Vancouver 2010: One Year Out: Picking Team Canada
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 10:25 AM CST
in 2010 Olympics
69 comments
It's painful, I know. But if the Team Canada brass really wants to see an improvement on the Olympic ice one year from now, they've got to think back to 2006 and the team that went to Turin.
It was old, and slow, and that season's sixth-leading scorer in the NHL, Sidney Crosby, was at home while Kris Draper and friends wore the Maple Leaf.
It's interesting that, in almost every other Olympic sport, the athletes are picked based on how they fare in trials. Put up the best time, or score, a few months before the big event and you make the team. Heck, the curling teams will be facing each other right up until mid-December in play downs, battling to be the best.
And that, in my mind, is what they have to do in hockey. Select the best players right at that moment and forget about the "automatics," naming players who are supposed shoe-ins simply because they've gone before. Sure, some veteran savvy is nice, but what the team really needs is the hottest 23 players in the world all on one club.
With all apologies to Bert and Jovo.
Keeping that in mind, here's my Team Canada selections on the one-year pre-versary of the 2010 opening ceremonies:
Forwards
Nash - Crosby - Iginla
Marleau - Thornton - Carter
Lecavalier - Getzlaf - Doan
M. Richards - Savard - Heatley
x- Horcoff
Your mileage may vary on the 13th forward, and I've left off some pretty good scorers in Staal, Toews, Morrow and Perry. Horcoff brings a solid all-round game that you could pretty much plug in anywhere, and I think you need a few guys who play big PK minutes in the NHL.
Given the way they've played together this season, teaming up Marleau and Thornton should be a no-brainer, while the top line forwards are all a lock. Will be interesting to see what Crosby can do with some world-class wingers.
The problem, as always, is too many centres and not enough wings, and I don't know off the top of my head who here would be the most amenable to a position change for a short period of time like this. Richards likely wouldn't have a problem with it, while someone like Lecavalier might work well with two other big bodies like Getzlaf and Doan.
Defencemen
Bouwmeester - Boyle
Keith - Green
Niedermayer - Pronger
x- Regehr
Tough decisions on the back end, but I think you've got to go with some youth. Bouwmeester-Boyle would likely be the quickest pairing we've ever seen, while Keith, Pronger and Regehr can handle a lot of the defensive duties. Niedermayer and Green would be interesting together on the power play.
I'm leaving out Phaneuf and Weber, but both will likely get a lot of consideration. I don't know if "big shot from the point" is exactly a necessity given the firepower others are bringing to this team.
Goaltenders
Brodeur
Luongo
x- Smith
Going with who's hot doesn't really work in goal, which is a tough position to pick at this point given Brodeur and Luongo have both missed so much time.
The top Canadian netminder in terms of wins this season is Marty Turco, who really struggled early on, followed by Cam Ward, Jose Theodore, Steve Mason and Marc-Andre Fleury. It'd be tough to pick any of them over Brodeur and Luongo.
I've pencilled in Mike Smith in the third spot just because he's young and has had a pretty solid season. Despite his struggles this season, Carey Price likely gets a ton of support for that role.
Coaches: Mike Babcock, Todd McLellan, Brent Sutter
Feel free to post your own teams below or in FanPosts. I'll try and do a look at some of the other countries' rosters over the next week or so.
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As long as we don’t see any national embarrassments like Bertuzzi or McCabe getting picked I’ll be happy.
I think Babcock is the coach unless he turns it down.
I’d put Toews over Heatley and Horcoff.
But otherwise I like the team. Of course, you forgot to pencil in Schenn.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Feb 12, 2009 10:40 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I need Schenn to be on the team so I can get a pimpin’ Schenn jersey to wear to all the Olympic events.
But if he doesn’t, I’ll just get a custom one and call it a protest jersey.
by Its Cold In Here on Feb 12, 2009 11:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actual skilled wingers to play with Crosby?
He may take the Olympic break and never return!
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 12, 2009 10:41 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Some players I like...
But probably won’t make it include Patrick Sharp (better all around choice than Horcoff, IMO), Devin Setoguchi (hey, his linemates are there… why not the whole trio), and Keith (who made your team, but not sure if he’ll still get the recognition by Hockey Canada). Simon Gagne also deserves a mention, as he’s always been a Team Canada fave and he isn’t exactly over the hill.
For Team Canada purposes, I’d put Crosby on the wing. Remember, at the WJC’s he always played wing… Bergeron was his centre on the top line in 2005.
Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.
by saskhab on Feb 12, 2009 10:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Crosby on the wing’s probably not a bad idea given the size they have up the middle.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 10:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Keith will get the recognition. He’s on Stevie Y’s and Babcock’s radars… especially with how often the Wings play the Hawks.
Don't be afraid to take a few steps back, but you better keep moving forward.
by wlittle on Feb 12, 2009 11:01 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m a homer, whatever. But Patrick Sharp would be a good winger who can play plenty of PK minutes. He did well at the 2008 Championships.
I think we need a guy like Perry there.
It’ll be hard convince Team Canada NOT to pickup Phaneuf.
I agree with Horcoff.
The biggest problem with Team Canada at Turin? No Spezza, no Crosby, no Shanahan, no Kariya.
Don't be afraid to take a few steps back, but you better keep moving forward.
by wlittle on Feb 12, 2009 10:59 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I think the defence was a big part of the problem in 2006.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 11:05 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No Staal, no Savard, no Tanguay
As I recall, they left four of the top five Canadian scorers off of the 2006 team. And then couldn’t score.
James is right, though. They needed better options on defence, and couldn’t seem to find anyone but McCabe.
(Shanahan and Kariya? They were already loaded up with slumping veterans… but let’s not relive that disaster too much…)
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Feb 12, 2009 12:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Am I just being a homer wanting Burns on the D list there?
by ms.conduct on Feb 12, 2009 11:00 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
If you would’ve said this back in October, I would’ve said “Burns has a strong chance.” With the year he’s had, to make the team he’s going to need an outstanding playoff performance coupled with a strong first half in 2009-10.
Don't be afraid to take a few steps back, but you better keep moving forward.
by wlittle on Feb 12, 2009 11:03 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, suppose I’m still clinging to last year’s Burnzie. He was so good in the world championships last spring, though… But I don’t know who on that list I’d dump for him.
by ms.conduct on Feb 12, 2009 11:15 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Burns may have a chance. He’s one of that rare species, a Canadian D-man who shoots right. Boyle’s the only one on Mirtle’s team, and you’d think they’d want at least one more. There really aren’t many prominent right-handed D-men, other than Boyle, Burns, and Shea Weber.
by overlook on Feb 12, 2009 11:28 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
You really have to think that Weber will be there. He’s outstanding this year, and has been steadily increasing each year. Isn’t this year the last on Niedermeyer’s contract? Or does he have one more to go? For some reason, I’m having trouble seeing both him and Pronger there, due to their age. This team should go young. Boyle + 1 of them should be the experienced defensemen going. Although I won’t be too upset if they both go, I just don’t really see it happening.
by Karina on Feb 12, 2009 11:30 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Niedermayer’s had a great season. But you’re right, he could potentially hang them up.
I got down to looking for someone solid in a two-way capacity, and it’s tough to justify taking Weber or Burns over Pronger.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 11:34 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not too familiar with Burns, so I don’t have much of an opinion on him.
I just hope they don’t take Phaneuf. He’s overrated.
by Karina on Feb 12, 2009 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nice base list Mirtle!
*I’d ink Steve Mason in as 3rd goalie if it were up to me.
*Dennis Wideman should get strong consideration on the blueline.
*Cammaleri should at least be thought of for the forward ranks, but doubt he’ll get a look in. With his amazing offensive hockey sense and the way he always seems to be in the right place at the right time, he could be the guy to come up with the timely goal when needed.
- I thought Marc Savard was omitted at 1st, but 2nd glance saw him in there. “The Catalyst” has transformed his game as not only a super crafty offensive centre, but now has finally bought into the “d” side of the game.
*Just to throw it out there: Does Tavares get even the remotest chance to make this team?
*Along the same lines of young players, I think Drew Doughty will be watched closely leading up to the Olympics.
http://hockeyspy.blogspot.com
"A good hockey player plays where the puck is. A great hockey player plays where the puck is going to be."
Wayne Gretzky
by hockeyspy on Feb 12, 2009 11:16 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Doughty’s actually a decent suggestion. Maybe next time.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 11:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tavares doesn’t go for the same reason Crosby didn’t: can you really see Hockey Canada taking a rookie, given their other options?
by Doogie2K on Feb 13, 2009 8:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Derek Roy
Could be under consideration for #13 as well.
by Afino on Feb 12, 2009 11:19 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Who by the way, has been playing a little wing recently in practice.
by Afino on Feb 12, 2009 11:21 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Horcoff
No way
A Toronto sports blog, where we unequivocally and unapologetically support the home team...
by eyebleaf on Feb 12, 2009 11:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I imagine Morrow would be there instead of Horcoff.
by Karina on Feb 12, 2009 11:47 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gee, how can you argue with that logic?
