Italy

Bleary-eyed after waking for the 4AM face-off, Dave Thorvald discusses the opening game of the Olympic hockey tournament in this 9:24 long podcast. 

Olympic Outsider Episode 2

Description: Canada beat Italy 7-2 - After a slow start, Canada turned on the jets versus a hardworking and speedy, but overmatched host squad.  Bertuzzi, Iginla and St. Louis had particularly nice games.

In other hockey news, Slovakia (thanks to 2 late golas by Marian Gaborik) beat Russia, Czech beat Germany (though uber-goalie Dominik Hasek sustained an injury) and mid-way through the 3rd period, Latvia and USA are tied at 3. Go Latvia!

Well the public has spoken and they are crazy!  Well really, you never know what will happen in the Olympic tournament so I should keep my mouth shut but ...

Besides Canada (who i never pick against), I suggest that the Czechs are the team to beat. Two top goalies, forwards on fire and a better crop of defensemen than in years past.  Further, the Czechs play great as a team with a patient style which can explode at any minute for a couple of quick goals.

Russia (winners of this poll shown below) (oops, i accidentally thought the Russians, who were ahead through most of the poll, had won, sorry - Russia finished 2nd, Czechs third - see below for full details) are somewhat enigmatic darkhorses - they are disorganized like usual and don't always play with heart for their country (the old guard are resentful of the young players' money and lifestyle and vice versa).  That being said, with a crop of young guns taking over from the venerable stars, you could see some exciting performances if not a medal.