(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (8) Minnesota Wild
This looks like it has "sweep" written all over it. Chicago has been damn near unstoppable this season, taking home the Presidents Trophy in the end. Minnesota slipped throughout the shortened season and needed a win on the final day to get a playoff spot. I doubt that the Wild can keep up with the Blackhawks overall game. Chicago in 4.
(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings
I originally picked Detroit (and will stand by it) but the more I think about it, Anaheim does seem like the better team. The Ducks are healthier and do have more firepower and a better defense crop. The Red Wings just know how to win though, but the big difference from previous years is that Lidstrom is not around. Detroit in 7.
(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) San Jose Sharks
Someone get me a coin. On one hand, Vancouver is coming in as the favourite despite Schneider being injured and Luongo coming in after getting pounded by Edmonton. On the other hand, San Jose is the model of inconsistency this season, so no telling what Sharks team will show up. What this series will come down to is goaltending, and I trust Niemi over Schneider/Luongo. San Jose in 7.
(4) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Los Angeles Kings
A rematch from last year's playoffs. Unlike last year, Halak will be healthy for the Blues, which should make this series closer than last year when Los Angeles swept St. Louis. The Kings do come in healthier, and depth should be key in this series. In the end, I think the Blues get revenge in what will probably be a long series. St. Louis in 7.
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Monday, April 29, 2013
2013 NHL Playoff Predictions - Round 1
Regular Season Standings
There was only one change since Saturday, and it's my only thought:
Playoff Predictions
Eastern Conference
(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (8) New York Islanders
Brad: Pittsburgh Penguins
MDK: Pittsburgh Penguins
(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) Ottawa Senators
Brad: Montreal Canadiens
MDK: Montreal Canadiens
(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Rangers
Brad: New York Rangers
MDK: New York Rangers
(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs
Brad: Boston Bruins
MDK: Boston Bruins
Western Conference
(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (8) Minnesota Wild
Brad: Chicago Blackhawks
MDK: Chicago Blackhawks
(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings
Brad: Detroit Red Wings
MDK: Anaheim Ducks
(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) San Jose Sharks
Brad: San Jose Sharks
MDK: Vancouver Canucks
(4) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Los Angeles Kings
Brad: St. Louis Blues
MDK: St. Louis Blues
Draft Lottery
TSN aired the Draft Lottery and surprisingly a team not named the Edmonton Oilers won. The Colorado Avalanche (with an 18.8% chance) won the right to pick first overall. There is basically a 0.0000000000001% chance they don't pick Seth Jones. What I found funny was that MacKinnon and Drouin could both be moving from Nova Scotia to Florida (MacKinnon likely with the Panthers, Drouin likely with the Lightning).
There was only one change since Saturday, and it's my only thought:
- HABS #1 (in Division)! HABS #1 (in Division)! HABS #1 (in Division)!
Playoff Predictions
Eastern Conference
(1) Pittsburgh Penguins vs. (8) New York Islanders
Brad: Pittsburgh Penguins
MDK: Pittsburgh Penguins
(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (7) Ottawa Senators
Brad: Montreal Canadiens
MDK: Montreal Canadiens
(3) Washington Capitals vs. (6) New York Rangers
Brad: New York Rangers
MDK: New York Rangers
(4) Boston Bruins vs. (5) Toronto Maple Leafs
Brad: Boston Bruins
MDK: Boston Bruins
Western Conference
(1) Chicago Blackhawks vs. (8) Minnesota Wild
Brad: Chicago Blackhawks
MDK: Chicago Blackhawks
(2) Anaheim Ducks vs. (7) Detroit Red Wings
Brad: Detroit Red Wings
MDK: Anaheim Ducks
(3) Vancouver Canucks vs. (6) San Jose Sharks
Brad: San Jose Sharks
MDK: Vancouver Canucks
(4) St. Louis Blues vs. (5) Los Angeles Kings
Brad: St. Louis Blues
MDK: St. Louis Blues
Draft Lottery
TSN aired the Draft Lottery and surprisingly a team not named the Edmonton Oilers won. The Colorado Avalanche (with an 18.8% chance) won the right to pick first overall. There is basically a 0.0000000000001% chance they don't pick Seth Jones. What I found funny was that MacKinnon and Drouin could both be moving from Nova Scotia to Florida (MacKinnon likely with the Panthers, Drouin likely with the Lightning).
