2010 Olympic Hockey Thread

[Hongbit]

There was a snippet about Babcock coaching Canada in the DRW forum but we'll probably need a catch-all thread in the general forum.

[Hongbit]

Team USA has announced their initial training roster.

Goaltenders
Tim Thomas, Boston
Ryan Miller, Buffalo
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles

Defensemen
Tom Gilbert, Edmonton
Tim Gleason, Carolina
Ron Hainsey, Atlanta
Erik Johnson, St. Louis
Jack Johnson, Los Angeles
Mike Komisarek, Montreal
Paul Martin, New Jersey
Brooks Orpik, Pittsburgh
Brian Rafalski, Detroit
Rob Scuderi, Pittsburgh
Ryan Suter, Nashville
Ryan Whitney, Anaheim

Forwards
David Backes, St. Louis
David Booth, Florida
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles
Dustin Byfuglien, Chicago
Ryan Callahan, New York Rangers
Chris Drury, New York Rangers
Scott Gomez, New York Rangers
Patrick Kane, Chicago
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver
Phil Kessel, Boston
Jamie Langenbrunner, New Jersey
Ryan Malone, Tampa Bay
Mike Modano, Dallas
Kyle Okposo, New York Islanders
T.J. Oshie, St. Louis
Zach Parise, New Jersey
Joe Pavelski, San Jose
Bobby Ryan, Anaheim
Paul Stastny, Colorado

A few more will enter the mix as they figure out their 23 for next February. Not nearly as star studded as what Stevie Y will put up and probably not even as strong on paper as the Ruskies or Swedes. Still, I think this very young roster can come into their own to form the best team and maybe even win the whole thing.

[lordstanley]

The 46 players invited to Team Canada's summer camp has been announced. It includes Dan Cleary. But Ozzie not one of the 5 goalies invited, with Mason and Fleury chosen instead. You've gotta think this really stings Ozzie, especially given Yzerman and Holland's involvement with the team. Ozzie outplayed Fleury throughout the SCF. Fleury had to come up big the final 7 minutes after letting in Ericsson's soft goal, but for the first 53 minutes the Wings' offense was completely quiet.
Maybe they're inviting Fleury and Mason to give them a taste for 2014 (when it's even doubtful NHL pros will be at the Olympics).

[Corky]

Canucks will have no home games for 45 days.

Analysis: Lengthy road trip an opportunity or excuse?

Analysis: Lengthy road trip an opportunity or excuse?


Olympic-caused 14-game road trip will make or break


By Jim Jamieson, The Province
July 17, 2009




Canucks fans can stash away their jerseys, flag and GM Place beer cups for 45 days during the 2009-10 season.

Photograph by: Jason Payne file, The Province

The black hole evident in the Vancouver Canucks' 2009-10 schedule when it was released this week was expected, although the size of the crater was impressive indeed.

The Canucks, as everyone interested knows by now, will be denied use of GM Place from Jan. 27 until March 13 -- 45 days later. The NHL will shut down for two weeks to accommodate the Olympic hockey tournament, but GM Place needs to be available early for significant Olympic-specific renovations and will need some time after the Games to put things back the way they were.

But what it means is the Canucks must endure an eight-game road trip on the front side of the break and then embark on a six-gamer afterwards, to make it 14 straight away from the Garage.

Just how this wacky schedule will affect Vancouver's team is anybody's guess. Canucks assistant GM Laurence Gilman admitted in an interview with The Province this week that it's really difficult to predict what the impact will be.

"It'll be interesting to see," he said, adding the club will be using every bit of technology and management strategy available to make sure the players get every edge possible so they can perform under trying circumstances.

Part of the problem is that navigating the tightly packed six-month NHL season is an onerous task in a normal season -- particularly so for a club with such high travel demands as Vancouver. But when you add another major challenge to the mix, who knows what the effect may be. A good start will be essential. If things don't go well, the schedule will be a built-in excuse. Just how it plays out is hard to know because there aren't many obvious parallels.

The only time an NHL club has been directly impacted by the Olympics was 1988 in Calgary, but even then there were significant differences. The Flames had to vacate the Saddledome for about a month -- two weeks less than the Canucks -- because there was no NHL involvement at that time and so no NHL break.

