Team Canada Watch
December 21st, 2009 by Jason ChenAnother week and the list continues to get shorter. This final week of scouting and evaluation will be absolutely vital for Olympic hopefuls, especially for bubble players like Drew Doughty, struggling veterans like Brenden Morrow and Shane Doan, and players who have clawed their way into consideration, like Patrice Bergeron.
GOALTENDERS
1 (1) Martin Brodeur, NJ (.887 SV% isn’t pretty, but chalk up two more wins)
2 (3) Marc-Andre Fleury, Pit (3 straight wins with only 4 GA in that span)
3 (2) Roberto Luongo, Van (2.29/.920, but team can’t find consistency)
There’s no denying that Brodeur’s the starter. But who’s the backup? Do you go with big game experience with Fleury or the big talent with Luongo? That’s a question that Mike Babcock will have to decide. Either way, he’s seen enough of Luongo in the West and Fleury in the Cup finals to make an informed decision.
DEFENSEMEN
1 (2) Duncan Keith, Chi (there’s really no stopping this guy)
2 (3) Shea Weber, Nsh (the Preds are rolling and he’s +7 in December)
3 (4) Brent Seabrook, Chi (+13 is second to Toews on Hawks)
4 (1) Mike Green, Wsh (quiet week in which offense was shut down)
5 (5) Dan Boyle, SJ (how good is he? Faces off against Keith tonight)
6 (7) Drew Doughty, LA (comparisons to Niedermayer aren’t premature)
7 (8) Chris Pronger, Phi (he’s a lock, but recent play suggests otherwise)
8 (6) Jay Bouwmeester, Cgy (ugly -4 week but still the front-runner from CGY)
9 (12) Dion Phaneuf, Cgy (two PPG is nice, but Canada not short on offense)
10 (11) Scott Niedermayer, Ana (selection or non-selection will both spark debate)
11 (13) Robyn Regehr, Cgy (his shut-down role already taken by Seabrook)
Drew Doughty is the player to watch here because he might be a better pick than Jay Bouwmeester. There are four locks as of now: Niedermayer, Pronger, Weber, and Keith. That’s your top four core right there and the next three will depend on what sort of team Steve Yzerman wants to ice. Boyle would be a lock if it weren’t for Mike Green because both players dominate in the offensive zone but not so much in their own. I left Regehr on the list because I think he could be a surprise pick but I’m not totally convinced yet.
FORWARDS
1 (1) Sidney Crosby, Pit (despite only 11 PP points he’s fourth in league scoring)
2 (2) Joe Thornton, SJ (just one game last week but had a hand in all 4 SJ goals)
3 (3) Jonathan Toews, Chi (slow starter was confident - 18 points in last 19 games)
4 (5) Martin St. Louis, TB (he’s a bubble player but his 38 points are tied with Perry)
5 (7) Ryan Getzlaf, Ana (and the goals come rushing in - 3-game goal streak)
6 (11) Jarome Iginla, Cgy (his bounce back ability is amazing - 5 points this week)
7 (10) Rick Nash, Cbs (-11 isn’t pretty but pair him with Crosby and it’ll be magic)
8 (12) Patrick Marleau, SJ (if Canada takes him, they should keep the SJ line together)
9 (4) Dany Heatley, SJ (a rare-0 goal week but still only 3 away from league lead)
10 (6) Corey Perry, Ana (just 1 assist and -3 but he’s got the right mix)
11 (13) Mike Fisher, Ott (season’s no fluke - scoring 5 goals in each month)
12 (16) Mike Richards, Phi (point totals last three months: 12, 11, 8 )
13 (22) Steve Stamkos, TB (probably in line for a disappointing cut)
14 (23) Jordan Staal, Pit (like brother he’s been surging but he’s more versatile)
15 (24) Patrice Bergeron, Bos (TSN’s favourite boy is a depth player at best)
16 (15) Brad Richards, Dal (is he back? Offensively yes, but defense not quite)
17 (9) Mike Cammalleri, Mtl (30 points is great but only 5th among Canadian LWs)
18 (8) Dustin Penner, Edm (how, when, where do you play him?)
