Team Canada Watch: Centre
by Chemmy on Dec 11, 2009 1:20 PM EST
in Question of the Day
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PrintMaybe the deepest position for Team Canada, what five cent(re/er)s do you take to Vancouver this year? Invitees include guys like Vincent Lecavalier and Eric Staal who haven't impressed this season but ignore players like Steven Stamkos (30pts in 30GP).
In my mind there are two stone cold locks to play Center on Team Canada: Joe Thornton and Sidney Crosby. That leaves us two full time spots and an alternate.
So who are the big candidates left?
3rd in scoring amongst Canadian NHL centers, Getzlaf also has the benefit of playing with Corey Perry. Bringing along good winger-center combos should increase Canada's chances of scoring more than ten goals a game which is why I'm going to leave Patrick Marleau off this list. Capable of playing both center and wing he's feasted on the power play with Heatley and Thornton. I'd bring all three because they're comfortable with each other.
I haven't heard anything about Brad Richards this year but he's playing dominant hockey right now. A slick passer without an Olympian winger, I think B. Richards should be able to be plugged in with almost anybody (Iginla?) and make it work.
Despite claims he was having a bad season, Mike Richards' numbers look solid to me. M. Richards' is a good two way player and comes bundled with Jeff Carter (also a Center I'd move to wing) which gives Canada an amazing penalty killing duo up front. Philly leads the league in shorthanded goals perenially for a reason.
Stamkos wasn't invited to camp. Huge numbers though; sixth in the NHL in goals, 4th in power play goals. Probably gets left home this year but if he keeps developing he'll be a lock to play in Sochi barring an NHL ban.
Paul Stastny wasn't invited to Team Canada's camp either, but along with Stamkos represents a much stronger candidate than either Eric Staal or Vincent Lecavalier. Stastny's performance this year has helped Colorado get past the loss of Burnaby Joe and is a large reason Avalanche fans forgot the word "rebuild" in a hurry. Edit: Stastny was born in Quebec and is listed as a Canadian by NHL.com, but apparently plays for Team USA in the Olympics. Good for Kessel I suppose. I'll make it up to you with two more options:
No invite for Savard, he's firing on all cylinders after missing a bunch of time to start the year. It seems Hockey Canada isn't enamored with Savard and his injuries this year make him even more of a long shot.
Now that his fragile head hasn't been smashed in years Patrice Bergeron is quietly putting up some solid numbers.
So which five guys do I bring? Thornton, Crosby, M. Richards, Getzlaf and B. Richards is my fill in guy. How about you, who are you bringing and why?
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No love for Patrice Bergeron? With him and Richards together on the PK we wouldn’t be giving up many goals. Plus he wins draws around 58% of the time. And he has offence too.
by Belligerent Burkie on Dec 11, 2009 1:25 PM EST reply actions
Nah, let him rest.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Dec 11, 2009 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Yes we are. But I think that we’ll have at least 2 Centres playing on a wing, and Bergeron is currently 3rd among Canadians and 5th in the NHL at just under 59%. And he also plays quite a bit on the PK, over 2 minutes per game.
by Belligerent Burkie on Dec 11, 2009 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
They’re all good centers
But I’d bring Getzlaf for sure =) I like his size.
He also has a cup and has been getting better each of the past 2 years. =P
And when I say getting better…I mean getting to the point of superstar better =)
82 points in 77 games 2 years ago
91 points in 81 games last year
36 in 30 this year
The kid just keeps getting better =)
He’s mean, too
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Dec 11, 2009 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
huh, coulda swore Statsny was American, oh well
I pick B. Richards and Getzlaf
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 1:26 PM EST reply actions
Regehr was born in Brazil.
