The Fifth Liners

After some great hockey so far and most surprisingly host nation Russia dumped out an impressive Finland team and Austria conceding a worrying amount of goals, here is how the semi finals match up! Sweden v Finland: Both sides have been playing fluid and solid hockey, Finland have been the higher scoring team and anchored by their veteran captain Teeume Selanne, they have been one of the surprise packages of the tournament and Tuukka Rask as always have been impressive in net! Sweden were dealt an early blow with the loss of Henrik Zetterberg, but the team has rallied well in his absence and so their offense has been one of their key factors. For this Scandinavian match up, I would love Finland to progress to the final as it would be a fitting tribute to their dedicated performance, but my head says that Sweden is just too strong for this tie! Prediction: Sweden  Canada v USA: This is the one tie that has everyone in hockey talking as a rematch of the 2010 final commences. B...

In the opening days of Ice Hockey in Sochi 2014 , we have seen a vast array of goals being scored (50 the count so far in case you were wondering) and we have seen some impressive team performances. It may be early doors so far, but we are beginning to get an idea of who might be in contention for medals soon! Here is a review of the action so far: Group A   The USA started strongly with a 7-1 win over an uninspired Slovakia team who lacked any real threat. Phil Kessel was the star man with a goal and two assists, Ryan Kesler and James Van Riemsdyk also impressed. Goalie wise, the Slovaks had a torrid time with St Louis' Jaroslav Halak being yanked on from net with the score at 5-1, only for backup Peter Budaj to be beaten on his very first shot faced! But with Jonathan Quick looking impressive in net and an offense that could do some damage, it appears my initial thoughts about the US could be proven wrong! Hosts Russia began strongly with a 5-2 win over Slovenia in a game...

In a slightly surprising move, Minnesota Wild centre Zach Parise has been named as captain of the US Olympic Hockey for the upcoming Sochi 2014 games! Dustin Brown and Ryan Suter have been named as Alternates for the team. Have to say I was expecting someone with more leadership experience to lead side for the games and part of me feels that Brown might have been a more steady candidate seeing as in 2012 he led the LA Kings to the first ever Stanley Cup. Parise to be fair has previously been captain of the New Jersey Devils before his move to St Paul but he only has the 2011-12 season under his belt and his selection over more experienced candidates David Backes and Ryan Callahan does beg a few questions? Though Parise was an alternate at NJ before his promotion and currently serves as one at Minnesota so I suppose that aids his case slightly, but many will frown up this selection. Parise is a great talent, there is no question of that but I have say I do not feel he is ready...

Next month Russia will have a contagious case of Winter Olympic fever as the 2014 games roll into Sochi! While many if us will be routing for the returning Jamaican Bobsled Team or praying that Team GB wins any kind of medal! But to us hockey fans, there us only one event that matters! But which of the great teams on display will take home the gold medal? And more importantly, can the thrill level go beyond the epic Canada v USA final of Vancouver 2010? Here are my main contenders, Gold - Canada: The clear early favourites and my personal pick for the games! Their roster alone gives us goosebumps with the sheer level of quality and with offensive starlets Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toes and Corey Perry among others on display- they will be a sure bet to rack up the goals and assists. But they have also defensive quality by the bucketful, and although goalie selection has raised a few eyebrows, Carey Price will be a great starter. On paper, this team will be hard to stop! Silver - S...