Ranking the 8 men's hockey teams ahead of the quarterfinals

The quarterfinals of the men's hockey tournament is set to begin Tuesday at 10:10 p.m. ET, with a few surprises occurring during the group stage.

Defending gold medalist Canada barely secured a bye into the round, while Sweden was dominant throughout.

Here's how theScore's staff ranks the remaining teams entering the final eight:

8. Norway (0-0-1-2)

Norway struggled for large stretches but can forge an unlikely path to the quarterfinals if it can stop the lethal Olympic Athletes from Russia.

7. Germany (0-1-0-2)

If Germany can push past Sweden, it'll make for one of the best upsets in Olympic hockey history.

6. United States (1-0-1-1)

The U.S. has looked dreadful at times, but the good news is that none of that will matter if it can defeat the Czech Republic.

5. Czech Republic (2-1-0-0)

The Czech Republic's play has been erratic throughout the tournament, but its best game came against Canada, giving us reason to believe it will step up against a superior American team.

4. Canada (2-0-1-0)

Canada has been guilty of playing down to its competition. The tournament begins in earnest now for the defending champion.

3. Finland (2-0-0-1)

Finland missed a bye to the quarterfinals by losing to Sweden in its final group-stage game, and now must get through Canada. Finland has piled up goals, and, unlike in past years, have a legitimate chance against the defending gold medalists.

2. Olympic Athletes from Russia (2-0-0-1)

Ilya Kovalchuk is playing like a man possessed, and even if he's using PyeongChang as a springboard for an NHL return, it's paying dividends for his team.

1. Sweden (3-0-0-0)

Sweden was the only team to win all three games in regulation and has emerged as the team to beat. The team enters the quarters with only eight goals for, but a tremendous showing on defense and in net (one goal against) earns the Swedes top marks.

(Photos courtesy: Getty Images)