Team Canada 2010 - Who Makes The Cut?
As orientation camp opens this week to forty-six players invited to compete for a spot on the 2010 Canadian Men’s Olympic Hockey Team, looking at the list of invitees, the talent available in camp is very impressive. While the Canadian team will have stiff competition from Russian, Swedish and American squads, I am very proud of the group Steve Yzerman and the Team Canada management has to choose from to build the roster. However, I do not envy their job in picking what will be one of the most highly debated national teams ever assembled to represent Canada. While there are some players who are a lock to make the team, most positions will be very difficult choices on the path to Olympic Gold.
After already debating with fellow puck heads over who should and shouldn’t make the team, I have decided to fill my roster based on the players' current physical condition, their experience as International and NHL players, as well as their potential to bring back Olympic Gold in 2010.
Goaltending
The most important position on the ice; one man’s performance in the crease can singlehandedly win or lose games, resulting in complete tournament failure or Olympic Glory.
* Starting Goalie – Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils.
The veteran goaltender from Montreal, Quebec has proven over his International and NHL careers that he is a winner. As the starter in 2002, Brodeur led the team to Gold, proving he can win in big games at the international level. With 557 regular season wins, he is the winningest NHL goalie of all time, and is only two shutouts behind Terry Sawchuck’s record of 103. Brodeur has proven for years he’s the best goalie around; only his age of 37 could cost him the starting position.
* Backup Goalie – Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks.
The thirty year old fellow Montreal native is the new face of Canadian goaltending. Throughout his NHL career, his .919 save percentage is very impressive considering the constantly rebuilding Florida Panthers team he played for between the ’01 and ’06 seasons. Luongo already has the experience needed to play for Canada Internationally, playing in the ’98 World Junior Championship, as well as four World Championships and the ’06 Olympics.
* 3rd Goalie – Marc Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins.
Coming off of a career year for the Penguins, Fleury backstopped the Penguins to the Stanley Cup, facing the high powered Detroit offence that tested Fleury, but proved he was a legitimate NHL goaltender after years of debate and speculation. While playing behind the scoring tandem of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin is comforting, Fleury still deserves the nod over the competition, after winning the Stanley Cup in fine form.
*Both Brodeur and Luongo should get a start during the opening stages of the tournament, their performance during those first games will decide who will be the starter; both goalies can win or lose the job depending on their play.
Left out - Cam Ward, Steve Mason.
It was hard to leave Cam Ward off the list, as he has proven to be a consistent goalie in Carolina and also has a Stanley Cup to his name. However I felt the timing of Fleury’s cup win gave him the advantage; the pressure of big games is fresh in his mind. Steve Mason will be on Canadian Olympic teams in years to come if he continues playing the way he has in the past year for Team Canada’s World Junior Team, as well as the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mason’s age and lack of international experience with the men’s squad is his only knock.
Defencemen
The Canadian defensive unit must be able to defend against the snipers from around the world, particularly a stacked Russian offensive unit. Defence itself won’t be enough to win Gold, as the back end for Canada must also bring grit and scoring to help the forwards with a balanced attack.
* Scott Niedermayer – What can’t you say about Scott Niedermayer; he has led Canada to Gold at every level of international competition, and has four Stanley Cups and two Memorial Cup titles to his name.
* Shea Weber – His toughness and his shot from the point are what makes him such a standout. Ten power play goals in the ’09 season to round out his total of 23 goals on the year, all while eating up 24 minutes of ice time per game.
* Robyn Regher – A tough, no nonsense shutdown defensemen who is tested often in a tough Northwest Division, Regher is the epitome of a shutdown defender. Take it from a Canucks fan, he’s tough to beat.
* Jay Bouwmeester – Another Flames defender who will make a big impact for Canada. Bouwmeester is a smooth skater and knows how to generate offence; he has collected more than 37 points in each of the last four seasons.
* Chris Pronger – The nasty veteran can handle any forwards sent his way. Pronger is a plus 153 over his fifteen year NHL career, his 6’6 frame and reputation will keep opposing forwards aware of this notorious defender.
* Duncan Keith – I will admit, I don’t know much about Duncan Keith. After watching him calmly hold Canucks forwards at bay this past post season, I’m convinced he is a talent Canada must have on their radar. Keith has been a plus 30 or better in his last two NHL seasons.
* Brent Seabrook – Another Blackhawk defender who I watched keep Canuck forwards at bay with ease, Seabrook is a responsible defender with a nose for the net, scoring 24 points or more in each of his four NHL seasons.
Left out – Francois Beauchemin, Dan Boyle, Mike Green, Drew Doughty, Dan Hamhuis, Brent Burns, Stephane Robidas, Marc Staal, Dion Phaneuf.
