The Blue Jackets lease the arena from Nationwide Insurance, which privately funded the construction of the approximately $106 million facility after voters stuck down a proposed countywide ‘sin tax’ in 1997. As a result of their unique lease with the insurance giant, the Blue Jackets have lost upwards of $80 million over the past seven plus seasons.

A couple months ago, I spoke with Ohio State Professor Emeritus Stephen Buser, who led a study on the financial viability of the Blue Jackets and Nationwide Arena. His report offered a number of possible solutions to help the ailing franchise, and one of steps has already come to fruition in a Nationwide Arena-Schottenstein Center joint management deal. That is by no means a solution, but it is a step in the right direction.

On Wednesday night, Priest revealed little in his words, but sounded very optimistic.

“This is probably the first time I get to say this: we’re making really good progress. We actually have taken a large step forward,” he said. “I’ve got great confidence that we’re going to get something done in a manner that is not going to be a burden on the community.”

The “burden on the community” he spoke of is likely a reference to any sort of sales tax increase that would allow Franklin County to purchase the arena. That comes as no surprise, given the state of the economy and the fact numerous economic experts including Buser and Ty Marsh, CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce, have reiterated that increasing taxes is not the route to go.

“I would say more in the near term than not. Within the next season we should be able to get a solution,” he said. “I’ve got to make it clear, we don’t have any commitments. We have no agreements in place, but the dialogue has been very productive. The ideas that are being submitted have real possibilities.”

Priest appears to have softened his stance a bit, after suggesting earlier this week that a deal could be struck “10 to 20 days.” The change of heart, or rather words, likely has more to do with the delicate negotiation process than backtracking.

He once again emphasized that despite speculation, the Blue Jackets will remain in Columbus for the foreseeable future.

“We’re here. We’re not going to go anywhere. We’re going to get this done.”

- Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: @bart_logan

Moncton's Brandon Gormley is one of three blue chip defenseman in this year's draft.

On Friday, the Columbus Blue Jackets will participate in the franchise’s eleventh NHL Entry Draft. Of those 11 first round picks, ten have been in the top eight selections, with 2009 first rounder John Moore (21st overall) being the exception. Yet, for the most part the Blue Jackets have received a relatively disappointing return on a plethora of “blue chip” prospects. The CBJ’s first round futility has been well documented.

This year, the Blue Jackets are sitting relatively comfortably at number four overall. I say “relatively” because although they will have their pick of three to four second tier prospects behind the perceived top two, Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin, the pressure is building on general manager Scott Howson.

Over the past week, Howson saw two of his club’s Central Division rivals, St. Louis and Nashville, make moves that have radically reshaped their rosters. St. Louis traded a pair prospects, Lars Eller and Ian Schultz, to acquire the rights to Montreal’s playoff savant, Jaroslav Halak, and sure up their goaltending situation.

Nashville on the other hand, cleared house sending the rights of pending UFA Dan Hamhius to Philadelphia to reacquire young defender Ryan Parent. Just a few hours later, the Preds reunited their captain, Jason Arnott, with his old club, when they shipped him to New Jersey for right wing prospect Matt Halischuck and a second round pick.

While St. Louis’ move automatically makes them tougher competition in the Central Division – many, including myself, picked them to make the playoffs last season – it would be unwise to assume Nashville is waving the white flag on the 2010-2011 season. Nashville GM David Poile rarely makes poor personnel decisions and head coach Barry Trotz gets more out of his players than anyone in the league. I wouldn’t be surprised to if Nashville makes a couple of moves, if not draft day than July 1.

That’s all fine and dandy, but what does that have to do with the Blue Jackets?

Well, the consensus seems to be that the Blue Jackets, for better or for worse, have adopted a win-now mentality. With a win-now mentality and a division that boasts the last three Western Conference representatives in the Stanley Cup Finals – two of the last three winners at that – along with an improved St. Louis team, a GM might get a bit flustered. Maybe he starts to feel the pressure to make a reactionary move? A little bit of an itchy trigger-finger?

Fortunately for Columbus, Howson’s veins check in at around absolute zero. The only reactionary moves he will be making are in reactions to two of the franchise’s perennial needs: a no. 1 center and defenseman.

