Week 2 Olympic Game Previews

Finland at Soviet Union

The most lopsided matchup on paper this week. Finland is coming off a nine-goal statement win, Helisomppi is the hottest player in the tournament, and Moranqvist hasn't shown a crack in net. The Soviets are licking wounds from a 10-goal performance — their defensive structure was shredded by USA's forwards, and Finland's attack is faster and deeper than anything the Red Army faced in game one. The pivotal question is Riktor Salvatorionov's health. He's listed day-to-day after finishing the USA game injured. If he's out or limited, Finland's job gets considerably easier. Even at full strength, the Red Army's youth — Andrewzov and Weiffenbachov — will be baptized by fire against Cosensalo and Hetfleischqvist. Fronekinov's declining legs, questioned openly post-game, will be probed aggressively by Finland's forecheck. Danislav Rippetiak is out tonight for unknown reasons and Vladimir Myshkin will fill in. Finland is a heavy favorite.

Canada at Czechoslovakia

This is the most intriguing game of the week. Canada arrived with swagger after a dominant first period against Sweden, but Czechoslovakia is a wounded team with elite offensive talent that hasn't fired yet — Orzechowski was quiet against Finland, Cankar had just one goal, and Donchez proved he belongs between those two. A desperate Czech side at home in their own pressure situation could be volatile. The matchup to watch is Snikeris vs. Friddle — Canada's all-time points leader against a goaltender who has shown both brilliance and vulnerability. If Friddle channels his best, the Czechs have enough firepower to keep it close. Thier D will have to limit the quality of Canadian scoring chances. But Canada's depth — Pirc in big moments, Thomas on the wing, Kirner and Boban on the forecheck — is relentless. Christopher Yung was solid in his international debut and will need to handle a Czech offense that's hungrier and more desperate than what Sweden threw at him. Advantage Canada, but the Czech offense could make this interesting if they come out angry.

United States at Sweden

The marquee matchup of the week. USA is riding a 10-goal high and Jokisch is playing like a man possessed, but Sweden is not the Soviet Union. Brenczewskstrom and Shawberg are elite offensive players — 2.7 ppg each — and the Swedes will be motivated after a chaotic first-period collapse against Canada that didn't reflect their true level. Foremanblad's return to the net (presumably) restores their biggest asset. The question for USA is whether Methvin can handle the Swedish attack better than he handled the high-shot pressure from the Soviets, and whether Jokisch can replicate his six-goal magic against a more disciplined blue line that includes Morattisson and Peckhammgren. Porter is the steadying force for USA — he doesn't need Jokisch to go nuclear to be effective. If Sweden plays a structured defensive game and doesn't bleed first-period goals, this could be the closest result of the week. Slight edge USA on current form, but Sweden is very capable of an upset.

Czechoslovakia at Sweden

Two teams staring at an 0-2 tournament record if they lose their second games this week. Sweden also playing the nightcap of their back-to-back while Czechoslovakia will have had a days rest. This will be a must-win situation for both. Czechoslovakia needs Friddle to show the face-saving brilliance he flashed late against Finland — the glove save on Silvas was elite, and that version of Friddle can keep the Czechs competitive. Sweden, meanwhile, needs answers from their blue line after giving up six goals in fifteen minutes to Canada. Hannonberg's return from absence would be critical for Sweden's defensive structure. Cankar vs. Sweden's stay-at-home pair of Bartonsson and Moranqvist-adjacent defenders will be the central battle. Orzechowski's speed off the rush — quiet in game one — is exactly the type of attack that can exploit a Swedish defensive group that hasn't been locked in. This game could be a low-scoring physical battle or it could open up into a back-and-forth exchange of goals. Both teams need the two points. The intensity should be the highest of the week.