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Saturday Night Hockey - The Regular Season Is (Almost) Done
It's The (Second) Last Day Of The Season
Yes, the season is almost over, as tonight (minus the Boston-Ottawa makeup game) basically make up the playoff matchups. Until the final results tonight (excluding the Rangers-Devils game that was earlier), here is what the standings look like:
NEW DIVISION BOARD! (That will be obsolete next season *starts crying into drink*). Anyway, new board, double the thoughts:
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Ottawa Senators
Philadelphia: Max Talbot (leg), Jody Shelley (hip), Zac Rinaldo (ankle), and anyone that considers themselves a defenseman are out. Steve Mason is going to start.
Ottawa: Jason Spezza (back) and Mike Hoffman (collarbone) are out. Craig Anderson will start.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal: Alexei Emelin (knee) is out. Peter Budaj starts.
Toronto: No injuries...dammit. James Reimer will be in net.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers
Vancouver: Manny Malhotra (eye), David Booth (ankle), Kevin Bieksa (lower body), Chris Tanev (leg), and Cory Schneider (something) are out. Roberto Luongo will start tonight.
Edmonton: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder), Ales Hemsky (foot), Lennart Petrell (foot), Ryan Whitney (leg), and Andy Sutton (knee) are out. Devan Dubnyk is in net.
Yes, the season is almost over, as tonight (minus the Boston-Ottawa makeup game) basically make up the playoff matchups. Until the final results tonight (excluding the Rangers-Devils game that was earlier), here is what the standings look like:
NEW DIVISION BOARD! (That will be obsolete next season *starts crying into drink*). Anyway, new board, double the thoughts:
- Hey Pittsburgh's in first, who would have thought that? (everybody raises hands)
- Nice to see the Flyers and Islanders switched rosters for a season....wait, you mean...oh god the lockout has been hell on us all.
- Come on Montreal, take over first!
- It's nice to see that most of the teams in the Northeast are in the playoffs. Now if only Buffalo didn't suck this year.
- Washington being first is just as surprising as Pittsburgh being first.
- All that firepower in Carolina and Tampa Bay, it seems shameful that they can't get any higher than 3rd and 4th in the SouthLeast
- GO LUMBUS!
- Seriously, it's weird seeing Columbus above 5th.
- Two $98-million players, and Minnesota is still second. It's like money doesn't buy wins (or playoff spots).
- The Battle of Alberta is becoming who can finish with the better draft pick (Edmonton's 3-0).
- All the Californian teams made the playoffs. Got nothing here, I just like that fact.
- RIP Phoenix Coyotes (playoff run)
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Ottawa Senators
Philadelphia: Max Talbot (leg), Jody Shelley (hip), Zac Rinaldo (ankle), and anyone that considers themselves a defenseman are out. Steve Mason is going to start.
Ottawa: Jason Spezza (back) and Mike Hoffman (collarbone) are out. Craig Anderson will start.
Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
Montreal: Alexei Emelin (knee) is out. Peter Budaj starts.
Toronto: No injuries...dammit. James Reimer will be in net.
Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers
Vancouver: Manny Malhotra (eye), David Booth (ankle), Kevin Bieksa (lower body), Chris Tanev (leg), and Cory Schneider (something) are out. Roberto Luongo will start tonight.
Edmonton: Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (shoulder), Ales Hemsky (foot), Lennart Petrell (foot), Ryan Whitney (leg), and Andy Sutton (knee) are out. Devan Dubnyk is in net.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Showing Some International Love: 2013 Division III Review
South Africa could have slept through most of their game, while Greece and United Arab Emirates try to stay up and not have to qualify for this tournament again.
Note: Most information from the IIHF website.