That no. 1 center is not likely to come through the draft. Seguin is sure to go in the top two and the drop off at the pivot is substantial enough that the CBJ would be unlikely to use the fourth overall selection on one, unless it’s part of a deal to acquire a proven one.

But a no. 1 defenseman you say? Well there are three potential blue line cornerstones available in this year’s draft, and at fourth overall, the Blue Jackets will have a choice of at least two of them. Those defenseman are Cam Fowler, Erik Gudbranson and Brandon Gormley.

Cam Fowler

Fowler spent the past season playing for the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League. The Farmington Hills, MI native put up some incredible offensive numbers to the tune of 8-47-55 over 55 games. He played a pivotal role on both the USA team that won the 2010 World Junior Championship, and the Spitfires, who took home their second consecutive Memorial Cup this past season. Director of NHL Central Scouting E.J McGuire described Fowler as the “prototypical offensive defenseman,” drawing comparisons to the likes of Brian Leech, Phil Housley and Tomas Kaberle.

“He’s your power play quarterback for years to come. He sees the ice – has the ability to control the tempo of the game from the blue line,” McGuire said. “His outstanding puck-handling and puck possession game sets him apart from almost every other defenseman eligible in this years draft.”

While Fowler has plenty of offensive upside, the knock on him is that he needs to bulk up to handle NHL forwards. No surprises there, as the 6-2 190 pound blue liner plays with little physical edge. And while I don’t want to take anything away from Fowler’s accomplishments, he certainly benefited from playing with veritable OHL All-Star team. Along with Hall, Fowler also benefited from playing with likes of Ryan Ellis, Zack Kassian and Greg Nemisz. And those are just the ones who were already selected in the first round over the past two seasons. It was Windsor’s Cup to lose, with or without Fowler.

Erik Gudbranson

If Fowler brings the flash, than Gubranson certainly brings the thunder. No player in this draft has seen his stock rise as much in the past few months as the hulking 6-4 195 pound defender from the Kingston Frontenacs. Gudbranson admittedly loves “playing with an edge” and “throwing big hits.” Despite playing an abbreviated season thanks to a knee injury and a bout with mono, Gudbranson managed 2-21-23 in 41 games. He’s surprisingly mobile for a defenseman, especially one of his stature. He also owns a right-handed cannon from the blue line that the CBJ would covet.

“Gudbranson to me is a guaranteed long-term NHLer. In my opinion, Gudbranson is another Chris Pronger-type,” McGuire said. “He is some kind of tough. Chris Pronger is mean and will hit you; Gudbranson will hit you and fight you.”

Gudbranson’s most underrated quality, and one that also draws Pronger comparisons, is his leadership. The native of Orleans, ON was an alternate captain on Kingston last season and spent time with the “C” as a 16-year-old OHL rookie. In addition he captained the Canadian U-17 and U-18 teams. Gubranson may have the highest ceiling of a defenseman in this year’s draft, but he’s likely the least NHL-ready of the big three, He would benefit from another year in juniors as well as time in AHL.

Brandon Gormley

Gormley may be the most intriguing defensive prospect for the Blue Jackets. He doesn’t fill up the stat sheet with points galore. He doesn’t knock opposing players through the glass. What the 6-2 190 Moncton Wildcats defenseman does is play the game with the poise of a 10-year NHL veteran. Gormley does not make bad decisions, with or without the puck. He can play the point on the power play – he teamed up with Columbus prospect David Savard on the Moncton PP blue line – and he can kill penalties. He makes crisp breakout passes and herds the puck while it’s on opponents’ sticks. His positioning is top-notch. Gormley’s game has been compared to the likes of Nicklas Lidstrom, Duncan Keith and Shea Weber.

“Gormley might be the best puck-controlling defenseman in the entire draft this year,” McGuire said.

NHL Central Scouting’s Chris Bordeleau echoes McGuire.

“Gormley has got the whole package. He’s got a good shot from the point, an accurate shot, low and can be deflected.”