19 (21) Brenden Morrow, Dal (outside of Dallas - 11 points in 19 away games)
20 (17) Jeff Carter, Phi (he’d be a good linemate for M. Richards… but that’s about it)
21 (25) Shane Doan, Phx (he’s a solid player but he’s not producing)
The two most notable omissions are Vincent Lecavalier and Eric Staal. Despite Staal’s recent surge I don’t think either player has shown enough to warrant a spot on this team. They’ve been disappointing all year and Canada has the luxury of depth, much to the two big centres’ dismay. I’ve left Penner and Cammalleri on the list because I think they should be considered. Both are dark horses but have performed extremely well with little or zero help. They are the only two bright spots for what will seem like disappointing season for the Oilers and Habs. I’ve also kept Jeff Carter because most pundits still have him on their lists even though I don’t think his play warrants any more consideration. There are other players out there that can put the puck in the net. Definitive locks are Nash, Crosby, Iginla. I would put Joe Thornton in that group but Hockey Canada has always seemed adverse to selecting him, God knows why. Getzlaf, Perry, and Heatley are three others that I would consider locks, but not in the same group as Crosby and co.
As promised, my picks for Sweden, Czech Republic, and Russia:
CZECH REPUBLIC
G Ondrej Pavelec, Atl
G Marek Schwarz, Mlada Boleslav (Extraliga)
G Tomas Vokoun, Fla*
D Roman Hamrlik, Mtl
D Tomas Kaberle, Tor – A*
D Filip Kuba, Ott*
D Pavel Kubina, Atl*
D Zbynek Michalek, Phx
D Jaroslav Spacek, Mtl*
D Marek Zidlicky, Min*
C Jiri Hudler, Dynamo Moscow (KHL)
C David Krejci, Bos
C Tomas Plekanec, Mtl
C Josef Vasicek, Lokomotiv Yaroslavl (KHL)
LW Patrik Elias, NJ*
LW Milan Michalek, Ott
LW Vaclav Prospal, NYR*
RW Radek Dvorak, Fla
RW Martin Erat, Nsh*
RW Tomas Fleischmann, Wsh
RW Martin Havlat, Min
RW Milan Hejduk, Col - A*
RW Jaromir Jagr, Avangard Omsk (KHL) – C*
RUSSIA
G Ilya Bryzgalov, Phx*
G Evgeni Nabokov, SJ*
G Semyon Varlamov, Was
D Sergei Gonchar, Pit – A*
D Denis Grebeshkov, Edm
D Dmitri Kalinin, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (KHL)
D Fedor Tyutin, Cbs*
D Vitaly Vishnevsky, Lokomotiv Yaroslav (KHL)
D Anton Volchenkov, Ott*
D Sergei Zubov, SKA St. Petersburg (KHL)
C Pavel Datsyuk, Det*
C Viktor Kozlov, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (KHL)*
C Evgeni Malkin, Pit*
LW Alexander Frolov, LA*
LW Ilya Kovalchuk, Atl – C*
LW Sergei Mozyakin, Atlant Mytishchi (KHL)
LW Alexander Ovechkin, Was*
RW Maxim Afinogenov, Atl*
RW Evgeny Artyukhin, Ana
RW Alexei Kovalev, Ott – A*
RW Alexei Morozov, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)
RW Alexander Radulov, Salavat Yulayev Ufa (KHL)
RW Alexander Semin, Was
SWEDEN
G Jacob Markstrom, Brynas IF (SEL)
G Henrik Lundqvist, NYR
G Mikael Tellqvist, Ak Bars Kazan (KHL)*
D Alexander Edler, Van
D Tobias Enstrom, Atl
D Jonathan Ericsson, Det
D Kim Johnsson, Min*
D Nicklas Lidstrom, Det – C*
D Johnny Oduya, NJ
D Mattias Ohlund, TB*
C Nicklas Backstrom, Was
C Johan Davidsson, HV 71 (SEL)
C Henrik Sedin, Van*
C Samuel Pahlsson, Cbs*
C Henrik Zetterberg, Det – A*
LW Loui Eriksson, Dal
LW Tomas Holmstrom, Det
LW Fredrik Modin, Cbs*
LW Marcus Nilson, Djurgardens IF (SEL)
LW Daniel Sedin, Van*
LW Fredrik Sjostrom, Cgy
RW Daniel Alfredsson, Ott –A*
RW Mikael Samuelsson, Van*
* = 2006 Olympian
Posted in Canucks
42 Responses to “Team Canada Watch”
By BCapp on Dec 21, 2009
Your right on the Russian goalies (Varlamov has definitely earned that spot) but I was calling the Builin was coming into the season.
In regards to Russia in general, I think you have too many NHLers. I read somewhere they want to go 50/50 NHL/KHL. Obviously that wouldn’t give them the best possible team, but I can see them sticking to it.
Cheers. Just one more week!
