Every Monday during the season two of our hockey writers will debate one topic. It's the 2-on-1. This week, Chris Botta and Adam Gretz talk about the upcoming Olympics, the NHL's involvement, and who is going to take home the Gold.
Chris Botta: Now that the Olympic hockey tournament is almost here, what's your stance on the NHL shutting down for two weeks? To be honest with you, I'm a lot more on board with the idea now. Four years ago, it seemed all we talked about during the NHL season was the Olympics. It dwarfed the season. Maybe with time and experience the league and the media have learned to place the proper emphasis on the NHL season and limiting the over-hype on the Olympics for the selection of the teams around the days.
Adam Gretz: I've loved it from day one and love it just as much (if not more) today. For me, as a hockey fan, missing two weeks of the regular season in the middle of February is a small price to pay for seeing a week-long tournament that involves a bunch of All-Star teams playing at an extremely high level. It doesn't get much better than Canada vs. Russia, or Russia vs. Sweden, or Canada vs. USA. That's just great stuff.
Of course, the biggest fear is always that somebody is going to get hurt, and when teams have millions of dollars invested in these players, that's a legitimate fear. But as a fan, I love watching these games. Off the top of my head I can't recall a significant injury taking place in this tournament, but Chris, what do you think the reaction would be if a key player went down for an extended period of time due to an injury suffered in the Olympics? Apocalyptic?
Chris Botta: I don't believe it will be the end of the world if one of the game's greats blows out a knee in Vancouver. The stakes are high -- to some, a goal medal is equal to a Stanley Cup -- and the risk is worth it. The teams and the fans of the teams losing a major player will be upset, but not enough to call for the end of the Olympic arrangement. The Olympics mean too much. This is not the World Baseball Classic or the hockey's World Championships (featuring the best players not in the NHL playoffs!) in May.
I like what Lou Lamoriello said the other day about losing Kovalchuk for two weeks, so soon after his arrival in New Jersey. The Devils GM said he doesn't waste a second thinking about it because whatever happens in Vancouver is completely out of his control. That's the perfect attitude.
So Adam, who's winning the gold? And no hedging your bets!
Adam Gretz: I know Canada is the overwhelming favorite, both because it's a stacked team and because of the home-ice advantage, but my initial pick was Russia and I'm sticking with Russia. I don't like their defense, but I think their forwards, especially the top-six, are enough to carry them to gold. Good luck stopping Ovechkin, Malkin, Kovalchuk, Datsyuk and Semin.
I think the United States will play for a medal. I liked their chances a lot more with Paul Martin and Mike Komisarek on the blue line, but Ryan Miller might be good enough to carry them. I also like the type of team Burke and Co. put together. Plus, the smaller ice-surface is going to play to their advantage. I see the potential for some hardware here. What do you think, Chris, will the U.S. be bringing home a medal?
My pick is Canada, which of course is not going out on a limb. Plenty of stars, but plenty of solid citizens who will check their egos at the door. The biggest story for Mike Babcock's team is who is the No. 1 goaltender when it counts the most. I really believe it can be Roberto Luongo, Martin Brodeur or Marc-Andre Fleury. Who knows better of Fleury's big-game ability than Babcock?
Sweden will be in the mix for a medal. Who else do you have in your top four, Adam?
Adam Gretz: My top four is the usual suspects: Russia, Canada, Sweden and the United States. Boring prediction? Yes. Predictable prediction? You bet. But these are, to me, the four best teams in the tournament and will finish as such. If you made me take one out and pick another I'd go with Finland simply for their goaltending. And what about your top four? Who else do you have taking home medals?
Chris Botta: Canada, Sweden and Russia, with Finland a serious contender. Just as important, this tournament is going to be a classic. Since they're in Vancouver, we'll be able to watch the games live and at reasonable hours. The star wattage is going to be incredible. By the time the gold medal game begin, the arguments against sending NHLers in 2014 will go away. This will be special.