Gormley helped lead Wildcats to the Memorial Cup round robin, despite the fact that the team was missing one of its top scorers, Kirill Kabanov: this draft’s enigmatic Russian winger. He also took home the Mike Bossy award as the QJMHL’s top professional prospect. The Murray River, PEI native has a very impressive pedigree. Prior to becoming the first overall pick in the “Q” entry draft, Gormley played at Notre Dame College in Saskatchewan, a program that has churned out it’s fair share of NHL stars. Gormley looks to be next in line.

Frankly, the Blue Jackets cannot go wrong with any of the three, at least not based upon current information. The consensus among the league seems to be that Florida will select Gudbranson with the third overall pick. While most see the Blue Jackets selecting Fowler in that case, I would argue for Gormley. While Fowler’s game is certainly conducive to the “new” NHL, it’s also similar to Moore’s, although there’s no denying Fowler is the better prospect. Gormley may not have the flash or the thunder, but he may be the best fit for a Blue Jackets team that desperately lacks stability on the back end.

-Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: @bart_logan

It did not take long for Scott Arniel to decide if he wanted the Blue Jackets head coaching job.

Scott Arniel is set to become the fifth head coach in Columbus Blue Jackets history. No false alarms this time. Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson will introduce the new head coach tomorrow at a press conference scheduled for 3 p.m. at Nationwide Arena.

Arniel accepted the CBJ coaching gig shortly after first choice Guy Boucher turned down an offer to take over the reigns. He has spent the last four seasons coaching the Manitoba Moose of the American Hockey League, where he compiled a record of 181-106-0-33.

In 2008-2009 he won the Louis A.R. Pieri Memorial Award as the top coach in the AHL. His Moose made it to the Calder Cup Finals before falling in Hershey Bears in six games.

- Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: @bart_logan

Guy Boucher (Getty Images)

The Columbus Blue Jackets have offered their head coaching position to Guy Boucher, as broken by the Columbus Dispatch. Boucher will reportedly take the weekend to mull over the offer before making his decision early next week.

Boucher, 38, spent this past season coaching the Hamilton Bulldogs, the American Hockey League affiliate of the Montreal Canadiens. He led the Bulldogs to a 52-17-3-8 record in 2009-2010, and came within one period of making the Calder Cup Finals in his first season with the team, his only coaching in the pros.

The consensus feeling is that Notre-Dame-du-Lac, Que. native was being “groomed” for the head coach spot at Montreal, which is currently occupied by Jacques Martin. That theory, along with his relative inexperience, has led to speculation that Boucher may not accept a National Hockey League coaching offer this year. Still, there is no debating that he is one of the rising stars in coaching, and he will find his way behind an NHL bench sooner rather than later.

Boucher has been influence by likes of Jacques Lemaire, Mike Babcock and Pat Quinn, but has gained notoriety for his own revolutionary system. Boucher’s teams play an “extremely aggressive” offensive style, focusing on moving the puck up the ice at all times and he is not shy about letting defenseman lead the rush.

“I’m very, very keen on developing offense,” Boucher said in an interview for hamiltonbulldogs.com. “For me, it’s about time and space — not giving it to the other team — and creating it for ourselves as fast as we can and as aggressively as we can.”

On the power play, Boucher applies an unusual 1-3-1 setup as opposed traditional overload or umbrella. One player sets up in front of the net, one in the high slot, and a pair along the sidewalls while a defenseman roves along the point. It creates havoc for penalty killers who can be easily exposed in a diamond or box arrangement.

Boucher also applies an unconventional 1-3-1 forecheck. The first skater in the zone pushes the puck toward the outside. The left defenseman sets up along the left wall, as opposed to center ice as is the case with most 1-3-1 systems. The other two forwards occupy the center ice and the right side, creating a wall in the neutral zone, and the right defenseman covers the back end, where he is free to adjust on the fly. Some have likened his forecheck to a full court press.

Boucher has also garnered plenty of praise for his ability to develop and motivate players, especially youngsters. The McGill University graduate has three degrees, including a master’s in sports psychology. Blue Jackets center Derrick Brassard played under Boucher in 2006-2007, when he was of the Drummondville Voltiguers, and he made no secret of his affinity for his former, and likely future, head coach.

“I’ve never played for a guy like him, a guy who is capable of getting the best out of every player,” Brassard said in an interview with The Dispatch. “He was always in your head, always keeping you energized and motivate.”