Standings
Results
April 15
North Korea 5 - United Arab Emirates 3
Greece 3 - Ireland 6
Luxembourg 2 - South Africa 5
April 16
United Arab Emirates 3 - Greece 4
North Korea 5 - Luxembourg 2
South Africa 7 - Ireland 4
April 18
Luxembourg 5 - Ireland 0
North Korea 7 - Greece 1
South Africa 15 - United Arab Emirates 0
April 19
Ireland 1 - North Korea 2
United Arab Emirates 1 - Luxembourg 8
Greece 1 - South Africa 8
April 21
Luxembourg 3 - Greece 2
Ireland 7 - United Arab Emirates 3
South Africa 4 - North Korea 1
Recap
South Africa: South Africa did not have much trouble landing a promotion. They started off with a win against a Luxembourg team that gave them a bit of a scare, keeping the score close (3-2) before South Africa extended the lead in the third period. South Africa beat Ireland by essentially one-upping them in goals every period. South Africa didn't give any leeway to UAE, stomping them 15-0 while outshooting them 77-11. They didn't let up afterwards, beating Greece 8-1. In the end, South Africa were able to power through North Korea 4-1 in the only game they got outshot. South Africa finishes first, earning a promotion back to Division II.
North Korea: For the most part, it seems like North Korea could have done more, but for whatever reason couldn't. They started off with a win against an UAE that ended up hanging around more than the North Koreans would have liked. It was easier next game, as North Korea were able to gain a 5-0 lead and limit Luxembourg in any comeback attempt they tried, winning 5-2 in the end. North Korea's only blowout game happened against Greece, were a 5-goal third period helped North Korea to a 7-1 win. North Korea had some trouble with Ireland, edging by them in a 2-1 win. Their only lost was against South Africa, as they could only score once in the promotion game. North Korea finishes second again, continuing to try and break through into Division II.
Luxembourg: Luxembourg started the tournament keeping close to South Africa before letting the game get away from them in the third period. Against North Korea, Luxembourg could not rebound after letting up 5 goals in the first two periods. That was it for Luxembourg losing, as they rebounded with a 5-0 shutout of Ireland. Luxembourg continued to roll, putting up an eight-spot against UAE. Luxembourg last game was a tight one with Greece, as they edged the Greeks out for a 3-2 win. Luxembourg finished third for the second straight year.
Ireland: Ireland had a good beginning and end of this tournament, but a bad middle. The Irish started off closely with Greece before exploding for four goals in the third, winning the game 6-3. Against South Africa, Ireland didn't have much of a chance, as any attempt try and tie the game was answered by a couple goals by their opponent. Ireland was shutout by Luxembourg in their next game. Ireland did well in holding their own against North Korea, but ran out of time in attempting a comeback. The Irish ended on a high note, beating UAE 7-3. Ireland finishes fourth again, and looks like they might stay there in the immediate future.
Greece: Having to qualify for this tournament, Greece was trying to come in and make a bit of noise. They kept their opening game against Ireland close until the third period, were the Greeks collapsed, allowing 4 goals in the 6-3 loss. Greece's only win was against UAE, as they needed a 3-goal second period to take the lead and held on from there. Greece was blown out in their next two games, losing 7-1 to North Korea and 8-1 to South Africa. The Greeks ended the tournament losing to Luxembourg in a close game. With the fifth place finish, Greece might need to qualify again for Division III next year.
United Arab Emirates: Comparing to their last Division III appearance (2010), UAE did worse here. They did open the tournament relatively well, holding on against North Korea and Greece in those two losses. UAE had nothing going against South Africa, getting pumped 15-0 (with 7 of them coming in the first period). Things barely got better against Luxembourg, as UAE did end up with a goal in the third period, making it an 8-1 loss. UAE ended the tournament losing 7-3 to Ireland. USE finishes sixth, and will probably need to qualify again for next year's tournament.
Note: Most information from the IIHF website.
