Finland
Outlook: Finland is the least talked-about of the six teams in the top pool and, though the country may lack some of the star power of the other contenders, its players are dedicated to sound defensive principles. The team has a host of quality defensive forwards-Dallas winger Jere Lehtinen is the best of the bunch-and underrated defensemen such as Phoenix stalwart Teppo Numminen. However, the club is not as deep as other countries and could have goaltending issues with Ottawa backup Jani Hurme likely to see the most action.
Key Player: Winger Teemu Selanne has struggled since being dealt from Anaheim to San Jose last season but has the speed, shooting touch and skill to dominate on the larger international ice surface. The Finns will need a go-to offensive cog and Selanne was arguably the second-most dangerous forward at the 1998 Winter Games (Russia's Pavel Bure was virtually unstoppable in that tournament).
Olympic medal count: 2 silver, 1 bronze.
In 1998: Bronze medal, 3-3 record.
Preliminary schedule:
Feb. 15, vs. United States
Feb. 16, vs. qualifier
Feb. 18, vs. Russia
Quarterfinals begin Feb. 20.
Olympics