If there is one thing that Canada embraces more than anything, its their beloved sport of Hockey. Anticipation, and a lot of debate has surrounded selection for Team Canada’s Olympic Hockey team, which looks to defend their gold medal performance in Vancouver in 2010. Earlier yesterday, Team Canada’s General Manager, Steve Yzerman, ended months of speculation, and said debate over who would represent their country in Sochi. Some choices were obvious, but quite a few were not. With exactly one month until the opening ceremonies, here’s a look at the selections, along with some insight into what we might see in Sochi from Team Canada, and who might have been snubbed along with way.
Goaltenders: Carey Price, Roberto Luongo, Mike Smith
Montreal’s Price and Vancouver’s Luongo were not major surprises. In the weeks leading up to the announcement, both seemed to be considered strong candidates for roster spots. Price has proven to be one of the better goalies in the NHL and his .928 save percentage and 20 wins rank him among the the best in the league. The 26-year-old net minder seemingly has been labeled the next great Canadian goalie since he made his debut in 2007.
This might be the time for Price to finally shine on the big stage, as he has yet to make his mark with so much on the line. Anyone who has watched the Canadiens can tell you that Price has had to stand on his head at times to not only put up the impressive numbers he has, but keep his team in the playoff mix. I think he has a very good chance to be the starter on this team, and rightfully so when compared to his two counterparts.
The 34-year-old Luongo is a lightning rod for serious Team Canada supporters. There are few that have Luongo’s international experience, as he has played for Team Canada at various levels including the world championships the two previous Olympic games, highlighted with a gold medal and a 5-0 record in the 2010 games on his home ice in Vancouver.
Filling in for a struggling Martin Brodeur, Luongo was nothing short of spectacular and played a major role in the victory over the USA in the Gold Medal game. The question for many however, is can Luongo get the job done now? It seems like a reasonable question, after a poor season last year, where trade rumors and unhappiness dogged the net minder, there are some who believe that his best hockey is behind him, and that at the very least, he might not be the best choice to lead Canada in their gold medal chase in Sochi.
The Coyotes Smith was a surprise to many, including myself. If we were talking about the Mike Smith of 2011-12, I probably would not be scratching my head. However, it’s clearly not, and though one could make the case that Smith flies under the radar in Phoenix, his play, at least from a statistical standpoint leaves a little to be desired. Among goalies who qualify with enough minutes, Smith ranks 46th in goals allowed with 98, which is dead last in the NHL. His goals against average of 2.89 places him 36th in the league and his save percentage of .911 is good for only 27th. These are not exactly numbers that give a ringing endorsement to Smith, and I for one, think this was a highly questionable move by Yzerman and Co.
As for the potential snubs in goal, three names stand out. Minnesota’s Josh Harding, Chicago’s Corey Crawford and the Penguins Marc-Andre Fleury. Harding has been nothing short of exceptional this season playing for the Wild. His 1.65 GAA leads the NHL, his .933 save percentage places him fourth, and he’s tied for second in the league with his three shutouts. The biggest issue for Harding is his track record is not particularly distinguished, and though his fine play this season makes him a viable candidate for that third goalie slot, it seems his lack of long term success hurts him.
Crawford faced a different issue. Fair or not, even with last year’s Stanley Cup championship on his resume, he seemingly can’t shake the notion that he is simply the benefactor of playing on arguably the best team in hockey. Once again, he continues to win games, and quietly puts up solid numbers. However, in the end the label of being a good goalie on a great team seems to dog Crawford, fair or not. Some also speculate that missing the past month with a lower body injury might have ultimately sealed Crawford’s fate.
Local favorite Marc-Andre Fleury is once again proving to be one of the more productive and dynamic goalies in all of hockey. The caveat is that seems to be the perennial statement made during the regular season. No one can begin to deny that Fleury, who leads the league in wins and is in the top ten of just about every important statistical category, plays at a high level this time of the year. Its the playoffs that has caused many, not just in the city of Pittsburgh, to question his ability to play in big games. The empirical data simply does not lie, the past four playoff failures have included a save percentage well under .900, including the miserable .834 and 4.63 GAA in the series loss to the Flyers two seasons ago, and the well publicized benching for Tomas Vokoun last year.
Combine these factors and it is not a surprise that Fleury was left off the roster. One can certainly make the case that his play this season could make his selection to the team a no-brainer, especially in comparison to Smith, but in the end, one can not be all that surprised he was not.
