The Canadian Olympic Hockey Team will not hit the ice in Vancouver until February 12th, but Steve Yzerman and his brain trust have put together 46 of the top players that will need to be whittled down into a finely honed Canadian juggernaut. Expectations are always extremely high for the red and white especially when it comes to the hockey teams and with the Olympics being held in Vancouver's backyard, less than gold hanging from the necks of the Canuckleheads is not an option. Who of this group do you think will be standing beside Steve Yzerman at the end of December when the final 23-man roster is announced?
Unless sidelined by injury, these stout-hearted men will most assuredly play for team Canada:
Goalie:
Martin Brodeur - Even with an off-season due to injury and a bad end in the playoffs, Marty is a shoe-in.
Roberto Luongo - Big LUUUUU may be 2nd fiddle to Brodeur, but he is at the top of his game. Expect Luongo to challenge for top spot.
Defense:
Chris Pronger - Expect the newly acquired Flyer defenseman to be a very physical force. NHL-sized rinks at the Olympics and a ferocious defensemen. Prediction? Pain.
Scott Niedermayer - Anaheim's shifty skater will complement Pronger nicely.
Forwards:
Sidney Crosby - Pens captain now has a Cup under his arm. He'll be a big draw in Vancouver and with Sid the Kid playin' internationally, he'll be ready.
Jarome Iginla - Calgary's burly captain is a natural choice. A big, tough winger who can score by the bushel. Probably already has been given his team jersey.
Expect to see these guys
Martin St-Louis - Tampa's diminutive big man.
Vincent Lecavalier - Vinnie has the skills, but will he be 100 percent healthwise?
Ryan Getzlaf - Bigtime physical presence at center, hopefully he builds on his playoff run.
Corey Perry - teammate of Getzlaf, Perry's a gamer.
Rick Nash - Mr Nash is a perennial member at the international level with a knack for popping in big goals.
Shea Weber - Big guy with the skills needed for this job.
Jay Bouwmeester - Calgary's newest member, big and tough and just beginning to show what he's capable of. Many teams will wonder how the Flames snaked this guy.
On/off the team, can't tell yet
Marc-Andre Fleury - Pittsburgh goalie in their Cup win. He may take Luongo's spot if his game continues to shine.
Cam Ward - Very solid in net during the playoffs, so expect the youngster to be given a strong look. Could be a member in next several Olypics and world championships.
Mike Green - Green can score and skates like the wind, but like all offensive defensemen, questions arise about his defence. PROVE THEM WRONG, MIKE!
Dan Boyle - San Jose's point man will deliver if given the chance, but has he got the overall skill. Me'thinks he does.
Robyn Regehr - The Flames have this Olympic defenceman who can contribute superior skills in the defensive zone.
Francois Beauchemin - Big, physical and has some skill.
Duncan Keith - two-way player, good defensive prospect.
Brent Seabrook - Another defenceman who had a great playoff year.
Dion Phaneuf - Another bruising defenceman. Had a lacklustre season but has a huge shot and expected to step back up this year.
Brent Burns - Oft-injured last year, but Minnesota's defenceman will bring his game.
Jeff Carter - 2nd best league-wide last season with 46 for Philadelphia, Carter is developing into a sniper which will give Canada yet more depth at center.
Simon Gagne - Another Flyer, Gagne is a veteran Olympian, but past injuries may be cause for concern.
Dany Heatley - Ottawa's big winger is looking to get away from the Senators. A big series of games in Vancouver may bring out some interest.
Brendan Morrow - Dallas lost Morrow when he injured his knee last year. He is a leader with skills. Even half-strength Morrow can contribute more with character than other more highly-touted players.
Jonathan Toews - Chicago's youthful captain is a smart player. If he can get some experience this time, he'll pay off in the coming years as one of the next generation of leaders.
Shane Doan - Highly experienced in international play, Doan lends strength, character, experience and two-way play. I expect him to once again make this team.
Mike Richards - More depth in the center, Richards can score and provide excellent defence prowess.
Joe Thornton - Joe got the brunt for the Sharks early exit in the playoffs so he'll have to prove himself all over again. He's got the skills, but right now his stock is at an alltime low. Can he start the rebound process with an Olympian effort?
Joe Sakic - I'd love to see Joe lace them up one last time. He's starting to age and has been injured a fair bit, but a strong veteran presence.
Eric Staal - Carolina's big gun last year keeps getting stronger each year. He will be on the team if he continues the play he exhibited in the playoffs. Hard to contain and a game breaker. Like to see him and his brothers all suit up.
Ryan Smyth - Smyth is a little longer in the tooth, but provides veteran international experience. Solid, no-nonsense worker.
These guys probably won't make this year's squad
Steve Mason - Each series in the playoffs and each game everyone thought "This is when he will falter." He didn't. Everyone will be looking at him to mess up in the run up to the Olypics. He won't.
Drew Doughty - Strong, young rookie defenceman. He will likely miss out this time around, because of the veterans in line ahead of him. Next time will be Doughty's turn.
Dan Hamhuis - Nashville's diamond in the rough. Like Doughty, too many vets for him this year, but given time, he'll be there next time.
Stephane Robidas - He's efficient, but not quite there talent-wise. Solid, if unspectacular.
Marc Staal - 22 year old Rangers' rearguard is their best defenceman, but not yet ready. Keep an eye on him in the future.
Patrick Marleau - Solid center, but with so many others to choose from, likely will be left behind.
Derek Roy - Fast, but smallish, Roy can still mix well with bigger players.
Patrick Sharp - Scoring winger, but what about the rest of his game? If he keeps scoring, he's good, if not...
Jordan Staal - One of the big Staal boys, can score some big goals, but others have the inside track.
Dan Cleary - Cleary can do it all well, if not spectacularly. Penalty-killer, goal-scorer and play left-right or center.
Milan Lucic - The Bruins new monster. Problem is he's so young. In 5 years he could be one of the best in the NHL, but will he be ready by February?
Andy McDonald - Young and quick, but the Blues' McDonald's up against bigger wingers.
Do you agree with the choices made? This group needs to be down to 23 from the current 46 by December. Who do you think should go?
No comments:
Post a Comment