WJC: 2015 — Canada Roster Talk (Part V)

[GWNR]

I hope McDavid really plays well against Russia because, otherwise, people will say he pulled a "Kessel" and ran up points against weak teams while disappeared against tough ones - and it will be hard to argue it.

Russia is a good team. Time for McDavid to show he can play really well against stiff competition.

People who show up to the argument to say McDavid disappeared becuase he didn't have stats are people who didn't watch the game. Against the US McDavid generated a lot and was always in the right position of the play. You can be the best player without producing, but yes producing still matters

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

People who show up to the argument to say McDavid disappeared becuase he didn't have stats are people who didn't watch the game. Against the US McDavid generated a lot and was always in the right position of the play. You can be the best player without producing, but yes producing still matters

At the end of the day, no one will care and he will go first overall.

For me, as a hockey fan watching the World Juniors, I want to see him do well against a top team.

OR

Maybe I am just tired of all the McDavid/Eichel hype.

 

[GWNR]

At the end of the day, no one will care and he will go first overall.

For me, as a hockey fan watching the World Juniors, I want to see him do well against a top team.

OR

Maybe I am just tired of all the McDavid/Eichel hype.

I definitely want to see him do well, but what I'm saying is he has done well the entire tournament.

There's no McDavid hype. The kid has lived up to the hype. His game is very very good

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

I definitely want to see him do well, but what I'm saying is he has done well the entire tournament.

There's no McDavid hype. The kid has lived up to the hype. His game is very very good

I know he has. I just can't read anymore of this stuff. Between the Eichel thread and the McDavid thread, it is enough make a person drink. The comparisons are crazy but, like I said elsewhere, that is what the internet it for.

I guess, I am just getting too old for this stuff.

 

[nowhereman]

in this tournament usually stats go up against weaker opponents, the same opponent everyone else faces, so I don't see what the issue truly is. Just a bunch of jealous haters again that will never play good hockey and taking a cheapshot at a kid who is spoken as the next great hockey player.

outright disgraceful, this forum did the very same thing to Sidney Crosby.

They still do it to Crosby.

McDavid better get used to people with nothing better to do than criticize him and spew vitriol his way.

 

[CanaFan]

Let's just put it at spade of spade, his Hockey sense does not match his physical gift injured or not. He can't think the game at a level needed to have an edge on the opponent. Hopefully he can use that outside speed and take it to the net tomorrow night, he has the potential to cause the Russian dmen to be surprised by his speed, or would love to see a set play where he goes around the net like he always does and the dman comes rushing in and jumps in, because that plays leads to nothing most times.

Sure mate, not in the mood to argue. I too hope he plays more aggressive which IMO is how he played up until the US game. Something switched in that game and he's been incredibly passive since. I have no idea what sparked the change and it's disappointing to watch but at this point I'm rooting for Canada first and my team's prospect second. And if that means double shifting the top lines and limiting Jake's minutes, so be it.

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

McDavid better get used to people with nothing better to do than criticize him and spew vitriol his way.

It works both ways. People either praise him to the stars or hate on them. The truth will be somewhere in between.

 

[Alerion]

The Crouse-Gauthier-Ritchie line should be getting mad props from people for the way they're playing these past few games (ever since Ritchie was put on the line). They were absolutely dominant in hemming the opposition in their own zone. They were generating chances around the net because the other team couldn't move them or get the puck off them. That wears the opposition down over the course of 60 minutes.

It's especially fitting how good they've been considering all three guys (especially Gauthier and Crouse) were hugely criticized for even making the team. Maybe building a team actually consists of not just taking the players with the most points leading up to camp, eh?

Agreed 100%, I'm glad people are finally starting to notice. All 3 players took a lot of **** for not being flashy skilled players like most of the roster, but they provide a much needed extra dimension to our group of players. They started the tournament poorly but have improved steadily ever since the Finland game, to the point where Groulx is now matching them against other team's star players (Ehlers and Reway). This 4th line is basically Hockey Canada's wet dream with their size, 200 foot game, ability to cycle the puck, and ability to create garbage goal scoring chances. They easily could have had a couple goals tonight if not for Godla being Godla.