Defensmen: Duncan Keith, Drew Doughty, Marc-Edourd Vlasic, Shea Weber, Jay Bouwmeester, Alex Pietrangelo, Dan Hamhuis, PK Subban
This group is certainly talented, especially when you consider that defending Norris Trophy winner P.K. Subban was a debated selection and could potentially be an extra defenseman. Only three of this group (Weber, Keith, Doughty) were part of the 2010 team, but its an outstanding group, especially when you think about the first two potential pairings. The pairings listed are speculative on my part, and are by no means set.
The Blackhawks Duncan Keith and the Kings Drew Doughty are on short list of the best defensemen in the league. Keith, known primarily for his defense first approach, is the perfect compliment to the all-around game that Doughty provides. There’s very little not to love about both players. Each have won the Cup, each have won Olympic gold, both know what it takes to win at every level. Expect to see both playing a ton of minutes in Sochi.
The Predators Shea Weber is regarded by many to be the best defenseman in the NHL. Tough, physical, and surprising adept at scoring points along with his top flight defensive play, few players garner more respect than Weber. Along with Doughty, Weber will probably log the most minutes of this grouping, and will be expected to play important minutes on the penalty kill and possibly the power play.
The Sharks Marc Edourd Vlasic is probably the name in this group that many have not heard a lot about. The 26-year-old has emerged as one of the better shutdown defensemen in the league and you can rest assured many of the top forwards in the NHL know who he is. Paired with Weber, this could be a truly elite shutdown pairing, capable of consistently eliminating the scoring threats of the competitors top lines.
One would have to speculate that the St. Louis Blues talented blue liners, Jay Bouwmeester and Alex Pietrangelo will be a pairing. This makes obvious sense because they are used to playing together as teammates. Its fair to assume the first two pairings will get the lions share of minutes, particularly in key spots, but both defensemen have proven to be outstanding for the Blues and are more than capable of contributing in key situations if needed.
Bouwmeester is a tremendous skater yet has size and the physical tools to pair with more offensive minded players like Pietrangelo or Subban. Pietrangelo, though only 23, has proven to be one of the best defenseman in the game, he gives Canada utility and flexibility, as he is capable of filling any number of roles if necessary.
The Canucks Dan Hamhuis is another do it all defender who is often credited for his strong play in his own end, but like the recurring theme with this group, Hamhuis is underrated in the offensive zone, and gives Canada another d-man capable of filling in any number of roles. I love this pick, though some have said that he might not have been deserving of a selection, I disagree completely. Another consideratoin is mobile d-men like Hamhuis are invaluable on the bigger ice surface used in international play, a point that can’t be considered enough. Plus, the reality is Hamhuis will probably see limited minutes in key games, and will be more of an extra defenseman.
Lastly is every fans favorite, P.K. Subban. The way Subban gets criticized by fans, you would almost forget he won the Norris Trophy as the top player at his position. Some call him careless, others reckless and cheap, either way, Subban really is the wild card among this group. Few can compare to Subban in the offensive zone. His ability to make plays and skate make him a dangerous asset for Team Canada. Canada will also have the luxury to use Subban in certain situations if they wish, and in terms of providing a spark when a goal is needed or on the Power Play, even the biggest detractors simply can’t argue his value.
As for snubs, the Sharks Dan Boyle, Toronto’s Dion Phaneuf and the Penguins Kris Letang all could make cases for their ticket to Sochi. In the case of Boyle, its fair to say that players like Pietrangelo and Vlasic offer similar skill sets, and though they do not have the name recognition of Boyle, they are just playing at a higher level at the moment. Phaneuf, fresh off of a 7-year, 49 million dollar contract extension last week, was a curious omission. Some have speculated, including this writer, that Phaneuf may not be the most popular among players in the league, and with all things being equal, Canada might have decided to go in another direction in no small part due to wanting the best chemistry possible.
As hard as it might be for some Pens fans to accept, Kris Letang was on the outside looking in because he does not bring enough to the table as a complete defenseman at this point in his career. When you really look at him in comparison to the other players who did make it, they all play much better than Letang does in his own zone. Unfortunately, health is another issue right now, but ultimately, not the deciding factor. In the end, one would have to think it was going to be Subban or Letang, and its hard to debate that Subban at least today, is the better choice.
Forwards: Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Ryan Getzlaf, Chris Kunitz, Matt Duchene, Patrice Bergeron, Steven Stamkos, Jeff Carter, Jamie Benn, Patrick Sharp, Rick Nash, John Tavares, Corey Perry, Patrick Marleau
When I look at the list of Team Canada’s forwards, three thoughts come to my mind immediately. One, holy cow, this is an embarrassment of riches. Two, it is clear that Yzerman and Co. felt that continuity and familiarity were key. Three, how is even possible that Claude Giroux and Martin St. Louis, among others, were left off the team?