He’d be going in the Draper-type role. He’s not there to be on the first line and is an excellent defensive player.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 11:48 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Has Sharp fallen off your “last year’s Selke winner” status? I think he’s about as handy as any player could be for any role Team Canada needs.
Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.
by saskhab on Feb 12, 2009 11:53 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He’s played a bit of a different role, but yes, there’s definitely been some fall off from last season. I don’t know that he’s even the ’Hawks best defensive forward this year.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The Hawks’ best defensive forward award can be shared by Bolland and Ladd.
Don't be afraid to take a few steps back, but you better keep moving forward.
by wlittle on Feb 12, 2009 1:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bulletproof
There should be no way that he’s on the team but you could have said the same about Bertuzzi and McCabe…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Feb 12, 2009 12:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
USA team
Mirtle – do you mind picking the USA team?
by btumpak on Feb 12, 2009 12:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Will definitely do so as soon as I can. Might have to wait until the weekend.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 12:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
btumpak is just Brian Burke cleverly delegating his duties.
Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.
by saskhab on Feb 12, 2009 12:30 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Enough is enough...
Pick Team Norway already, James! We need a real debate!
Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.
by saskhab on Feb 12, 2009 12:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I’m holding out for Belarus.
6TH PLACE OR BUST
by Afino on Feb 12, 2009 12:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Tollefson will be the only NHLer, but Espen Knutsen is an assistant coach. Rest of the team will be Pat Thoresen and a bunch of other small guys you haven’t heard of.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 2:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Man, didn’t realize Anders Myrvold retired! He’d only be 35, usually these guys stick around for longer on the international scene.
Hockey blogging can't get any flatter.
by saskhab on Feb 12, 2009 4:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Also...
as much as I see Brent Sutter being a good choice, I think Hitchcock may still be there. He’s still one of the best coaches, and Team Canada likes having experience behind the bench. Babcock and McLellan should be locks.
by Karina on Feb 12, 2009 1:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Yeap, Hitch will likely be there. I guess there are probably three assistants, eh? If so, I’d pick him. Former Blazers coach and all.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 4:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great list, James. I’d quibble with maybe a couple of players but it’s a very strong team. You definitely have the right idea about going with present performance over past, although it remains to be seen whther Stevie Y and the rest follow this logic (I have a feeling we’ll get 3-5 players there for their experience alone). I’m not surprised that Horcoff is getting no love in your comments, but he definitely merits consideration for a shutdown/PK role. He’s an exceptional player.
And speaking of exceptional, that picture is all kinds of great.
by smyttysmullet on Feb 12, 2009 2:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I like Horcorff just not on Team Canada.
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Feb 12, 2009 3:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The guys not on the list are almost as interesting as those on
About the only guy I wonder about is Iginla
He’s not scoring against the good teams anymore
Might be better to go with someone who’s still getting better
“Morrow would be there instead of Horcoff.”
Which Morrow? Ken?
by Mr DeBakey on Feb 12, 2009 5:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Huh?
This should clear up any confusion with regard to Iginla…
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?page=0809playersurvey
"It's a great day for hockey" - BBJ
by jealous broadcaster on Feb 12, 2009 7:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
This should clear up any confusion with regard to Iginla…
“”http://www.fiveholefanatics.ca/2009/02/kryptonite.html" >As you can see, the difference is real and startling: In 21 games against the relatively stronger teams, Iginla has just one goal, 18 points and is a putrid -17. His PPG pace is 0.86, he averages 2.95 shots on net and his SH% is .02!
In stark contrast, Jarome has made hay against the weaker-thans all year: 19 goals, 40 points, +16 and a PPG rate of 1.33, 3.93 shots/game and a SH% of 0.16."
by Mr DeBakey on Feb 12, 2009 7:21 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
As much as I love Brodeur, I would prefer that the torch be passed down to a guy like Mason. You did say that the problem with the Canadian team was that they were old and slow. While Marty ain’t slow, he sure as hell ain’t getting any younger either. I think the goalies representing the Maple Leaf should be Smith, Mason, and Price (sounds like a law firm there). And good choice on adding Sutter to the coaching list.
by R_Adragna on Feb 12, 2009 7:32 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
It all depends on how Brodeur plays between now and then. Last season, he was easily the best goaltender in the NHL. Is he still?
If so, it’d be lunacy to not use him. Mason really benefits from the system they use in Columbus; remember all of those accolades Leclaire was getting last season? And look at how Dan LaCosta’s done in goal there.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 8:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Last season, he was easily the best goaltender in the NHL.
