Disclaimer: Let me say first of all that I am not a professional handicapper, nor do I play one on television. My odds given are based on my knowledge of the rosters and the other variables that I deem relevant for every team in the Olympic hockey tournament.
The Sochi Olympics begin in less than a month with the first mens ice hockey game slated for February 12. The Czech Republic and Sweden get things started while Latvia and Switzerland play in a decidedly less interesting game at the exact same time.
Kind of like if there was another football game being played in the stadium parking lot while the real game is going on. Well, Switzerland is a decent team, but Latvia is the Olympic hockey equivalent of the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Houston Astros smelted into a glorious pot of awful.
After processing just how bad the Latvian hockey team might be in comparison to a Houstonville Jagstros hybrid, here are where I have every team’s current odds at winning the gold medal and why.
Canada-5:3 
Why they’ll win: The reigning gold medalists have everything going for them. They have arguably the deepest and most experienced pool of talent to choose from. No pressure from the hometown like in 2010.
Why they won’t win: There were some curious picks/omissions that could come back to haunt the Canadians. The experts say the goaltending is "good enough", but it might not be.
Sweden-2:1 
Why they’ll win: Next to Canada, the Swede’s have as much, possibly more talent on their roster. They have strength at every position, and better goaltending than Canada.
Why they won’t win: Until recently Henrik Lundqvist has been mediocre this year. As talented as Sweden is, there is not a “go to” scorer to get the clutch goals.
United States-5:1
Why they’ll win: The Americans will never tire of the “us against the world” mentality. Their roster is a notch or two below Canada and Sweden, but they can skate with anyone. Strength in the goal with Jonathan Quick looking amazing of late.
Why they won’t win: The Americans will rely too heavily on their defense and goaltending to win. Phil Kessel and Patrick Kane are world class snipers, but can they keep up with the rest of the world?
Russia-7:2 
Why they’ll win: A top line featuring Pavel Datsyuk, Evgeni Malkin and Alexander Ovechkin has limitless video game scoring possibilities. They have tremendous offensive potential and could outscore everyone.
Why they won’t win: The Russians have a tendency to implode in big tournaments and the added pressure of the home ice will be unbearable. For the sake of good hockey I hope they are half as entertaining as everyone wants them to be.
Finland-13:2 
Why they’ll win: Goaltending and defense, combined with timely scoring. Tuukka Rask and Antti Niemi give Finland arguably the best goaltending in Sochi.
Why they won’t win: Probably not enough scoring. Finland has proven they can beat the big boys, but they might be outgunned this year.
Czech Republic-11:1
Why they’ll win: The Czechs have a nice blend of youth and experience on the roster. Even with 42-year old Petr Nedved and 78-year old Jaromir Jagr and the weird omissions of Jiri Hudler and Radim Vrbata, the Czechs have a formidable lineup.
Why they won’t win: Goaltending could be the Achilles of this team. The best option is Ondrej Pavelec which is terrifying.
Slovakia-20:1
Why they’ll win: They’ll have a chance with a solid NHL representation on the roster. Defense (Zdeno Chara) and goaltending (Jaroslav Halak) are strengths.
Why they won’t win: There is too much of a gap between the veterans and youngsters here. Key injuries to Marian Gaborik and Lubomir Visnovksy really hurt the depth here.
Switzerland-100:1
Why they’ll win: The Swiss have proven in recent tournaments that they can sneak up on people. Jonas Hiller has been playing out of his mind lately. There is a decent amount of NHL talent for the Swiss, but no one is trembling about the prospect of shutting down Nino Niedereitter.
Why they won’t win: Not enough depth on the Swiss roster for anything more than a round robin upset for the Swiss.
Slovenia-250:1
Why they’ll win: Not a chance.
Why they won’t win: Anze Kopitar and no one else you have ever heard of are in Group A with the United States, Russia and Slovakia. They are assured of being a first round punching bag in three straight games.
Austria-400:1
Why they’ll win: Don’t bet on it.
Why they won’t win: Austria could be a fun team to watch with New York Islander teammates Michael Grabner and Thomas Vanek, but that’s about where their chances end.
Norway-475:1
Why they’ll win: They won’t.
Why they won’t win: A single NHL player surrounded by Euro-league players ain’t going to cut it. Maybe if that single NHL player were named Sidney Crosby, but it’s not. Good luck Mats Zuccarello.
Latvia-500:1
Why they’ll win: They won’t..
Why they won’t win: With all the talent in the top tier teams, the non-amateur status in this branch of the Olympics hurts countries like Latvia. Hopefully they are competitive, otherwise their games will turn into stat padders.