To say this forwards group has some firepower would be a bit of an understatement. In fact, 7 of the 10 top scorers in the NHL are among the names. Again, I am speculating on the final line groupings, based on position, and the fact that there are a number of teammates in this forward pool. The group is led by the Penguins own Sidney Crosby, not only the top player in the game, but a player who has made a career out of helping Canada have success internationally. Obviously, this is highlighted by his game winner against the US team in Vancouver, and there is no reason to think based on his other worldly play this season that more big moments don’t await in Sochi.
One would have to think that Crosby will have teammate Chris Kunitz working in his familiar LW position, and that continuity meant a great deal in Kunitz’s selection. According to Pittsburgh Tribune-Review’s Rob Rossi, there was speculation that Canada GM Steve Yzerman would contact Crosby and gauge the importance of Kunitz being selected. Whether that indeed happened, who knows, but what I can tell you is Kunitz earned his roster spot.
Let’s be clear, no one would suggest that some of the success that Kunitz has had is a direct correlation to playing with No. 87. That’s fine, but that success, which includes a plus minus rating of plus-22, second in the NHL, 23 goals and his 47 points which are both 6th in the league, respectively, merits not only strong consideration for a place on team Canada, but are more than enough to earn that place.
As for candidates to play on Crosby’s left side, Tampa’s Steven Stamkos seems to be the early favorite. One of the truly elite goal scorers in the league, Stamkos has dealt with a broken fibula since early November, and there is some doubt as to whether or not his leg will be healed enough to play in Sochi. Arguably the most dangerous goal scorer for Canada, a healthy Stamkos makes the Crosby line on the cusp of ridiculous. The real question becomes whether or not Stamkos is truly going to be ready, or might risk rushing back simply to try and play in the Olympics Considering some of the players who did not make the final roster, you hope that Stamkos will be smart if he is not ready to go.
As for the next line, one would have to think that the Blackhawks Jonathan Toews will center it. The do-it-all Toews has quickly become not only a two-time Stanley Cup champion, but one of the best all around players in the game. Unlike his flashier American counterpart Patrick Kane, Toews is a model of consistency, who plays both ends of the ice with a purpose. Often overlooked in discussions of the best players in the NHL by the average fan, Toews should not be. Toews overall game and flexibility should make him a major asset, especially when its likely opponents will work hard to shut down the Crosby line.
Teammate Patrick Sharp seems like the perfect candidate to play alongside Toews at LW. Second only to Alex Ovechkin in goals scored with 25, Sharp is having arguably the best season of his career. He’s a carbon copy of Kunitz in many ways, and his chemistry with Toews is similar to that of Crosby and Kunitz. Though some might have thought it crazy to select Sharp before the season, his performance thus far this season makes him a terrific choice. If he can continue his hot play, especially in terms of goal scoring, Sharp could be a real difference maker.
The Kings Jeff Carter to me is right there with Rick Nash as the biggest head scratcher among the choices. A gifted goal scorer and Stanley Cup winner, his skill set seems limited and one dimensional. One has to wonder if he is the greatest fit based on this, but if Carter finds himself scoring like he can, he suddenly looks awfully good on the wing with Toews and Sharp.
For a possible third line, again, teammates playing together is the theme. After a dreadful season in 2011-12, the Ducks Ryan Getzlaf has come back with a vengeance, and looks like the dominant player that made him one of the best two way Centers in the game. At the level Getzlaf is playing at now, its like he was born to play the third line role on this team. I love this selection, and it might prove to be one of the better ones made by team Canada.
Fellow line mate in Anaheim, Corey Perry would fit very nicely at RW. Not every day you can put a former 50-goal scorer on a third line, but that is how deep this team is. Perry was a integral part of the gold medal team in Vancouver, and he has a long track record of playing at a very high level when it counts, including his impressive effort in winning the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 07′
At LW the Dallas Star’s Jamie Benn seems like a possible fit. What’s nice about Benn, though I disagree with him making the final roster, is he has the ability to play both wing and Center. This is maybe part of the motive behind picking Benn. Another might be the feeling that the 24-year-old Benn is a big part of the future of team Canada, and that might have given him the edge over other options.
Just the thought of placing the Islanders John Tavares on a fourth line is an example of the embarrassment of riches, especially at Center, that Canada has. Tavares has languished a bit playing for a poorly run organization, and this has probably hurt his development. Its not hard however, to see the flashes of brilliance in Tavares that had many calling him the next Kane, Toews or Crosby. Clearly its a luxury to have one of the best young players in the game essentially playing on a fourth line, and its this advantage that could give Canada an edge over their competition.
