That apllies to all the big nations though. The 2008 World Championships were held in Canada so you'd think they would have had a strong team out then. Canada were beaten 3 times in the 2006 Olympics and looking at past winners of the Worlds home advantage looks virtually irrelevant (the last time a big nation won it on home soil was 1986) and they have one every year.
In 2006 the same 3 nations that medalled at the Olympics medalled in that year's WCs and I'm assuming that Canada and Russia owe their place at the head of the betting because both nations have medalled in each of the last 3 WCs.
Perhaps you could fill me in on why Canada are such a short price? What results and which great players make them good things?
That apllies to all the big nations though. The 2008 World Championships were held in Canada so you'd think they would have had a strong team out then. Canada were beaten 3 times in the 2006 Olympics and looking at past winners of the Worlds home a
Not much point in looking at results at WC, as most of the best NHL player don't play these as they crash with the (early part of) NHL play offs. For The Olympics it's been different since 98, as the NHL pauses for a couple of weeks for the Olympics.
Canada will be favourites as they have a great team and will be really up for it. Apparently, the ice hockey gold is the one most Canadians want the most. Beware that there are many other strong teams with only or almost only NHL stars, like Russia, USA, Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Not much point in looking at results at WC, as most of the best NHL player don't play these as they crash with the (early part of) NHL play offs. For The Olympics it's been different since 98, as the NHL pauses for a couple of weeks for the Olympics.
1,80? They're 2,32 now, aren't they? I still don't consider that great value, but then I'm no ice hockey expert. Sweden at 8,8 looks better value, imo.
1,80? They're 2,32 now, aren't they? I still don't consider that great value, but then I'm no ice hockey expert. Sweden at 8,8 looks better value, imo.
Canada should really win the Ice Hockey. They have the most talented squad with people like Crosby and have home advantage. Russia also have a couple of superstars like Malkin and Ovechkin so should make the final. Sweden would be the outside bet as have a number of veterans and won the last olympics
Canada should really win the Ice Hockey. They have the most talented squad with people like Crosby and have home advantage. Russia also have a couple of superstars like Malkin and Ovechkin so should make the final. Sweden would be the outside bet as
Just one thing of interest in this years competition.
To avoid added costs and work to convert the hockey venues they won't be playing on full size olympic/international dimension rinks,which can sometimes be an advantage to non North American teams who are more familair with the bigger playing area.
Even though a significant number obviously play in the NHL now they will have played their early career on them usually and some teams have players that play in European leagues still.
Just one thing of interest in this years competition.To avoid added costs and work to convert the hockey venues they won't be playing on full size olympic/international dimension rinks,which can sometimes be an advantage to non North American teams w
Canada def is no value at that price. Real contenders are Canada, Russia, Sweden and then comes 4 teams who can beat anyone and who do not fear anyone - USA, Finland, Czech and Slovakia.
Which is the most talented team? I'd say offensively it is Russia.About other parts of team structure I am not so sure. Since Russia got under Bikovs strong arms that team has some unbelievable potential. Russia always have had scandals inside the team but now it is all past.
I very well remember last olympic in 2006. Everyone was "blah, blah, blah ..the best teams are RUS and CAN" but final was a scandinavian party.
My call would be USA, they must perform once for all. But I do not like odds at the mo cos if they get into the final they will be dogs if teams such Germany, Latvia do not step up :D :D
And they should be pretty big dogs so it is not gonna be a great trading out situation, (take 10ish and give away 3.+ish, naah i dp not like that for a outright market)
What I am taking on? Sweden, Slovakia and Czech republic
Canada def is no value at that price. Real contenders are Canada, Russia, Sweden and then comes 4 teams who can beat anyone and who do not fear anyone - USA, Finland, Czech and Slovakia.Which is the most talented team? I'd say offensively it is Russi
As a clueless onlooker it astounds me a country like Sweden can be shorter than the USA
Not saying that's wrong, I just thought Ice Hockey was a huge sport in the USA and they could win with their eyes closed...
As a clueless onlooker it astounds me a country like Sweden can be shorter than the USANot saying that's wrong, I just thought Ice Hockey was a huge sport in the USA and they could win with their eyes closed...