I really like the way Marc Staal defends on the rush and the way he shut down Evgeni Malkin in the World Juniors was spectacular to watch. However, his plus minus at the NHL level worries me. Boyle and Green were left off my team because of their defensive liability. While they both can run an efficient power play, I believe Niedermayer, Weber, Pronger and Seabrook will get the job done with the man advantage. Drew Doughty is a sexy pick to make the team, but he is just too young.
Forwards
The most disputed position on the Canadian roster, only a few spots are already set in stone for only the best scorers Canada has to offer.
* Sidney Crosby – Sid the Kid is ready to remove “the Kid” from his nickname as he has proven he is no longer just a kid after leading the Penguins to the Stanley Cup. Some have said this edition of Team Canada will be his team, Captain or not. While I believe he is still a little young to be the Captain, he must lead on the ice.
* Jarome Iginla – The most logical forward to be named Captain, Iginla has the skill and leadership to lead Canada to glory. The two time 50 goal man has tons of international experience, he needs to fill the net for Canada.
* Rick Nash – The consistent Columbus power forward, Nash has scored more than 27 goals in his last five seasons. Nash has scored 21 goals and 39 points in 27 appearances in the World Championships for Canada.
* Ryan Getzlaf – This big Anaheim forward has the size, skill and post season experience needed to make the team. Led the Ducks to the Stanley Cup in ’06-’07 and hasn’t looked back since, averaging over a point per game in the last two seasons.
* Eric Staal – The oldest of all the Staal brothers, Eric has the scoring tough and the post season experience to help guide Team Canada. Staal scored 28 points in 25 games in the Hurricanes’ ’05-’06 Stanley Cup winning playoff run.
* Vinny Lecavalier – Another cup winner with scoring flair, Lecavalier topped 100 points and 50 goals in the ’06-’07 season, and had 16 points in 23 games on the way to the Stanley Cup in ’03-’04.
* Shane Doan – A consistent scorer on a consistently poor Coyotes’ team, Doan has been available for the World Championships often because of the lack of post-season appearances in which he has tallied 33 points in 49 games.
* Dany Heatley – Proven scorer at both NHL and International levels. Heatley has cracked 50 goals and 100 points twice in his NHL career, and has 62 points and 38 goals in 52 World Championship appearances. Heatley could be a slight distraction because the trade demands out of Ottawa, but his scoring ability cannot be overlooked.
* Mike Richards – The defensive minded forward will be a force for Canada checking oppositions top lines and killing penalties, Richards will be a Selke candidate for years to come as he continues to frustrate the oppositions scorers and bring some scoring of his own to the team.
* Joe Thornton – Jumbo Joe has something to prove as the jokes about the Sharks’ post season shortcomings are becoming too easy. With so many proven scorers on the team, Thornton will look to set up others using his smooth passing instead of focusing on scoring himself.
* Jonathan Toews – “Mr. Serious” has a well rounded game at the NHL level that includes two seasons at plus 11 and plus 12 respectively. Toews is no stranger to the international game either, playing two World Championship tournaments and one World Junior championship. Toews has also proven to be a clutch performer, especially in the shootout. Can anyone forget his three goal shootout performance against the U.S. in ’06-’07?
* Martin St.Louis – “Mighty Mouse” will most likely be paired with long time line mate Vincent Lecavalier as look to continue his international scoring success after racking up 25 points in 18 games at the World Championships.
* Dan Cleary – The lone Red Wing invited to camp, Cleary stepped into the spotlight this post season with 15 points in 23 games while carrying a plus 17. Cleary brought the Wings to life when the team looked flat during the playoffs. Cleary will bring a defensively sound game to the Canadian third or fourth line where it will be his job to shutdown opposing forwards, many of which are his team mates during the year.
Left out - Jeff Carter, Simon Gagne, Milan Lucic, Patrick Marleau, Andy McDonald, Corey Perry, Derek Roy, Patrick Sharp, Ryan Smyth, Jason Spezza, Jordan Staal, Brendan Morrow.
I really like Jordan Staal on the team as a penalty kill specialist, but I feel his game isn’t as round as other players on the team. I love Milan Lucic, but his game doesn’t translate well to international play. Corey Perry is a great player, but has the same problem as Lucic, and takes too many penalties. Gagne and Carter have both shown they can score, but must do it more consistently over a season or two to prove their worth. Marleau, McDonald, Roy, Sharp, Smyth and Spezza are just not good enough when compared to the other talent available in my opinion.
As far as positions go, I realize I have picked too many centers. I feel the skill of these players cannot be ignored, and some will be needed to shift to the wing in order to make the team. While some may not be used to this adjustment, I think the skill of these players and the advantage of having multiple players familiar with the face off dot is crucial – Mike Babcock wants to play a puck possession style game, so starting with the puck is half the battle.
