Yzerman: Russia should be considered favorite
(AP) — Russia is the favorite.
So says Steve Yzerman, the executive director for Canada's hockey team, which is expected to win gold at the Vancouver Olympics by the entire host country.
"They've got some of the top forwards in the world right now," Yzerman said of the Russians, the two-time defending world champs, at a news conference Saturday.
"They're the No. 1-ranked team in the world. They're the favorite going into this tournament. We have to play our best, and with a little bit of luck the other countries can dethrone them."
Considering the burden on the Canadian players in their hockey-crazed home, Yzerman is perhaps wise in painting his powerful squad as an underdog. He asserted that other countries face the same pressure.
"Do you think they'll have a parade in Moscow if the Russians win the silver medal? They won't," the former Detroit Red Wings star said. "The expectation in Russia is gold. The expectation in Sweden is gold. Whether they admit it or not, the USA is in this to win a gold medal."
Still, the single-elimination aspect of the Olympics makes the games extra nerve-racking, especially for a top team like Canada.
"I'd prefer personally to play a seven-game series because I think that's where you see who the best team is," said Edmonton Oilers president Kevin Lowe, an associate director for Hockey Canada. "But the Olympics are a wonderful format, and we embrace it."
Yzerman suggested players should simply look at it like the Stanley Cup finals: six or seven games for the title, and no chance of elimination until the fourth game.
"A lot of it is a crapshoot," he said, "but you've got to make educated decisions along the way; you've got to prepare along the way, much like you would in any playoff series in the NHL."
Yzerman hopes NHL players will still have that chance at future Olympics. Commissioner Gary Bettman has expressed reservations about continuing to allow the league's stars to play in the games.
"I think it has been great for hockey," Yzerman said. "You've had three different gold-medal winners. I think it's been great for the game and it's been great for the NHL. I can tell you as a former player and playing with a lot of these guys and knowing them, they love being a part of it. ... Regardless of the inconvenience or whatnot, it would be a mistake for the game if we're not involved."
