Olympic Hockey 2014: Schedule, TV Info and Team Predictions for Day 7
After two days of men's ice hockey in the 2014 Olympics, we have already seen some impressive performances from the more dominant teams. The standings are beginning to reflect which countries look to be the favorites for the remaining competition.
However, there are still plenty of games left in the tournament, and Day 7 brings with it more enticing action.
Currently, each team has played one game in the preliminary round. Let's take a look at the standings before these teams take the ice once again on Friday:
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| United States | 1 | 0 | 7 | 1 | 3 |
| Russia | 1 | 0 | 5 | 2 | 3 |
| Slovenia | 0 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| Slovakia | 0 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 0 |
| Finland | 1 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 3 |
| Canada | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 3 |
| Norway | 0 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| Austria | 0 | 1 | 4 | 8 | 0 |
| Sweden | 1 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 3 |
| Switzerland | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| Latvia | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Czech Republic | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 0 |
On Friday, the standings will continue to take shape, as we will see action from the eight teams from Group B and Group C. Let's take a closer look at all four of these matches, as well as provide all viewing information and give a prediction for each.
Group C: Czech Republic vs. Latvia
When: Friday, Feb. 14
Where: Bolshoy Ice Dome
TV Time: 3 a.m. ET
Channel: NBC
Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com
Prediction
Both of these teams will look to get on track on Friday, as each lost their opening contest. The Czech Republic lost to a very strong Sweden team by a score of 4-2. Sweden got out in front early, but the Czechs made a game of it, getting two goals past Henrik Lundqvist.
Latvia was involved in a defensive struggle against Switzerland, losing by a score of 1-0. Goaltender Edgars Masalskis was on point, recording 38 saves. However, he will have his hands full against the Czech Republic's strong offense.
Czech Republic 3, Latvia 1
Group C: Sweden vs. Switzerland
When: Friday, Feb. 14
Where: Bolshoy Ice Dome
TV Time: 7:30 a.m. ET
Channel: NBC
Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com
Prediction
The winner of this matchup should go on to earn the top spot in Group C, as these two teams are the strongest of the four. Sweden looked as advertised during their opening contest against the Czech Republic. The team's depth on offense was on display as they scored early and often.
Switzerland had a rather difficult time against Latvia. A third-period goal was the difference in the game for this team. Against the Swedes, they will have to find a way to generate more offense to keep up the pace. They may find it tough to find the back of the net once again with Lundqvist guarding the goal.
Sweden 4, Switzerland 1
Group B: Norway vs. Finland
When: Friday, Feb. 14
Where: Shayba Arena
TV Time: 12 p.m. ET
Channel: NBC
Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com
Prediction
Finland got off to the hottest start of the tournament, scoring eight goals against Austria in its opening game. With goals from six different players, the Finns' depth on offense was well on display. However, goaltending was a bit shaky, as Tuukka Rask allowed four goals on only 20 shots.
Norway kept it close with a very strong Canadian team during their opening matchup, losing by a score of 3-1. Goaltender Lars Haugen performed admirably, recording 35 saves on 38 shots. Going into Friday's matchup, the team with the best defense will come out on top.
Norway 3, Finland 2
Group B: Canada vs. Austria
When: Friday, Feb. 14
Where: Bolshoy Ice Dome
TV Time: 12 p.m. ET
Channel: NBC
Live Stream: NBCOlympics.com
Prediction
Canada got off to a nice start against Norway, winning by a score of 3-1. One of the deepest teams in the tournament, Canada is sound both offensively and defensively. The balance of this team will continue to pay off as the tournament goes on.
Austria struggled mightily in its opening game, allowing eight goals to Finland. The Finns took a high amount of shots on goal, as goaltender Bernhard Starkbaum recorded 44 saves on 52 shots. This team will face lots of pressure once again—this time from Canada on Friday.
Canada 5, Austria 2
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