It seems that with every passing Olympic tournament, the quality of the teams in the men's draw improves. That is certainly the case this year, where there are no less than six, possibly seven teams that could take home the gold.

Canada and Russia are the headlining pair, each sporting a mega-star lineup with different advantages. Russias forwards -- lead by 2008-09 Hart nominees Alex Ovechki, Evgeni Malkin and Pavel Datsyuk -- are fast, creative and can score seemingly at will. Canada's defence, anchored by Chris Pronger and Chicago Blackhawks duo Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook, is by far the best blue line group in the mix. With their goaltending situations about even, it will probably come down to who handles the Olympic pressure best. Russia, which has won the past two world championships, is considered to have a slight edge.

Defending champs Sweden don't have a star offensive presence like Mats Sundin in the lineup, but the Sedin twins, Henrik Zetterberg and Henrik Lundqvist still give them a shot at the title. Finnish goalie Miikka Kiprusoff, meanwhile, could carry his team all the way if he gets hot.

1. Russia

2. Canada

3. Sweden

4. Finland

5. United States

Brian Burke's Team USA is an interesting mix of size and finesse that will have no trouble doing some damage if all-world goaltender Ryan Miller can shake off his pre-Olympic slump. They are not particularly deep at centre, however, and the best teams are, more often than not, built down the middle.

Slovakia has a legitimate goalie in Jaroslav Halak, but their success will depend on the health of the Marians -- Gaborik and Hossa, who both enter the tournament nursing injuries. The Czech Republic, meanwhile, is an ageing squad, but having Tomas Vokoun in net is a major positive.