By BCapp on Dec 21, 2009
On a complete side note, if Fisher makes this team his life is just awesome! He just announced his engagement to Carrie Underwood.
By Jason Chen on Dec 21, 2009
The Russians say it’ll be 50/50 but I’m not so sure they’ll stick to their words. Their best players play overseas and their KHL list is a little thin.
I was going to comment about Fisher’s engagement but I think we’ve had enough non-hockey hockey news (if that makes any sense) for one day.
By john bennett on Dec 22, 2009
Dec 22, 2009
Just a hunch and likely wrong but I’ve got the strange vibe that Vinny
Lecavalier might have possibly snuck back on to the Team Canada
radar screen, . . . , he’s very slowly hung in there. His +/- is back to zero, he’s tied for 28′th in total points, the T. Canada Brass will love his size and his pedigree. We’ve all noticed that he seems to have had a crap season but recently, he seems to be coming on some. A year ago he would have been a “lock pick.” Where would they play him ? . . . , in the checking line Center position, Mike Richards’ slot. Compare the stats Richards and Lecavalier.
Think of those big center ice men with Vinny there. Unlikely, yes,
impossible no !
Another guy with no chance at all for a roster position and seemingly never mentioned is 6′ 2″ 230 lb, 24 year old, Nathan Horton, [Panthers]. Boy, this guy is really lighting it up!
He’s tied for 17′th in total points, he’s a plus 7. Florida kicked the crap out of the Flyers last night in Philly and Horton bags 2 goals in the game. He plays a strong RW position but he won’t likely even get a sniff. The same old question would of course be, who comes out if NH goes in ?
My big question continues to be, will there be at least one big surprise pick from the Yzerman group ?
,
By Jason Chen on Dec 22, 2009
I wouldn’t compare Lecavalier’s game to Richards’ because I think they’re quite different. Both Lecavalier and Staal have picked up their play but it’s too little, too late. They simply haven’t shown enough with the time they’ve given to be considered. I think it’s an incredible motivator for them to play for Canada and might even jumpstart their NHL games but Canada cannot make a single mistake in this tournament. They have to go with players that they know will play well consistently.
By Jason Chen on Dec 22, 2009
Horton’s been on a tear as of late but I don’t think he was ever considered. He’s no longer the 30-goal scorer he once was and it looks like he may never reach his potential.
My ultimate surprise pick would actually be Dustin Penner. He fits with Getzlaf and Perry and no NHLer this year has done more with less than him. It’s quite amazing what he’s accomplished already.
By BCapp on Dec 22, 2009
Jason,
I agree with everything you say and I even agree that Penner deserves serious consideration. He has done what he got paid for 2 years ago and broken out of his ‘potential stage’, into his prime. But I still wouldn’t take him. While he is hot now, I want guys with experience of good seasons on this team, which he really just does not have.
In regards to Horton, while I agree that he won’t make this team, I don’t think its fair to say ‘he may never reach his potential’. He’s under 25 and who knows, this may be his break out year.
By john bennett on Dec 22, 2009
Dec 22, 2009
Good points, Jason. Your comment, a while back on Scott Niedermayer was right on too, . . . , some controversy, on or off the roster, but 98+ %, he will be there.
Mike Richards should also be there at center in his familiar checking role. The only thing that bothers me with the pick, is all the present discord in the Flyers dressing room. Hopefully, when he escapes that environment for a while he will lighten up a little. His role will be very defined with T. Canada and he should relax. Right now their team is in a total “fog” and that’s uncomfortable.
Also agree about Nat Horton, not even on the Canadian radar screen, but man his numbers are good, aren’t they ?
Penner, is an interesting case as a long shot pick. If he’s in, he goes to LW with Getzlaf and Perry and that bumps Heatley back to
RW on Joe Thornton’s line, (if he wasn’t already there to begin with). That would push Iginla back to RW on the Crosby line and
would likely take St Louis or some other RW out of the first 12 forwards.
Iginla, of course, is a slam dunk, but he fits naturally with the Crosby threesome or on Thornton’s line. Move one new person on to the roster and it really rattles the tree.
Your reasoning on Lecavalier is sound and a betting person would
scrap him at this stage, for sure, . . . , in fact, his fate is probably
already sealed by now. Nevertheless, I still haven’t quite tossed him aside yet. He is barely breathing though.
By BCapp on Dec 25, 2009
Russia announced there team today. (http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=23745.html?cid=rsstsn)
You were pretty close
By Jason Chen on Dec 26, 2009
Sergei Fedorov was the big surprise for me because I think he’s old but I guess they needed a veteran presence and some defensive conscience on their team. He will wear a letter at some point in the tournament.
