And then there were four. Following Wednesday’s highly compelling quarterfinal match-ups, the Olympic men’s ice hockey tournament is now down to the four best teams. Each remaining squad has differentiated itself by playing with a singular focus, setting up what should be an extraordinary finish.

Here is a look at the two semifinal matchups, followed by an analysis of what went wrong for Team USA…

CZECH REPUBLIC VS. SWEDEN

This game should be particularly intriguing for New York Rangers fans, as they’ll get to watch star forward Jaromir Jagr go up against rookie goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.

Jagr has been tremendous for the Czechs in the tournament, demonstrating the same high-energy dedication that has made him a fan favorite on Broadway. He has developed great chemistry playing on a line with Rangers teammate Martin Straka and the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Vaclav Prospal.

Already without Dominik Hasek (groin injury), it was expected that the Nashville Predators’ Tomas Vokoun would start in goal for the Czechs. But when he faltered, they made a quick switch, deciding not to wait and hope for Vokoun to turn things around. And so the netminder who backstopped them to gold in last spring’s World Championships will instead ride the pine while Milan Hnilicka tends goal.

For the Swedes, Lundqvist is the key. Without a doubt the country’s best goaltender in a very long time – at least since Tommy Salo backstopped them to gold at Lillehammer in 1994 – he has proven to be thoroughly unflappable this year.

Unfortunately, the Swedes were dealt what may have been a crippling blow in their decisive victory over Switzerland on Wednesday. Defenseman Mattias Ohlund was knocked out of the tournament with broken ribs, and his absence will be a huge obstacle to overcome. The Swedish blue line is already missing Los Angeles Kings’ Mattias Norstrom (concussion), and it’s a good bet that the Czech forwards will find it easier to get to Lundqvist.

Prediction: Czech Republic 3, Sweden 1

RUSSIA VS. FINLAND

The Russians’ stellar playmaking has made them the most entertaining team to watch in the Olympics. From the top line through the fourth, every unit has played with uncanny chemistry and a consistently upbeat pace. The Finns will have their hands full in attempting to corral the likes of Alexander Ovechkin and Ilya Kovalchuk, two of the world’s most dynamic goal-scorers.

The key for Russia, however, has been the play of its defense and goaltending. Evgeni Nabokov has given up just two goals in five appearances, including three complete-game shutouts, and has proven to be a more-than-capable substitution for the injured Nikolai Khabibulin. And the defense, anchored by Andrei and Danny Markov, has distinguished itself with some magnificent positional play.

Meanwhile, the Finns have been absolutely relentless, giving up only five goals in six games (three while shorthanded). Skilled forwards Teemu Selanne and Saku Koivu have consistently demonstrated impressive toughness and tenacity.

Like the Swedes, the Finns also suffered a huge loss to their blue line on Wednesday, and it could have a similarly devastating impact. Sami Salo suffered a shoulder injury following the game, and he may not be available for today’s contest. Without him, corralling Russia’s elite-level forwards will prove even more difficult.

This should a hard-fought battle between the two best teams in Turin thus far. But in the end, it will come down to goaltending, with Nabokov out-dueling Niittymaki.

Prediction: Russia 4, Finland 2

Mr. Greenstein is the editor in chief of InsideHockey.com.