Standings
|
Team
|
Win
|
OT/SO Win
|
OT/SO Loss
|
Loss
|
Points
|
Goal Difference
|
|
South Africa
|
5
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
15
|
+31
|
|
North Korea
|
4
|
0
|
0
|
1
|
12
|
+9
|
|
Luxembourg
|
3
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
9
|
+7
|
|
Ireland
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
6
|
-2
|
|
Greece
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
4
|
3
|
-16
|
|
UAE
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
5
|
0
|
-29
|
Results
April 15
North Korea 5 - United Arab Emirates 3
Greece 3 - Ireland 6
Luxembourg 2 - South Africa 5
April 16
United Arab Emirates 3 - Greece 4
North Korea 5 - Luxembourg 2
South Africa 7 - Ireland 4
April 18
Luxembourg 5 - Ireland 0
North Korea 7 - Greece 1
South Africa 15 - United Arab Emirates 0
April 19
Ireland 1 - North Korea 2
United Arab Emirates 1 - Luxembourg 8
Greece 1 - South Africa 8
April 21
Luxembourg 3 - Greece 2
Ireland 7 - United Arab Emirates 3
South Africa 4 - North Korea 1
Recap
South Africa: South Africa did not have much trouble landing a promotion. They started off with a win against a Luxembourg team that gave them a bit of a scare, keeping the score close (3-2) before South Africa extended the lead in the third period. South Africa beat Ireland by essentially one-upping them in goals every period. South Africa didn't give any leeway to UAE, stomping them 15-0 while outshooting them 77-11. They didn't let up afterwards, beating Greece 8-1. In the end, South Africa were able to power through North Korea 4-1 in the only game they got outshot. South Africa finishes first, earning a promotion back to Division II.
North Korea: For the most part, it seems like North Korea could have done more, but for whatever reason couldn't. They started off with a win against an UAE that ended up hanging around more than the North Koreans would have liked. It was easier next game, as North Korea were able to gain a 5-0 lead and limit Luxembourg in any comeback attempt they tried, winning 5-2 in the end. North Korea's only blowout game happened against Greece, were a 5-goal third period helped North Korea to a 7-1 win. North Korea had some trouble with Ireland, edging by them in a 2-1 win. Their only lost was against South Africa, as they could only score once in the promotion game. North Korea finishes second again, continuing to try and break through into Division II.
Luxembourg: Luxembourg started the tournament keeping close to South Africa before letting the game get away from them in the third period. Against North Korea, Luxembourg could not rebound after letting up 5 goals in the first two periods. That was it for Luxembourg losing, as they rebounded with a 5-0 shutout of Ireland. Luxembourg continued to roll, putting up an eight-spot against UAE. Luxembourg last game was a tight one with Greece, as they edged the Greeks out for a 3-2 win. Luxembourg finished third for the second straight year.
Ireland: Ireland had a good beginning and end of this tournament, but a bad middle. The Irish started off closely with Greece before exploding for four goals in the third, winning the game 6-3. Against South Africa, Ireland didn't have much of a chance, as any attempt try and tie the game was answered by a couple goals by their opponent. Ireland was shutout by Luxembourg in their next game. Ireland did well in holding their own against North Korea, but ran out of time in attempting a comeback. The Irish ended on a high note, beating UAE 7-3. Ireland finishes fourth again, and looks like they might stay there in the immediate future.
Greece: Having to qualify for this tournament, Greece was trying to come in and make a bit of noise. They kept their opening game against Ireland close until the third period, were the Greeks collapsed, allowing 4 goals in the 6-3 loss. Greece's only win was against UAE, as they needed a 3-goal second period to take the lead and held on from there. Greece was blown out in their next two games, losing 7-1 to North Korea and 8-1 to South Africa. The Greeks ended the tournament losing to Luxembourg in a close game. With the fifth place finish, Greece might need to qualify again for Division III next year.
United Arab Emirates: Comparing to their last Division III appearance (2010), UAE did worse here. They did open the tournament relatively well, holding on against North Korea and Greece in those two losses. UAE had nothing going against South Africa, getting pumped 15-0 (with 7 of them coming in the first period). Things barely got better against Luxembourg, as UAE did end up with a goal in the third period, making it an 8-1 loss. UAE ended the tournament losing 7-3 to Ireland. USE finishes sixth, and will probably need to qualify again for next year's tournament.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Showing Some International Love: Euro Hockey Tour Preview - Czech Hockey Game
Czech Republic host the last part of the Euro Hockey Tour. The host, Finland, and Russia are all fighting to be the winner of this year's EHT.
Note: Most information from IH Forums.
