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It is nearing the end of season 3 and all eyes will soon turn to the PowerPlay Manager World Championships. The top twelve teams in the world will converge to play for the right to be named world champions. There are no such things as easy games, but there are some definite favourites. Let’s have a quick look at this year’s tournament.

Group 1:

In what is perhaps the most balanced of the four groups, any of the Group 1 teams could claim the group title or finish last. The Latvians, Swedes, Brazilians and Serbians will all do battle in what will surely be an entertaining group. Looking at friendly play, it is tough to predict an outcome. The Serbians were the best team record-wise in exhibition play with a record of 8-3-1 (W-L-T) while Latvians were right behind them at 8-5. The Swedes and Brazilians were each competitive in all of their matches with Sweden finishing off with a record of 5-5-3 and Brazil 6-7-0.

To pick a winner in this group, more than just the pre-tournament record should be considered. The Latvians are by far the strongest team in the division. Their 48 stars overall and offence make them a very dangerous bunch. That, combined with their 54 goalie rating, makes them the favourite to win the group. The Swedes do not boast a strong team strength nor a flashy record, but they know how to play against top teams. The Swedes tied Slovakia twice in pre-tournament play and cannot be counted out. The Brazilians are another team that can be unpredictable. They possess the strongest-rated goaltending in the group at 55, but they have failed to win any pre-tournament games against strong opponents. Lastly, the Serbians. Many may consider them to be the underdog in the group. They have the weakest goaltender rating, but boast the best pre-tournament record. Even though, like the Brazilians, the Serbs did not play any strong opponents, they are still a team to look out for if you intend to follow Group 1. The Serbians beat the Brazilians in pre-tournament play with a score of 3-2.

My Prediction:
1. Latvia
2. Serbia
3. Brazil
4. Sweden



Group 2:

This group is easily the toughest of the four groups. The likes of Slovakia, Russia and Slovenia will all do battle in this group alongside the weaker Spanish team. Slovakia enters with a modest record of 6-6-2. Attempting to assess their teams’ standing, many teams scheduled games against the powerhouse Slovakia. The Slovaks beat the powerful Czechs twice and Hungary once. The Russians will also try to claim Group 2 supremacy and bring to the table a record of 6-4-2. Despite losing pre-tournament games to both Slovenia (4-0) and Spain (7-2) Russia is still a club to be feared. The Slovenia team is perhaps the most remarkable story in pre-tournament play. The Slovenian team enters the tournament as the only undefeated team in pre-tournament play with a record of 10-0-3. Look for them to continue their winning ways through to the medal rounds. The Spaniards quite simply have their work cut out for them. Entering with a record of 5-6-2, Spain will need multiple upsets to find themselves in any position to make a fun for a trophy.

Strength-wise, Group 2 leads the pack. The Slovaks enter with a team strength of 48 including an offensive juggernaut of 48. They boast the best goaltending in the tournament with a rating of 58. The Russians will bring a team strength of 43 and goaltender rating of 49 to the tournament where it will likely come down to a match-up with Slovenia’s rating of 42 and sound goaltending rating of 54 to decide who takes the second place in the division. Spain will enter with a modest 41 overall team strength and a respectable goaltending rating of 47.

My Prediction:
1. Slovakia
2. Slovenia
3. Russia
4. Spain



Group 3:

Group three can be considered the weakest group of the bunch, or, potentially, a group of underdogs. All teams are relatively balanced and can cause some serious noise in the knock-out stage of the tournament. Poland will enter as the favourites and will put their 10-2-1 record against the likes of Germany, Hungary and Canada. Germany has underachieved thus far with a record of 6-4-3. Hungry has been outstanding with a record of 9-3-1. The same cannot be said for Canada who has yet to find consistency in their game. They enter with a pre-tournament record of 3-8-2.

There is no group more similar in terms of team strength than Group 3. The Polish team arrives with a team strength of 42 and a goaltending rating of 48. The Germans enter with a rating of 38 and a 47 goaltender rating. Team Hungry is a very defensively sound team with a defense rating of 48 that helps boost their team rating to 43. They have a solid goaltender rating of 46. Canada enters with a 38 overall team strength and 42 goaltender rating. However, do not count out Canada. They’ve tied Russia in pre-season play and will have their starting goaltender returning in time for tournament action. They also have better shooting and defense than the Germans.

My Prediction:
1. Hungary
2. Poland
3. Canada
4. Germany



Group 4:

Group 4 is another group where anything could go. The Czechs are the hands-down favourites and anything less than a group title is a let-down. However, the remaining three teams could as easily finish second as they could fourth. The Czechs’ 8-5-1 record, including wins over Switzerland (6-1) and Finland (6-3), will face the likes of Finland’s 4-8-1 record, France’s 5-6-2 record and Switzerland’s 4-9-0 record. With three teams in this group below .500, this is very much a group that the Czechs should win.

Not surprisingly the Czechs are the stand-out strength-wise. Their 47 team strength and 55 goaltending is by far best in the division. France follows next with a team strength of 41 and goaltending rating of 50. After that, the Finns and the Swiss both have a team strength of 39 with the Finns getting the goaltending edge with a rating of 43 compared to the Swiss’ 42. Look for the Czechs to run away with this group. After that it is anyone’s game.

My Prediction:
1. Czech Republic
2. France
3. Switzerland
4. Finland



General Tournament Action - Skaters to Watch:
In all high level games, goaltenders can make all the difference. They can steal games you had no business in winning but they can also fold under the pressure and cause you to lose games you were deserving of winning. With each team you also get those dynamic players. The type of offensive players who can score key goals at critical moments. The type of defensive players who can shut down skilled players and simply change games. Each team comes with these types of players. I have listed a few players below who you should be on the lookout for.