Despite all the positives, there are still plenty of questions surrounding the possible CBJ-Guy Boucher marriage. Although Boucher has seen success at every level of coaching so far, there is no guarantee that his system will succeed in the NHL, where so much time is spent breaking down video to expose any possible weakness. Teams will game plan and find holes.

There is also the issue of his experience. Boucher has spent only one season coaching professionals, and spent only three as a head coach in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League prior to that. Age could also be a factor as Boucher, who at 38-year-old, has only four years on the elder statesman of the Blue Jackets roster, Chris Clark. Although a player such as Clark would never admit it, some veterans do not mesh well with young, inexperienced coaches.

In addition, the current make-up of the Blue Jackets roster is not necessarily conducive to Boucher’s systems. With the exception of Kris Russell, and Anton Stralman on occasion, the Blue Jackets defense lacks the mobility and puck handling skills to push the play forward. There is also no question that there is a significant learning curve to adjust to Boucher’s system.

Still, there is no denying that, of the four final coaching candidates, Boucher is the most intriguing. That was clearly the case for Blue Jackets general manager Scott Howson. While former Blue Jackets player and development coach Kevin Dineen was considered the early favorite for the position, Howson insisted on waiting to interview Boucher, whose playoff run with the Hamilton forced the coaching search to extend into June. Other candidates include Scott Arniel, head coach of the AHL’s Manitoba Moose, and Claude Noel, who took over after Ken Hitchcock was fired in February.

The Dispatch has reported that Howson met with Boucher twice. The first time was at the NHL Scouting Combine in Hamilton, Ont. last month.  The second conversation took place last week in Columbus, likely at John P. McConnell’s Double Eagle Golf Club.

It appears that the Blue Jackets have finally found their coach. Howson put in his time and due diligence, and it’s my belief that it will be reflected next season, regardless if Boucher is behind the bench or one of the other candidates. Then again, it could very well backfire if Boucher declines the position. Some have reported that there’s nothing left but hammering out the specifics of the contract, but with the Blue Jackets, you can never take anything for granted.

- Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: @bart_logan

The Coyotes selected Kolarik in the seventh round of the 2004 draft, 191 picks after the Blue Jackets selected Picard. The native of Abington, Pennsylvania has registered 9-6-15 in 16 games with Syracuse since the trade. He has 46-54-100 in 151 career AHL games with Syracuse and San Antonio.

Kolarik,  a former University of Michigan standout, collected 78-96-174 in 163 games for Red Berenson’s Wolverines over  four seasons. He was a Second Team All-American and a CCHA First Team All-Star in 2007-2008, his senior season in Ann Arbor.

At only 5’10″ and 170 pounds, Kolarik is an undersized forward. He makes up for his lackluster stature with great speed and solid hands. While he needs to polish his defensive game, he can add a solid scoring touch in an energy roll and could even be featured on the power play in the final games of the season.

Kolarik may make his NHL debut tonight when the Blue Jackets travel to St. Louis to take on the Blues.

- Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: @BartFTC

Forwards

Chad Kolarik: Does the diminutive winger get a call-up to the big club before the season is over? Kolarik has been putting up big AHL numbers over the past two seasons after a standout career under Red Berenson at the University of Michigan. In seven games with Syracuse Kolarik is 5-3-8 after being acquired from Phoenix in the swap for Alexander Picard. Kolarik has great speed and good hands and appears to have put in enough work to at least merit a look before the season ends.

Nikita Filatov: While logic suggests that the talented Russian winger should finish out the NHL season in Columbus, Blue Jackets fans and management may have to wait until training camp to get a second look at the organization’s top prospect. The Dispatch’s Aaron Portzline has reported “no chance” of a return before 2010-2011.

Maksim Mayorov: The other enigmatic Russian winger in the CBJ system, Mayorov’s brief stint with the Jackets last week was nothing to write home about. After being benched vs. Atlanta by Coach Claude Noel for defensive lapses, Mayorov saw just over 20 minutes in three games with the Jackets. Mayorov, who was originally projected as a top 15-25 pick in 2007, has yet to put up consistent offensive numbers in North America. He still may get a couple more opportunities with the Union Blue before the season ends as the club tries to evaluate prospects.