Calgary was faced with 11 straight road games due to the Olympic hockey tourney, but was able to split that into three separate trips -- of three, six and two games.

The Flames, who won the Smythe Division that season with 105 points, started out the 11 games with a horrific 9-0 loss to the Jets in Winnipeg and lost five of their first seven away. But they were undefeated in the last four games (3-0-1) to finish up the 11-game stretch at a respectable 5-5-1.

The NBA's Utah Jazz were displaced from their home arena for 24 days during the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics in 2002, which necessitated a nine-game road trip. The Jazz, a middle-of-the-pack team in the Midwest Division, nonetheless managed to go 6-3 in that stretch.
In 2007, the New Jersey Devils had to start their NHL season with nine straight road games because the new Prudential Center hadn't been completed. They went 3-5-1, but that could just as well have been due to adjusting to new head coach Brent Sutter and the significant changes he brought in.

As Gilman said, it's going to be interesting.

[lordstanley]

Originally Posted by Corky

Canucks will have no home games for 45 days.

I think it sucks more for Canucks season ticket holders than the players. The players will have 2 weeks at home in Vancouver during the Olympics. Season ticket holders will have a bunch of home games bunched together and a 6-week stretch without anyway.

[ChicagoGirl]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

I think it sucks more for Canucks season ticket holders than the players. The players will have 2 weeks at home in Vancouver during the Olympics. Season ticket holders will have a bunch of home games bunched together and a 6-week stretch without anyway.

Are Canuck season ticket holders going to get any bit of a pre-sale for Olympic tickets? I just wondered how they're going to handle ticket sales since they are using an NHL arena.

The Team USA Orientation Camp is going to be about 25 miles west of here in Woodridge, IL (at the 7 Bridges Ice Arena). I know there are some posters here in Chicagoland, and there might be some who are in the area during the time as well, so I just wanted to inform all of you about it in case you were interested in attending. It runs from the 17th through the 19th of August. I definitely will be attending one of the days (will probably wear my authentic red Patrick Kane sweater)...I'll probably visit my parents as well before returning home, as I grew up just 3 miles south of that arena in Bolingbrook.

It will be interesting to see who gets rewarded as team captain...Perhaps Jamie Langenbrunner?

I can't wait to see Zach Parise put on the sweater for the red, white, and blue. I primarily watch Devils games to listen to Doc Emrick; but, Parise really caught my eye last season!

[lordstanley]

Originally Posted by ChicagoGirl

Are Canuck season ticket holders going to get any bit of a pre-sale for Olympic tickets? I just wondered how they're going to handle ticket sales since they are using an NHL arena.

Nope, the Olympics want you to forget that it is an NHL arena. GM Place is being temporarily renamed Canada Place or something like that during the Games, so as not to upset any sponsors. So no preferential treatment for Canucks season ticket holders. And I'm 95% sure that the Canuck players and coaches have no access to the arena during that month. They'll work out in Burnaby off of Joe Sakic Dr.

I got tickets for a Sweden-Belarus round-robin pool game, but the Olympic Gold medal game is the hottest ticket ever. If (ahem, when) Canada advances to the gold medal game, the scalpers' prices will be measured in body parts. If Canada flops, you might actually be get a ticket for a few hundred tickets and if that's Sweden-Russia I might even try to pick one up.

[Hongbit]

Originally Posted by ChicagoGirl

It will be interesting to see who gets rewarded as team captain...Perhaps Jamie Langenbrunner?

I'd expect it would come down to Modano or Langenbrunner and I think Jamie's got a better shot to make the team.

Originally Posted by lordstanley

I got tickets for a Sweden-Belarus round-robin pool game, but the Olympic Gold medal game is the hottest ticket ever. If (ahem, when) Canada advances to the gold medal game, the scalpers' prices will be measured in body parts. If Canada flops, you might actually be get a ticket for a few hundred tickets and if that's Sweden-Russia I might even try to pick one up.

We'll make you an honorary member of Kane's Krew since you probably won't have a team to cheer for in the final.

[Kdoogie24]

I would rather see USA advance to the finals than Russia or Sweden. I like pulling for the Americans, even though alot of people just LOVE the fact that USA has struggled recently in international competition. There is lots of talent up front, but the defense might struggle.

I would love to be in Vancouver around the time this tournament is going on, it will be CRAZY downtown/around GM Place.