Andrei Markov I had left off because I didn’t think he’d make it back in time but I originally had him penciled in as a lock and Zubov is the obvious odd man out.
As usual, Russia has the guns to score and some goaltending, but where’s the defense? Babcock was right - Canada’s edge over all its opponents is on defense.
By BCapp on Dec 26, 2009
While we have an incredible defense, the American and Swedish ones are very good too.
By BCapp on Dec 27, 2009
You were pretty close on Sweden too.
But I am happy about 2 things you were wrong on. Gustavsson made the team (I’m a leafs fan), and my favourite player of my life time made it: Peter the Great.
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=23838.html?cid=rsstsn
By Jason Chen on Dec 27, 2009
Darn, I was off on the Sweden picks… I thought Markstrom would get the nod considering his solid play in the SEL this season.
I believe Kronwall is still out with an injury so he may not be playing at all. Murray and Tallinder are nice picks though because they’re accountable in their own zone. A little surprised the Swedes went with such a veteran roster - Edler and Ericsson would be my notable omissions.
Alfredsson is out so we might see a new name in his place and Weinhandl is a name that I haven’t seen in a while - a talented player that never quite figured out how to stay in the NHL.
By john bennett on Dec 27, 2009
Dec 28, 2009
The media are all over the board on their CANADIAN OLYMPIC PICKS,. . . , so why not throw in my own personal favourites for Vancouver.
These selections are shown in possible line combos or defence pairings and they move left to right. Forwards and/or defence pairs are in no particular order. A comment or 2 appear with some players. (L) shoots left and (R) shoots right.
FORWARDS:
NASH (L) CROSBY (L) IGINLA (R)
B. RICHARDS (L) GETZLAF (R) PERRY (R)
MARLEAU (L) THORNTON (L) HEATLEY (L)
J. STAAL (L) M. RICHARDS (L) FISHER (R)
-there will be big
arguments on Staal.
Morrow (L), is popular here too.
EXTRA FORWARD: TOEWS
DEFENCE:
NIEDERMAYER (L) WEBER (R)
PRONGER (L) BOYLE (R)
KEITH (L) DOUGHTY (R)
I know, Seabrook is the natural
partner with Keith and Green has
big stats but if they omit this
pudgy faced 20 year old they’re
making a big mistake. He’s ready
BOUWMEESTER (L)
GOAL:
BRODEUR LUONGO FLEURY
If the “brass” want more size on the Getzlaf line they can go with
Penner, Lecavalier or Eric Staal on LW there. Seems to be a big push for the eldest Staal, of late. More goals, perhaps Stamkos or Cammalleri ? Many will push hard for Marty St Louis and maybe
Carter and/or Doan.
On the “D,” the consensus choice appears to be Seabrook with Keith. I say you can go to the mint with Drew Doughty.
By john bennett on Dec 28, 2009
Dec 28, 2009
. . . , and what big surprise(s) might Stevie Y and company have in store for the Canadian Olympic hockey fan ?
How about Milan Lucic (L), Vinny Lecavalier (L) or possibly Eric Staal (L), among some of our Forwards ?
On Defence, a ‘Hockey in Canada’ panel of 15 ranked Washington’s Mike Green (R), 11′th where only 7 D-Men are likely to be chosen. Interestingly, as of last evening Green sits number 1 in total points in the entire NHL, . . . , with 36 points in 37 games and a very strong plus 16 score. Is his play too risky ? Would his
selection be another big surprise ?
Don Cherry even chose smallish D- Man, Stephane Robidas (R) as one of his picks. Is he serious ? Apparently, yes, he is !
We get answers/explanations to most of this stuff in a day or two.
By john bennett on Dec 28, 2009
Dec 28, 2009
Eric Staal gets 2 goals and 3 assists in Carolina’s 6-3 win over the
Capitals, last night in Washington, (a plus 4 on the night). Staal tends to score in bunches and maybe he’s back on the Team Canada radar screen. There are few better than ES when he’s on his game. Wow !!
The Team Canada brass love this player. Only one game but a major statement. He can play a dominant Center role or be a dominant LW.
A surprise pick ? Perhaps not.
By john bennett on Jan 15, 2010
Jan 15, 2010
Major Concerns with Team Canada’s Captain,
Scott Niedermayer, . . , over the hill at age 36 ? Chris Pronger, at the same age is doing just fine.