Stastny was raised American if I’m not mistaken, I don’t think he ever represented Canada at any level.
heatly is ze German
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
But he could! He has dual citizenship…
He probably plays for the US because he has a better chance of making it =P
former soviet bloc countries were pretty much exempted after that one olypmics
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Dec 11, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
I’m not talking about Soviet countries =P
But yeah…I just found some gymnastics regulations….and it’s possible for a gymnast =) So I’d imagine Statsny could too…
We just need to twist his arm and remind him why we’re better =D
35.2.1 Gymnasts who have represented their countries internationally When a gymnast who has represented his country, moves to another country and obtains citizenship (official nationality) of the latter country, he may – with the consent of
the two federations concerned and the Executive Committee immediately represent the new country. Where such consent is not granted, he may (with the consent of the Executive Committee) represent the now country one year after the date on which he received the new citizenship.
36.2.2 Dual Nationality. Where a gymnast has dual nationality he may choose which country he wishes to represent but, having represented that country, he cannot also except as provided for in paragraph 35.2.1 above -represent the other country in question.*
So if hockey has something similar…which I’d imagine it does….else there would be much bitching about infringing upon people’s rights to choose where to live….we might be able to nab Statsny for the next Olympics =)
You are allowed to change countries in Track and Field as well. Kenya (the Canada of track and field), as well as other dominant African nations, send athletes (or more accurately athletes are purchased away from them) to middle eastern countries like Qatar. Also, some European countries benefit (Wilson Kipketer in Denmark). The world record holder in the steeple chase even changed his name. Kathy Butler ran for Canada and finished 4th at the World cross country championships in 1999. She then moved to Scotland. More money in the UK"
by Leaf in Habland on Dec 11, 2009 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
Kenya is the Canada of distance events in track and field. Jamaica currently dominates the sprints and the throwers are all over the place.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 11, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions
Two things. He’s a traitor, and we don’t need him.
by Robot Godzilla on Dec 11, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
Was busy editing that while you commented. Hit refresh.
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he has dual citizenship but was born in Quebec
Supporter of Poni as a Leaf for the 10/11 season
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by AkiSchennberg on Dec 11, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
This is probably the correct answer. I agree with it in a legit way, not a USA! USA! USA! way.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Dec 11, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
I like what M. Richards brings, but i want Brad there slightly more.
I’d be happy with either on the third line
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
that's what it'll be
barring injury, i would lay money on it.
My picks
Crosby, Thornton, Getzlaf, Mike Richards and Lecavalier.
Stamkos would be there but as a winger tho
Fairweather fans can go to hell
he started slow but is starting to heat up a bit
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
IMO
He has too much skill and is just too good of a player to leave off
Fairweather fans can go to hell
but that’s 5 centers?
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 13, 2009 8:28 PM EST up reply actions
I have to go with Getzlaf and Mike Richards.
This is PPP's work account until further notice. Damn Internet.
I like those two, but I’m tempted to put one of them on the wing, and play them with Corey Perry as the third line.
Resident Capologist
Getzlaf at the beginning of the year, was #2 centerman pick, Thornton took it from him tho
Fairweather fans can go to hell
So who are your 4 centres?
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by David Danforth on Dec 11, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
then who centers Doan?
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Nash-Crosby-Iginla
Marleau- Thornton-Heatley
Doan-Toews-St.Louis
M Richards-Getzlaf-Perry
Alt: Morrow, B Richards
Move the lines around however you want, there’s my 14 forwards.
Resident Capologist
I agree with your top two lines.
Third line I’d have Richards and Carter with St. Louis.
Fourth line Getzlaf and Perry with Doan.
I really like the idea of keeping people together.
I’m going to go off the board and say Tavares as extra forward. He can play on the PP, and has dominated internationally so far. Obviously not at this level, but he’s going to be there next time. I guess you could make a similar argument for Stamkos, plus he’s older, but I like JT for the spot. Either way, gotta go with a young guy for the 13th spot.
by Leaf in Habland on Dec 11, 2009 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not convinced
I want Perry there. Might come down to who is comfortable/able on the wing, but to me, Perry may be a liability in a tourney like this.
he was money in the WJC
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
Whole team was, that was the best team they ever put together.