Tomas Kana: Kana may be a long shot but don’t be too surprised if he gets recalled for a game or two. The 22-year-old Czech pivot has put up decent numbers on a poor Syracuse Crunch team and is tied for the team lead with a +2 rating. Kana is very strong in his own end and is one of the key penalty killers for the Crunch. His offense still needs polishing but he’s tied for second on the team with 6 power play goals.

Defense

John Moore: The club has indicated that they would like Moore to spend the next season in the AHL, but that does not mean the 2009 21^st overall pick won’t get a look at the end of the season. Moore can get 10 NHL games under his belt before the first year of his entry-level contract kicks in. Moore’s Kitchener Rangers begin their first round series with the Saginaw Spirit Friday, but an early playoff exit could mean Moore in the Union Blue sweater this season.

Nick Holden: It’s been a tough season for Nick Holden. Tapped as one of the favorites for the 7^th defenseman spot last summer, Holden’s bout with mono kept him out of action for most of training camp. He had a very rough start in Syracuse but has managed to salvage his season putting up a respectable 5-15-20 over 56 games. Holden has ideal NHL size at 6’4” and plays a solid two-way game. He could certainly benefit from some NHL minutes but he may still be a season or two away from really breaking into the lineup.

-Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: @BartFTC

Raffi Torres was dealt to the Buffalo Sabers for defenseman Nathan Paetsch and a 2nd round pick. Paetsch is 26-year-old defenseman who’s a pending free agent this summer.

Washington has also reacquired defenseman Milan Jurcina. Awaiting details. The Dispatch’s Tom Reed reports the Blue Jackets will receive a 6th round pick for Jurcina.

Fredrik Modin has reportedly been dealt to the LA Kings for a conditional 7th round pick. Some questions surrounding whether the trade was submitted on time.

Mathieu Roy was dealt to the Florida Panthers for University of Michigan center Matt Rust.

Alexander Picard dealt to Phoenix for prospect Chad Kolarik.

Possible Targets:

Tom Gilbert of Edmonton might be the target of a Jurcina-Torres package deal. The Oilers are trying to clear cap space for some big summer moves.Gilbert still has four seasons at $4million left on a six-year extension he signed in 2008. His numbers are way off from a career high 45 points last season. Gilbert’s a big, mobile defenseman with a hard right-handed shot.

Ryan Parent of Philadelphia is the name that’s come up most often in Flyers discussion. Parent is still rehabbing from injury but he’s a young tough defenseman. Philadelphia does not have a 1st or 2nd round pick.

Trade Assets:

Raffi Torres: It’s almost a foregone conclusion that the gritty winger will have a new home by 3pm this afternoon. He’s been linked all over the league and according to TSN’s Bob McKenzie, Scott Howson has set a 1^st round pick as the asking price. Don’t be surprised if he is moved for a young roster player or packaged with Milan Jurcina. Teams that have been linked to the winger are numerous but include Edmonton, LA, Boston and Phoenix with long shots including Philadelphia and the New York Rangers.

Milan Jurcina: Despite Pierre McGuire’s burn on the lanky Slovak, make no mistake Jurcina’s stock is on the rise. He was left out of last night’s lineup. Although management assured that is was an injury precaution. Jurcina’s response: “Whatever they said they said.” Boston may be a potential suitor especially after the Bruins trade of Derek Morris. Add Vancouver to that list and the Capitals may even be interested in reacquiring Jurcina’s services. My feeling is that Jurcina and Torres will be packaged.

Fredrik Modin: A lot less suitors for the Big Swede who looked solid in a few games with Team Sweden, but his injury history and high salary make him difficult to move. Edmonton and Tampa Bay are couple teams that have been linked with Modin. I’ve heard from a couple sources that Modin would allow a trade.

We’ll be updating throughout the day with any rumors or deals that can be confirmed.

-Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: BartFTC

The Blue Jackets are nine points out of eighth place in the West with only 19 games remaining in the season. That’s a pretty big margin to make up in the final month and a half of the season, and General Manager Scott Howson is not expected to do anything to make it easier. The Blue Jackets will be sellers on Wednesday’s trade deadline.

