Quarterfinal breakdown

Team USA and Team Sweden have played brilliantly thus far, with their focus and execution being impeccable. In the quarterfinals, they meet the two teams that advanced from the preliminary qualifying games -- Germany and Belarus respectively. Both games are major mismatches -- the reward for the Americans and Swedes playing so well through the first three games.

The other two games in the quarterfinal round, however, offer terrific matchups. The only sure thing about these games is that when they end, so does the medal hopes of two fine teams.

Canada vs. Finland

Both of these teams improved over the first three games -- the Finns to a dramatic degree and Canada more subtly. Mario Lemieux supplies the difference offensively for Canada, although Teemu Selanne is a big stage performer for the Finns. In their final games of the opening round, both teams demonstrated determination in coming from behind. Canada twice erased one-goal deficits to draw even in their tie with the Czech Republic and Finland scored three unanswered goals after Russia forged a 1-0 first period lead. Both of these teams rely on emotion as much as X's & O's.

Offense:

Two men define their respective attacks -- Lemieux for Canada and Selanne for Finland. Both provided the necessary spark in their teams last outings -- proving again their elite status as performers who seize the moment. The Finns have received nice production from their second line of Mikko Eloranta-Yuha Ylonen-Sami Kapanen . They are responsible defensively and skilled enough to put Kapanen's speed to good use. Canada will likewise need at least one other source of offense up front aside from the Paul Kariya-Mario Lemieux-Steve Yzerman trio. Youngsters Simon Gagne and Jarome Iginla received plenty of ice time against the Czech Republic -- Canada's chances of success increases greatly if they can mesh with veteran centerman Joe Sakic .

Defensive:

For Canada, Chris Pronger has to improve his play dramatically -- provide the impact he routinely does in the NHL. His struggles continued throughout game three, guilty of forcing passes and hanging onto the puck too long on the breakout. Others struggling with consistency on the backline are Rob Blake and Eric Brewer -- but if Pronger has a strong outing, that would make Selanne's task much more difficult. Defensively, the Finns rely on sound five-man fundamentals and their rearguards are the perfect compliments to the diligent group of forwards. The key for them is quick puck movement -- they are not the best-suited group for one-on-one battles down low -- an area Canada will look to control on the forecheck.

Goaltending:

Both Martin Brodeur and Jani Hurme are coming off solid performances. The edge goes to Brodeur with his resume of two Stanley Cups, although he did lose game six and seven last spring when his team had a chance to close out their third title. Early presence is the essential ingredient from the crease in this one.

Intangibles:

The underdog status fits their nation and fuels the Finns game. The outcome may come down to the Canadians ability to establish their forecheck versus the Finns execution in the open ice. Either way, this game will be close. Prediction: Canada wins 4-2 with Iginla, Gagne or Ryan Smyth scoring the pivotal goal.

Russia vs. Czech Republic

Overview:

This is the classic rivalry from across the pond. It pits the gold medalists vs. the silver medallists from '98. Jaromir Jagr defines the Czechs on offense, while Dominik Hasek in goal is their central figure. An explosive attack characterizes Team Russia -- one that has puck-control centermen and speed on the outside, led by the explosive Pavel Bure . The defense has been quiet offensively, but is more than capable of scoring -- something that might turn the tide in this one.

Offense:

Martin Havlat responded with two goals against Canada when moved to the top line with Jagr. The question for the Czechs is top-line centerman Robert Lang . He went out of that game late in the second period after falling awkwardly headfirst into the end boards. Jan Hrdina moved between Jagr and Havlat and his play might be critical if called upon to do the same against Russia. Either way, the Czech Republics success may ultimately hinge on the production of Peter Sykora-Jiri Dopita -and Patrik Elias . It is a premier combination, with Dopita as the X-factor, capable of scoring big goals. Russia needs their top line of Sergei Samsonov-Sergei Federov-Ilya Kovalchuk to perform with the same dazzle they did in the first two games. Additionally, Alexei Yashin and Alexei Kovalev have to be much more of a factor than they have been thus far.

Defense:

Defensively, Russia really misses Dmitry Yushkevich -- unable to play because of a blood clot in his leg. Without him, Russia has looked vulnerable in defending the top offensive players of the opposition. Someone will have to play tough against Jagr whenever he is on the ice -- likely former teammate Darius Kasparaitis or Vladamir Malakhov . The youngish Czech blueline corps will face their stiffest challenge yet in handling the Russian's interior-puck-control/outside-speed attack. Thus far, all have performed well, particularly Tomas Kaberle and Pavel Kubina . That has to hold true in this contest.

Goaltending:

This is the critical matchup. Nikolai Khabibulin has to match Hasek on the big stage. This is a defining moment for Khabibulin, who has mostly struggled through three games in these Olympics. He has to prove he can win a meaningful game -- something he has never been able to do at the NHL level, despite the flattering statistics. Is he merely a very good goalie who performs well on mostly mediocre teams -- in low-pressure situations, or does his will to win match his shot-blocking skill? We'll find out Wednesday.

Intangibles:

If Khabibulin performs with the aplomb he did two weeks ago at the all-star game, this has the makings of a classic. Even if Khabibulin rises to the occasion, though, Russia's vaunted attack has to be in top form to eliminate Hasek -- rendering him the artist formerly known as the Dominator in the process. Prediction -- Russia wins 3-2 on a third period powerplay goal by Sergei Gonchar .

Enjoy the excitement.

Darren Eliot, a former NHL goaltender, is a hockey analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and will provide Olympic hockey commentary throughout the Games for CNNSI.com.

 

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