Sweden, or Finland? (Olympic hockey)

[Johnny L.A.]

Who do you want to win the Gold Medal?

On one hand, I've been to Sweden. I liked it a lot. On the other hand, my late mother's late husband was from Finland. And I like Leningrad Cowboys Go America. Only I've never been there.

[Kid_A]

Sweden has always been my number two country when it comes down to international hockey. I'm a huge fan of Sundin, Lidstrom and Forsberg. I love the way the play the game.

Go Sweden!!!

[Casey1505]

I like Sweden as well. Only because a couple of years ago, ESPN ran a commercial or photo ad in a magazine of an unidentified goalie writing graffiti on a chalkboard. "Mats Sundin is a Swede." Of all the foreign players in the NHL, I will always remember Sundin's nationality because of that ad.

[BobT]

Sweden may be a nicer place to visit, but the Finns are playing really well in the tournament and they are going to be tough to be beat.

[Rysto]

I like Sweden as well. Only because a couple of years ago, ESPN ran a commercial or photo ad in a magazine of an unidentified goalie writing graffiti on a chalkboard. "Mats Sundin is a Swede." Of all the foreign players in the NHL, I will always remember Sundin's nationality because of that ad.
It was "Mats Sundin is a Swedish person", I think. Wasn't that a Nike ad, though?

I'm going with Sweden, under my new "you need a superstar to win at these types of tournaments" rule.(not to mention: "never, ever trust a Flyers goalie in a big game. Eventually they implode, and it's not pretty.")

[RetroVertigo]

Sweden will win, but it will be close. Decided in the last few minutes

[Harborwolf]

Sweden has Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Samuelsson, Holmstrom, and Kronwall. As a Red Wings fan, my loyalties are clear. Go Swedes. :D

[St. Urho]

Finland! In case anyone was wondering :D

[flodnak]

Finland!

[Ms Macphisto]

Sweden has Lidstrom, Zetterberg, Samuelsson, Holmstrom, and Kronwall. As a Red Wings fan, my loyalties are clear. Go Swedes. :D
Pretty much my reasoning, except that as a Canucks fan I'll say that Sweden has the Sedins, had Ohlund until he got injured and would've had Naslund if he hadn't been hurt going into the Olympic break, so go Sweden.

[Charlie Tan]

There's psychology involved. We've always had trouble with Finland, in all sports. I don't know why, but it's as if the players are more afraid to meet Finland than any other country. Maybe because we're neighbouring nations and Sweden is the bigger country with larger population. Losing to Finland shouldn't be an option, but it happens often enough to make our players nervous.

I sure hope we win, but if we do, I expect a close call. And my WAG would be that our team go home with a silver medal.

[Johnny L.A.]

Finland!
Just the answer I'd expect from a Norwegian! ;)

[flodnak]

Just the answer I'd expect from a Norwegian! ;) :D

[VanillaGorilla]

For me that is a very easy question (being a Swede and all :P ), but I gotta say, that even if losing to Finland is always bitter (and winning over them is of course extra sweet), I still think that they are an excellent team, and if they do win, they will have deserved it. Respect to Finland.

Anyway... -Go Sweden!


(I may not be this gracious if we actually DO lose though, I got to admit, hehe...)

[Ike Witt]

I've been saying Finland for quite a while now. They are the best 'team' in the tournament. They have had amazing goaltending when you consider that their two top choices didn't come. 5 shut outs in 7 games - think about that. Not to mention they have who could be my all time favourite hockey player on their team - Jere Lehtinen.

[drm]

After watching yesterdays games I think it's a toss up but I'm putting my money on Sweden.

It depends on how Sweden adapts to Finland's style of play. The russians gave it away over and over again and when the score started to climb, they didn't adjust they just kept playing the same game, only sloppier. If Sweden is cautious and keeps their passes short then dumps and chases they have the talent to really lay it to the fins. Their offence has been hot lately.

Plus there are two Swedish athletes I have a huge crush on (Anja Paerson, Carlina Kluft) so naturally I want Sweden to win.

[Least Original User Name Ever]

I like Sweden as well. Only because a couple of years ago, ESPN ran a commercial or photo ad in a magazine of an unidentified goalie writing graffiti on a chalkboard. "Mats Sundin is a Swede." Of all the foreign players in the NHL, I will always remember Sundin's nationality because of that ad.


those commercials were great...remember the one where the crazy goalie put down the banana peel to make sundin fall and then hid behind the door?
then when sundin just walked over it when he was on skates and didn't even realize it was there, the door closed and the goalie had the "look of shame"?
ah, i love that commercial....

[Least Original User Name Ever]

go swedeland!

[Wakinyan]

There's psychology involved. We've always had trouble with Finland, in all sports. I don't know why, but it's as if the players are more afraid to meet Finland than any other country. Maybe because we're neighbouring nations and Sweden is the bigger country with larger population. Losing to Finland shouldn't be an option, but it happens often enough to make our players nervous.

If you're talking psychology, it definitely will be Sweden on top. Remeber Helsinki, turning the 1-5 to 6-5...? Finland has a great history of losing to Sweden, and being the smaller neighbour, they wont stand the pressure if Sweden stay physical and close, and put a couple in the net. Finland never won a big tournament, and I don't think they will this year either, against these veterans among whom a few won the Olympics already, and Stanley Cup, among others.

Sweden will win!

[Johnny L.A.]

Sweden wins the gold!

Naturally, I ended up rooting for the other team.

[Harborwolf]

Sweden wins the gold!

Naturally, I ended up rooting for the other team.
Not sure on the need for spoilers. Game aired live on NBC at 8am and they've planned no later rebroadcast.

Still, I'll keep things vague to be polite. Congratulations to the winners. It was a hell of a game and an amazing third period. :D

[Johnny L.A.]

Not sure on the need for spoilers. Game aired live on NBC at 8am and they've planned no later rebroadcast.
Heh. Given NBC's abysmal coverage over the years, I've given up on them.