So, if tomorrow Steve Yzerman and friends call yours truly and asked for some advice on picking the team, there’s my team. Some of you may be screaming profanity at your computer screen shaking your head in disagreement, if so – let me know in the comments. What would you change?
After already debating with fellow puck heads over who should and shouldn’t make the team, I have decided to fill my roster based on the players' current physical condition, their experience as International and NHL players, as well as their potential to bring back Olympic Gold in 2010.
Goaltending
The most important position on the ice; one man’s performance in the crease can singlehandedly win or lose games, resulting in complete tournament failure or Olympic Glory.
* Starting Goalie – Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils.
The veteran goaltender from Montreal, Quebec has proven over his International and NHL careers that he is a winner. As the starter in 2002, Brodeur led the team to Gold, proving he can win in big games at the international level. With 557 regular season wins, he is the winningest NHL goalie of all time, and is only two shutouts behind Terry Sawchuck’s record of 103. Brodeur has proven for years he’s the best goalie around; only his age of 37 could cost him the starting position.
* Backup Goalie – Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks.
The thirty year old fellow Montreal native is the new face of Canadian goaltending. Throughout his NHL career, his .919 save percentage is very impressive considering the constantly rebuilding Florida Panthers team he played for between the ’01 and ’06 seasons. Luongo already has the experience needed to play for Canada Internationally, playing in the ’98 World Junior Championship, as well as four World Championships and the ’06 Olympics.
* 3rd Goalie – Marc Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins.
Coming off of a career year for the Penguins, Fleury backstopped the Penguins to the Stanley Cup, facing the high powered Detroit offence that tested Fleury, but proved he was a legitimate NHL goaltender after years of debate and speculation. While playing behind the scoring tandem of Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin is comforting, Fleury still deserves the nod over the competition, after winning the Stanley Cup in fine form.
*Both Brodeur and Luongo should get a start during the opening stages of the tournament, their performance during those first games will decide who will be the starter; both goalies can win or lose the job depending on their play.
Left out - Cam Ward, Steve Mason.
It was hard to leave Cam Ward off the list, as he has proven to be a consistent goalie in Carolina and also has a Stanley Cup to his name. However I felt the timing of Fleury’s cup win gave him the advantage; the pressure of big games is fresh in his mind. Steve Mason will be on Canadian Olympic teams in years to come if he continues playing the way he has in the past year for Team Canada’s World Junior Team, as well as the Columbus Blue Jackets. Mason’s age and lack of international experience with the men’s squad is his only knock.
Defencemen
The Canadian defensive unit must be able to defend against the snipers from around the world, particularly a stacked Russian offensive unit. Defence itself won’t be enough to win Gold, as the back end for Canada must also bring grit and scoring to help the forwards with a balanced attack.
* Scott Niedermayer – What can’t you say about Scott Niedermayer; he has led Canada to Gold at every level of international competition, and has four Stanley Cups and two Memorial Cup titles to his name.
* Shea Weber – His toughness and his shot from the point are what makes him such a standout. Ten power play goals in the ’09 season to round out his total of 23 goals on the year, all while eating up 24 minutes of ice time per game.
* Robyn Regher – A tough, no nonsense shutdown defensemen who is tested often in a tough Northwest Division, Regher is the epitome of a shutdown defender. Take it from a Canucks fan, he’s tough to beat.
* Jay Bouwmeester – Another Flames defender who will make a big impact for Canada. Bouwmeester is a smooth skater and knows how to generate offence; he has collected more than 37 points in each of the last four seasons.
* Chris Pronger – The nasty veteran can handle any forwards sent his way. Pronger is a plus 153 over his fifteen year NHL career, his 6’6 frame and reputation will keep opposing forwards aware of this notorious defender.
* Duncan Keith – I will admit, I don’t know much about Duncan Keith. After watching him calmly hold Canucks forwards at bay this past post season, I’m convinced he is a talent Canada must have on their radar. Keith has been a plus 30 or better in his last two NHL seasons.
* Brent Seabrook – Another Blackhawk defender who I watched keep Canuck forwards at bay with ease, Seabrook is a responsible defender with a nose for the net, scoring 24 points or more in each of his four NHL seasons.
Left out – Francois Beauchemin, Dan Boyle, Mike Green, Drew Doughty, Dan Hamhuis, Brent Burns, Stephane Robidas, Marc Staal, Dion Phaneuf.
I really like the way Marc Staal defends on the rush and the way he shut down Evgeni Malkin in the World Juniors was spectacular to watch. However, his plus minus at the NHL level worries me. Boyle and Green were left off my team because of their defensive liability. While they both can run an efficient power play, I believe Niedermayer, Weber, Pronger and Seabrook will get the job done with the man advantage. Drew Doughty is a sexy pick to make the team, but he is just too young.