Experience, yeah, yeah, but SN was minus 2 again last night for an overall - 15. He’s
supposed to be our big leader. Have some big doubts. His supporting cast will be
much better than his DUCK’S team but so will the USA’s, Russia’s, Sweden’s,…
If we consider only left hand shooters on the
D, how about Brian Campbell (Chicago), 30 points compared to SN’s 26 and more important
he’s a plus 19 ? That’s a 34 point swing from SN. Also, Campbell is a very fast skater.
The big 3 on Calgary Bouwmeester, Phaneuf and
Regehr, ( all left hand shooters), are all
doing better, stats-wise than SN. Big Jay B,
IMO, should have made it, anyway.
If it was pure shut down Canada wants, how
could you go wrong with Jeff Schultz of the
Caps ? At age 23 and 6′ 6″ and 230 LBS, he’s
got the size to clear the front of the net.
What about his defense ? Schultz leads ALL
800 + NHL players in +/- with a super plus 26
and he’s not just a one year wonder because he finished last season with an excellent + 13.
Niedermayer’s minus 15 is cause for concern.
I hope the Yzrman group have not just annointed him because of his past excellence.
How are you playing right NOW is the question?
By john bennett on Jan 15, 2010
jan 15/10
I do have some serious concerns about Team
Canada Captain, Scott Niedermayer. At age 36, has he started to lose it ? Last night a - 2 again for an overall - 15 for the year.
Look at all the left shooting D-Men, (with a
much better +/-), we might have selected.
The big 3 on Calgary, Bouwmeester, Phaneuf
and Regehr are +10, +3 and zero, respectively
All 3 of them have international experience.
Brian Campbell, (Chicago) has 4 more points
than SN and Campbell is an eye-popping + 19.
That’s a 34 point difference from SN.
If Canada wants a shut down standout, look no further than Capitals’ Jeff Schultz, only 23 years old and at 6′ 6″ and 230 lbs more than able to do the job. By the way, of the 800 plus players in the NHL, Schultz stands
” Number One” with a lofty + 26. Wow !!
Is he just a one year wonder ? Very unlikely
because he completed last season at a respectable + 13.
Yeah Niedermayer has won virtually everything
possible and he plays on a weak Ducks team but this tournament is about how well you’re
playing right NOW !! Hope he regains his form in a hurry.
By Jason Chen on Jan 17, 2010
Let’s not forget the fact that Anaheim’s SV% is 19th in the league. I don’t think there’s any denying that Niedermayer’s not having a good season, but I think the main belief is that he HAS to be on this team and skilled enough to make a positive impact in Vancouver. The Ducks are as dysfunctional as they come right now because they’re still a one-line team.
I would have to say no to Phaneuf and Campbell because I think their defense is worse than Niedermayer’s, even if the +/- say otherwise. Bouwmeester was my pick over Doughty. Interesting that you bring up Jeff Schultz, a frequent defensive partner of Mike Green. I think the Caps’ +/- should be taken with a grain of salt because they score so many damn goals and if you’re still posting a minus playing with Green and Ovechkin something’s obviously wrong. I would have to say Schultz would not be one my first picks but he is having a good season.
I think Niedermayer will return to form once the tournament starts - he just needs to play with a team that can compete.
By john bennett on Jan 17, 2010
Jan 17, 2010
Good points above. I sure hope you’re right on Scott N just needing a better talent set to play with at the “2010 Games.” Bear in mind the other major hockey powers will have all-star support there, as well. However,
I’ve always admired Niedermayer as an elite D-Man in the past, . . . ,a fluid easy skater
with a wealth of experience to go with it.
Also, too much can often be made of +/- stats
Nonetheless, it continues to be an indicator
of defensive competence. I’d like it better if he tightened things up there a bit more.
My guess is Niedermayer will be partnered with Shea Weber, a very solid defender.
Another question regarding, “The Team,” Do you think Martin Brodeur is simply playing
too many games ? I know he’s always carried a very heavy workoad in the past and he thrives on work to keep himself sharp but he is 37 now, (oldest member of Team Canada).
Surely the odd day off would keep him fresh for the frenzy that will definetly occur in Vancouver. His last couple of outings have been less than stellar and he IS the odds on favourite to start for Canada on Feb 16.
Lastly, I still feel we can go to the bank with Drew Doughty on our back end. No concerns there whatsoever.
