Olympic Hockey Medal Round

The pairing are set and only bear the slightest resemblance to my preview. I got seven of eight medal round teams right, but a reasonably intelligent chimpanzee could have done that.

Anyway, here is the bracket:

Winner of Finland vs. U.S.A. plays winner of Russia vs. Canada in one semifinal
Winner of Slovakia vs. Czeck Republic plays winner of Switzerland vs. Sweden

Brief Preview and picks:

Sw game
The Swiss scored two surprising upsets over the Czechs and Candians; then proceded to tie two lesser teams. It didn't cost them 2nd place in the group, but still--they were outscored in the preliminary round, and that speaks to a team that isn't as good as its wins look. The Swedes are a better team, and don't want to have a third straight Olympic quarterfinal ouster...I think they'll take it 3-2.

Czechoslovakia game
The formerly united countries face off...the Czech team underperforming and hurt; Slovakia is undefeated and on a roll. I do think the Slovak defense will come back to haunt them, but I think the roll will continue here; Slovaks 4-2.

Summit Series '72 Game
Canada and Russia, minus the whole animosity thing. Did Canada get back on track in defeating the Czechs? The Russians are playing well, only losing to Slovakia while showing the best offensive output of pool play. Canada will probably try to keep this game low scoring and physical--but the Russians are clicking, and Canada will have to find its scoring touch in a hurry. Toughest game for me to call; I'll take Russia in a 5-4 final. This is the most likely game to need a shootout, and if it goes to one I have no idea what will happen.

Game with no catchy reference
Finland allowed two goals in five games. The U.S. has been struggling to score. Gee, what do we think will happen here? The U.S. has improved every game--their effort is closer to where it needs to be, but they still are having difficulty finding the back of the net. Or sometimes, given all the times I've heard "shot wide," finding the net at all. They're also making too many mistakes in giveaways and not covering odd man chances. I don't think they'll find the offense against the currently dominating Finns. Three of the U.S. goals today were against the Russian backup. I say Finland 4, U.S. 1.

Beyond that, I'll run with Finland over Russia; Sweden over the Slovaks; with Finland gold, Sweden silver, and Russia bronze. Note how quickly I abandon my Canada/Sweden/Czech Republic prediction, which is still possible.