Cue the Nabokov loyalists.
http://www.battleofcali.com/
by Earl Sleek on Feb 12, 2009 8:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Somewhere Mike van Bronkhorst is firing up his e-mail…
Pension Plan Puppets: A Toronto Maple Leafs blog and a group therapy session.
by PPP on Feb 12, 2009 8:42 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Great team, James
I second the suggestion for Wideman or Doughty as possible seventh defencemen. In real life I’ll be happy as long as they take players who are playing well over those who’ve performed well years ago – and with the recent rash of retirements and startling youth movement it seems very likely. This is positive even if we end up including commentator favourites like Dion Phaneuf and Jordan Staal (who are fine players; we just have better).
What I don’t want to see is yet another situation where, say, Steven Stamkos is lighting up the league but gets left off the team in favour of a John Madden-type role player.
I've been looking at the sky
by Back In Black on Feb 12, 2009 9:14 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
WEBER?
James, where’s Shea Weber ???
by Montreal JF on Feb 12, 2009 9:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Playing against the Blues tonight.
Weber’s a great player, but I like Keith, Bouwmeester and Green better. And he’s not a shutdown guy like Regehr and not as accomplished as Pronger. I like the blueline I’ve got.
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 9:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Luongo
I’m not so sure about Luongo these days, since return …well he hasn’t been anywhere near elite. Martin is sure pick…3rd could be Smith for sure
But mind games indeed, who knows what the situation will be then.
by nudge on Feb 12, 2009 9:20 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know who you take over Luongo, though. As I said, the leading goalies in wins this season are Turco, Ward and Theodore. Would you rather have any of them against Russia in an elimination game?
by James Mirtle on Feb 12, 2009 9:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Marleau – Thornton – Iginla might be my top line.
by pj48 on Feb 12, 2009 9:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nash and Thornton needs to be united once again it rocks
by nudge on Feb 12, 2009 9:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
You might be a retard...
If you can make stats say that Iginla shouldn’t be on Team Canada.
If you think it’s s good idea to pick Steve “Hitch System” Mason over Marty “3 Cups” Brodeur, Luongo and Turco.
If you can’t see how versatile Shawn Horcoff is.
If you manage to assemble a team that doesn’t include Simon Gagne.
If you think Luc Schenn has any business even being in the conversation.
by Dr Van Nostrum on Feb 13, 2009 4:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
I don’t think the stats say Iginla shouldn’t be on Team Canada. I think they say that he’s having an off year, and I don’t think anyone’s tried to represent it differently.
by Doogie2K on Feb 13, 2009 8:57 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
No calling people retards, Dr. Nostril.
by James Mirtle on Feb 13, 2009 1:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
If you think Luc Schenn has any business even being in the conversation.
If you’re going to call people names, then at least try to spell Luke’s name right…
by article1 on Feb 13, 2009 10:14 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
During the All Star break, I thought about my team. I never posted it – but I do have it on a sheet of paper.
Four players on James’ team would be replaced on mine
IN
Martin St Louis
Dion Phaneuf
Shea Weber
Mike Smith
OUT
Shawn Horcoff
Dan Boyle
Duncan Keith
Mike Smith
by PuckStopsHere on Feb 13, 2009 5:28 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Is that post concussion Mike Smith out and pre concussion Mike Smith in?
by Mandmeisterx on Feb 13, 2009 5:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Oops
In Steve Mason
Out Mike Smith
by PuckStopsHere on Feb 13, 2009 6:18 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Those are the four guys I went off the board a little with. Still, I like my team. I don’t expect them to pick it, but oh well.
by James Mirtle on Feb 13, 2009 1:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
be nice and happy thoughts
One thing is good to remember when assembling; I would build a kick ass team but it’s international rules and minds over there, so probably would be better just to wear ballerina skirts and look pretty so they don’t penalize. I hate the fact that when finally we got ‘all-the-best’ tournament then it’s ruined already.
Some players who are great in NHL can be murder over there, they can’t change their style so much and still be good
by nudge on Feb 13, 2009 6:03 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
By that rationale, are you telling my that Alex Kovalev will scorch everyone and be the Olympics MVP?
by Habs on Feb 13, 2009 8:19 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, that’s not entirely out of the question, considering the talent that’s going to be on Team Russia.
by Doogie2K on Feb 13, 2009 8:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Second String
Taking all of players that James suggested out, put together a second Canadian team. How good are they?Is it like Australian cricket of the late 1990s, where the second team would have been competitive with the best of the rest of the world?
by J. Michael Neal on Feb 13, 2009 5:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
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