San Jose’s Patrick Marleau will likely play LW on a third or fourth line. Marleau, a player who was not even invited to Team Canada’s camp this summer after playing on the 2010 squad, made his case by playing outstanding two way hockey this season for the Sharks. Marleau is one of the better all around defensive players at forward for Canada, and he could be a viable candidate to play on the penalty kill.
The Rangers Rick Nash simply put, is quite arguably the worst pick by Yzerman. Long known for accumulating big goal tallies playing for the lousy Columbus Blue Jackets, the selection of Nash is the choice I simply don’t get. Sure, he has proven he can put the puck in the net, but Nash seems to be a player whose motivation has been called into question, and he certainly has done little to provide the spark you would expect from a “top” player this season in New York. One thing that Nash has going for him is he has been at the forefront of Team Canada success since his days in juniors. This pick almost seems like an IOU, not one that helps Canada now. Nash has the talent to prove his detractors wrong, but will he?
The final two forwards are Boston center Patrice Bergeron, and Colorado’s talented young forward, Matt Duchene. Let me just say that if I am pulling for Canada in Sochi, I LOVE the addition of Penguin killer Bergeron. Outstanding defensively, Bergeron can play a vital role on the penalty kill and is one of the best face off men in the game. The consummate professional, you win with players like Bergeron. Just ask the Bruins. Duchene, like Benn, was a bit of surprise pick, and might be another example of Canada looking towards the future. An electrifying skater, Duchene has a chance to flourish on the bigger ice surface in the Olympics, I for one, am curious to see how Team Canada coach Mike Babcock and his staff utilize him.
All in all, it’s hard to really strongly oppose any of the selections. In the end its clear that Yzerman wanted to have a combination of continuity, experience, and upside with this group. The selection of Carter, Nash, Benn and Duchene were somewhat controversial, and the case can be made that others were more deserving. Here’s a few forwards that might have an argument.
Four names immediately come to mind when I consider the biggest snubs, San Jose’s Logan Couture, the Penguins James Neal, Tampa Bay’s Martin St. Louis and the Flyers Claude Giroux. Couture is personally one of my favorite emerging players in the NHL, and his emission from the team was a surprise to me. However, reports that Couture underwent hand surgery and is expected to miss 3-4 weeks did little to help his cause. It seems only Stamkos gets a free pass in regards to coming back from injury. If healthy, he seems to be selected over the likes of Benn and Duchene, but unfortunately, he is on the outside looking in.
For many of our readers, James Neal missing the cut is upsetting. The case can certainly be made for Neal, and from a personal perspective, I would have selected him over Jeff Carter. One could guess that some might have been upset if Neal and Kunitz would have made it from the Pens, I understand that, but seems trivial. In the end, this is not an All-Star game or a popularity contest, so I have an issue with not going with the best players who can help you now.
The omission of Tampa’s Martin St. Louis had to be particularly galling for Yzerman, who also happens to be Tampa’s GM. A portrait of consistency and class, St. Louis was a sentimental favorite in Canada. In addition, he’s been playing at a high level, and his selection would have been far from simply nostalgic or a example of favoritism by Yzerman. I personally feel bad in this instance, St. Louis plays hard, and this was likely his last chance to play on the world stage. His omission is a tough pill to swallow with a player like Nash on the roster.
To me, and I know locally I should break out the Kevlar vest for saying this, but Claude Giroux was the biggest snub by Team Canada, and its not even close. After a truly awful start to his season, Giroux has once again elevated his game to All-Star levels. and has been one of the hotter players for over a month. Giroux has that “it” quality that separates him from other players who might better numbers. He’s a gritty two-way center who competes hard and plays with an edge. As a play maker, he’s essentially been a point a game scorer. To me, what doomed Giroux is the incredible depth at center I have alluded to. Who goes? Tavares? The do everything Bergeron? I do believe if Stamkos is unable to play in Sochi, Giroux might be the next guy called.
Team Canada is certainly stacked. You could argue they have the best all-around player, the best defenseman and the most true depth among their skaters. To me, the real issue with this team is in goal. None of the three goalies on this roster seems to be as reliable or the sure thing you would want them to be, and it will be interesting to see what direction they go in terms of a starter. Will it be Luongo or Price? One thing I will commend Yzerman for doing is picking a team that has a lot of familiarity within it. The learning curve and getting up to speed in preparation for the games will be much easier, and this could be a major benefit as the games progress.
What I do know is this is going to be fantastic for every hockey fan. Will it be Canada? What about the Russian team, not exactly short of stars. Of course, what about Team USA? “The Miracle On Ice” will always be one of the greatest moments in sports, but with every replay of the call, “Do you believe in miracles?” Its a painful reminder how long ago its been since the USA has won gold. Looking at the Team Canada roster, it does not look to be getting any easier.
