http://2010.dailyvancouver.com/taxonomy/term/99/0 en http://2010.dailyvancouver.com/blog/davethorvald/hockey-poll-results-and-analysis <p>Well the public has spoken and they are crazy!&nbsp; Well really, you never know what will happen in the Olympic tournament so I should keep my mouth shut but ... </p><p>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.&nbsp; Further, the Czechs play great as a team with a patient style which can explode at any minute for a couple of quick goals.<br /> <br /> Russia <strike>(winners of this poll shown below)</strike> (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).&nbsp; 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.</p> canada Czech Finland hockey Italy latvia Russia Slovakia Sweden Torino 2006 USA Mon, 13 Feb 2006 12:02:52 -0800