Almost certain to be moved is winger Raffi Torres. Scott Howson is rumored to be asking for a second round pick for the 19-goal scorer. With the market trend set by the likes of Dominic Moore, Matt Cullen and as recently as this morning with Florida’s trade of Jordan Leopold, a first round pick should not be out of question. Torres has some hefty playoff experience, plays the game with reckless abandonment, and has a propensity for scoring clutch goals. He’ll be playing in the postseason.

Other Blue Jackets that can be added to the list of possible trade targets are free agents-to-be Milan Jurcina and Fredrik Modin. Jurcina, who has looked solid in limited playing time since being acquired from Washington earlier this season, certainly buoyed his trade value with an impressive performance for the Cinderella Slovaks.

Modin looked reinvigorated playing for Team Sweden, but came down sick in the Swedes’ final game. Modin also has to waive a no-trade clause, but some sources believe that will not be an issue. It may be tougher finding a buyer for Modin, who has been in-and-out of the infirmary for much of his tenure with the Blue Jackets.

Jan Hejda, Fedor Tyutin and Marc Methot are all outside shots to be moved at the deadline. Scott Howson plans on revamping the defense over the summer and the blue line has been backlogged for much of the season

Hejda has been Mr. Reliable during his tenure with the Blue Jackets, but it’s for that reason that he could garner some interest at the deadline. He’s a bargain at $2million this year and next, even with a sub-par season so far.

Tyutin, while mistake prone, has put up some impressive offensive numbers while quarterbacking the CBJ power play. He also may be buoyed by his Olympic performance. He was paired on defense with Pittsburgh’s Sergei Gonchar, and even made it out on a number of Russian power plays (sometimes ahead of Alexander Ovechkin).

Marc Methot’s name was tossed around in December, but has not been talked about since. Methot is still young and needs to polish his game, but on last season’s performance he could easily net a mid-round pick.

Howson would like to move defenseman Mike Commodore, who has been an enormous disappointment this season, but he’s due $3.75million for the next three seasons. No one’s buying at that price. Rostislav Klesla’s injury may keep him out of the lineup for the rest of the season if he has hip surgery so scratch his name off as well.

Blue Jackets management feels that they have too many “defensive minded defenseman” in their top 4. At least one or two will be dealt over the deadline and summer as Howson looks to create a more dynamic blue line. Don’t expect John Moore to come in immediately next season as Blue Jackets brass does not want to rush him as so many blue chip prospects have been in the past. The Olympics end and the deadline is less than 72 hours away. Welcome back to the NHL.

Notes:

One possible trade partner for Raffi Torres may be scratched from the list. The Pittsburgh Penguins have been scouting Blue Jackets games for the past month or so but traded away there second round pick to the Florida Panthers this morning in return for defenseman Jordan Leopold.

The New York Rangers have scouted numerous Blue Jackets games and are believed to be interested in Torres’ services for the remainder of the seasons and a playoff run. Scott Howson is rumored to be high on young Russian center Artem Anisimov, but the Rangers would be weary to part with him.

With 63 games already in the books, the Jackets are tied with the Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators and Phoenix Coyotes for most games played thus far. The eighth-place Calgary Flames have nine points and one game in hand on the CBJ.

It may not be out of the realm of possibility for Nikita Filatov to return after the KHL season ends a little later this month. The Union Blue could certainly benefit from his offensive skills in the likely absence of Torres.

Bart Logan

bartftc@gmail.com

Twitter: BartFTC

Five of the six Blue Jackets Olympians are in action representing their countries today in some marquee match-ups. Fedor Tyutin and Russia will be taking on Jan Hejda and the Czech Republic at 3PM. Rick Nash will look to lead Canada in the border war with Team USA at 7:30PM. Fredrik Modin and Sammy Pahlsson will be suiting up for Sweden in a rematch of the 2006 Gold Medal Game against Finland at 12AM.

Milan Jurcina of Slovakia is the only Jacket who won’t be in action today as Slovakia put up an impressive 6-0 victory over Latvia yesterday to wrap up the round robin with five points.

Russia vs. Czech Republic 3PM

The Russians are reeling after a surprising 2-1 shootout loss to Slovakia Thursday night. Head coach Vyacheslav Bykov is expected to make some significant lineup changes heading into the game. Evgeni Malkin will now center Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin, while Pavel Datsyuk will be paired up with Ilya Kovalchuk and Max Afinogenov.

