This weekend, the 2016 World Cup of Hockey will begin, bringing with it the biggest superstars in the National Hockey League. Starting September 17 in Toronto, eight teams will vie for the championship in a tournament not played since 2004. Let’s take a look at the chances for Team Canada.
by Bryan Vickroy
What the Dream Team is to basketball, Team Canada is to hockey the same level of dominance. The boys from the Great White North are the defending World Cup of Hockey, Olympic, and World Championship champs. If this team doesn’t make it to at least the finals, it will be a disappointment. Really, anything less than victory will be seen as subpar. The deepest team has home ice advantage, the most well rounded lineup in the tournament, and possibly the greatest international player anyone has seen in Sidnes Crosby.
Everyone is crowning them champions before the tournament, now they have to go out and live up to the hype.
WCOH History
1996 WCOH: 2nd Place
2004 WCOH: 1st Place
Potential Lines
Best Case Scenario
Essentially the same team that won gold in Sochi, they will be playing at home. The team stays healthy, the players are playing to form, and Canada continues their domination of the sport they consider a birthright.
Worst Case Scenario
Injuries, which have already depleted the roster, unfortunately occur. Too much of a good thing in net leads to second guessing if things start to go south. If players treat it like the preseason, they could be shocked early and not win their group, setting up a dangerous semifinal game.
Team MVP: Sidney Crosby
Leading Scorer: Steven Stamkos
Breakout Star: Jake Muzzin