Rosters
Czech Republic
Goalies: Pavel Francouz (HC Verva Litvinov), Jakub Kovar (Ceske Budejovice), Alexander Salak (Farjestad)
Defense: Petr Caslava (Severstal Cherepovets), Jan Kolar (Donbass Donets'k), Jakub Krejcik (Lev Praha), Karel Kubat (HC Verve Litvinov), Tomas Linhart (PSG Zlin), Tomas Mojzis (Slovan Bratislava), Jakub Nakladal (Spartek Moscow), Marek Troncinsky (Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk), Tomas Voracek (HC Vitkovice Steel)
Forwards: Milan Gulas (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Tomas Hertl (Slavia Praha), Petr Hubacek (JYP Jyvaskyla), Zbynek Irgl (Dynamo Minsk), Lukas Kaspar (Donbass Donets'k), Petr Koukal (Neftekhimsk Nizhnekamsk), Jan Kovar (HC Skoda Plzen), Jiri Novotny (Lev Praha), Lukas Pech (Karlovy Vary), Ivan Rachunek (Sparta Praha), Tomas Rachunek (Lev Praha), Jiri Sekac (Lev Praha), Petr Tenkrat (Sparta Praha), Michal Vondrka (Slovan Bratislava), Petr Vrana (Lev Praha)
Finland
Goalies: Atte Engren (TPS Turku), Mika Jarvinen (HPK Hameenlinna), Joni Ortio (HIFK Helsinki)
Defense: Juuso Hietanen (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod), Janne Jalasvaara (Dynamo Moscow), Mikko Kousa (MODO), Lasse Kukkonen (Rogle BK), Teemu Laakso (Severstal Cherepovets), Ville Lajunen (Farjestads BK), Sami Lepisto (Lev Praha), Mikko Maenpaa (CSKA Moscow), Ilari Melart (HIFK Helsinki), Ossi Vaananen (Jokerit Helsinki)
Forwards: Juha-Matti Aaltonen (Rogle BK), Marko Anttila (TPS Turku), Juha-Pekka Haataja (Karpat Oulu), Niklas Hagman (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Juha-Pekka Hytonen (Amur Khabarovsk), Pekka Jormakka (Pelicans Lahti), Petri Kontiola (Traktor Chelyabinsk), Miika Lahti (JYP Jyvaskyla), Oscar Osala (Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk), Janne Pesonen (Ak Bars Kazan), Antti Pihlstrom (Salavat Yulaev Ufa), Jere Sallinen (HPK Hameenlinna), Sakari Salminen (KalPa Kuopio), Ville Viitaluoma (HPK Hameenlinna), Peteri Wirtanen (Donbass Donets'k)
Russia
Goalies: Konstantin Barulin (Ak Bars Kazan), Vasili Koshechkin (Severstal Cherepovets)
Defense: Anton Belov (Avangard Omsk), Yevgeni Biryukov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Denis Denisov (CSKA Moscow), Konstantin Korneev (Ak Bars Kazan), Yevgeni Medvedev (Ak Bars Kazan), Ilya Nikulin (Ak Bars Kazan), Evgeni Ryasensky (CSKA Moscow), Nikita Zaitsev (Sibir Novosibirsk)
Forwards: Yegor Averin (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Dmitri Kazionov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Denis Kokarev (Dynamo Moscow), Yevgeni Kuznetsov (Traktor Chelyabinsk), Sergei Mozyakin (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Alexei Perezhogin (Avangard Omsk), Kirill Petrov (Ak Bars Kazan), Sergei Plotnikov (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Vadim Shipachyov (Severstal Cherepovets), Sergei Soin (Dynamo Moscow), Alexander Svitov (Salavat Yulaev Ufa), Alexei Tereshchenko (Ak Bars Kazan), Viktor Tikhonov (SKA St. Petersburg)
Sweden
Goalies: Johan Backlund (Karpat Oulu), Joacim Eriksson (Skelleftea AIK), Johan Gustafsson (Lulea HF)
Defense: Jonas Ahnelov (MODO), Niclas Andersen (Severstal Cherepovets), Elias Falth (HV71), Johan Fransson (Lulea HF), Petter Granberg (Skelleftea AIK), Staffan Kronwall (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Tom Nilsson (Mora IK), Daniel Rahimi (Linkopings HC), Tobias Viklund (AIK)
Forwards: Jonas Andersson (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod), Par Arlbrandt (Linkopings HC), Dick Axelsson (Frolunda HC), Nicklas Danielsson (Lev Praha), Jimmie Ericsson (Skelleftea AIK), Jesper Fasth (HV71), Simon Hjalmarsson (Linkopings HC), Andreas Jamtin (HV71), Calle Jarnkrok (Brynas IF), Linus Klasen (Lulea HF), Oscar Lindberg (Skelleftea AIK), Joel Lundqvist (Frolunda HC), Linus Omark (EV Zug), Niclas Persson (CSKA Moscow), Fredrik Pettersson (Donbass Donets'k), Robert Rosen (Vaxjo Lakers HC), Martin Thornberg (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod)
Schedule
All games are in Brno, Czech Republic unless denoted.
