Ready For Rivalry Day

For hockey fans, today's matchups are kind of like the holy grail. For those excited about international hockey, Canada/USA, Russia/Czech Republic, Finland/Sweden are matchups that highlight a tourney, and to have them all on one day is akin to being a dog in a slaughterhouse.

Here's what to expect...

Canada vs. USA

The US beat Canada in Saskatchewan for the World U-20 gold. Don't think the fans in attendance forget that, and I have a string feeling the US will be public enemy #1 today. The US team may be young, but many of these players have battled Canada in junior tourneys and have played under that pressure before, so I don't believe experience will be all that big a factor.

Canada has had difficulty with chemistry, as their struggles against Switzerland pointed out. The US has gotten scoring from their bottom 6, so if the likes of Patrick Kane and Zach Parise can get rolling I think they can score with the Canadians.

For some reason, Sidney Crosby is still having difficulty jelling with wingers. Pens fans will feel their stomachs turn a little as it is expected that Flyers captain Mike Richards will line up as Crosby's LW.

I expect this game to get chippy. While superstars like Crosby and Kane will score, I believe the play of the US's bottom 6 (big forwards like Ryan Malone and David Backes) will make the difference. Canadians will face major backlash with a loss today.

Russia vs. Czech Republic

The Czechs are playing, along with the Fins, the best hockey right now. Jaromir Jagr looks like he's turned the clock back 10 years, and the Czech defense has been solid.

The same can't be said for the Russians. Their defense has been sub-par, and top gun Evgeni Malkin is struggling with his linemates.

I'd also have to give the edge in goal to the Czechs, who have one of the most underrated goalies in hockey: Tomas Vokoun.

Who wouldve thought the Russians would have to play an extra game in the playoffs? The Czechs will make that neccessary.

Sweden vs. Finland

Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu are playing as if this is their last hurrah. The Fins have steamrolled to this point. They have skill (Selanne, the Koivus), grit (the Ruutus), and they have goaltending (Kiprusoff). Sweden looks as if something's missing. They have a stellar goalie (Henrik Lunqvist), but the forwards and defenders are reflecting that something's off. Peter Forsberg isn't making an impact at all. Right now, the Fins are playing better and would love to exact revenge on the team that beat them for gold 4 years ago.