WJC: 2016 — Canada Roster Talk (Part IV)

[nelsojc]

We are minus 2 and a 3 goal win would leave us at +1 and tied with the U.S. - to whom we lost. We need plus 4 to finish 1st - and that is not going to happen.

That's honestly probably a good thing...if we beat Sweden and finnish 2nd we'd likely play Czech then Russia...if much rather Russia even though they beat Finland...Finland has some very dangerous lines and looked very good against Russia besides a few stretches of the game.

 

[xxxx]

We are minus 2 and a 3 goal win would leave us at +1 and tied with the U.S. - to whom we lost. We need plus 4 to finish 1st - and that is not going to happen.

uh, I forgot that one, haha. I also thought the decisive factor here would be the score, not the actual game - which would be the case only if all three teams had the same goal differential - so it seems you are right

I think we could theoretically beat Sweden by 4, but I don't believe much the players will rush and go crazy to do that. If it was to decide who gets the gold (like in the old-time world championships), then sure, but there's no point to it really imo. But I don't count it out, I think the team is strong enough to win 5-1 for example. Who knows.

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

That's honestly probably a good thing...if we beat Sweden and finnish 2nd we'd likely play Czech then Russia...if much rather Russia even though they beat Finland...Finland has some very dangerous lines and looked very good against Russia besides a few stretches of the game.

uh, I forgot that one, haha. I also thought the decisive factor here would be the score, not the actual game - which would be the case only if all three teams had the same goal differential - so it seems you are right

I think we could theoretically beat Sweden by 4, but I don't believe much the players will rush and go crazy to do that. If it was to decide who gets the gold (like in the old-time world championships), then sure, but there's no point to it really imo. But I don't count it out, I think the team is strong enough to win 5-1 for example. Who knows.

If the Fins finish 3rd, finishing 3rd in our pool may not be a bad thing. I say, "Throw the game!!!".

 

[JackSlater]

uh, I forgot that one, haha. I also thought the decisive factor here would be the score, not the actual game - which would be the case only if all three teams had the same goal differential - so it seems you are right

I think we could theoretically beat Sweden by 4, but I don't believe much the players will rush and go crazy to do that. If it was to decide who gets the gold (like in the old-time world championships), then sure, but there's no point to it really imo. But I don't count it out, I think the team is strong enough to win 5-1 for example. Who knows.

The tie breaker is plus minus among the three tied teams, and then total goals scored in games featuring those teams. USA is plus 1 with 4 goals. Canada is -1 with 2 goals. Sweden is plus 1 with 1 goal. If Canada beats Sweden by 3 goals (let's say 3-0) then Canada is plus 1, USA is pus 1 and Sweden is -2. Next tie breaker is goals scored in games between the tied teams, and a 3 goal win means that Canada must have at least 5 goals, which is more than USA has. Canada needs to beat Sweden by three to win the group. It's not a big deal though. If you're scared of playing someone decent in the quarterfinals then you don't deserve to win the tournament.

 

[1Gold Standard]

The tie breaker is plus minus among the three tied teams, and then total goals scored in games featuring those teams. USA is plus 1 with 4 goals. Canada is -1 with 2 goals. If Canada beats Sweden by 3 goals (let's say 3-0) then Canada is plus 1, USA is pus 1 and Sweden is -2. Next tie breaker is goals scored in games between the tied teams, and a 3 goal win means that Canada must have at least 3 goals, which is more than USA has. Canada needs to beat Sweden by three to win the group. It's not a big deal though. If you're scared of playing someone decent in the quarterfinals then you don't deserve to win the tournament.

exactly this. leave the strategic match up game for others to play. not our style.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

If the Fins finish 3rd, finishing 3rd in our pool may not be a bad thing. I say, "Throw the game!!!".

You are that scared by the Finns that you would actually want to throw a game?
Gonna have to beat good teams if we want to win this tournament throwing a game is shameful.

 

[xIsle]

I think shaking up the lineup depends on how risk averse Lowry is. The Stephens line is effective with Konecny as the main engine in the offensive zone. Virtanen is a good fit for an energy line, but that line as a whole might suffer if Konecny is gone. Not sure what should be done. Beauvillier clearly does need regular minutes. I wouldn't take Quenneville out of the regular rotation though (I would take Chartier out) because he is a big part of the PK.

It's difficult to figure out what to do with Virtanen. People are unhappy with him for reasons that I don't quite understand, but he is going to be important against more physical teams. He looked like a bad fit with Strome though.

I don't know what to think about Marner with Point. I didn't like Marner today, but he did produce. He's still too easy on the puck and needs to move more quickly against good teams. No one on the team has his vision or hands though. There has to be a place for him, not sure where it is.

Barzal is very good. Lowry penciling in Barzal as 13th forward earlier and Beauvillier as 13th forward now really makes me wonder.

I don't like what Lowry is doing with the last pairing. Pick two of Dermott, McKeown and Sanheim and play them regularly. I would prefer not McKeown, but it should at least be someone.