By Jason Chen on Jan 18, 2010
There’s talk of either Weber or being re-united with Pronger. I think either way works - the only pairing that is perhaps set in stone is Keith-Seabrook. We’ll have to see what sort of depth Babcock really has come February. All of those guys play 20+ minutes for their team but at least two of them will end up with far below what they’re used to.
Both Brodeur and Luongo are playing too many games. Luongo had an awful game against Minnesota and Brodeur’s had his rough patches this season. I don’t really see a problem with this at the Olympics because they still have Fleury, but I think Lemaire and Vigneault will have to give them a little more rest post-Olympics. Vigneault, however, has said that if Luongo is to have a bad game every 18 games, he can live with that.
By john bennett on Jan 18, 2010
Jan 18, 2010
Niedermayer and Pronger have played together in the past, both with the Ducks and also in
some of their international efforts. Of course, they’re both experienced defenders but both of them are left hand shots. Likely
better if one played with Weber while the other paired with Boyle or Doughty. Keith and Seabrook are definitely a natural fit and should stay together. All 7 D- Men, as you say, log major minutes with their respective teams. I believe Niedermayer plays the most minutes of any of the Ducks, in most games. In part, this may be one reason for his poor minus showing because there’s no other Duck D-Man to spell once in a while.
You mentioned Fleury as possible help to the extra workload our 2 main goaltenders seem to
be enduring, of late. Remember too, Fleury has just busted a finger in his left hand recently [his catching hand]
By john bennett on Jan 24, 2010
Jan 24, 2010
Alex Burrows (LW) Age 28 6′1″ 200 lbs and 44 points in 51 games, including 23 goals.
That ties him for 11′th in the league. He’s a + 25 which is currently # 2 overall.
Ovechkin is # 1 at plus 30. I know that he plays with the Sedins and that really helps
but he’s already got 3 SHG’s too.
Wow, a big guy who can skate, check and
score !! Was he ever oonsidered for Team Canada ? Love those goal totals and the big plus number.
By BCapp on Jan 24, 2010
If you look at his numbers before Dec 31st they aren’t that special. He has been on fire since, so thats probably why he wasn’t considered.
By john bennett on Jan 24, 2010
Jan 24, 2010
Quite right on Burrows, . . . , one of the reasons naming the “O Team” early hurts a
player’s chances, especially if he comes on late.
Jeff Carter is another guy who’s really smoking right now but not earlier and he had the most goals of any Canadian skater, one year ago , with 46.
By BCapp on Jan 24, 2010
For sure. I would have liked to see Carter playing WITH M Richards. Already have chemistry and both good back checkers, big guys, wiht obvious offensive upside.
By john bennett on Jan 26, 2010
Jan 26, 2010
What is wrong with Jarome Iginla ? So many games now without a goal. A super guy with that infectious smile, many had him a very strong pick for Team Canada Captain. JI’s
selection to the “Team” was never, ever
questioned by anyone. Every list, everywere
had him as one of our core guys, but is he ?
I know, I know, I’ve heard the arguments over
and over, (1) he needs better linemates, (2)
he’s always been a streaky player, (3) the rest of the Flames aren’t playing well around
him,. . . , yadda, yadda, yadda. Great players are able to grab their team by the
throat and pick them up off the floor. Think
of a Mark Messier or the great Gordie Howe,
they could could do that. The Calgary Flames
and especially, ‘Team Canada’ really need
Iginla to step up NOW !! Remember, a great many excellent Right Wingers were left off
this team, whereas, Iginla was practically
annointed to his spot. Time is short, less than 3 weeks and counting. Let’s kick it up,
Jarome ! You’ve always been one of my favourite playrs,. . . , just do it !
By Jason Chen on Jan 26, 2010
It seems as though the players named to Team Canada have been struggling of late. Iginla’s not scoring, Bergeron’s out with another injury, and neither Pronger or Niedermayer have yet to really find their game. It’s a good thing Canada has so much depth - Jeff Carter’s heating up as are others who have been left off.
Burrows is actually a very intelligent player and his work ethic is second to none, but there’s just too many Alex Burrows-types to choose from that are better than him. Bergeron is a player that comes to mind, as is Mike Richards. I think that’s a big reason why St. Louis was left off the team (even though I do think it’s a mistake) - the Canadians don’t lack any offense despite their players’ recent struggles. Burrows has yet to show the same success on a different line than the Sedins.
The Flames as a whole just aren’t playing well, and Jokinen is really reverting back to his Jacques Martin-coached Florida days. He might be on the move again. The Flames can’t wait fast enough for Mikael Backlund to develop.