I think what works for him in the NHL (physicality, pest, etc) isn’t what will necessarily work in the Olympics. If you could promise me he throws his weight around well without taking stupid penalties, fine, but I don’t know if he’ll do that.
he takes fewer stupid penalties than most give him credit for, also he will be perfect for getting in the other teams head. You need at least one player who can get the other team off balance mentaly
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
I think I like Perry as an annoying player more than Lucic. Perry puts up big time points.
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Perry’s proven himself to be a more all-around player than Lucic.
although you have to admit that Lucic tearing around the Vancouver ice would make the crowd go nuts (because of the Vancouver Giants connection)
Resident Capologist
Understatement of the century. Perry’s amazing.
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Perry is amazing and amazingly dirty. You want to bring D that make life miserable for the Euros on the small ice? They’ve got nothing on Corey Perry.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 11, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions
Lucic plays on the edge – which is great in the NHL… in the Olympics he will be on the ‘over the edge’ standard.
I don’t want to lose because we are PK’ing an over the top Lucic penalty.
Next Olympics, he has a shot.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Dec 11, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
He’ll also have missed a lot of playing time and have been injured twice so far this year. Also, I prefer him to rest.
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Dec 11, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
my mild dislike for Ray Ferraro has turned into seething rage with that plug
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by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 1:40 PM EST up reply actions
Chemmy figured that the TSN Quiz will do enough politicking for the man you titled “Rob Zamuner 2.0”.
Seriously, Rob Zamuner being an Olympian should give everyone hope.
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by David Danforth on Dec 11, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
simple
Rory Fitzpatrick
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
yes
old joke revival fail
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
Thorton, Crosby, Getzlaf, and M. Richards. But I’d like to see Stamkos on the team, maybe as a wing on Getzlaf’s line with Perry.
They call me Splodeybones.
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Crosby, Getzlaf, Thornton, M. Richards
Plus Stamkos/Savard/Bergeron, in that order, depending on how they make out in December; and after that Toews or even Tavares.
I’ve soured on B. Richards. It probably isn’t fair; so sue me. He wasn’t impressive to me last time and I just think we’ve got better. Lecavalier has been playing his way out of contention for three years now, it’s not just an invisible October that he has to overcome. He’s fallen farther than Spezza and Staal, IMNSHO. Really, I want Stamkos just because I’m bound and determined to go with young and hot this year.
I've been looking at the sky
If Crosby centers the first line, my assumption is RW would be Iginla and Nash on LW. I’m getting a sever case of the giggities just thinking about that…
Thornton between Heatley (LW) and Marleau (RW) would be my second line, leaving a trio familiar with each other intact.
Getzlaf and Perry (RW) on the third line with Toews on LW. That gives you a fast, skilled checking line that can also score. Chances are Babcock plans on rolling 4 scoring lines, but in a leading situation, these guys would look just as good shutting down the opposition.
Fourth line would have Mike Richards and Jeff Carter together, and an enormous question mark on LW. Lucic, Smyth (say what you want, he’s Capt. Canada. To me, if he wants to go, he goes) Staal (Jordan) or Doan. That’s a tough call, but i’d go with Smyth personally. Maybe not the best choice, but sentimentality won me over there.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 11, 2009 1:51 PM EST reply actions
thing is
at the Olympic camp this summer, Iginla and Crosby just didn’t mesh. I think the first line will be Nash – Crosby – St. Louis.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 13, 2009 8:30 PM EST up reply actions
Smyth
surprisingly, I agree – although it depends on how he comes back from his injury. Before getting injured, he definitely deserved a spot on Team Canada.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 13, 2009 8:31 PM EST up reply actions
yah, if smyth played the way he started the year all season without his injury he’d be hard to leave off
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 13, 2009 8:38 PM EST up reply actions
If Crosby centers the first line, my assumption is RW would be Iginla and Nash on LW. I’m getting a severe case of the giggities just thinking about that…
Thornton between Heatley (LW) and Marleau (RW) would be my second line, leaving a trio familiar with each other intact.
Getzlaf and Perry (RW) on the third line with Toews on LW. That gives you a fast, skilled checking line that can also score. Chances are Babcock plans on rolling 4 scoring lines, but in a leading situation, these guys would look just as good shutting down the opposition.