That's a good point regarding Quenneville. So maybe the solution could be to rotate all the guys on that fourth line? For exemple, most of the time you go with Crouse-Stephens-Virtanen, but some other time you can make some switch and go with Crouse-Quenneville-Virtanen and then Quenneville-Stephens-Virtanen, etc. I think you have the idea.

And that will allow us to have those guys in our top 9:
Perlini-Point-Marner
Beauvillier-Strome-Konecny
Chartier-Barzal-Gauthier.

I think this is the better solution.

 

[Appleyard]

Quenneville & Virtanen both in the top six.

Dermott-Sanheim paired... and then given virtually no Ozone starts. (really Dermott/Sanheim should be with Hickey/Fleury... their skillsets suit each other more and would create more balanced pairings.)

Hicketts being treated like he is a prime Chris Pronger with his minutes.

Dermott and Sanheim share PP1 duties... but neither go on PP2. (when really Sanheim, Dermott & Chabot should be the three PP dmen based off... well, skill-sets and track record in juniors.)

 

[izzy]

Need to cut a dman or two, they are taking too much icetime from hicketts

 

[The Winter Soldier]

After 3 games.

Strome and Barzal have been Team Canada's best players by a fair margin IMO.

I also like how Blackwood stood up today when the game was tied after a shaky start. And Crouse emerged when he was given a bigger role.

Lowry really needs to lay the foot down on long shifts. Didn't like what I saw there.

 

[TheGroceryStick]

After 3 games.

Strome and Barzal have been Team Canada's best players by a fair margin IMO.

I also like how Blackwood stood up today when the game was tied after a shaky start. And Crouse emerged when he was given a bigger role.

Lowry really needs to lay the foot down on long shifts. Didn't like what I saw there.

This times 100.
We should have a 4 line team - one that allows the upper lines to have the freshest and most engaged shifts. Marner was out there for faaaar too long on some shifts.

Besides the SO, Point has really been disappointing, the little things he isn't able to do.

 

[YMCMBYOLO]

Wow, not sure what to say.

Marner line practically invisible, Virtanen was better but still not good, Crouse emerged, amazing game for Barzal, Strome good as always. Everyone else? meh.

Please let Hicketts play less. Use Sanheim more!!!

Sanheim - Hickey
Hicketts - Chabot
Dermott - Fleury

 

[burpsalot]

Lowry line selection & bench management sucks.

 

[Steamwhistle]

I propose we move Barzal from center to wing on the Marner/Point line. Seems like it would make for a pretty dynamic line.

 

[PWJunior]

I propose we move Barzal from center to wing on the Marner/Point line. Seems like it would make for a pretty dynamic line.

Barzal is being heavily underutilized while the Marner/Point are being way overutilized. All of them like to have the puck, doesn't seem like a good fit.

Seriously, did Barzal hook up with Lowry's daughter or something and getting punished? He should have at least gotten a look on that 5 on 3/4.

 

[Mitchy]

Embarrassing how little Konecny played.

Also, Dermott and (especially) Sanheim need to be played more. They're clearly the best pairing Canada has.

 

[JackSlater]

Quenneville & Virtanen both in the top six.

Dermott-Sanheim paired... and then given virtually no Ozone starts. (really Dermott/Sanheim should be with Hickey/Fleury... their skillsets suit each other more and would create more balanced pairings.)

Hicketts being treated like he is a prime Chris Pronger with his minutes.

Dermott and Sanheim share PP1 duties... but neither go on PP2. (when really Sanheim, Dermott & Chabot should be the three PP dmen based off... well, skill-sets and track record in juniors.)

Yes, these are all problems. Virtanen needs to carry the puck to be effective. I'm convinced that he needs to go down with Stephens where he can carry it. Move Konecny up. If Lowry isn't going to roll four lines nayway, they will need to get Konecny minutes.

I'm starting to hope that Hockey Canada starts only selecting coaches who don't have any players with a realistic shot. Lowry is in love with Hicketts in the same way that Spott was in love with Murphy and Hay was in love with Gallagher. The problem is that Hicketts makes eye catching plays (big hit or big pinch) that can be used to defend him even though he makes all kinds of small mistakes that set a team back.

I think that Lowry should be introduced to Sanheim and Dermott so that he can actually develop an understanding of what their strengths are. It seems like he just sees:

1. Hicketts
2. Hicketts' partner
3-7. Not Hicketts.

After 3 games.

Strome and Barzal have been Team Canada's best players by a fair margin IMO.

I also like how Blackwood stood up today when the game was tied after a shaky start. And Crouse emerged when he was given a bigger role.

Lowry really needs to lay the foot down on long shifts. Didn't like what I saw there.

One of the presumed strengths of this team was the ability to roll four very good lines. That possibility should still exist, but guys are freelancing out there far too long. Strome and Barzal have been good, and Canada should be able to build on that. I like what I've seen from Point generally, but there isn't enough puck when he and Marner are on together. I really don't see where Marner should be, other than the PP.

Blackwood looked pretty good (I missed the first ten minutes). The best hope for this team is that Blackwood is simply the best goaltender in the tournament. This team can go two ways - The 2008 team that started shaky, rallied around elite goaltending and won, or the 2013 (and 2014) teams that continued to play in a general malaise and were pretty easily eliminated from their tournaments.