April 25
Finland vs. Czech Republic
Sweden vs. Russia (in Jonkoping, Sweden)
April 27
Czech Republic vs. Sweden
Russia vs. Finland
April 28
Sweden vs. Finland
Czech Republic vs. Russia
Last Year (Czech Hockey Game)
Euro Hockey Tour Standings
Prediction
1 - Czech Republic
2 - Finland
3 - Russia
4 - Sweden
I think the host will pull out the victory in this section of the tour. Finland will just beat out a not-quite-strong-as-usual Russian squad. Sweden will end up in a familiar place. In the end, the Czechs will take over first overall in the EHT and win this year's edition of the tournament.
Note: Most information from IH Forums.
Rosters
Czech Republic
Goalies: Pavel Francouz (HC Verva Litvinov), Jakub Kovar (Ceske Budejovice), Alexander Salak (Farjestad)
Defense: Petr Caslava (Severstal Cherepovets), Jan Kolar (Donbass Donets'k), Jakub Krejcik (Lev Praha), Karel Kubat (HC Verve Litvinov), Tomas Linhart (PSG Zlin), Tomas Mojzis (Slovan Bratislava), Jakub Nakladal (Spartek Moscow), Marek Troncinsky (Yugra Khanty-Mansiysk), Tomas Voracek (HC Vitkovice Steel)
Forwards: Milan Gulas (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Tomas Hertl (Slavia Praha), Petr Hubacek (JYP Jyvaskyla), Zbynek Irgl (Dynamo Minsk), Lukas Kaspar (Donbass Donets'k), Petr Koukal (Neftekhimsk Nizhnekamsk), Jan Kovar (HC Skoda Plzen), Jiri Novotny (Lev Praha), Lukas Pech (Karlovy Vary), Ivan Rachunek (Sparta Praha), Tomas Rachunek (Lev Praha), Jiri Sekac (Lev Praha), Petr Tenkrat (Sparta Praha), Michal Vondrka (Slovan Bratislava), Petr Vrana (Lev Praha)
Finland
Goalies: Atte Engren (TPS Turku), Mika Jarvinen (HPK Hameenlinna), Joni Ortio (HIFK Helsinki)
Defense: Juuso Hietanen (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod), Janne Jalasvaara (Dynamo Moscow), Mikko Kousa (MODO), Lasse Kukkonen (Rogle BK), Teemu Laakso (Severstal Cherepovets), Ville Lajunen (Farjestads BK), Sami Lepisto (Lev Praha), Mikko Maenpaa (CSKA Moscow), Ilari Melart (HIFK Helsinki), Ossi Vaananen (Jokerit Helsinki)
Forwards: Juha-Matti Aaltonen (Rogle BK), Marko Anttila (TPS Turku), Juha-Pekka Haataja (Karpat Oulu), Niklas Hagman (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Juha-Pekka Hytonen (Amur Khabarovsk), Pekka Jormakka (Pelicans Lahti), Petri Kontiola (Traktor Chelyabinsk), Miika Lahti (JYP Jyvaskyla), Oscar Osala (Neftekhimik Nizhnekamsk), Janne Pesonen (Ak Bars Kazan), Antti Pihlstrom (Salavat Yulaev Ufa), Jere Sallinen (HPK Hameenlinna), Sakari Salminen (KalPa Kuopio), Ville Viitaluoma (HPK Hameenlinna), Peteri Wirtanen (Donbass Donets'k)
Russia
Goalies: Konstantin Barulin (Ak Bars Kazan), Vasili Koshechkin (Severstal Cherepovets)
Defense: Anton Belov (Avangard Omsk), Yevgeni Biryukov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Denis Denisov (CSKA Moscow), Konstantin Korneev (Ak Bars Kazan), Yevgeni Medvedev (Ak Bars Kazan), Ilya Nikulin (Ak Bars Kazan), Evgeni Ryasensky (CSKA Moscow), Nikita Zaitsev (Sibir Novosibirsk)