Fourth line would have Mike Richards and Jeff Carter together, and an enormous question mark on LW. Lucic, Smyth (say what you want, he’s Capt. Canada. To me, if he wants to go, he goes) Staal (Jordan) or Doan. That’s a tough call, but i’d go with Smyth personally. Maybe not the best choice, but sentimentality won me over there.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 11, 2009 1:51 PM EST reply actions
Toews is a good call in place of St. Louis (as I’d suggested above), but basically you’ve got the same lines as I do here. Doan’s got to be there.
by Leaf in Habland on Dec 11, 2009 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
My Forwards (right now)
1st Line: Crosby centering Iginla and Nash
2nd Line: Thornton centering Heatley and Marleau (not sure about Marleau right now)
3rd Line: Getzlaf, Perry, Jeff Carter (not sure I like either of these wingers here, maybe Toews?)
4th Line: Mike Richards centering Morrow and Doan
Extras: Toews, Stamkos, Smyth
Smyth...
will definitely not be on the bench…probably 4th liner. Play Morrow with Getzlaf and Perry and no one will want to mess with that line.
This looks like the right roster to me. I particularly like carting Toews and Stamkos along to learn a thing or two.
Love having Mike Richards, Brendan Morrow, Shane Doan, Jeff Carter, Ryan Getzlaf, Ryan Smyth, and Corey Perry all on this team (Iginla and Nash for that matter too). I feel like Canada is at its worst when it brings nothing but finess guys. This is a very physical roster here, and would be brutal to play against.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 11, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
finesse-only
does seem to have been a problem with prior teams… It’s playing the Europeans strength against strength… We need two finesse lines to match theirs, but then also at least one line that can pound them in a way they just can’t compete with.
and the Mustache of Truculence (formerly Canada4Mizzou)
I Crosby centers the first line, my assumption is RW would be Iginla and Nash on LW. I’m getting a sever case of the giggities just thinking about that…
Thornton between Heatley (LW) and Marleau (RW) would be my second line, leaving a trio familiar with each other intact.
Getzlaf and Perry (RW) on the third line with Toews on LW. That gives you a fast, skilled checking line that can also score. Chances are Babcock plans on rolling 4 scoring lines, but in a leading situation, these guys would look just as good shutting down the opposition.
Fourth line would have Mike Richards and Jeff Carter together, and an enormous question mark on LW. Lucic, Smyth (say what you want, he’s Capt. Canada. To me, if he wants to go, he goes) Staal (Jordan) or Doan. That’s a tough call, but i’d go with Smyth personally. Maybe not the best choice, but sentimentality won me over there.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 11, 2009 1:53 PM EST reply actions
Flagged for spam!!!
Damn SB site doing its stutter posting again
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Dec 11, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
it's funny
because each one has different typos. it must have somehow posted while i was editing…weird.
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 11, 2009 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
As far as the Centers go, I too go with Crosby, Thornton and Getzlaf as locks.
Fourth and the extra up in the air, but probably the top contenders are M and B Richards and Stamkos.
You can throw Toews and the rest all competing as well.
Once one of these guys are given 4th line pivot duty, the rest will have to fight to take some of the natural winger spots.
As for the lines: Defacto 1st line Nash Crosby Iginla
Heatley is going, no matter how much I protest, so I am good with the Heatley Thornton Marleau Line – one little quibble here is that all three of these players are left handed shots… maybe we need to find a good Right handed shot to go on the wing.
Third line I believe is wide open except for Getzlaf – I think the coaches will have to try and pick guys that are really good defensively and can check well. I still think we will have 30 goal scorers here, but I am not sold on Perry and Toews just yet.
Fourth line has to have either Smyth or Doan on it to go with whichever center that has been slotted in. At this point we have about 15 guys that can take the last winger spot on this line.
Whomever is left gets that 13th spot. Has to be a versatile and team oriented guy. Someone who can do whatever he is asked. I think the player picked here will be more of a factor than some think.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Dec 11, 2009 2:12 PM EST reply actions
Definitely Crosby and Thornton are locks… I wouldn’t have listed Thornton as a lock necessarily before the season, but the way he’s playing now he’s been so spectacular he can’t be left off.