[lordstanley]

Team Canada jerseys unveiled today. I don't see the need to add native symbols and eagles to the jersey, typical case of Canadians getting all PC about our native people when it comes to international sporting events yet ignoring them the 99% of the time the world isn't watching. Anyways, the jersey looks good, will look even better with gold hanging from it.

[ChicagoGirl]

I attended the Team USA camp today and thought I'd post some comments and observations:

• With a few exceptions, they basically seemed to keep the older guys together and younger guys together in two separate groups to run drills. Today, they were running drills for the entire time.
• Zach Parise was as dominant as he was all last season.
• David Backes was probably the most unlucky of everyone on the ice. He hit iron probably more than anyone else!
• Tim Thomas stood out as the best goaltender of the three (the other two were Jonathan Quick and Ryan Miller). I think Mr. Vezina will be our starting goaltender next February.
• From what I saw today, Mike Modano deserves to be the team captain. He was the first on the ice and the last off the ice and seemed extra dedicated.
• Dustin Byfuglien literally made the hit of the event as he accidentally checked assistant coach John Tortorella into the half boards! The two smiled and laugued immediately afterwards.
• Patrick Kane was the star of the show, getting by far the most cheers. They even sounded the goal horn when he scored on a shooting drill past Ryan Miller. Kane's chemistry with Joe Pavelski was pretty decent. Perhaps the two of them would make great 2nd line mates.
• Between drills, Kane and Buff pretty much stayed near each other. I think both of them were glad to have each other on the ice at the same time as NHL teammates.
• Of the younger guys, TJ Oshie impressed me the most. He had a ton of speed.
• After both groups finished their skills drills, they let a bunch of pee wee hockey league players from the area play on the ice with the NHLers. Oshie kept on checking the little kids. Kane kept playing "keep-away" with a group of about 10 kids. Everyone genuinely seemed to be having a great time.

[Hongbit]

Great report!

Today was the first time I realized they will be playing the games on an NHL sheet and not the typical international rink. This should help the US make up for their depth and talent deficiencies compared to the favored teams. Burke has already stated there will be a physical presence on the final roster.

[ChicagoGirl]

Originally Posted by Hongbit

Burke has already stated there will be a physical presence on the final roster.

If that is the case, then you can pretty much pencil Dustin Byfuglien in on our fourth line and Mike Komisarek on our second or third defensive pairing.

I can just picture it...USA vs. Canada in the Gold Medal game. Byfuglien bugs the hell out of Roberto Luongo, severely getting into his head, much like he did during the entire series to help eliminate Vancouver in the second round of this past season's playoffs. Oshie, Kane, Parise, Stastny, and Pavelski counter with a ton of offensive action, and Team USA upsets Team Canada.

[lordstanley]

Originally Posted by ChicagoGirl

I attended the Team USA camp today and thought I'd post some comments and observations:

• With a few exceptions, they basically seemed to keep the older guys together and younger guys together in two separate groups to run drills. Today, they were running drills for the entire time.
• Zach Parise was as dominant as he was all last season.
• David Backes was probably the most unlucky of everyone on the ice. He hit iron probably more than anyone else!
• Tim Thomas stood out as the best goaltender of the three (the other two were Jonathan Quick and Ryan Miller). I think Mr. Vezina will be our starting goaltender next February.
• From what I saw today, Mike Modano deserves to be the team captain. He was the first on the ice and the last off the ice and seemed extra dedicated.
• Dustin Byfuglien literally made the hit of the event as he accidentally checked assistant coach John Tortorella into the half boards! The two smiled and laugued immediately afterwards.
• Patrick Kane was the star of the show, getting by far the most cheers. They even sounded the goal horn when he scored on a shooting drill past Ryan Miller. Kane's chemistry with Joe Pavelski was pretty decent. Perhaps the two of them would make great 2nd line mates.
• Between drills, Kane and Buff pretty much stayed near each other. I think both of them were glad to have each other on the ice at the same time as NHL teammates.
• Of the younger guys, TJ Oshie impressed me the most. He had a ton of speed.
• After both groups finished their skills drills, they let a bunch of pee wee hockey league players from the area play on the ice with the NHLers. Oshie kept on checking the little kids. Kane kept playing "keep-away" with a group of about 10 kids. Everyone genuinely seemed to be having a great time.

