TORONTO -- One of the most interesting aspects of international hockey is the fluidity of allegiances it requires: Enemies are forced to be friends, and friends are made to be enemies.
Entering Tuesday's finals opener between Canada and Europe, perhaps the most fascinating matchup to watch will be iron-tough Canadian defenseman Shea Weber against Europe's offensive-minded D-man Roman Josi. For four seasons, the 31-year-old Weber and the 26-year-old Josi, a Swiss national, formed an unlikely but potent partnership for the Nashville Predators.
Their NHL relationship will change this season after the summer's blockbuster trade of Weber to the Montreal Canadiens for P.