Feb 2, 2014; Sochi, RUSSIA; Short track speed skater Emily Scott practices during Team USA Short Track training session at Iceberg Skating Palace. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 Olympic Games of Sochi are upon us and we are all looking forward to the hockey tournament. To be honest, I don’t really care about sledge or skiing. Burn me for that but everytime I watch them I fall asleep!
Anyway, let’s talk about the best hockey tournament of the world. Last time I checked the schedule my Germans weren’t on it. They really failed to qualify for this important event. Very disappointing for us, a missed chance to show the world that we can play. By the way, this will be the first time we’ve missed the Olympics!
So, with no Goc or Ehrhoff in Sochi I’ll try to give you a view from my (as a German and a Blue Jacket fan) perspective on these two weeks in February.
Without a doubt, Canada and Russia are my top teams. Before any tournament I ask myself “who will face Canada in the final?” They accept nothing but gold north of the border.
Feb 1, 2014; Sochi, RUSSIA; General view of Bolshoy Ice Dome in Olympic Park prior to 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
Four (possibly five) Columbus Blue Jackets will represent the colors of their country. Bob, Nikitin, Tyutin and Anisimov will show what they can do to help to win this “homegame”. But I think other guys like Ovechkin, Datsyuk or Nishishkin will be more in the spotlight on that team. I think it is a good thing so our Jackets can concentrate on playing hockey!
Group A is in my Opinion the strongest one. Russia, Slovenia (Ok, thanks for coming!), Slovakia (Some NHL-Heavy players and possibly Gaborik included) and USA.
The US-Boys! Very nice line-up they got there. But still, I miss Jack Johnson!
The US has very good skaters. I like Dustin Brown on the team. Also Zach Parise was named captain. He showed that he can lead a team. Will they get Gold? Unlikely, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they come around the corner on final day and give Canada a wink: ”Remember us? Revenge for 2010!”
Feb 2, 2014; Sochi, RUSSIA; General view of the Olympic rings and the Olympic Cauldron in Olympic Park prior to 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Well, a lot must come to hand if this will happen. There are still a lot good teams to beat. Sweden, Finland, Czech Republic…Hey, it’s the best tournament ever. Who said it would be easy to win? The best players are pumped up and ready for this!
So, when you (Americans) are sitting on the couch and watch all the games in HD, think of me. I will be lucky if I can watch the final. The German TV-Stations don´t really care about hockey. Especially when we are not in for hockey this time. Skiing and figure skating is more important. (Yeah, right…)
Well, enjoy the games and may the best team win!