To me Getzlaf is as close to a lock as you can get without being a lock. He’s got real game and can bring it in all three zones.
My other centres are Brad Richards and Jonathan Toews. B. Richards has been playing awesome this year and can play any role. And even though Toews offensive numbers are down a bit now (partly due to injury), I love his maturity for a younger player, and he can penalty kill and play defense. Tough choice for me between him and Mike Richards but I just like Toews that little bit more.
leaf fan stuck in ottawa, a localized black hole that will suck everything in that area to oblivion.
are we?
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 11, 2009 2:34 PM EST up reply actions
SB nation is slower than (Jason Allison Joke Deleted)
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Dec 11, 2009 2:38 PM EST reply actions
Outraced the Hal Gill joke?
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Dec 11, 2009 2:38 PM EST up reply actions
Insert “they timed that race by sundial” joke here.
leaf fan stuck in ottawa, a localized black hole that will suck everything in that area to oblivion.
But if the Earth rotates more than once around in that time, wouldn’t it be hard to remember when they started?
They call me Splodeybones.
Would the Mayan calendar be long enough?
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by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Dec 11, 2009 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
is it still slow?
I have nothing interesting to say.
by blurr1974 on Dec 11, 2009 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
Seems to be better now
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Dec 11, 2009 2:44 PM EST up reply actions
How good must it be for San Jose fans...
…that an entire line is lifted from their team to become one of the top lines for Team Canada at the Olympics.
I guess other teams have similar lines, but spread over multiple teams (Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin come to mind), but nothing as clear cut awesome.
Glad Heatley was traded from the Sens for this.
by Its Cold In Here on Dec 11, 2009 5:42 PM EST reply actions
yeah, it will be the first time in a while there is no Sen on team canada, I like it
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 5:45 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t see Toews making this team
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 5:42 PM EST reply actions
Give him a roster spot and put him in there against Norway or the Swiss. That guy might be your captain in eight years.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 11, 2009 6:49 PM EST up reply actions
I’d take the under on 8 and say 4. The man’s a double-man among men.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions
It’s Crosby in 4.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 11, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions
What’s different in 8 years, then? Why would it change?
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 6:54 PM EST up reply actions
I’m going with the usual
Nash-Crosby-Iginla
Marleau-Thornton-Heatley
For my first two lines, but am going to change it up a bit on the bottom six
Cammalleri-Getzlaf-Perry
Staal (Jordan) – Mike Richards-Jeff Carter
Extras: Towes, B. Richards
by Blue and White Expat on Dec 11, 2009 5:59 PM EST reply actions
That is the olympic orientation camp roster, not the entire list of players that are eligible to be picked.
Trying to google the full list, but I heard it was over 80 players.
"Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the the universe."
Albert Einstein
by Say *plan the parade one more time*... on Dec 11, 2009 6:37 PM EST up reply actions
B-Rad is awesome
He deserves to make the team, but he might not because of less exposure. I’d prefer he didn’t so that he’s not all tired an stuff afterwards.
I’m selfish. I don’t want any of my team at the Olympics :P
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by Brad_Richards_Rocks on Dec 11, 2009 6:01 PM EST reply actions
three of the Leafs best players are pretty much locks for their respective countries, non canada
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by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
Good thing the leafs have no good Canadians.
I was thinking about what Leafs will be at the Olympics though. I came up with:
US – Kessel, Komi
Czech Republic – Kaberle
Russia – Kulemin?
Ukraine? – Poni (Looks like they don’t have a team though)
Finland – Hagman, Toskala?
Belorussia – Grabovski
by Its Cold In Here on Dec 11, 2009 6:09 PM EST up reply actions
sweden – Gustavsson, Gunnarsson (if they are healthy)
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 6:11 PM EST up reply actions
The US has a fair amount of D options… by no means would I consider Komisarek a lock. I agree with the rest of that list, though, and I think Jason Blake has a decent shot at making USA, too.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 6:39 PM EST up reply actions
With his GM and coach running team USA I’d say Komisarek is close to a lock, but not like I thought he was before the season started.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
I doubt Blake has much hope of making the US team.