Forwards: Yegor Averin (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Dmitri Kazionov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Denis Kokarev (Dynamo Moscow), Yevgeni Kuznetsov (Traktor Chelyabinsk), Sergei Mozyakin (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Alexei Perezhogin (Avangard Omsk), Kirill Petrov (Ak Bars Kazan), Sergei Plotnikov (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Vadim Shipachyov (Severstal Cherepovets), Sergei Soin (Dynamo Moscow), Alexander Svitov (Salavat Yulaev Ufa), Alexei Tereshchenko (Ak Bars Kazan), Viktor Tikhonov (SKA St. Petersburg)
Sweden
Goalies: Johan Backlund (Karpat Oulu), Joacim Eriksson (Skelleftea AIK), Johan Gustafsson (Lulea HF)
Defense: Jonas Ahnelov (MODO), Niclas Andersen (Severstal Cherepovets), Elias Falth (HV71), Johan Fransson (Lulea HF), Petter Granberg (Skelleftea AIK), Staffan Kronwall (Lokomotiv Yaroslavl), Tom Nilsson (Mora IK), Daniel Rahimi (Linkopings HC), Tobias Viklund (AIK)
Forwards: Jonas Andersson (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod), Par Arlbrandt (Linkopings HC), Dick Axelsson (Frolunda HC), Nicklas Danielsson (Lev Praha), Jimmie Ericsson (Skelleftea AIK), Jesper Fasth (HV71), Simon Hjalmarsson (Linkopings HC), Andreas Jamtin (HV71), Calle Jarnkrok (Brynas IF), Linus Klasen (Lulea HF), Oscar Lindberg (Skelleftea AIK), Joel Lundqvist (Frolunda HC), Linus Omark (EV Zug), Niclas Persson (CSKA Moscow), Fredrik Pettersson (Donbass Donets'k), Robert Rosen (Vaxjo Lakers HC), Martin Thornberg (Torpedo Nizhny Novgorod)
Schedule
All games are in Brno, Czech Republic unless denoted.
April 25
Finland vs. Czech Republic
Sweden vs. Russia (in Jonkoping, Sweden)
April 27
Czech Republic vs. Sweden
Russia vs. Finland
April 28
Sweden vs. Finland
Czech Republic vs. Russia
Last Year (Czech Hockey Game)
Team
|
Win
|
OT/SO Win
|
OT/SO Loss
|
Loss
|
Points
|
Goal Difference
|
Finland
|
2
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
8
|
+6
|
Czech Republic
|
2
|
0
|
1
|
0
|
7
|
+2
|
Russia
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
2
|
3
|
-1
|
Sweden
|
0
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
0
|
-7
|
Euro Hockey Tour Standings
Team
|
Win
|
OT/SO Win
|
OT/SO Loss
|
Loss
|
Points
|
Goal Difference
|
Russia
|
5
|
1
|
1
|
2
|
18
|
+14
|
Finland
|
4
|
1
|
1
|
3
|
15
|
+3
|
Czech Republic
|
5
|
0
|
0
|
3
|
15
|
-7
|
Sweden
|
2
|
0
|
0
|
7
|
6
|
-10
|
Prediction
1 - Czech Republic
2 - Finland
3 - Russia
4 - Sweden
I think the host will pull out the victory in this section of the tour. Finland will just beat out a not-quite-strong-as-usual Russian squad. Sweden will end up in a familiar place. In the end, the Czechs will take over first overall in the EHT and win this year's edition of the tournament.
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