I propose we move Barzal from center to wing on the Marner/Point line. Seems like it would make for a pretty dynamic line.

Do they get an extra puck to pass around?

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

Yes, these are all problems. Virtanen needs to carry the puck to be effective. I'm convinced that he needs to go down with Stephens where he can carry it. Move Konecny up. If Lowry isn't going to roll four lines nayway, they will need to get Konecny minutes.

I'm starting to hope that Hockey Canada starts only selecting coaches who don't have any players with a realistic shot. Lowry is in love with Hicketts in the same way that Spott was in love with Murphy and Hay was in love with Gallagher. The problem is that Hicketts makes eye catching plays (big hit or big pinch) that can be used to defend him even though he makes all kinds of small mistakes that set a team back.

I think that Lowry should be introduced to Sanheim and Dermott so that he can actually develop an understanding of what their strengths are. It seems like he just sees:

1. Hicketts
2. Hicketts' partner
3-7. Not Hicketts.



One of the presumed strengths of this team was the ability to roll four very good lines. That possibility should still exist, but guys are freelancing out there far too long. Strome and Barzal have been good, and Canada should be able to build on that. I like what I've seen from Point generally, but there isn't enough puck when he and Marner are on together. I really don't see where Marner should be, other than the PP.

Blackwood looked pretty good (I missed the first ten minutes). The best hope for this team is that Blackwood is simply the best goaltender in the tournament. This team can go two ways - The 2008 team that started shaky, rallied around elite goaltending and won, or the 2013 (and 2014) teams that continued to play in a general malaise and were pretty easily eliminated from their tournaments.



Do they get an extra puck to pass around?

I agree with this. Or they should be picking coaches who aren't currently a head coach of a CHL team.

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

Exciting game. Would have liked to win in regulation but them's the breaks. No matter what happens, we can't say we haven't been tested/pushed. Other teams, in recent years, have struggled in the prelims and won Gold. Hopefully, we can as well. If not, the sun comes up tomorrow.

P.S. All that calculating for not. 3rd place it is. We better hope the Fins falter. Otherwise we may be out in the Quarters.

 

[phil162888]

Embarrassing how little Konecny played.

Also, Dermott and (especially) Sanheim need to be played more. They're clearly the best pairing Canada has.

Agree 1000% . How the hell does Sanheim and Dermott not play during the 4 on 4??? Someone ....anyone that is not blind or related to Lowry or Mcrimmon please explain that! Lowry was absolutely pathetic today. He let the players control their ice time with no retribution. 1-3 minute shifts. As for Konecny... the coach asks for the team to play relentless. Konecny goes out and lays three beautiful hits in the first 10 minutes of the game. He was the only player that showed up early and what was his reward? Maybe 4-5 shifts in the 2nd and 3rd periods. While the players that didn't show up take 2-3 minute shifts. Gawd damn joke

 

[canwincup]

I would keep the Strome line together for one more game and see if either Virtanen or Crouse can finish. If not then stick Stephens with Virtanen and Crouse and just make that a crash and bang line.

 

[Cor]

Put Marner with Barzal plz. Point was killing any offensive momentum that line could get.


I wouldn't say anyone was "good" this game.

Coaching is horrendous.

 

[Cor]

Perlini-Strome-Virtanen
Crouse-Barzal-Marner
Konecny-Stephens-Beauviller
Chartier-Point-Quenneville

This Pls.

 

[Proust*]

D
-They need to get Dermott away from Sanheim so Sanheim can play more. More Sanheim without having to endure more Dermott.
- Chabot's shot has always sucked. It's his biggest weakness, but other than a small stretch, he has been impressive. Needs less minutes though.

F
- Marner = Kadri, Virtanen = Isbister
- Konecny?? The guy is a winner. Get him out there.

 

[xxxx]

I liked the Crouse-Strome-Virtanen line, they had good chances late in the game. Strome the best player for Canada. I also like Gauthier VERY much. Not much ice-time, but when he was on the ice, very dangerous. I think there's a lot of talent and a lot of great players, but we seem to lack some good chemistry, both 5 on 5 and on the powerplay. This team can definitely dominate, but needs to find the right chemistry. Crouse-Strome-Virtanen should stay together. I am interested in Marner with Barzal and Point having his own line, so far nothing much from him, even though remember he's after injury. I think Perlini-Barzal-Marner would be a very good line.

I think Sanheim might be the best defenseman out there.


Crouse - Strome - Virtanen
Perlini - Barzal - Marner
Chartier - Point - Gauthier
Beauvillier - Stephens - Konecny
Quenneville

Sanheim - Hicketts
Fleury - Dermott
Hickey - Chabot
McKeown


I say there is an extremely good potential IMO. It just needs to click. Let's see the game against Sweden, I think that is the game where we should really judge this team. I like the physicality and the skill here. The only thing lacking is chemistry imo. And a game that would elevate the players' confidence. Hopefully that will be the case Thursday.