Forwards
The most disputed position on the Canadian roster, only a few spots are already set in stone for only the best scorers Canada has to offer.
* Sidney Crosby – Sid the Kid is ready to remove “the Kid” from his nickname as he has proven he is no longer just a kid after leading the Penguins to the Stanley Cup. Some have said this edition of Team Canada will be his team, Captain or not. While I believe he is still a little young to be the Captain, he must lead on the ice.
* Jarome Iginla – The most logical forward to be named Captain, Iginla has the skill and leadership to lead Canada to glory. The two time 50 goal man has tons of international experience, he needs to fill the net for Canada.
* Rick Nash – The consistent Columbus power forward, Nash has scored more than 27 goals in his last five seasons. Nash has scored 21 goals and 39 points in 27 appearances in the World Championships for Canada.
* Ryan Getzlaf – This big Anaheim forward has the size, skill and post season experience needed to make the team. Led the Ducks to the Stanley Cup in ’06-’07 and hasn’t looked back since, averaging over a point per game in the last two seasons.
* Eric Staal – The oldest of all the Staal brothers, Eric has the scoring tough and the post season experience to help guide Team Canada. Staal scored 28 points in 25 games in the Hurricanes’ ’05-’06 Stanley Cup winning playoff run.
* Vinny Lecavalier – Another cup winner with scoring flair, Lecavalier topped 100 points and 50 goals in the ’06-’07 season, and had 16 points in 23 games on the way to the Stanley Cup in ’03-’04.
* Shane Doan – A consistent scorer on a consistently poor Coyotes’ team, Doan has been available for the World Championships often because of the lack of post-season appearances in which he has tallied 33 points in 49 games.
* Dany Heatley – Proven scorer at both NHL and International levels. Heatley has cracked 50 goals and 100 points twice in his NHL career, and has 62 points and 38 goals in 52 World Championship appearances. Heatley could be a slight distraction because the trade demands out of Ottawa, but his scoring ability cannot be overlooked.
* Mike Richards – The defensive minded forward will be a force for Canada checking oppositions top lines and killing penalties, Richards will be a Selke candidate for years to come as he continues to frustrate the oppositions scorers and bring some scoring of his own to the team.
* Joe Thornton – Jumbo Joe has something to prove as the jokes about the Sharks’ post season shortcomings are becoming too easy. With so many proven scorers on the team, Thornton will look to set up others using his smooth passing instead of focusing on scoring himself.
* Jonathan Toews – “Mr. Serious” has a well rounded game at the NHL level that includes two seasons at plus 11 and plus 12 respectively. Toews is no stranger to the international game either, playing two World Championship tournaments and one World Junior championship. Toews has also proven to be a clutch performer, especially in the shootout. Can anyone forget his three goal shootout performance against the U.S. in ’06-’07?
* Martin St.Louis – “Mighty Mouse” will most likely be paired with long time line mate Vincent Lecavalier as look to continue his international scoring success after racking up 25 points in 18 games at the World Championships.
* Dan Cleary – The lone Red Wing invited to camp, Cleary stepped into the spotlight this post season with 15 points in 23 games while carrying a plus 17. Cleary brought the Wings to life when the team looked flat during the playoffs. Cleary will bring a defensively sound game to the Canadian third or fourth line where it will be his job to shutdown opposing forwards, many of which are his team mates during the year.
Left out - Jeff Carter, Simon Gagne, Milan Lucic, Patrick Marleau, Andy McDonald, Corey Perry, Derek Roy, Patrick Sharp, Ryan Smyth, Jason Spezza, Jordan Staal, Brendan Morrow.
I really like Jordan Staal on the team as a penalty kill specialist, but I feel his game isn’t as round as other players on the team. I love Milan Lucic, but his game doesn’t translate well to international play. Corey Perry is a great player, but has the same problem as Lucic, and takes too many penalties. Gagne and Carter have both shown they can score, but must do it more consistently over a season or two to prove their worth. Marleau, McDonald, Roy, Sharp, Smyth and Spezza are just not good enough when compared to the other talent available in my opinion.
As far as positions go, I realize I have picked too many centers. I feel the skill of these players cannot be ignored, and some will be needed to shift to the wing in order to make the team. While some may not be used to this adjustment, I think the skill of these players and the advantage of having multiple players familiar with the face off dot is crucial – Mike Babcock wants to play a puck possession style game, so starting with the puck is half the battle.
So, if tomorrow Steve Yzerman and friends call yours truly and asked for some advice on picking the team, there’s my team. Some of you may be screaming profanity at your computer screen shaking your head in disagreement, if so – let me know in the comments. What would you change?
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