We are in the heart of another amazing NHL season with the best yet to come. The Winter Classic and Stadium Series games are fast approaching, but on the horizon are the Sochi Olympics.
Every four years the NHL goes on hiatus for about two and a half weeks while the Olympic hockey tournament replaces the NHL’s All Star weekend. It is particularly interesting given the melting pot of NHL teams. Teammates and co-workers find themselves playing against one another for their country, which in many cases equals the intensity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The collective all-star teams that represent each country easily provide more sustained and valid entertainment that a weekend exhibition in a city trying to generate interest in their product.
The core of Olympic success lies in defense and particularly goaltending. If a team wants to be considered a contender, they need a viable net minder. Here are eDraft’s power rankings for each Olympic nations crop of goaltending talent.
United States-Ryan Miller, Jimmy Howard, Jonathan Quick and Craig Anderson headlined the U.S. talent pool, but only Miller has played up to his potential. With an injury to Howard and Anderson, just plain awful, the American contingent could be looking to Tampa. Their backstop, Ben Bishop has been one of the top goaltenders in the NHL so far. Overall Grade: B+
Canada-Carey Price, Roberto Luongo and Corey Crawford were the top contenders before injuries knocked out BobbyLu and Crawford. That leaves the door wide open for Price to step up for Team Canada. If Josh Harding can get his multiple sclerosis medication straightened out, he should certainly be given a roster spot. Overall Grade: B+
Russia-Since Vladislav Tretiak’s imperious run as the world’s best goaltender ended in Lake Placid, the Russians have struggled to find competency in net. The reigning Vezina Trophy winner hails from the host nation, but will he be healthy by February? Another viable option is Colorado’s Semyon Varlamov who is having the best statistical start of his career. Overall Grade: B-
Finland-Pekka Rinne (injured), Tuukka Rask and Antti Niemi are the top options for Finland and the toughest decision will be which Vezina candidate to start. The Fins traditionally boast one of the deepest talent pools in goal, and this years’ group might be the best they have ever had. Overall Grade: A
Sweden-Of course everyone is aware of Henrik Lundqvist as the number one Swede in goal. The “King” has Viktor Fasth and Jhonas Enroth to back him up, which won’t make any knees tremble, but top to bottom the Three Crowns could have the deepest and most talented roster of the tournament. Overall Grade: A-
Switzlerland-Poor Jonas Hiller and his Swiss team will be overmatched in at least two of their three group games. The will certainly lean on the success of the past two Olympics when they pushed Canada to a shootout in 2010, and actually beat the Canadians in 2006. The Swiss will be hard pressed to repeat that success, and will need Hiller to be at his best for them to have a chance. Overall Grade: C+
Czech Republic-With Tomas Vokoun out indefinitely, the top Czech choices are Ondrej Pavelec or Michal Neuvirth. That’s pretty much like choosing whether you would prefer to be eaten by a Bengal tiger or a lion when heading into an Olympic hockey tournament. Overall Grade: C-
Slovenia-Unfortunately for Slovenia, their best player is not in goal. Anze Kopitar is an elite center, but will be a one-man show against much deeper competition. Choices are Robert Kristan, Luka Gracnar or Andrej Hocevar. Overall Grade: D
Slovakia-Jaroslav Halak and Peter Budaj are the headlining net minders that will play in the shadow of Zdeno Chara for Slovakia. It’s a dark horse group that played in the Bronze medal game in Vancouver and made the finals of the 2012 World Hockey Championships. Overall Grade: B
Norway-The best thing to come out of Norway since A-Ha could be this teams crop of net minders. Just kidding, these guys don't even compare to the awesomeness of Norway's one-hit wonders. Lars Volden, Steffen Soberg or Lars Haugan are your choices. Overall Grade: D
Austria-Your choices are Bernhard Starkbaum, Mathias Lange and Renne Swette. Choose wisely. Never mind, it won’t matter. Overall Grade: D
Latvia-With only one NHL player on the roster, Latvia has a list of goaltenders that no one has ever heard of. They should at least bring three to Sochi to avoid excessive sunburn on the back of the goaltender’s neck. Overall Grade: F