Hongbit is right, that's a great report.
But Byfuglien better not get a chance to mess up Luongo's already damaged head. Security may be tight, but if Luongo gets the nod as starting goalie for an elimination game I'm going to try to walk over to GM Place and yank Luongo out of the game myself.

[ChicagoGirl]

I'm going to make a fearless prediction here: TJ Oshie will be on one of the top two lines. He seemed to have the most energy of any skater in either group! I can see why Blues fans like him. I now have someone extra to keep an eye on when I watch Blues games throughout the season on Center Ice.

The thing I like the most about this international competition is being able to pull for players whom I otherwise wouldn't to support my country. I do hope the NHLers are allowed to play in the 2014 games.

[AlKalineIsGod]

Originally Posted by ChicagoGirl

I attended the Team USA camp today and thought I'd post some comments and observations:

• With a few exceptions, they basically seemed to keep the older guys together and younger guys together in two separate groups to run drills. Today, they were running drills for the entire time.
• Zach Parise was as dominant as he was all last season.
• David Backes was probably the most unlucky of everyone on the ice. He hit iron probably more than anyone else!
• Tim Thomas stood out as the best goaltender of the three (the other two were Jonathan Quick and Ryan Miller). I think Mr. Vezina will be our starting goaltender next February.
• From what I saw today, Mike Modano deserves to be the team captain. He was the first on the ice and the last off the ice and seemed extra dedicated.
• Dustin Byfuglien literally made the hit of the event as he accidentally checked assistant coach John Tortorella into the half boards! The two smiled and laugued immediately afterwards.
• Patrick Kane was the star of the show, getting by far the most cheers. They even sounded the goal horn when he scored on a shooting drill past Ryan Miller. Kane's chemistry with Joe Pavelski was pretty decent. Perhaps the two of them would make great 2nd line mates.
• Between drills, Kane and Buff pretty much stayed near each other. I think both of them were glad to have each other on the ice at the same time as NHL teammates.
• Of the younger guys, TJ Oshie impressed me the most. He had a ton of speed.
• After both groups finished their skills drills, they let a bunch of pee wee hockey league players from the area play on the ice with the NHLers. Oshie kept on checking the little kids. Kane kept playing "keep-away" with a group of about 10 kids. Everyone genuinely seemed to be having a great time.

It would be Sick if USA could win gold, but it will prolly Be Russia,Sweden or Canada.

Ugh I just dont wanna see Cindy get gold on top of the cup /BARF

[DGTigers]

I may be way late to this party, but I think it's very lame that the Olympic hockey is not being played on an "Olympic" sized ice surface. International hockey does not seem right if it isn't on the 100x200 ice.

[lordstanley]

Received my Olympic hockey tickets by courier today direct from VANOC. Sweden vs Belarus on February 19. That's the Friday ending the first week of the Games. Not sure if I want Franzen to be ready for that or not.

[DGTigers]

I'd say that sounds like a pretty good tune-up game for a rehabbing Franzen. Do you think that they (Sweden) will take a chance with him on the team and taking up a roster spot if he's just coming back from a 4-5 month injury?

[jonjd]

Originally Posted by DGTigers

I may be way late to this party, but I think it's very lame that the Olympic hockey is not being played on an "Olympic" sized ice surface. International hockey does not seem right if it isn't on the 100x200 ice.

I can confirm that SLC in 2002 went by NHL dimensions. It's 13 feet. No issue to me. It only benefits both N. American teams with our larger and less mobile defensemen. Let's not forget that probably 95% of the teams that will end up in contention have NHL players on their rosters. It makes sense to me, even though it's not by the rulebook. I absolutely understand your point. It's the Olympics, hence Olympic sized rinks. Maybe the IOC should consider altering their dimensions or becoming a little more flexible (which obviously they are already).

[ChicagoGirl]

Originally Posted by DGTigers

I may be way late to this party, but I think it's very lame that the Olympic hockey is not being played on an "Olympic" sized ice surface. International hockey does not seem right if it isn't on the 100x200 ice.

I'd think the logistics with GM Place already being an NHL-sized rink has everything to do with them playing on an NHL-sized rink instead of the Olympic-sized rink.

