WJC: 2015 — Canada Roster Talk (Part IV)
- Thread starter Nunymare
- Start date
- Status
Novak Djokovic
#24 and counting... #GOAT
- Dec 10, 2006
- 23,207
- 1,508
I totally forgot about Point. I don't remember seeing him get any shifts and that's surprising. He has looked good this tournament.
How has he looked good when you don't remember him getting any shifts? He's been pretty invisible.
Alerion
Registered User
He was great in the pre-competition and good against Slovakia. I don't remember much from him against Germany and IIRC he didn't touch the ice in the last 2 games. I'd be surprised if we see him in the medal round unless he gets some ice time in a blowout game.
CrazyJoeDavola
Registered User
I thought Comrie, although he did make some great saves, was out of position all game and didn't look very calm. After Fucale's performance against Finland, I'm okay with him getting the start.
86Habs
Registered User
- May 4, 2009
- 2,588
- 420
He didn't see the ice once vs. the US, and may have only seen a shift or two at the very start of the Finland game. Its clear Groulx wants to roll four established and definitive lines instead of mixing and matching in the bottom 7, so Point will probably only see the ice again in the case of injury.
Personally I'd use him from time to time on any of the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th lines to inject a bit of speed and energy. He's looked good, IMO, whenever he's hit the ice.
Agree with this. I thought it was a little weird people saying Comrie had no chance on the first goal... of course he had no chance, he put himself way out of position by completely committing to what he thought was going to be a shot.
Neither goalie has stolen the show, but Comrie had that chance to prove himself against the Americans, and he just played an okay game. Not good enough to take the job from a guy who would have two shutouts if not for Sam Morin's brutal turnover.
TOML
Registered User
I've seen him play a bunch. He usually is a lot more physical. I believe he's been put on a tight leash by Team Canada due to the tighter officiating.
Novak Djokovic
#24 and counting... #GOAT
- Dec 10, 2006
- 23,207
- 1,508
It's nice to watch a team play with pride for their country and not the dollars in their contract
Canada has scored no fewer than 4 goals in each game they've played, it is becoming very evident that this team can score like nothing we've seen in recent years.
BigBen
Registered User
- Dec 5, 2014
- 1,762
- 0
If it was any other goalie other than Demko in net for the US, that game wouldn't have been close. He made about 4 saves that other goalies would have had a hard time making.
I agree. A lot of American posters (the usual suspect(s)) are saying with a few bounces the U.S. could have won.
Hell, with a few bounces, Canada could have easily scored 8. Just like Sochi 2014, we smoked them and then we see a revisionist history from the U.S. I am always amazed how when the U.S. beats a weaker nation by one or two, they will say, "We dominated them. Goaltending is the only thing that kept it close." But, when it happens to them...
it's true. i was cheering for the US but it was pretty clear demko was keeping them in it. could have been a blowout.
Trap Jesus
Registered User
- Feb 13, 2012
- 28,686
- 13,458
I don't get why it's a common opinion to sit Gauthier. He's filled his role to a tee so far.
izzy
go
He's been awful that's why. I don't mind him playing because he is a good face off man and has been effective killing penalties. But anything else he's not been good. His foot speed is Dany Heatley-esque and he's struggling controlling the puck.
Personally I don't think he's hurting the team in his current role though.
Trap Jesus
Registered User
- Feb 13, 2012
- 28,686
- 13,458
Almost everyone else can skate and they have 3 very strong scoring lines. It's rare for players this age to have that refined of a defensive game/faceoff-taking ability. I think he's been a useful asset.
I agree. A lot of American posters (the usual suspect(s)) are saying with a few bounces the U.S. could have won.
I am always amazed how when the U.S. beats a weaker nation by one or two, they will say, "We dominated them. Goaltending is the only thing that kept it close." But, when it happens to them...
This is not a solely American condition. Every country's fans see things from a biased perspective. Believe it or not, Canada does the same thing.
Aaaaaaaaaaaaa
Registered User
- May 16, 2009
- 12,252
- 1,586
We do, I agree.
ABout that game, though...a lot of posters from both countries were saying "great game" etc. I thought it was one of the most lopsided victories for a Canadian junior team over the US in a long time. Shots were 43-28, and there were a lot of quality chances in those 43.
I suspect the US is a better team than what we saw, though. I just think they never got going in that game.
The only roster question I really have pertaining to Canada's forwards is with Ritchie. I think that for what he brings, more speed would have been a better choice. Gauthier is better at the role they are kind of both playing, and one guy like that would be enough, especially when Crouse is sort of playing that role as well.
On D, Hicketts looks completely lost and undersized. He is in over his head. He is trying, but he is not mobile, quick, or big enough for this tourney.
I thought Hicketts was brought in to be a sort of offensive specialist from the blueline, but 1 assist in 4 games doesn't cut it when you can't really do much else. Had one nice play against the Americans where he dove to break up a pass, other than that he's been pretty bad.
JackSlater
Registered User
- Apr 27, 2010
- 19,805
- 15,466
I still don't see what the big draw was supposed to be with the American forwards. People get caught up looking at something specific (The Americans are fast!) instead of something more important, like how good the players actually are. It reminded me a lot of 2011 (the American defence is huge!) when the same thing happened. They looked like American forwards typically look, skating around quickly but not knowing where to go.
I think Ritchie has been fine on the fourth line. Gauthier and Crouse play his style of game, and he gets to be the main puck carrier. I like the way they have pinned the opposition down in their own end repeatedly.I agree that Hicketts has looked terrible lately. He shouldn't be on the PK at the very least.
Sharpshooter
Registered User
- Dec 14, 2011
- 13,590
- 9
Gauthier has filled his role, as a defensive 'specialist', in perhaps the last 2 games with aplomb, and I don't disagree with that. I think that the one dimensional aspect of his play however is less effective than a player who can play at both ends of the ice. I though Point, for instance, while not a 'specialist' of any sorts, was good at both ends, and because he was, would be more valuable in the transition game than Gauthier is when shooting, receiving a pass, skating, etc. It's just my opinion though, and it may just happen to be shared by others.
Gauthier Looks Slow but Effective
Gauthier is naturally slow but he is winning almost every face-off as he was 10 for 10 in USA game. Also his down low cycling game is very good as it created a few scoring chances. Where he has trouble is in a fast up and down the ice game where chances are created off the rush. Great idea by coaches putting him with Richie and Crouse as they all skate at relatively same pace which helps the line effectiveness.
What surprises me is the ineffectiveness of McDavid. The truth of it is he must still be hurt. Otherwise he looks a little slow compared to the best 95s. His line has been Canada's least effective. Thank god for Reinhart and Domi who are carrying this team. And Petan Fabbri and Paul truth be told have been the better 2nd line.
Gauthier is naturally slow but he is winning almost every face-off as he was 10 for 10 in USA game. Also his down low cycling game is very good as it created a few scoring chances. Where he has trouble is in a fast up and down the ice game where chances are created off the rush. Great idea by coaches putting him with Richie and Crouse as they all skate at relatively same pace which helps the line effectiveness.
What surprises me is the ineffectiveness of McDavid. The truth of it is he must still be hurt. Otherwise he looks a little slow compared to the best 95s. His line has been Canada's least effective. Thank god for Reinhart and Domi who are carrying this team. And Petan Fabbri and Paul truth be told have been the better 2nd line.
- Status
Ad
Upcoming events
-
-
Props Alex Ovechkin to Record 895th Career Goal During 2024/25 Regular SeasonWagers: 10Staked: $20,650.00Event closes - 6 days from now- Updated: