Men’s Ice Hockey
Where: Gangneung Hockey Centre, Kwandong Hockey Centre.
After: February 10-25
Favorites: Olympic Athletes from Russia (+100), Canada (+450), Sweden (+450)
The men’s Olympic hockey takes on a totally different complexion this year, with NHL players ineligible to compete. Therefore, you’d better brush up on your Continental Hockey League (KHL) knowledge, since that is where nearly all players taking part in this championship are playing their aggressive hockey.
It will come as no surprise to bettors the Olympic Athletes out of Russia – do we really have to call them that, incidentally? – are the favorites, minding the strangest and most talented roster from the contest. A whopping 15 players come from SKA Saint Petersburg of the KHL, such as legendary forwards Pavel Datsyuk and Ilya Kovalchuk and up-and-comer Vadim Shipachyov.
Canada is a co-runner-up in the odds division at +450. The two-time defending Olympic champions would be the nation most negatively affected by the shortage of NHL representation, but nevertheless have a talented roster comparative to the remainder of the field. Stars include former NHL 20-goal scorer Wojtek Wolski, longtime Buffalo Sabre Derek Roy, and one-time No. 3 pick Gilbert Brule.
Sweden is another co-runner-up in +450, and ought to give Canada a serious run for its money from the struggle for silver. The Swedes are not too heavy or as talented up front as the Russians or Canadians, but boast an impressive defense corps led by consensus No. 1 draft prospect Rasmus Dahlin and a talented goaltending trio which includes ex-NHLer Jhonas Enroth.
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