[lordstanley]

And of course it comes down to money. Believe me, the IOC and VANOC are squeezing money out of EVERYTHING these games. Naturally the IOC "family" (almost exclusively white, aging, male and European, if you keep track of such things), the most corrupt and unaccountable body in all of sports, needs 5-star accomodation and security and limos and entourages while they're in town. That doesn't come cheap. I believe face value of the seats closest to the glass at GM Place will be almost $1,000 for the gold medal. Lower than that for earlier games but still high. Knock off the first two rows to expand the ice surface and that adds up to lots of $.

[lordstanley]

Russian team announced.

CTV Olympics - Russians unwrap Olympic men's hockey team

Some big stars at the top in Datsyuk, Malkin, Ovechkin, and Kovalchuk, but since Fedorov was picked as well I think it's fair to say that Russia's forward depth can't match Canada's.

And their defense beyond Gonchar isn't much to write home about.

They're in good shape in net.

Overall, 9 of their chosen 23 play in the KHL.

Goalies
Ilya Bryzgalov (Phoenix), Evgeni Nabokov (San Jose), Semyon Varlamov (Washington)

Defence
Sergei Gonchar (Pittsburgh), Denis Grebeshkov (Edmonton), Dmitri Kalinin (Salavat Ufa), Konstantin Korneyev (CSKA Moscow), Andrei Markov (Montreal), Ilya Nikulin (Ak Bars Kazan), Fedor Tyutin (Columbus), Anton Vonchenkov (Ottawa)

Forwards
Maxim Afinogenov (Atlanta), Pavel Datsyuk (Detroit), Sergei Fedorov (Metallurg Magnitogorsk), Ilya Kovalchuk (Atlanta), Viktor Kozlov (Salavat Ufa), Evgeni Malkin (Pittsburgh), Alexei Morozov (Ak Bars Kazan), Alexander Ovechkin (Washington), Alexander Radulov (Salavat Ufa), Alexander Semin (Washington), Danis Zaripov (Ak Bars Kazan), Sergei Zinoviev (Salavat Ufa)

[DGTigers]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

Russian team announced.

CTV Olympics - Russians unwrap Olympic men's hockey team

Some big stars at the top in Datsyuk, Malkin, Ovechkin, and Kovalchuk, but since Fedorov was picked as well I think it's fair to say that Russia's forward depth can't match Canada's.

And their defense beyond Gonchar isn't much to write home about.

They're in good shape in net.

Overall, 9 of their chosen 23 play in the KHL.

Interesting. I don't think that anyone thought that Russia was going to have the depth of Canada but a top line or two with Datsyuk, Malkin, Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, Semin, and Afinoginov to pick from is pretty scary. I think Canada will come out on top with their superior defense and better depth, but we've all seen what can happen when you just have to win 1 game (1998, 1980) against a team, no matter who and how good they are.

I'm surprised that Khabibulen isn't there but Bryzgalov is sure on fire this season.

When does Canada's team get named again? I seem to remember that they changed the date of it because of the World Juniors.

[lordstanley]

Originally Posted by DGTigers

When does Canada's team get named again? I seem to remember that they changed the date of it because of the World Juniors.

The morning of January 30. I guess that works. The best was in 1998 or 2002 when they announced the team before the HNIC game on a Saturday night, with little kids skating out onto the Toronto ice one by one wearing the jersey of the player who had been selected and whose name had just been announced.

I'm confident that in a playoff series or 82-game season, Team Canada would be comfortably ahead of everyone else. But in a 1-game elimination, anything can happen. I have nightmares about Ovie making Luongo cry.

[lordstanley]

Sweden's turn today. Again, giving a spot to Forsberg makes me wonder about their depth. Also thin on defense - five first-time Olympians Tobias Enstrom, Magnus Johansson, Douglas Murray, Johnny Oduya and Henrik Tallinder. But while I'm not big fans of the Sedins, I expect them to have big tournaments in front of their "hometown" fans.

CTV Olympics - Forsberg, Lidstrom headline Sweden selections

Aside from Johan Franzen, whose currently nursing a knee injury, one of the other notable absentees from the list is Vancouver's Mikael Samuelsson.

"Probably going to get in trouble for this, but they can go f*** themselves," was his reaction following the Canucks win over Calgary Sunday night.

