Big Phil
Registered User
- Nov 2, 2003
- 31,703
- 4,156
Here's an argument now that the World Cup is over and we again have proved as to who is on top of the Hockey world - again, I thought I'd compare the two teams. The 2002 Slat Lake Team Canada or the 2004 version.
For 2004: For one this team didn't lose a game. Yes they came close in the semis but as for every other game they appeared to be so much better than their opponents. In net you could argue that Brodeur is better now than in 2002. On defence without Blake and Pronger the defense was younger and less seasoned but still steady, not spectacular. Up front Heatley, Thornton, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Richards, Doan were all new. As was Marleau, Morrow, Maltby and Draper. Were they more explosive offensively? I'm proud of this group of guys but I couldnt help but think that when they beat the US 2-1 that it should have been 6-1. Only the games against Slovakia were more than 2 goals apart. This team was young but I thought they may have scored even more.
For 2002: This team was older and more seasoned. Yes they lost to the Swedes in the opener, but after that they never lost and looked unbeatable from the climatic Czech game on. Brodeur was still in net, and their defense had Blake and Pronger on there which was a big help. Up front it was an older team but I thought a little bit more offensive fire power. Hard to believe Eric Lindros was on that team but then again,was a good player at that time. That 2002 team had more offense from the back end, and up front and seemed to generate just a few more offensive chances. I put this team on any Top 10 list of all time teams, I cant say that about the 2004 team.
In conclusion, I compare the 2004 team to say the '91 or '84 Canada Cup team. Not bad company. I'll take the Salt Lake team by a little bit more. But I will say this, in 2006 or sya 2008 when Thornton, Lecavalier, Heatley, Richards, Bouwmeester etc. are in their primes I think it'll be one of the best teams ever assembled with '76 and '87.
Who's better 2002 or 2004?
For 2004: For one this team didn't lose a game. Yes they came close in the semis but as for every other game they appeared to be so much better than their opponents. In net you could argue that Brodeur is better now than in 2002. On defence without Blake and Pronger the defense was younger and less seasoned but still steady, not spectacular. Up front Heatley, Thornton, Lecavalier, St. Louis, Richards, Doan were all new. As was Marleau, Morrow, Maltby and Draper. Were they more explosive offensively? I'm proud of this group of guys but I couldnt help but think that when they beat the US 2-1 that it should have been 6-1. Only the games against Slovakia were more than 2 goals apart. This team was young but I thought they may have scored even more.
For 2002: This team was older and more seasoned. Yes they lost to the Swedes in the opener, but after that they never lost and looked unbeatable from the climatic Czech game on. Brodeur was still in net, and their defense had Blake and Pronger on there which was a big help. Up front it was an older team but I thought a little bit more offensive fire power. Hard to believe Eric Lindros was on that team but then again,was a good player at that time. That 2002 team had more offense from the back end, and up front and seemed to generate just a few more offensive chances. I put this team on any Top 10 list of all time teams, I cant say that about the 2004 team.
In conclusion, I compare the 2004 team to say the '91 or '84 Canada Cup team. Not bad company. I'll take the Salt Lake team by a little bit more. But I will say this, in 2006 or sya 2008 when Thornton, Lecavalier, Heatley, Richards, Bouwmeester etc. are in their primes I think it'll be one of the best teams ever assembled with '76 and '87.
Who's better 2002 or 2004?