It’s hard to pick against a front-loaded Russian team, but the Czechs aren’t exactly fielding a peewee squad. Led by Tomas Vokoun in net and a reinvigorated Jaromir Jagr, the Czechs have been perfect thus far and can wrap up a first round bye with a win or overtime loss.

Staff Pick: Russia 4 Czech Republic 3

Canada vs. USA:

Canada is in a similar position with the Russians after salvaging two points with a shootout victory over a dangerous Switzerland team. The expectations on Canada are monumental, and Mike Babcock is switching things up to try to ignite a team that should not have any scoring issues. Rick Nash is back on the right wing, a position he’s played all season with Columbus, and it appears Mike Richards will start the game off on Sidney Crosby’s left side. Martin Brodeur, who looked strong for the most part against the Swiss will get the the start in goal.

For Team USA, head coach Ron Wilson has split up Patrick Kane and Zach Parise, bumping Jamie Langenbrunner up to the first line to add grit throughout the lineup. The issue with Team USA has been turnovers leading to odd-man rushes. Ryan Miller has been up to task against Switzerland and Norway, but the Canadians are on an entirely different level. The bad blood between these countries has only been magnified this year with the US victory over Canada in the World Junior Championship.

Staff Pick: Canada 5 USA 2

Sweden vs. Finland:

Sweden and Finland both enter the Gold Medal rematch with perfect 2-0 records and having captured all six possible points. Aside from the tradition and Scandinavian bragging rights at stake, this game will also feature to of the most well-rounded teams in the tournament. The Swedes will return to Henrik Lundqvist in net after giving “The Monster” Jonas Gustavsson a shot against Belarus. Lundqvist has been spectacular for Team Sweden, leading them to the Gold in 2006 and looking very strong in the 2-0 shutout over Germany. A defense that boasts the likes of Nicklas Lidstrom, Nicklas Backstrom, Johnny Oduya and Mattias Ohlund doesn’t hurt too much either and the Swedes depth up front is akin to the Russians and Canadians.

However, Finland cannot be overlooked. The Fins are a very similar team to the Swedes and may be even stronger in net with Mikka Kiprusoff. The Fins have a very mobile defense, led by Kimmo Timonen who had a pair of goals against Germany. Teemu Selanne set an Olympic record with his 36^th career point in the win over Germany and Saku Koivu is just one assist away from tying the Olympic record. He missed the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake while recovering from cancer.

Staff Pick: Sweden 1 Finland 2

Fredrik Modin and Sammy Pahlsson (Sweden):

Milan Jurcina (Slovakia): Slovakia fell to rival Czech Republic in the late game (12AM start time) last night. Jurcina, wearing number 68, lost a battle with Jaromir Jagr in the closing seconds of the second period that led to Czech third goal. The Czech Republic beat Slovakia 3-1 despite being outshot 35-24 including 13-2 in the third period. Tomas Vokoun was spectacular in net for the Czechs. There’s little recovery time for Jurcina and the Slovaks as they take on Fedor Tyutin and team Russia tonight.

Slovakia vs Russia 12AM EST.

Jan Hedjda (Czech Republic): Hejda played solid on a fairly deep Czech blue line. The Czechs played bend but don’t break defense late in the game but Vokoun was able to bail them out during exciting third period. Hejda didn’t contribute anything on the score sheet (big surprise) and was penalized for holding in the third but was on the ice in the final minutes for the Czechs.

Rick Nash (Canada): The Canadians take on the Swiss this evening. Although the Swiss are a tougher opponent than Norway, especially with Jonas Hiller in net, it’s hard to imagine Canada not coasting to another definitive victory. The Nash-Crosby-Iginla line will likely be reunited and look to build off a collective eight point effort against the Norwegains.

Canada vs Switzerland 7:30PM EST

Fedor Tyutin (Russia): Tyutin and the high-powered Russian offense take on a Slovakia team playing on back-to-back days. The rest may be an issue for the Slovaks, especially with Marian Gaborik still ailing. It should be a good game, but the Russians may be too much for the Slovaks to handle tonight.

Slovakia vs Russia 12AM EST