In goal, the Swedes will rely on New York Rangers netminder Henrik Lundqvist to carry the load once again. He will be backed up by Stefan Liv, who was also on the gold medal winning 2006 squad, and first timer Jonas Gustavsson, aka "The Monster".

Nineteen of the 23 players selected by coach Bengt-Ake Gustafsson come from the NHL.

Goalkeepers:
Jonas Gustavsson (Toronto Maple Leafs/NHL), Stefan Liv (HV 71), Henrik Lundqvist (New York Rangers/NHL)

Defenders:
Tobias Enstrom (Atlanta Thrashers/NHL), Magnus Johansson (Linkopings HC), Niklas Kronwall (Detroit Red Wings/NHL), Nicklas Lidstrom (Detroit Red Wings/NHL), Douglas Murray (San Jose Sharks/NHL), Johnny Oduya (New Jersey Devils/NHL), Henrik Tallinder (Buffalo Sabres/NHL), Mattias Ohlund (Tampa Bay Lightning/NHL)

Forwards:
Daniel Alfredsson (Ottawa Senators/NHL), Nicklas Backstrom (Washington Capitals/NHL), Loui Eriksson (Dallas Stars/NHL), Peter Forsberg (MODO Hockey), Tomas Holmstrom (Detroit Red Wings/NHL), Patric Hornqvist (Nashville Predators/NHL), Fredrik Modin (Columbus Blue Jackets/NHL), Samuel Paahlsson (Columbus Blue Jackets/NHL), Daniel Sedin (Vancouver Canucks/NHL), Henrik Sedin (Vancouver Canucks/NHL), Mattias Weinhandl (Dynamo Moscow/RUS), Henrik Zetterberg (Detroit Red Wings/NHL)

[Hongbit]

Eagerly awaiting the announcements of the two NA teams. The rosters and the subsequent lines and pairings will be fun to analyze.

Despite the amazing talent on display. This tourney will come down to special teams and goaltenders. Whoever can muster the best combination of avoiding penalties and a hot keeper in the elim rounds will win it. PK units will be huge for everyone. Still interested to see how the NHL rink will effect the Euro teams. The Russians will overcome without any probs and maybe the heavy NA based Swede roster will too. Not so sure about the Fins, Czechs, and the rest. Also, not sure that anyone can overcome Canada on home ice with that depth of talent.

[Shinma]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

Aside from Johan Franzen, whose currently nursing a knee injury, one of the other notable absentees from the list is Vancouver's Mikael Samuelsson.

"Probably going to get in trouble for this, but they can go f*** themselves," was his reaction following the Canucks win over Calgary Sunday night.

AHAHAHAHAHAHA!

People here already know how I feel about him, but thats just classic.

...Its like I was right the whole time, or something.

[lordstanley]

For the Olympics in general, I'm hoping for no rain, clear and sunny up in the mountains, and some mild fog downtown. Here are some cool photos of Vancouver taken in this Christmas week's fog:

[lordstanley]

Slovakia named their team today. Don't be too quick to write them off. Recall they beat the U.S., Sweden and Russia in the medal round in Torino. This year's team includes Hossa, Gaborik, Handzus, Chara, Jurcina, and Halak (not to mention Tomas Kopecky, lol)

Chara, Gaborik, Hossa highlight Slovakian roster announcement - NHL.com - 2010 Winter Olympics

[lordstanley]

Latvia's team announced. All no-names. A couple of NHLers. How could Sandis Ozolinsh not make the team? Latvia always has the liveliest fans in international hockey, would love to see the team spring an upset somewhere.

Latvia's Olympic roster boasts pair of NHL players - NHL.com - 2010 Winter Olympics

[Hongbit]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

I knew pot is essentially legal in Vancouver but I had no idea the depth until seeing these pictures.

[Hongbit]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

Slovakia named their team today. Don't be too quick to write them off. Recall they beat the U.S., Sweden and Russia in the medal round in Torino. This year's team includes Hossa, Gaborik, Handzus, Chara, Jurcina, and Halak (not to mention Tomas Kopecky, lol)

Chara, Gaborik, Hossa highlight Slovakian roster announcement - NHL.com - 2010 Winter Olympics

Wow talk about a name from the past. Ziggy Palffy is on this team too. He's been out of the NHL for 4 years now.

