The IIHF unveiled its power rankings as the World Championship opens Friday, and it's hard to debate the rationale behind them.
The hockey body's rankings seem accurate, with Canada and Russia placed No. 1 and 2, respectively, and the tongue-in-cheek descriptions of each country's merits make for enjoyable reading.
You wanted the #IIHFWorlds Power Rankings again for this year? You get them! Here's the pre-tournament edition! https://t.co/gYK4iYapvn pic.twitter.com/pZ052Dgmln
— IIHF (@IIHFHockey) May 5, 2017
Clearly, all eyes will be on Germany as it strives to reach its longtime goal of finishing fourth.
