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NHL World Cup Predictions: Tournament Projections

By Ryan Ritchie

Sep 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Brandon Saad and Henrik Lundqvist and Evgeni Malkin and Tuukka Rask answer questions on stage from host George Stromboulopoulos (not pictured) during a press conference and media event for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2015; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Brandon Saad and Henrik Lundqvist and Evgeni Malkin and Tuukka Rask answer questions on stage from host George Stromboulopoulos (not pictured) during a press conference and media event for the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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NHL World Cup Predictions: 5 Bold Tournament Projections (Winner, Surprises, Emerging Performers)

Next in line for our NHL World Cup predictions is a good ol’ fashioned tradition around here at PuckProse. We precede every major league event by releasing our “5 Bold Predictions”, and have had good results.

Prior to 2015-16, we were correct about Connor McDavid scoring at a point-per-game pace in his first NHL season, and Dallas emerging as Stanley Cup contenders. Other times, we fell just short in our predictions such as we did with our 40-40 stat-line for Vladimir Tarasenko (he finished six assists short with 40g 34a).

Turning our focus to the upcoming World Cup of Hockey in Toronto, we once again put on our genie hat to see if we can add to our list of correct predictions.

World Cup of Hockey officially begins on September 17th, but the pre-tournament schedule kicks off in just a couple of days (Sept.8). After a couple of long summer months, hockey is finally back folks! Strap yourselves in for another long, exciting season of NHL action.

NHL World Cup Predictions: 5 Bold Tournament Projections

Team North America wins Group B

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On September 14 in Rangers history: Richter leads the USA to victory
On September 14 in Rangers history: Richter leads the USA to victory /

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    • The odds would suggest that Team NA has the lowest chance of coming out on top in Group B. We beg to differ. On paper, this team is equally as talented as Russia, Sweden, and Finland, if not better.

    They’re also a young, hungry squad that will be playing in front what could be the largest volume of fans. You’ll see the split in the stands when Canada squares off against the United States, but those same people will come together for Team North America.

    It also doesn’t hurt that Team NA has three outstanding netminders. Matt Murray led the Penguins to a Stanley Cup Championship; John Gibson stole the starter role from Frederik Andersen; and Connor Hellebuyck looks poised to be a solid NHL netminder.

    Czech Republic Fails to Record a Win

    Czech’s open the tournament by playing powerhouse Canada in what should be a decisive win for the red and white. Their best chance for a win comes in their second match-up against Team Europe. Lastly, they face the Americans in what promises to be a likely loss.

    The Achilles heel of the Czech Republic promises to be their blue line.

    This was already the case before the recent news that former Caps defenseman Tomas Kundratek would be replacing Radko Gudas. Don’t be surprised if this team struggles to keep the puck out of the net.

    Canada Wins 2016 WCOH

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    We wouldn’t be surprised if fans are treated to a best-of-three series featuring a rematch from the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

    Canada and the United States would need to finish 1-2 in Group A for this to occur, but that shouldn’t be a problem given their competition (Team Europe and Czech Republic).

    Given the wealth of choices to choose from in constructing a roster, it’s difficult to imagine anyone knocking off the Canadians. You could even argue that they own the top two goaltenders in the world.

    Goaltending Dominates Tournament

    Oct 20, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) makes a save against St. Louis Blues center David Backes (not pictured) during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports
    Oct 20, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Canadiens goalie Carey Price (31) makes a save against St. Louis Blues center David Backes (not pictured) during the first period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: Jean-Yves Ahern-USA TODAY Sports /

    When all is said and done, it could be goaltending that dominates headlines throughout the tournament. The question is, “which netminder is ready to step up and carry an entire team on their shoulders?”.

    Price/Holtby are obvious candidates; or, Quick/Bishop/Schneider for the Team USA; Murray/Gibson could emerge; maybe a pair of veterans in Henrik Lundqvist (Sweden) or Tuukka Rask (Finland)? Time will tell.

    Next: Team North America Set to Make Debut at WCOH

    Point Leaders

    Predicting the point leader for each team:

    Canada – Sidney Crosby
    USA – Joe Pavelski
    Czech Republic – David Pastrnak
    Europe – Marian Gaborik

    North America – Connor McDavid
    Russia – Vladimir Tarasenko
    Sweden – Nicklas Backstrom
    Finland – Patrik Laine

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