[detroitdan]

Originally Posted by lordstanley

Slovakia named their team today. Don't be too quick to write them off. Recall they beat the U.S., Sweden and Russia in the medal round in Torino. This year's team includes Hossa, Gaborik, Handzus, Chara, Jurcina, and Halak (not to mention Tomas Kopecky, lol)

Chara, Gaborik, Hossa highlight Slovakian roster announcement - NHL.com - 2010 Winter Olympics

The article lists Kopecky as still being on the Red Wings. Nice editing there fellas.

[detroitdan]

Finland's team was announced today too. They are going to be a much bigger threat than I thought, I really like their team.

[detroitdan]

And my final post, here is who I am selecting for Team Canada. Thoughts?

Goal:
1. Brodeur
2. Luongo
3. Fleury

Defence:
1. Niedermayer – C
2. Pronger – A
3. Weber
4. Keith
5. Boyle
6. Bouwmeester
7. Green

Forward:
1. Crosby – A
2. Nash
3. Iginla – A
4. Thornton
5. Heatley
6. Marleau
7. Getzlaf
8. Perry
9. E. Staal
10. Fisher
11. Doan – A
12. Richards
13. Toews

I think Doughty could get in over Green. I picked him because I read a story yesterday saying that Stevie had Scotty scout Green and he gave him a thumbs up. He’d really only be there for offence. Seabrook maybe too, since he plays with Keith in Chicago. I may have picked too many centres, I didn’t really think about the forward positions. Some guys won’t be playing their natural positions anyway. The first 5 D-men and first 8 forwards are locks in any event, in my opinion.

There aren't many wrong choices for Stevie to make. What an event it's going to be. Come on February 12th!

[lordstanley]

Originally Posted by detroitdan

And my final post, here is who I am selecting for Team Canada. Thoughts?

Goal:
1. Brodeur
2. Luongo
3. Fleury

Defence:
1. Niedermayer – C
2. Pronger – A
3. Weber
4. Keith
5. Boyle
6. Bouwmeester
7. Green

Forward:
1. Crosby – A
2. Nash
3. Iginla – A
4. Thornton
5. Heatley
6. Marleau
7. Getzlaf
8. Perry
9. E. Staal
10. Fisher
11. Doan – A
12. Richards
13. Toews

I think Doughty could get in over Green. I picked him because I read a story yesterday saying that Stevie had Scotty scout Green and he gave him a thumbs up. He’d really only be there for offence. Seabrook maybe too, since he plays with Keith in Chicago. I may have picked too many centres, I didn’t really think about the forward positions. Some guys won’t be playing their natural positions anyway. The first 5 D-men and first 8 forwards are locks in any event, in my opinion.

There aren't many wrong choices for Stevie to make. What an event it's going to be. Come on February 12th!

I can't wait for the 9am PST announcement show!

I like the team you picked, Detroit Dan. The goalies seems set and I'd agree about your d-men and forward locks. I'm fine with Green being on the team, even if he might give us a heart attack or two along the way; Doughty getting in as a 20 year old would be cool. I think Doan and Richards (ha, notice neither you or I have said whether that will be Brad or Mike) will make it. The ones on your list that are on the bubble IMO are E.Staal, Fisher and Toews - somehow I think Brendan Morrow will make it on.

Notice anything about the roster ... no Quebeckers outside of goal? Or am I missing someone.

[lordstanley]

Team Canada's selection show starting in 40 minutes will be streamed at
CTV Olympics - Team Canada roster announcement

If that doesn't work, try The FAN 590 Toronto - the home of the Toronto Blue Jays, Raptors and Argonauts for audio only.

[lordstanley]

So far:

Goalies: Brodeur-Luongo-Fleury (no surprises)

Defense: Boyle-Doughty-Keith-Niedermayer(captain)-Pronger-Seabrook-Weber

Wow, I know he plays with Keith, but I wouldn't have picked Seabrook over Bouwmeister. Something about Mike Green, I guess like Marc Savard he's not Team Canada's type.

[lordstanley]

At forward:

Mike Richards, Patrice Bergeron, Jonathan Toews, Eric Staal make it.

St. Louis, Lecavalier, Jeff Carter, Shane Doan, Mike Fisher do not.