The much-anticipated World Cup of Hockey is officially right around the corner, and I find it fitting to throw out my top three picks to win it all.

1. Canada

Fitting to put the Canadians as the first pick to win it, as the Canadians could literally have three solid national teams at this point. EA Sports better be rating their team as 100-overall, or else the game is rigged. Now, the Canadians, playing in Canada, at the first World Cup in 12 years, have a prime and opportune time to win it all.. yet again (sincerely the still-salty USA fan from 2010). They have an amazing roster with arguably few-to-no flaws. It's the All-Star team of All-Star team, but if they can't stay healthy, it'll be a hard tourney to win. As seen in the exhibition game against USA in Columbus, the Canadians were continually and in some cases brutally, pounded down by the Americans. It'll be interesting to see if such a star-studded group of players can avoid the physical beating.

2. USA

The USA has a classic John Tortorella-esque lineup that combines grit, power, and work ethic. Of course, there's some flair with players like Patrick Kane, but it's a team that's geared to make a long run into the tournament, and be able to physically withstand the run. Much like Canada, it is a star-studded roster, but not for the same reasons, per se. As seen in the exhibition game against Canada, the Americans were able to win the game through overwhelming and arguably cheap physical play. Of course, offense is important as well, and keeping the puck out of the net is just as important. It's hard to pick from Quick, Bishop, and Schneider, but you can't go wrong on any of them. The ultimate question at hand though is, will 2010 repeat itself?

3. Sweden

Sweden somehow always finds themselves right in the midst of every tournament, fighting to win it all. In large part, a contribution from their goaltending department. Henrik Lundqvist is, and has been, the undisputed starter for Sweden for the past ten years. They also have a sizable offense and their defense is always incredibly steady. When all is said though, I think that Lundqvist will once again lead them to glory, but not in a first-place finish.

How I see the final tournament shaping out:

1st: USA - Maybe I'm a little biased

2nd: Canada

3rd: Sweden

4th: Team NA

5th: Finland

6th: Russia

7th: Team Europe

8th: Czech Republic