By john bennett on Jan 26, 2010
Jan 26, 2010
. . . , and tonight Martin Brodeur gives up 3 goals on 12 shots in Devils 3-0 loss in Ottawa. Brodeur’s replaced after 40 minutes.
It’s time for Lemaire to pull Marty and force
some needed rest on him. Brodeur would play 6 nights in a row if the opportunity presented itself for him to do so. This guy
is 38 years old, [the oldest member of Team Canada ] and he’s heading straight into a
pressure cooker called, the Olympic Games.
I think some intervention is required here
before he really burns out. Hell, there’ll
be more than enough hockey straight ahead of him. Let’s be smart here, Jacques. Brodeur is racking up more minutes than any other
goalie and that’s just NOT the objective.
By john bennett on Jan 27, 2010
Jan 26, 2010
Buffalo 2- Devils 1
Miller defeats Brodeur in a shootout 2 goals
to 0. I hope this is not a preview of the Canada vs USA game that will occur on Feb 21.
Brodeur lost by a 3-0 shutout in Ottawa last
night. How about a night or two off? He’s
still number 1 in the league in games played
By Jason Chen on Jan 29, 2010
Lemaire should seriously consider it, but when Lamoriello signed Yann Danis to be the backup the writing was on the wall - Marty Brodeur will have to play 70+ games. Lemaire has little choice, especially given how tight the East can be.
While the Canadians and Americans will both ice very good squads, there’s no guarantee that they’ll finish first. It’s simply too short of a tournament and anything can happen. Let’s not forget that the Devils’ defense is filled with a bunch of no-names and that really they’re a one-line offensive team.
By john bennett on Jan 29, 2010
Jan 29, 2010
If anything can get Brodeur’s game back on track, it will be playing the Leafs tonight.
More often than not the ‘Buds’ are hopeless
but every now and then they come up with a gem. I want to see MB get back into his groove, sooner rather than later; it’s now less than 3 weeks and counting.
By john bennett on Jan 29, 2010
Jan 29, 2010
Eric Staal is really starting to pick it up now which is great to see. He presently has 18 goals and is averaging just over a point per game. Canada can use another ‘big body’ who can score goals. Staal plays much better
off the wing, not at center and we will need him as a winger.
Need to get Dan Boyle (San Jose), back on the Sharks active list too.
By john bennett on Jan 31, 2010
Jan 31, 2010
Brodeur continues to lay eggs. As predicted,
Friday night, even the pathetic Leafs almost
beat MB and the Devils. Jersey had a lead once again late in the game, then with 91
seconds left in the third period, Stajan ties
it for Toronto. Luckily for the Devils they were able to pull out a victory in OT.
This afternoon, Devils again had a healthy
2 goal cushion against the LA Kings with 1:46 to go in the third. Wayne Simmonds ties it, then with only 28 seconds remaining Drew Doughty wins it for LA.
Earlier, Brodeur gave up another ill-timed
goal very late in the second period. This pattern seems to be happening over and over
again.
I watched young Team Canada goalie, Marc Andre Fleury stone the Red Wings 3-0 in the
Pens SO win this afternoon. Very cool under fire. Watched him laughing and joking just
prior to the finish. He’s hot right now !!
Marty, on the other hand, keeps giving up too many goals and bad and ill-timed goals.
He looks to be way off IMO.
By BCapp on Jan 31, 2010
John:
My automatic response to you would be: calm down he’s in a bit of a slump.
..but I’d be wrong. This is a VERY short tournament with 1 game eliminations in the playoffs, we CAN NOT afford a slumping goalie.
I guess we have to have faith in Stevie Y and Babcock to roll with the right guy come 2 weeks.
As a comforting fact though, if a goalie has a shitty first game he’s pulled for another. There is a fair bit of comfort space in the first few games and we have great depth, if one guy lacks another steps up.
A lot were talking about Luongo really threatening with 11 hot games in a row, then he gets pulled after 1 period against the leafs (3 goals on 9 shots). To put it another way, that was Raycroft’s SECOND time playing in 25 (TWENTY FIVE) games.
