one of those "you take my problem I'll take yours" trade. Rangers coach Vigneault wasn't overly impressed with Del Zotto, while Klein was more so forced into being a $14.5M third-pair defenseman now that Seth Jones is flourishing. This way, the Predators gets a left defenseman and more offensive from it's back end. The Rangers get a defensive defenseman who will no doubt challenge for a top-four spot on defense.

To Los Angeles: Andrew Crescenzi
To Toronto: Brandon Kozun
Trade Analysis: Pretty minor (league) deal. The Kings get size but I doubt Crescenzi makes it past the AHL. Toronto get a minor league scorer who does have the numbers that could give him a look at the NHL level.

To Edmonton: Mark Fraser
To Toronto: Cam Abney, Teemu Hartikainen
Trade Analysis: Oh Edmonton. Poor, sweet, stupid Edmonton. They get a defenseman who has been a regular healthy scratch for a month and who doesn't really improve an already bad defense. Toronto, on the other hand, come out with an ECHLer, KHLer, and (most importantly) cap space to re-activate Dave Bolland off of IR. While I highly doubt Abney will do much outside of the ECHL and will not have his contract renewed, I hope the Leafs bring Hartikainen back to this side of the Atlantic.

Lineup Notables

Edmonton Oilers vs. Boston Bruins

Edmonton: Oilers are healthy. Ben "59 Saves" Scrivens starts this afternoon.
Boston: Marc Savard (concussion), Dennis Seidenberg (knee) and Adam McQuaid (lower body) are out. Chad Johnson is in net.

Tampa Bay Lightning vs. Montreal Canadiens

Tampa Bay: Steven "Titanium Leg" Stamkos (leg), Valtteri Filppula (lower body), Mattias Ohlund (knee), Brain Lee (knee) and Anders Lindback (lower body) are out. Ben Bishop gets the start.
Montreal: Alex Galchenyuk (hand), Ryan White (upper body) and Drew Drewiske (shoulder) are out. Carey Price is in net.

Ottawa Senators vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

Ottawa: Mark Stone (arm) is out while Chris Phillips (lower body) is questionable. Craig Anderson is expected to start.
Toronto: Dave Bolland (ankle), David Clarkson (elbow) and Trevor Smith (hand) are out. Jonathan Bernier might be in net.

Minnesota Wild vs. Calgary Flames

Minnesota: Mikko Koivu (ankle) and Josh Harding (illness) are out while Jared Spurgeon (foot) is questionable. Darcy Kuemper might start.
Calgary: Curtis Glencross (high ankle sprain) is out. Karri Ramo may be in net tonight.