NHL action is on a two-week hiatus, but hockey fans need not worry. We’re about to get a world-class dose of puck at the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics.
Some may prefer soccer’s World Cup or NCAA’s March Madness, but for most Canadians there simply isn’t any sports tournament like the men’s Olympic hockey competition.
NHL poster boys Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin will be the biggest stars heading into the tournament no doubt, but we’ve got our eyes on several other notables.
Some are players that many fans in North America have either forgotten about or don’t get the chance to watch often, while others are NHLers who have a unique opportunity to expand their horizons on an international scale.
Here are 14 players we’re pumped to see in Sochi.
Ilya Kovalchuk, Russia
The former NHL superstar is leading St. Petersburg SKA in scoring over in the KHL, and there’s no doubt he’s still got elite offensive talent. Playing in front of the home fans will give him and his Russian teammates an extra pep in their step.
Put him on a line centred by someone like Evgeni Malkin or Pavel Datsyuk, with Alex Ovechkin possibly on the other wing, and the outcome should result in Kovalchuk’s name appearing on the scoresheet quite often.
Erik Karlsson, Sweden
We’ve seen what Karlsson can accomplish on a decent NHL roster, but just imagine what the 23-year-old will be able to do on the big ice with a plethora of stars at his disposal. He’ll likely be the power play quarterback feeding the puck to Daniel Sedin, Nicklas Backstrom, Henrik Zetterberg and others, which is a prospect that has Swedish fans salivating.
Phil Kessel, United States
In the 2010 Games he wasn’t counted on as a go-to scorer, and he ended up with just one goal and one assist in six games. But this time around he’ll be expected to produce. The Toronto Maple Leafs sniper has been on an absolute tear, leading all Americans in goals and points.
He’ll likely be playing alongside Leafs linemate James van Riemsdyk, and their chemistry should go a long way. And Phil the Thrill’s speed on international-sized ice? Oh, boy.
Martin St. Louis, Canada
Canadians are eagerly awaiting to see how the two-time Art Ross Trophy winner responds after being named the replacement for Steve Stamkos. We’re guessing he’ll do just fine. He’s versatile enough to play with Sidney Crosby on the top line, with Patrice Bergeron on the checking line, or anywhere in between.
Petr Nedved, Czech Republic
When the Czechs named their roster and Nedved’s name was called, it took many hockey fans by surprise. He hasn’t been in the NHL since 2006-07, and the last time he played a full NHL season was the 2003-04 campaign. However, the 42-year-old is still chugging along in the Czech Republic’s top league, averaging more than a point per game with Liberec Bili Tygri HC since 2008.
What’s crazier is the fact these Games will be Nedved’s first representing his country. He did participate in the ’94 Games, though, winning a silver medal while representing Canada. Yep.
Alexander Radulov, Russia
Just like Kovalchuk, Radulov is a former NHLer who is still in the prime of his career and producing in the KHL. He’s lighting it up with CSKA Moscow, so put him alongside the best Russia has to offer, and the host team should reap the rewards.
Sandis Ozolinsh, Latvia
Hey, remember this guy? He hasn’t played in the NHL since he suited up for 39 games with the San Jose Sharks in 2007-08, but he’s been productive in the KHL ever since. He should have great chemistry with his Latvian teammates considering eight skaters on the roster, including Ozolinsh, play for Dinamo Riga.
He was Latvia’s flag bearer at the Opening Ceremony. At age 41, this will be his final Olympics, so expect spirited play from the 1997 Norris Trophy finalist.
Teemu Selanne, Finland
One of the greatest Olympic hockey players of all-time, the Finnish Flash is set compete in his sixth Winter Games. He’s got a respectable 20 points in 47 games in a reduced role with the Anaheim Ducks this season, but during the Games he needs to be a catalyst for inspiration and leadership on a Finnish team that might have trouble putting the puck in the net.
With stars like Mikko Koivu and Valtteri Filppula forced to withdraw from the tourney, Selanne will need to also produce some goals.
Anze Kopitar, Slovenia
The Los Angeles Kings star will be making his Olympic debut, just like Slovenia will make its first appearance in the men’s hockey tournament. Kopitar is the only NHLer on the team and by far his country’s best player. Kopitar was talented enough to compete in the last two Olympics, but his country never qualified. Slovenia may not win a game in the tournament, but it will be fun seeing Kopitar out there.
Thomas Vanek, Austria
Just like Kopitar, Vanek has been a world-class NHLer for years but has never gotten the chance on an international stage such as this. The Olympics will be a time for Vanek to step away from trade rumours and contract talk that have surrounded the New York Islanders forward in recent weeks. He can soak in the experience and have fun. Although the Austrian team isn’t expected to do much in the tournament, it’ll be exciting watching Vanek lead his squad.
P.K. Subban, Canada
One of the more contentious selections for Team Canada, it will be interesting to see how Mike Babcock and the Canadian coaching staff use Subban’s elite offensive talent. He’s not expected to start in a top-six role on the blue line, but he could be featured on the power play. He’s one of the most energetic and exciting players in the game and can light a spark under his team if they lack energy at any point.
Jonas Hiller, Switzerland
The Swiss play a solid team game and rely heavily on their goaltending. Hiller is having a great season with the Ducks, and he’ll likely need to stand on his head if the Swiss have any hope of medalling. Don’t be surprised if he steals a couple tight games for the Swiss.
Valeri Nichushkin, Russia
The Dallas Stars rookie is one of the youngest players in the tournament. In fact, only Finland’s Aleksander Barkov is younger. Nichushkin is such a talented, intelligent player and he has the potential to be the next big Russian star. A solid Olympic debut would be a strong start towards that.
Jaromir Jagr, Czech Republic
The future Hall of Famer is in the same boat as Selanne these Olympics. Even at age 41 Jagr is arguably the best offensive talent on his team, and he’ll be expected to lead on and off the ice. He’s got a gold and bronze medal to go along with his 20 points in 23 Olympic games. His fifth Olympics will be his last, and we’ll all enjoy watching him do his thing throughout the tournament.
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