By john bennett on Jan 31, 2010
Jan 31, 2010
BCapp;
All good points above. Guess I’m somewhat
frustrated with MB, especially when so many of the other members of Team Canada are really beginning to pick up their games,…,
Staal, Iginla, Nash, Doughty. Also, Crosby and Marleau are really smoking again. Marty
has all the stats, all the new records broken
this season but as you correctly remind us,
this is a very short tournament. First of all you’ve got to position yourself, [in the first 3 games], to earn a bye and an extra day’s rest avoiding the qualification round
game. That way, Canada would face a tired and weaker opponent in the Quarter Final. Our
game against the USA on Feb 21 will be a critical contest. That could well be another Brodeur versus Miller tilt. A team can play way beyond their abilities if they’ve got a “hot” goalie. Miller outplayed Brodeur in Sabres’ win over the Devils a short time ago and remember the USA rode a hot goalie all the way to ‘Gold’ way back in 1980. Yeah, a different era and a differnt cast of characters. Hasek pretty much stole the ‘Gold Medal’ in Nagano in 1998
Such an important position.
Hopefully, as you’ve said above, Stevie Y and
Babcock have carefully assessed all 3 of the goalies and they’re prepared to go with the
hot hand. Once the quarters begin, it’s win
or go home and the ‘tender has got to be on
his game.
By john bennett on Jan 31, 2010
Jan 31,2010
…, and some more ragging on Brodeur. All the news out of the New Jersey Devils camp seems to be about Brodeur’s 33 consecutive starts, the 3′rd longest of his career. He’s appeared in 40 straight games and is only the
second goalie in history to play in 15 or more games in consecutive months. Terry
Sawchuk did it back in 1954-55. Isn’t this just peachy ? Brodeur is setting records for minutes played, games played, consecutive starts, games in consecutive months,. . . ,
why not work in an ‘Iron Man Triathalon’ in between. In the meantime, the team is playing like crap.
“Earth to Marty,…, Earth to Marty”,…, the
OLYMPICS ARE COMING !! Take a little break !
By BCapp on Jan 31, 2010
Forget an iron man, I think he should just run from New Jersey to Vancouver. Maybe box on the way to keep his upper body exhausted… lol
By BCapp on Feb 1, 2010
This sucks for the American’s:
http://www.ctvolympics.ca/hockey/news/newsid=29078.html?cid=rsstsn
Paul Martin is an underappreciated player and (as a Canadian) makes me laugh every time I hear his name b/c I picture our exprime-minister lacing ‘em up. Anyway who do you think’ll replace him?
By BCapp on Feb 1, 2010
John I hope this puts a smile on your face:
Crosby just pulled a trick on Miller in one period!! (Hopefully do it again during hte games eh?)
cheers
By john bennett on Feb 1, 2010
Feb 1, 2010
Yeah, I watched the Pens beat Sabres 5-4 and,
as usual ‘Sid the Kid’ was magnificent,…, our biggest weapon, by far. Fleury was solid in the nets too. Very cool under fire once
again and don’t forget he’s a Cup winner and
young and athletic. Nonetheless, Brodeur will be the goalie of choice, at least to start.
I still believe that Jordan Staal should have been on the big team, so versatile, so great on the PK, the big reach, the skating
ability and playing better all the time. Add
to that, the fact that he’s dangerous on the offensive side and he would have gladly done
any job asked of him. Morrow’s a tough and gritty bugger and no slouch but I wold have picked JS. No use lamenting that since the choices have been made now.
On the US side, Paul Martin is gone for sure
and Mike Komisarek looks like he won’t make
the Vancouver trip either. The Americans have
By john bennett on Feb 1, 2010
Feb 1, 2010
Yeah, I watched the Pens beat Sabres 5-4 and,
as usual ‘Sid the Kid’ was magnificent,…, our biggest weapon, by far. Fleury was solid in the nets too. Very cool under fire once
again and don’t forget he’s a Cup winner and
young and athletic. Nonetheless, Brodeur will be the goalie of choice, at least to start.
I still believe that Jordan Staal should have been on the big team, so versatile, so great on the PK, the big reach, the skating
ability and playing better all the time. Add
to that, the fact that he’s dangerous on the offensive side and he would have gladly done
any job asked of him. Morrow’s a tough and gritty bugger and no slouch but I would have picked JS. No use lamenting that now since the choices have already been made.
On the US side, Paul Martin is gone for sure
and Mike Komisarek looks like he won’t make
the Vancouver trip either. The Americans have lots of D-Men still out there, no shortage there. Martin though, will be missed. Yandle (Phoenix), Goligoski (Pit),
Greene (NJD), Matt Carle(Flyers), Liles(Col)
Ryan Whitney (Ducks), Tom Poti (Caps), Ron
Hainsey (Atlanta),Keith Ballard, Tim Gleason
are some of the players, that I guess are in the mix. I’m sure BB and Ron Wilson have
already given this plenty of thought.