He’s on pace for something gross like 16 goals.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
Yeah I haven’t even considered him. I wonder how he’ll feel when his coach and GM keep him off the squad.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
A better question would be...
How would the rest of team USA feel, knowing that Blake was chosen ahead of perhaps dozens of other much more capable players.
Why do we do this to ourselves?
I’d take M. Richards over B. Richards, I think, just because, frankly (and I truly hate to say it), MIke Richards is a badass centerman on both sides of the puck.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 6:41 PM EST up reply actions
Surprised you broke the forward positions up, since so many folks are going to be recommending that at least one or two natural centers be moved to wing so they can play on the team. I guess it makes sense to do centers first though, so if Richards or Richards or Toews don’t make the cut, that can be revisited…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
I know you guys are real concerned about Team Canada’s defensive ability, so I think if a guy like Boyd Gordon can get his back healthy he might be a real darkhorse pick in the “shutdown C” role for you guys.
/runs
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
who?
you have to stop making players up!
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 11, 2009 6:27 PM EST up reply actions
Brooks Laich, of course, would be my choice for that role.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
Not a center
No matter how much Caps fans want him to be.
You're the reason that I hate Nova Scotia.
I think he’s got the goods over Taro Tsujimoto, ANY DAY.
by DrinkingPartner on Dec 11, 2009 6:43 PM EST up reply actions
No invite for Savard, he’s firing on all cylinders after missing a bunch of time to start the year. It seems Hockey Canada isn’t enamored with Savard and his injuries this year make him even more of a long shot.
I can’t see any way to fit Savard on a team that already has Crosby and Thornton. Savard doesn’t strike me as 3rd line center material the way Getzlaf or either Richards does. Savard ain’t the brain-dead puck-hog that he once was, but he ain’t no Selke neither.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
In my mind there are two stone cold locks to play Center on Team Canada: Joe Thornton and Sidney Crosby. That leaves us two full time spots and an alternate.
Gotta raise the obvious question about Thornton. Sure, his regular season numbers are amazing. But has he ever really brought his best game to the most important games? When you see how the Sharks do in the playoffs, aren’t you worried about his play in the Olympics?
Or is playoff performance only taken into account for defensemen?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 12, 2009 10:47 AM EST reply actions
Thorton averages just under a point a game in the playoffs over his career
9 in 11
11 in 11
10 in 13
5 in 6
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 12, 2009 11:04 AM EST up reply actions
with the Sharks rather
also his last year playing with the bruins in the playoffs he scored 24 points in 14 games
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 12, 2009 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
Thornton still makes me nervous come playoffs. He’s not the same dominant player then that he is in the regular season. Also, this season he’s playing on the most talented line in hockey. Personally, I’d leave him off and put Crosby with Heatley and Marleau.
Sidney Crosby, Mike Richards, Ryan Getzlaf, Brad Richards, Steven Stamkos, as the 1C, 3C, 2C, 4C, and 3W.
by red army line on Dec 12, 2009 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Thornton in 76 playoff GP is 12-41-53, -12, if I read this correctly. Post lockout he’s 41 GP, 6-29-35, -2.
One thing I didn’t know: Green is a career postseason -7 (in the NHL, at least). Ouch.
by red army line on Dec 12, 2009 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
he was money at the World Cup. Also, he won’t even be Team canada’s main weapon at the Olympics, everyone’s gotta focus on Crosby, Thornton will have less pressure, which I think helps him succeed.
"The only way out is in a body bag. Go Leafs Go." - Blinky
by Karina on Dec 13, 2009 8:34 PM EST up reply actions
yah, Thorton didnt do well as the number one last time, although no one really did well last time
Puns, Innuendo and Bad Spelling, Yes We Got That
by JaredFromLondon on Dec 13, 2009 8:39 PM EST up reply actions
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