The anticipation is building. Less than 24 hours from now, men’s Olympic hockey gets going in Sochi, Russia. The possibilities are endless. In total, 12 countries will participate with dreams of gold. Canada aims to defend their big win in Vancouver on an international surface which can alter the way North American teams play. In 2010, a more familiar smaller rink benefited Canada and silver medal runner-up Team USA. A memorable gold medal match that featured then Devil Zach Parise forcing overtime before Sidney Crosby won it in dramatic fashion.

Those hoping for a repeat could come away disappointed. Of course, Canada is loaded front and center with Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Patrick Marleau, Martin St. Louis, John Tavares, Patrick Sharp, Shea Weber, P.K. Subban, Duncan Keith and Alex Pietrangelo. If there is a question, it remains in net with Roberto Luongo and Carey Price vying for the top spot. Team USA will have familiar face Ryan Miller, who could be behind Jonathan Quick. The Americans have a strong squad that includes captain Parise, Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel, James van Riemsdyk, Joe Pavelski, T.J. Oshie, Ryan Kesler, Ryan Suter, Ryan McDonagh, Kevin Shattenkirk and Cam Fowler. McDonagh is joined by Ranger teammates Ryan Callahan and Derek Stepan. If you’re looking for a local story, John Carlson played high school hockey in New Jersey. So did Van Riemsdyk.

When it comes to the bigger ice surface, that can aid great skating teams such as host Russia and 2006 gold medal winner Sweden. It’s no secret that both boast talented rosters who can fly. There should be plenty of transition and exciting rushes. While many experts like Sweden due to Henrik Lundqvist regaining form, the Russians will reunite Ilya Kovalchuk with Pavel Datsyuk and Alex Ovechkin. A potent trio that should do damage. Even in a down year, Evgeni Malkin ranks 10th in NHL scoring with 58 points. The feisty Russian has battled injuries. He plays with a nastiness Russia might need. The question for the hosts are how will a mixed roster of NHL and KHLers come together? It didn’t pan out four years ago. Former Predator Alexander Radulov headlines a KHL list that includes Viktor Tikhonov, Alexei Tereshenko, Denis Kokarev and Alexander Popov. Ex-Ranger Artem Anisimov is also up front with Stars rookie Valeri Nichushkin and the Blues’ Vladimir Tarashenko. Andrei Markov and Fedor Tyutin anchor a D that includes Alexei Emelin, Anton Belov, Slava Voynov and prospect Evgeny Medvedev. They boast Vezina winner Sergei Bobrovsky in net and Semyon Varlamov.

As for Sweden, they’ll be minus Henrik Sedin. That means twin brother Daniel Sedin will be separated from his sidekick. However, one look at a roster that features Nicklas Backstrom, Daniel Alfredsson, Henrik Zetterberg, Gabe Landeskog, Alex Steen, Patrik Berglund, Marcus Johansson and Loui Eriksson is enough to make you drool. With Lundqvist in net joined by checker Carl Hagelin, there’s a lot to like. Oliver-Ekman Larsson anchors the blueline with dangerous rover Erik Karlsson. Alex Edler is finally healthy which could only help. Niklas Kronwall and Niklas Hjalmarsson are stalwarts. On paper, this is a gold medal roster even without Henrik Sedin. It all hinges on Lundqvist, who’s come in playing his best hockey. Jonas Gustavsson and Buffalo backup Jhonas Enroth are the second and third options.

Another squad that should be good is Finland. In what’s Teemu Selanne’s final season, he gets to participate in a record sixth Olympics. He also took part in ’92, ’98, ’02, ’06 and ’10. Amazingly, the 43-year old has come full circle 22 years after debuting in Albertville with a tournament leading seven goals. He won’t be teamed with Saku Koivu, who is resting. The Finns have also lost Saku’s brother Mikko Koivu due to injury. It’ll be up to a core that includes Mikael Granlund, Jussi Jokinen, Olli Jokinen, Florida rookie Aleksander Barkov, former Ranger Lauri Korpikoski and Tuomu Ruutu. There’s enough experience and intelligence for them to remain competitive due to the tenacious checking style they employ. Tuukka Rask is as good as any goalie and can certainly get hot. Antti Niemi is capable of starting and Kari Lehtonen is third string despite having Dallas in wildcard position. Kimmo Timonen and Sami Salo are the vets on the back end. Ossi Vaananen is underrated defensively while Pens’ rookie Olli Maatta is a star in the making. Can the 19-year old do it on the world stage? The losses of the Koivu brothers and Valtteri Filppula will be felt. Don’t discount Suomi.

If ever there is a player you’re rooting for, it’s Jaromir Jagr. One final time, one of the game’s all-time greats laces ’em up for The Czech Republic. Jagr continues to defy logic leading the Devils in scoring with 49 points. All the more amazing is his plus/minus (21). He only needs three more goals for 20. Something he’s done forever. Number 68 is a wonder who has two Stanley Cups, a Hart Trophy and Olympic Gold teaming with Dominik Hasek to win the ’98 Nagano Games. For one more time, we get to see Jagr in the Olympics. We should count our blessings. Despite the Czechs not having the strongest roster, at least he gets to team with Devil teammate Patrik Elias, who’s always been a treat to watch. The franchise leading scorer is like an artist. In actuality, both are. Jagr being Picasso while Elias is Renoir. Ironically, Petr Nedved is still playing and will be on a roster that also features underrated Bruins’ Cup champ David Krejci, Tomas Plekanec and Martin Hanzal. All overlooked two-way pivots that can produce at both ends. They’ll win faceoffs which should aid in puck possession. Especially when you have Jagr and Elias. Jakub Voracek is a finisher and Alex Hemsky usually raises his level. Keep an eye on Roman Cervenka. A dangerous playmaker. It really is all about the forwards with Ondrej Palat and Vladimir Sobotka supplying depth. Devil Marek Zidlicky anchors a shaky D that still includes Tomas Kaberle and Lukas Krajicek. Radko Gudkas and Ladislav Smid are probably the best defensively who play physical. Can they make noise with Winnipeg’s Ondrej Pavelec in net? Alexander Salak backs up.

We’ll look at the other countries in our next post.