Brazil - Carlos Meireles
He has 10 points in Brazil’s 13 games thus far. He has points in all but one of their wins in pre-tournament play. If Brazil is to go far they will need consistent production from their captain and right-winger.

Canada - William Beliveau
While it is essential that Noah Tierney be air-tight for Canada to have any shot at making some noise in the tournament, Beliveau will need to lead the Canadians by example. He has consistently performed for the Canucks but will have to elevate his game on the the biggest of stages. The offensive production of Canada runs through him and he will be the man they look to in order to score some timely goals.

Czech Republic - Jan Pribyl
The Czechs have so many dominant players it is hard to pick one player to watch out for. They have strong goaltending, sound defense and a potent offense. Pribyl has been on a roll of late having notched 9 points in the last 4 Czech wins he has played in. However, if the Czechs can get a complete team performance they will be a very hard team to stop.

Finland - Tapani Viheriäranta
The Finns will need more than one player to compete with the likes of the Czechs. But Tapani Viheriäranta has dominated from the blueline of late. With 6 points in his last 4 games, he can run the PP, contribute 5 on 5 and kill penalties. Look for him to face some of the opponent's top players and continue to contribute at both ends of the ice.

France - Jérôme Nury
The French’s versatile RW has been productive the past few games. Playing on both the third and second line he notched 3 goals in his last two outings. When top lines meet and cancel out each other, one must look for their depth players to do just that. Even though Nury plays in the third french league, he is the type of player who can expose a team’s depth and make life miserable for opposing goalies.

Germany - Eddy Knopp
The Germans are a team that like to crash and bang. They like to forecheck like crazy and work their opponent’s defencemen. To play that kind of style you need fast wingers and disciplined centers. Knopp is just that type of center. No matter his role, 1st line scoring center, or second line shut-down center, Knopp can produce and keep the puck out of his own net. Look for him to be a workhorse for the Germans.

Hungary - Vince Holczer
It could be argued that the Hungarians are one of the best defensive teams in the tournament. So it is only natural a defenceman would be their player to watch. Vince Holczer with his partner Zoltán Berkovics are the go-to guys when it comes to shutting down the other team’s top units. They play steady PK and PP. With Vince at the back-end... the Hungarian team has the potential to go far.

Latvia - Vilnis Rekšna
Another defenceman, Vilnis does not stand out from the rest in the usual sense. He quietly goes about his games and gets a few points here and a few points there. He is the type of player every team needs and the type of player who can elevate his game when the stage is set.

Poland - Marcin Giza
This Polish winger must love Alexander Ovechkin because he shoots from any and everywhere. In his last two games he had an outstanding 11 shots. He is the type of player who makes his linemates better and the type of winger that goalies cannot predict. Look for Marcin to keep throwing pucks on net, and if he gets hot... Poland could find themselves on a roll.

Russia - Alexey Samovarov
The Russians are known for breeding offensive players and Alexey Samovarov is exactly that. He has been promoted from 3rd to 2nd line C. His production has been consistent lately averaging a point or so a game. Alexey can simply be a game changer. Look for him to help the Russians reach their full potential.

Serbia - Kamenko Milenkovic
The Serbs are another balanced team with many players to mention. There is not one player who really stands out. Kamenko Milenkovic is the type of player who plays a two-way game and is always a plus player. He can play strong defence and also lead the powerplay unit. Kamenko can be the X-factor for an already strong Serbian team.

Slovakia - Martin Bulušek
The Slovaks are perhaps the most difficult team to pick one specific player . They can score. They can play defense. And they have top-flight goaltending. However, their winning ways come from their depth. Many games have been won from their 3rd and 4th lines. In fact, their first line has 0 goals in their last 3 games and only 3 in their last 5 games. This is why Martin Bulušek is my difference maker. He has 7 points in the last 5 games including a 4 point night against the Swiss in a 9-4 win. Look for him to lead the 3rd line and help the Slovaks win key games.

Slovenia - Marijan Jašovec
The hottest team coming into the tournament would have one of the hottest defencemen coming in. Marijan Jašovec is riding a 3 game point streak (2G, 3A). The Slovenians have won all three of those games. He can play sound defence and isn’t afraid to jump up into the rush. There are many players who can change a game for the only undefeated team in the tournament, but Marijan Jašovec is the type of player who can slide under the radar and still make a difference.

Spain - Benito Padrones
The Spaniards are perhaps the most unfortunate team of all. They are in a very tough division and will be needing some seriously strong performances to move forward. Benito Padrones is a highly gifted offensive player and will be counted on for the Spanish. He has 6 points in his last 4 games including a hat-trick against fellow group opponent Russia. The Spaniards will need his stick to remain hot, and quite a bit of luck, to escape the first stage.

Sweden - David Blomgren
Plain and simple: Sweden wins when David Blomgren is on his game. In the past 3 Swedish wins, Blomgren has 7 points including a 4 point performance against Turkey. To compare, in Sweden’s last three loses, Blomgren only has 2 points. Although he is a consistent performer, when he finds the net, it goes a long way to ensure a Swedish victory.

Switzerland - Martin Delclaux
The Swiss are a team that will have their work cut out for them. They will need to be very sound defensively and get timely goals. Look for the versatile LD/RD to lead by example as his team will need him, and all other pieces of the puzzle in place and playing to perfection. He will need to up the level of his game for them to have a shot, something that is definitely possible.

Written by: canucks357
Special thanks to: Joppy & tujague