World Cup of Hockey final rundown

The World Cup of Hockey is just hours away and with all the exhibition games complete attention is turning now to the competition proper with Team USA kicking off the tournament against Team Europe tomorrow at 3:30pm EST. That game is followed by Czech Republic v Canada at 8:00pm

Pittsburgh have a number of interests in the tournament and after hosting the final exhibition games for some teams yesterday the attention is now shifting to the players. The usual suspects are appearing with ties to Pittsburgh with Crosby heading Team Canada and Malkin playing a big part in Team Russia as they looked to come out of a fairly even Group B.

Patric Hornqvist and Olli Maatta are both appearing for their respective Scandinavian nations in Sweden and Finland whilst young star Matt Murray has been given the starting spot for Team North America ahead of Gibson. Many feel that Phil Kessel should have been part of Team USA but with him recovering from a hand injury sustained in the play offs it is best he doesn't player.  Not that John Tortorella could see skill in front of him.

I think it is clear that the two weakest teams in the tournament will be Team Europe and the Czech Republic. Although saying that, Team Europe beat Sweden 6-2 yesterday. Whilst an exhibition game it will give them a bit of hope that they can get some results. Especially if Draisatl can play like he did, scoring a hat-trick.

Czech Republic's team is seemingly devoid of skilled players to pick from and with the likes of Jagr and Elias retired from international duty they need to start looking for the next generation. David Pastrnak at 20 is the youngest but he is one of only four players aged under 25. The Czech Republic also have too players in Jordan and Nakladal that are free agents.

I feel like this tournament will lead up to a USA-Canada final with Canada besting the USA in three games. Canada will top Group A with three straight wins followed by Team USA. The rest of the group will be filled out with Team Europe with the Czechs dead last in my opinion.

From Group B I can see a very tight group and I reckon Russia will miss out with Team North America living up to their pre-tournament hype. Between Sweden and Finland it is incredibly tight to call and really is a coin toss. The game between the two on the 20th will be the decider and looking at the two rosters,  I would have to give it to Sweden. With them winning the group and losing to Team USA in the semi-final.

I'm looking forward to it starting tonight and hopefully it is a good tournament. I just wish it was bigger and more global.