When the men's Olympic hockey tournament opens on Wednesday, things certainly seem to be heading for a Canada-U.S. matchup in the gold medal game, in a rematch of the 4 Nations Face-Off final from last season.
Canada is seeking its first gold medal in men's hockey since 2014, while the U.S. hasn't won gold since 1980's Miracle on Ice.
The groups heading to Milan are a little different than the ones who played in the 4 Nations Faceoff -- adds for Canada include forwards Macklin Celebrini, Tom Wilson, Nick Suzuki and Bo Horvat, andgoaltenders Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson, replacing the injured forwards Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, as well as the cut Travis Konecny and goaltenders Adin Hill and Sam Montembeault.
On the U.S., forwards Clayton Keller and Tage Thompson, defenseman Jackson LaCombe come in while Chris Kreider and Adam Fox come out.
Canada is surely getting the biggest boost with its changes, with the addition of a potential Hart finalist in Celebrini. But just as in 4 Nations, goaltending questions persist -- Jordan Binnington has been backstopping an awful Blues team this season, and has a 3.65 goals-against average and a .864 save percentage. The U.S. remains stacked in goal with Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman.
Who gets the edge here? This might be the best shot the U.S. has had at gold since 1980, but there's just no betting against Sidney Crosby. Canada is my pick for gold, U.S. silver, and Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell lead Sweden to bronze over Finland.
THE ASYLUM
Who takes gold in Olympics?
When the men's Olympic hockey tournament opens on Wednesday, things certainly seem to be heading for a Canada-U.S. matchup in the gold medal game, in a rematch of the 4 Nations Face-Off final from last season.
Canada is seeking its first gold medal in men's hockey since 2014, while the U.S. hasn't won gold since 1980's Miracle on Ice.
The groups heading to Milan are a little different than the ones who played in the 4 Nations Faceoff -- adds for Canada include forwards Macklin Celebrini, Tom Wilson, Nick Suzuki and Bo Horvat, and goaltenders Darcy Kuemper and Logan Thompson, replacing the injured forwards Brayden Point and Anthony Cirelli, as well as the cut Travis Konecny and goaltenders Adin Hill and Sam Montembeault.
On the U.S., forwards Clayton Keller and Tage Thompson, defenseman Jackson LaCombe come in while Chris Kreider and Adam Fox come out.
Canada is surely getting the biggest boost with its changes, with the addition of a potential Hart finalist in Celebrini. But just as in 4 Nations, goaltending questions persist -- Jordan Binnington has been backstopping an awful Blues team this season, and has a 3.65 goals-against average and a .864 save percentage. The U.S. remains stacked in goal with Connor Hellebuyck, Jake Oettinger and Jeremy Swayman.
Who gets the edge here? This might be the best shot the U.S. has had at gold since 1980, but there's just no betting against Sidney Crosby. Canada is my pick for gold, U.S. silver, and Erik Karlsson and Rickard Rakell lead Sweden to bronze over Finland.
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