By Matt Canamucio, My Sportsbook NHL Editor
Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - The premise of holding the World Cup of Hockey in the first two weeks of September 2004 may have made sense when initially conceived, but right now you have to wonder.
The tournament, which has not been held since a successful 1996 edition, will be sandwiched between the closing ceremonies of the Summer Olympics and the expiration of the National Hockey League's collective bargaining agreement.
Oh yes, the first four days of the WCH will also coincide with the 2004 Republican National Convention in New York. Not exactly a prime spot if you're seeking attention that will help with the progression of a sport's dwindling popularity with the masses.
Of course, the true issue is that as I write this we are only 19 days away from the CBA's expiration, and the bickering between the two negotiating sides leads me to believe that things are in worse shape now than they were two weeks ago.
If there is a lockout, especially a lengthy one, who really cares if we see a thrilling two weeks of international hockey. Instead of the World Cup being a warm up to the season it will merely be a cruel tease.
At any rate, the World Cup will go on and we have to talk about it, so here is a look at the eight clubs.
UNITED STATES - While it has been eight years since the U.S. pulled off a surprising upset of Canada in '96, the Americans will have 11 players and their coach who were a part of that championship team. But with most of those players now in their 30s, or 40s in the case of some, the team's chances most likely lie with the fresh blood.
The most glaring area of newness is in net, where we'll have to see if either Robert Esche, Ty Conklin or Rick DiPietro can mirror Mike Richter's heroics from 1996. Conklin is the elder statesman of the trio at 28, while Esche is 26 and DiPietro 22.
CANADA - Canada's international glory, unlike the Americans', isn't eight years old. In 2002, of course, the team ended 50 years of Olympic frustration with a gold medal in Salt Lake City, avenging the '96 World Cup loss by defeating the U.S. in the final.
Like the U.S., Canada is has a veteran core, led by Mario Lemieux and Joe Sakic, but it is the influx of young starpower that should have folks north of the border excited. The next generation of the NHL will truly be on display, with the likes of Jay Bouwmeester, Dany Heatley, Vincent Lecavalier, Brad Richards, Simon Gagne, Patrick Marleau, Roberto Luongo and Joe Thornton on the roster. These players are not just stars, but many are on the cusp of superstardom -- and they're all 25 or younger.
In net the Canadians will once again rely on two-time reigning Vezina winner Martin Brodeur, who rescued the team in Salt Lake City after a less than stellar start to the tournament backed by Curtis Joseph.
CZECH REPUBLIC - The Czechs are mourning the loss of head coach Ivan Hlinka, who died following a car accident days before training camp. He was replaced by former NHL player Vladimir Ruzicka.
Without Dominik Hasek between the pipes, the Czechs have an uncertain goaltending situation for the first time in a while. Taking the Dominator's place will be Nashville's Tomas Vokoun, an all star this past season -- his first full one as a starter.
The Czechs still have a potent forward corps with the likes of Jaromir Jagr, Petr Sykora, Patrik Elias, Martin Havlat and Milan Hejduk, but they will be without Robert Lang, who pulled out earlier this month.
FINLAND - Of the European teams, Finland plays the style that most resembles the NHL brand of hockey. But while they have several hard-nosed offensive weapons -- Saku Koivu and Olli Jokinen to name two -- and a very solid defense corps, the Fins aren't as talented as the top contenders. They lack a true sniper, as Teemu Selanne is nearing the end.
GERMANY - The Germans should just be happy to be there, with a limited amount of NHL players at their disposal. This team normally plays defense-first hockey to give itself a fighting chance, but has been said to have opened things up, albeit slightly.
Keep an eye on forward Marco Sturm, who has come of age in the last three years with the San Jose Sharks. The speedy left wing scored 21 goals with 20 assists in only 64 games this past season.
Their x-factor is goaltender Olie Kolzig, who isn't what he used to be but can still provide stability behind a strict defensive system.
RUSSIA - Several top Russians have withdrawn from the tournament for one reason or another, including Sergei Fedorov and Nikolai Khabibulin. The losses will certainly hamper Russia's chances at winning this thing -- they were a popular favorite heading into the 2002 Olympics -- but that's not to say we won't see flashes of Russian hockey at its best.
For this we should expect to look to the young trio of Ilya Kovalchuk, Pavel Datsyuk and 2004 No. 1 draft pick Alexander Ovechkin. Ovechkin, who was chosen by the Washington Capitals, will receive his first opportunity to showcase his skills against top level talent.
SLOVAKIA - The team was embarrassed in 2002, failing to make its way out of the qualifying round. However, this is a team to watch, especially up front. Marian Hossa, Marian Gaborik, Peter Bondra, Ziggy Palffy and Pavol Demitra are just a few of the big-time scorers on the roster, but unless they can win games 6-5 every day they'll be in trouble.
Aside from Norris trophy finalist Zdeno Chara, the Slovaks have an inexperienced blue line, and the goaltending depth chart is full of non- NHLers.
SWEDEN - Most of those who aren't picking Canada or the U.S. are tagging the Swedes as the favorite. Not only will the team use its upset loss to Belarus in Salt Lake City for motivation, but it is loaded up front.
Markus Naslund, Peter Forsberg, Daniel Alfredsson and Mats Sundin lead a club that can score, and score in bunches. Put the Belarus game aside for a second and remember Sweden blowing the doors off Canada in the 2002 Olympic opener.
In net, Tommy Salo, who allowed the cheap game-winner to Belarus, is in competition for playing time with Mikael Tellqvist, who is expected to be the primary starter. Tellqvist, a member of the Maple Leafs organization, has had some solid moments during international play.
