LADIES
1. Shizuka Arakawa. I would love to see her win again, hopefully with an even better performance than at the Olympics.
2. Sasha Cohen. Her long program is lovely; hopefully she can skate it more cleanly this time. Would be nice to see her end the year (and possibly her career) on a high note.
3. Joannie Rochette. I'd like to see Joannie skate well and get the bronze in her home country.
Reality check: I think Sasha and Shizuka are virtual locks for the podium. Joannie is more of a long shot; it depends on how she handles the pressure of being the home-town favorite. I could see Fumie Suguri, Yukari Nakano, or possibly Kimmie Meissner getting the bronze instead.
MEN
1. Johnny Weir. He's such an amazing talent, and with Plushenko out, this could be a golden opportunity to kick it up a notch and win. He has the goods; he just has to commit himself.
2. Stephane Lambiel. Would love to see him skate a clean long program for once and really do well. I like him a lot and just wish he were more consistent.
3. Matt Savoie. Would love to see Matt get the bronze and end his career on a high note. He deserves recognition for being such a great all-around skater.
Reality check: This is my dream podium . . . but based on past results, momentum, and the fact that the competition's in Canada, I think we're more likely to see a repeat of last year's podium: Lambiel, Buttle, Lysacek.
PAIRS
1. Shen/Zhao. I admire them so much. It would be wonderful to see them win again.
2. Savchenko/Szolkowy. They are the only pair right now (except for Shen/Zhao) who seem to have any chemistry or connection on the ice. I like their skating and their artistry.
3. Inoue/Baldwin. Again, would be nice to see them end their career on a high note. But I'd also be excited to see Pang/Tong win the bronze, as I've enjoyed their Phantom of the Opera program this year.
Reality check: In reality, if Zhang/Zhang are healthy, they will most likely win gold. Also, if Petrova/Tikhonov show up, they'll probably sneak onto the podium as well. So in reality, it's unlikely that either the Germans or Americans will get a medal. Shen/Zhao probably *will* get a medal of some color, though.
DANCE
1. Belbin/Agosto. They're great skaters, fun to watch, and in my book, have the best overall package and programs aside from Navka/Kostomarov. As an American, it would be incredible to see them actually win.
2. Dubreuil/Lauzon. They are such an elegant, gorgeous team, and their long program is lovely. They deserve a long-awaited World medal. They have more than paid their dues.
3. Denkova/Staviyski. They skated well at the Olympics, and I'd like to see them on the podium again.
Reality check: With the home-ice advantage, I think it's totally possible Dubreuil/Lauzon could sneak past Tanith and Ben for the gold. Also, Delobel/Schoenfelder may well pass Denkova/Staviyski for bronze, based on results this season.