Team of the tournament

Evgeni Nabokov (Russia): Three shutouts, the best save percentage of the tournament (97.78%), two goals allowed in five games. Enough said.

Special mention: Pick a Swiss, any Swiss. Martin Gerber and David Aebischer were unquestionably key to Switzerland's startling run in the preliminary phase.

Marek Zidlicky (Czech Republic): If only for his booming slapshot. The Nashville Predators defenseman has three goals already in the tournament. The entire Czech defense, particularly Pavel Kubina, has been the bright spot in keeping the Czechs competitive in the absence of star goalie Dominik Hasek.

Sami Salo (Finland): The veteran Vancouver Canuck has worked both ends of the ice and been rock solid in feeding the likes of Temu Selanne, Jere Lehtinen, and Olli Jokinen. Antero Nittymaki went into the semi-finals with a stellar 95% save percentage, but credit the likes of Salo for making the Philadelphia Flyers goalie's life a whole lot easier.

Special mention: Swiss captain Mark Streit. The Montreal Canadians defenseman led by example in the shock wins over the Czech Republic and Canada.

Alexander Ovechkin (Russia): Five goals, skating ability that's breathtaking, and all the enthusiasm of his 20 years... The runaway favourite for NHL rookie of the year has more than fit the bill. If there's an award for most exciting player of the tournament, he's our pick.
Video: Fearless Kasparaitus

Temu Selanne (Finland): He missed the last Olympics, but the Anaheim Mighty Ducks right winger is making up for it now. Top goal scorer of the tournament going into the semi-finals, he also gets the red badge of courage for the three teeth he lost when he caught Derian Hatcher's stick in the quarter-final win over the USA.
Video: Ruutu raring to go

Marian Gaborik (Slovakia): Yes, Marian Hossa (most points in the tournament with 10) and Peter Bondra (plus/minus leader with +10) were great, but the Minnesota Wild right wing was a revelation as Slovakia went unbeaten through the preliminary round. His three goals and four assists sparked one of the most exciting team of the tournament.

Special mention: Daniel Alfredsson (Sweden). When Peter Forsberg was injured early in the tournament, the Ottawa Senator more than picked up the slack with his four goals and four assists. Forsberg is back. Relish the prospect.