 

[nealll]

Sure mate, not in the mood to argue. I too hope he plays more aggressive which IMO is how he played up until the US game. Something switched in that game and he's been incredibly passive since. I have no idea what sparked the change and it's disappointing to watch but at this point I'm rooting for Canada first and my team's prospect second. And if that means double shifting the top lines and limiting Jake's minutes, so be it.

I thought I was the only one that noticed he played a lot better in the first two games. I do remember something happening and worrying about if he was injured or not, but I cant remember exactly when that was.

Either way, 3rd or 4th line minutes are all he should get, the Top 2 lines should be good to go, and despite what I initially thought of him Gauthier and the rest of his line can be very effective. I still dont like the puck on his stick in the offensive zone though.

 

[wishywashy19]

I'd go with,

Lazar-McDavid-Petan
Domi-Reinhart-Duclair
Ritchie-Gauthier-Crouse
Point-Paul-Virtanen

Promote McDavid's line to #1, they've been better since the games have mattered. Gautheir's up to Line 3 since Petan is off that line and they've controlled the play down low. Play the 4th line sparingly.

i agree with the first three lines projected.
i really am disappointed in Virtanen. There doesn't seem to be a good place to put him.
they really miss Fabbri.
i don't mind going to a three line team if need be.

 

[Scotty B]

Nurse has been the best player on the team! Do you just pick a random player every game and rip on them?

Or something like that...

Both Nurse and Theodore had some good and not so good moments last game, where they took turns covering up for the other. It's a fine tandem, but Morrissey has been our most dependable Dman.

 

[Scotty B]

CK17:

I'd go with,

Lazar-McDavid-Petan
Domi-Reinhart-Duclair
Ritchie-Gauthier-Crouse
Point-Paul-Virtanen

Yeah, I like those line combos too

clarkebr:

Promote McDavid's line to #1, they've been better since the games have mattered. Gautheir's up to Line 3 since Petan is off that line and they've controlled the play down low. Play the 4th line sparingly.
i agree with the first three lines projected.
i really am disappointed in Virtanen. There doesn't seem to be a good place to put him.
they really miss Fabbri.
i don't mind going to a three line team if need be.

Yeah, at this point, McDavid, Lazar and Petan is our best line. Still, to be fair , Duclair coulda had about 6 goals in the last two games, plus he did finally pot one, albeit it a strange one, from behind the net

... I didn't think Virtanen played badly. He had some decent forays deep in SVK zone and almost clicked with Paul. The guy I thought had a subpar game was Point. He's just a little guy, easily knocked off the puck, made a couple of questionable decisions with it, and generally treated that puck like a hot potato. Hopefully, he'll bounce back vs RUS, cause he performed well earlier, in limited action, and in exhibition games.

If our bench gets shortened you probably won't see it, unless we fall behind early. Or, if we're nursing a lead, so not till the 3rd period.

As for Fucale? He made couple of dazzlingly stops in first, but also gave up a couple Big rebounds, which fortuitously our D gobble up. That very well could prove costly vs RUS. Still it's way too late to change horses, in midstream. We won't see Comrie, unless Fucale falters...

 

[Rockettrudel]

At begenning of the tournament i bet 150$US on Canada (odds 135) that they will win this tournament and if they do ill win 352$US. On the other hand this Russia team scare me a lot and the odds on them are 175 for the game tonight..so if i bet 90$ on russia i could also win 240$ So this would make it pretty much a freeroll to win 112$ if canada win ! I still dont know if i should go for that freeroll and Risk nothing or Risk my 150$ to win 352$. I need opinions please and sorry for my english i do my best

 

[Tyler Biggs*]

Great performance by Godla, and can I just say Canadians are the best hockey fans in the world? We show respect for any achievement by any player and/or team. Proud to be Canadian

 

[Tyler Biggs*]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/russians-confident-they-can-beat-any-team/

That's why they almost lost to Denmark. Russians always think they're good they lack teamwork so they'll get destroyed by Canada!

Malkin said that a few years ago too and we all remember how that turned out..... Canada gold.

 

[JackSlater]

Looking forward to the gold medal game tonight. There has not been anything significant to really complain about this tournament for Canada, and I don't expect anything to change that tonight. Even if Canada loses, the goaltending has been solid to this point, they took a mostly skilled lineup and the coaching has been solid. This team was constructed and utilized similarly to how most of us wanted it, and they've played like most of us have wanted. No complaints barring an implosion against Russia.

