By Andy Tabor

The United States hockey team has had a very successful winter Olympics thus far but hope to continue farther in their pursuit of a gold medal when they play Finland 2 pm central.  The Americans look very hot going into this game however the Finland team has many top NHL performers to counter America.

Finland has players such as Teemu Selanne and the Koivu brothers whom come from top NHL franchises and are all accustomed to playing with each other.  The Finland team will be a dangerous test for the Americans.

America could conceivably come into this game with a cocky “we beat Canada” attitude.  Look for Finland to try and make this a physical contest early and be aggressive offensively to surprise the Yanks.

America will need defenseman Brian Rafalski and captain Jamie Langenbrunner to supply offense, tough defense, and overall savvy to help produce another USA victory.  If the Yanks win, then they will at least lock up the silver medal.

With a loss, they would play for the bronze medal in the consolation game.  A possible match-up in either game with Canada is a distinct possibility.  The re-match would be a widely viewed contest with one great team coming out on top.