Canada, Russia, Sweden, Finland and the United States are once again gold medal contenders, but there are several other nations talented enough to reach the podium.
Slovakia finished fourth at the 2010 Vancouver Games and brought a talented roster to Sochi led by Boston Bruins captain Zdeno Chara, the Czech Republic has the offensive firepower needed to compete with the elite squads, and Switzerland is a hockey country on the rise with four NHL defensemen and a top-tier goalie in Jonas Hiller.
With so many players believing a trip to the medal stand is possible, the action in Sochi promises to be one of the most exciting and competitive tournaments in Olympic history.