I'm going to guess a 4 - 2 win for Canada tonight. Russia played very well against Sweden after several less than stellar performances, and if Canada starts like they did against Slovakia they will be in trouble. As has been mentioned, a key point will be the Canadian defencemen making correct pinches. They've gotten caught several times lately, but none of those teams can finish like Russia can. I think this is the key point.

A lot of people are projecting Petan to start with McDavid and Lazar, but I'm not sure that is the best way to start things. Putting Petan on the McDavid line leaves only two real playmakers on the bottom two lines, which is what most of us didn't want. If they go down or if the McDavid line just isn't functioning, then sure, put Petan up with them. I would save it as a momentum changer if necessary.

I am also hopng that they leave the Gauthier line intact at least to start the game. Credit to each player on that line for performing well in their role. Crouse in particular has looked really good lately, and looks like an inspired choice by Groulx.

Bowey worries me the most among the Canadian defencemen. He gets caught the most often, and when he actually gets the puck in a prime scoring chance he seems to either miss the net or shoot right at the goaltender's chest. I'm hopeful that most of the pinches come from Morrissey and Theodore.

Fucale has been solid for Canada, so there's little opportunity for fans to go back to their favourite topic at the junior level. He's been bailed out by the defence a few times, but at the junior level that's pretty much the best case scenario. If he controls his rebounds well tonight then I expect a positive result.

Once again, overall we should be happy with this team. Thus far we've gotten everything we wanted, from selection to tactics. Hopefully tonight results follow.

 

[Scotty B]

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/juniors/russians-confident-they-can-beat-any-team/

That's why they almost lost to Denmark. Russians always think they're good they lack teamwork so they'll get destroyed by Canada!

Malkin said that a few years ago too and we all remember how that turned out..... Canada gold.

To the bolded part, I say that's pure nonsense !

This Russian Team ( with a Capital T! ) has looked very cohesive in the last 2 games. They're standing up guys at the blue, playing really aggressively, attacking the puck carrier on the pk, taking away time and space in the neutral zone. They've gotta a guy with a howitzer ( a left handed shot manning the right side of the blue line ) on the pp...Their counterattack/ transition game was lights out vs Sweden...and they were even coming tantalizingly close with that home run stretch pass, now and again, when Tre Kronor tried, not very successfully, to mount a comeback. Admittedly, it was a different story in the 3rd vs Yanks, when they were badly outshot. Still that D bent but didn't break, plus their nettie ( Igor or Ilya smthg or other? ) has been a stone wall.

Long story short, Russians are firing on all cylinders now, and seem diametrically different than that listless squad we saw in the round robin.

Team Canada has looked good , pretty much ,throughout the whole tourney, with the odd hiccup, such as that poor first period vs SVK last nite; to their credit they rebounded nicely thereafter.

These are the two BEST teams in the tourney* SANS DOUBT...Should be a classic, Canada/Russia Gold Medal Showdown...

OH CANADA BAByyyyyyyy!!!!!

* On second thought, had they not shot themselves in the foot, and taken all those needless penalties , in the first, USA woulda probably beaten RUS imo. Still that Russian side looked to be better coached, plus calmer in the crunch, and maybe that's why they say this is a tourney traditionally dominated by 19 year olds. Every guy on team RUS is in his last year of Jr eligibility, whereas a good many of USA's top guns , esp on D, were 18. In the end, coaching + the experience factor may well have been the decisive difference in that QF game...

 

[starling]

Can someone explain me why Lazar is always taking offensive zone faceoffs while McDavid taking defensive zone faceoffs on that line? What's the idea behind this?

 

[Mattilaus]

Can someone explain me why Lazar is always taking offensive zone faceoffs while McDavid taking defensive zone faceoffs on that line? What's the idea behind this?

Unless I am mistaken are they not just swapping depending on which side of the ice they are on? (left or right, not offensive or defensive) I could be wrong but that might be why it seems like they are switching all the time.

 

[86Habs]

Looking forward to the gold medal game tonight. There has not been anything significant to really complain about this tournament for Canada, and I don't expect anything to change that tonight. Even if Canada loses, the goaltending has been solid to this point, they took a mostly skilled lineup and the coaching has been solid. This team was constructed and utilized similarly to how most of us wanted it, and they've played like most of us have wanted. No complaints barring an implosion against Russia.

I'm going to guess a 4 - 2 win for Canada tonight. Russia played very well against Sweden after several less than stellar performances, and if Canada starts like they did against Slovakia they will be in trouble. As has been mentioned, a key point will be the Canadian defencemen making correct pinches. They've gotten caught several times lately, but none of those teams can finish like Russia can. I think this is the key point.

A lot of people are projecting Petan to start with McDavid and Lazar, but I'm not sure that is the best way to start things. Putting Petan on the McDavid line leaves only two real playmakers on the bottom two lines, which is what most of us didn't want. If they go down or if the McDavid line just isn't functioning, then sure, put Petan up with them. I would save it as a momentum changer if necessary.

I am also hopng that they leave the Gauthier line intact at least to start the game. Credit to each player on that line for performing well in their role. Crouse in particular has looked really good lately, and looks like an inspired choice by Groulx.

Bowey worries me the most among the Canadian defencemen. He gets caught the most often, and when he actually gets the puck in a prime scoring chance he seems to either miss the net or shoot right at the goaltender's chest. I'm hopeful that most of the pinches come from Morrissey and Theodore.

Fucale has been solid for Canada, so there's little opportunity for fans to go back to their favourite topic at the junior level. He's been bailed out by the defence a few times, but at the junior level that's pretty much the best case scenario. If he controls his rebounds well tonight then I expect a positive result.

Once again, overall we should be happy with this team. Thus far we've gotten everything we wanted, from selection to tactics. Hopefully tonight results follow.

I agree with you re: Petan. I'd leave him on the 3rd line with Paul/Crouse & Virtanen unless a momentum boost is necessary or the McDavid line is lacking some jump; but realistically I think McDavid & Lazar are running at full stride now and should do fine with Point, at least to start the game. If the game is still in doubt in the 2nd/3rd, I'm not concerned with Groulx knowing the right time to shorten the bench and we'd likely see Petan up with McDavid at that point.

Another reason for keeping Petan with Paul/Crouse & Virtanen is, as you say, to hopefully create some scoring depth. I haven't found that line to be impressive since it was formed when Fabbri went down. Virtanen seems off. The Gauthier line has looked really good the past few games with their forecheck and cycling down low, but the line lacks finishing ability and I have concerns with their speed when matched-up against the Russians. The Russians are also more skilled on the back end (and throughout the lineup) and therefore I don't think it will be as easy for us to hem them in their own zone as it was vs. Denmark or Slovakia. A line centered by Petan, with Paul (or Crouse) and Virtanen on the wings should be able to create some tertiary scoring opportunities or at least play some effective hockey in the offensive zone against the Russians' lower lines.

 

[86Habs]

Unless I am mistaken are they not just swapping depending on which side of the ice they are on? (left or right, not offensive or defensive) I could be wrong but that might be why it seems like they are switching all the time.

Yes, this is the reason. McDavid is LHed, Lazar is RHed, so their winning %'s increase when they each move to their strong side.

 

[ps241]

Looking forward to the gold medal game tonight. There has not been anything significant to really complain about this tournament for Canada, and I don't expect anything to change that tonight. Even if Canada loses, the goaltending has been solid to this point, they took a mostly skilled lineup and the coaching has been solid. This team was constructed and utilized similarly to how most of us wanted it, and they've played like most of us have wanted. No complaints barring an implosion against Russia.

I'm going to guess a 4 - 2 win for Canada tonight. Russia played very well against Sweden after several less than stellar performances, and if Canada starts like they did against Slovakia they will be in trouble. As has been mentioned, a key point will be the Canadian defencemen making correct pinches. They've gotten caught several times lately, but none of those teams can finish like Russia can. I think this is the key point.

A lot of people are projecting Petan to start with McDavid and Lazar, but I'm not sure that is the best way to start things. Putting Petan on the McDavid line leaves only two real playmakers on the bottom two lines, which is what most of us didn't want. If they go down or if the McDavid line just isn't functioning, then sure, put Petan up with them. I would save it as a momentum changer if necessary.

I am also hopng that they leave the Gauthier line intact at least to start the game. Credit to each player on that line for performing well in their role. Crouse in particular has looked really good lately, and looks like an inspired choice by Groulx.

Bowey worries me the most among the Canadian defencemen. He gets caught the most often, and when he actually gets the puck in a prime scoring chance he seems to either miss the net or shoot right at the goaltender's chest. I'm hopeful that most of the pinches come from Morrissey and Theodore.

Fucale has been solid for Canada, so there's little opportunity for fans to go back to their favourite topic at the junior level. He's been bailed out by the defence a few times, but at the junior level that's pretty much the best case scenario. If he controls his rebounds well tonight then I expect a positive result.

Once again, overall we should be happy with this team. Thus far we've gotten everything we wanted, from selection to tactics. Hopefully tonight results follow.

Good post.

My take is that I think Russia knows how to play these tournaments pretty well and they are coming together at the right time after facing adversity. If I were Russia I would play the game the same way they played Sweden and take away Canada's speed advantage.

My hope is Canada got the jitters (nerves) out of the way yesterday in the first period and a half and they come out and play their game of speed and pressure.

My fear is that Russia will impose their style on the game and our team will get exposed a bit when we make mistakes. It seems our D core plays best when we are skating and are less successful when the game slows down and they have to think too much. I mostly worry Russia sucks the life out of the game and our young guys lose their cool? Not sure why that is such a big fear of mine but given the emotion of the moment, the atmosphere in the building tonight, and the rivalry it is a distinct possibility if we get behind which is something this group hasn’t had to deal with. Keep skating hard, apply pressure, stay out of the box "for stupid selfish penalties", don't get sucked into goofy stuff after the whistle, play with passion but keep disciplined. Fucale has earned the net but the B2B scares me. I think the Russian goaltending has been great as well so that is a concern.

Either way it is a great tournament and the only thing I am 100% certain of is no matter whether Canada wins or loses this board will massively overreact.

 

[29dryden29]

Canadian D has to be stellar tonight and play a tight game in our own zone Fucale has issues with rebound control and the Russians will feast on it all night if our D is lacking tonight. Also someone tell Fucale he can't leave his crease he handles the puck like it is a grenade.

 

[Classicnamesup]

I think that bad goal vs USA at the end of the game was the kiss of death for Comrie. Fucale didn't inspire a ton of confidence before that but Comrie really let a bad one in.

Down with Fucale now, hope he can stand up today

 

[Alerion]

Looking forward to the gold medal game tonight. There has not been anything significant to really complain about this tournament for Canada, and I don't expect anything to change that tonight. Even if Canada loses, the goaltending has been solid to this point, they took a mostly skilled lineup and the coaching has been solid. This team was constructed and utilized similarly to how most of us wanted it, and they've played like most of us have wanted. No complaints barring an implosion against Russia.

I'm going to guess a 4 - 2 win for Canada tonight. Russia played very well against Sweden after several less than stellar performances, and if Canada starts like they did against Slovakia they will be in trouble. As has been mentioned, a key point will be the Canadian defencemen making correct pinches. They've gotten caught several times lately, but none of those teams can finish like Russia can. I think this is the key point.

A lot of people are projecting Petan to start with McDavid and Lazar, but I'm not sure that is the best way to start things. Putting Petan on the McDavid line leaves only two real playmakers on the bottom two lines, which is what most of us didn't want. If they go down or if the McDavid line just isn't functioning, then sure, put Petan up with them. I would save it as a momentum changer if necessary.

I am also hopng that they leave the Gauthier line intact at least to start the game. Credit to each player on that line for performing well in their role. Crouse in particular has looked really good lately, and looks like an inspired choice by Groulx.

Bowey worries me the most among the Canadian defencemen. He gets caught the most often, and when he actually gets the puck in a prime scoring chance he seems to either miss the net or shoot right at the goaltender's chest. I'm hopeful that most of the pinches come from Morrissey and Theodore.

Fucale has been solid for Canada, so there's little opportunity for fans to go back to their favourite topic at the junior level. He's been bailed out by the defence a few times, but at the junior level that's pretty much the best case scenario. If he controls his rebounds well tonight then I expect a positive result.

Once again, overall we should be happy with this team. Thus far we've gotten everything we wanted, from selection to tactics. Hopefully tonight results follow.

I always look forward to your posts, great analysis once again.