WJC: 2016 — Canada Roster Talk (Part IV)

[snipes]

Oh, so do I.

And, sorry - I was pretty snarky to you.

In any event, I do have confidence in this team. I'm really not down on the team's roster at all. I truly believe that the roster they brought to Helsinki is a roster that can win gold, even after seeing the other teams.

My main complaint with this team is the coaching - I feel that coaching, more than any other factor, is what is resulting in the team's lukewarm play so far.

I feel that Marner has far better play in him than he's shown so far. Under no circumstances do I agree with posts I've seen that have said he's terrible or anything like that - but I truly believe he is currently able to be a much better player at this tournament than he has been. I think that the team *can* win at this tournament if he, Barzal, and Strome get to the top of their respective games. I think Strome and Barzal have been really strong so far - but I also feel that even saying that both of them have another gear they can access.

I would like to see more of Konecny.

As far as the defense goes...I feel like better play is available with better coaching and less mind-numbing player allocation (which, I guess, circles back to 'better coaching').

Re: goal - I thought Blackwood was okay in that Switzerland game - he didn't terrify me and I'm fine with him going forward.

I honestly think that if we go out early it will be because of poor coaching and if we achieve a good result it will because of players performing despite poor coaching.

No worries, I got thick skin

I'm with you 100% on the coaching. I agree about Konecny too, I think he's been fantastic this tournament. I've watched every game of every team and think Konecny and Barzal are the best skaters in this tourney.

And yep, if we get knocked out it's on the coaches, not the players. The boys are playing hard out there, even though I don't think they are playing physical enough. However, some of the time allocation is head scratching(i.e. Hicketts playing 4:15 of the 5:00 min overtime).

Blackwood was solid when he needed to be and shut the door in the shootout when we needed him. He's definitely a level above McDonald.

 

[kk87]

Hard to believe some people are essentially ruling us out if we meet Finland in the quarters. Sure, they have a good team and they've played better than us up to this point, but on paper we should definitely be favoured; we have the more talented team all around.

I haven't been thrilled with the team either, but I still feel really hopeful. We play a meh game against the US and hang right with them only to lose a nailbiter, and then absolutely dominate the Danes (the scoreboard indicated a much closer game than it actually was). Is it really just one poor game against a desperate Swiss team that played out of their minds (a game we still won), that has people losing their s***? If we can regroup and get a win against Sweden, we'll be right back on track, at which point I would feel very confident in our chances against Finland. Not to mention, I feel as comfortable with Blackwood in net as I have been with any Canadian goalie in a long time.

Our road to the Gold Medal was so easy last year it was almost unfair. We had Denmark --> Slovakia --> Russia. This year, it will likely go Finland --> Sweden --> USA/Russia. I can't deny that it'll be much more difficult. But with our pre-tournament game against Sweden and boxing day game against USA it is clear that we can play with the best teams in the tourney, even when we're not at our best. We've got a team that's capable of winning gold - it's not a foregone conclusion, but it is certainly a real possibility. The tournament's been rocky for us thus far, but there's still a lot of hockey left to be played in the coming week.

 

[nelsojc]

Hard to believe some people are essentially ruling us out if we meet Finland in the quarters. Sure, they have a good team and they've played better than us up to this point, but on paper we should definitely be favoured; we have the more talented team all around.

I haven't been thrilled with the team either, but I still feel really hopeful. We play a meh game against the US and hang right with them only to lose a nailbiter, and then absolutely dominate the Danes (the scoreboard indicated a much closer game than it actually was). Is it really just one poor game against a desperate Swiss team that played out of their minds (a game we still won), that has people losing their s***? If we can regroup and get a win against Sweden, we'll be right back on track, at which point I would feel very confident in our chances against Finland. Not to mention, I feel as comfortable with Blackwood in net as I have been with any Canadian goalie in a long time.

Our road to the Gold Medal was so easy last year it was almost unfair. We had Denmark --> Slovakia --> Russia. This year, it will likely go Finland --> Sweden --> USA/Russia. I can't deny that it'll be much more difficult. But with our pre-tournament game against Sweden and boxing day game against USA it is clear that we can play with the best teams in the tourney, even when we're not at our best. We've got a team that's capable of winning gold - it's not a foregone conclusion, but it is certainly a real possibility. The tournament's been rocky for us thus far, but there's still a lot of hockey left to be played in the coming week.

Agreed it's funny because if you include the pre-tournament games this team is 4-1-1 ...with the loss being a coin toss. Finland has been shaky so far...yes their offence has been great but their defending capabilities and goaltending has been a big hole for them...and I'm not fully convinced they will even beat the Czechs tomorrow. Not to mention Blackwood can steal Canada a game ...both goals the Swiss scored on him were awful lucky deflections and everything else he did in the game was clutch. Also what place did Russia finish last year in the group stage before making the finals?...pretty sure it was 3rd...I'm also pretty sure they lost or at least got taken to OT against Denmark.

 

[FlareKnight]

I don't think it's that unreasonable to have concerns. Outside of the Denmark game...they haven't impressed. How they play against Sweden will determine how much optimism people should have going into the quarter finals. If they can't get it together as a team in that game....it's going to be tough.

At the same time I don't think they are so outclassed that they can't win. But they will have to play better than they have to beat teams like Sweden, USA, and Finland.

 

[mikebel111*]

Marner has shown why he is a 4th overall pick and scouts weren't just looking at point totals(to suggest they have is some of the most stupidest things I have read here). He clearly is a 4th overall pick and in flashes has been great. He has been decent and thats fine by me. Reality is entire team needs to step it up.
Marner is a clear great prospect but as the good posters have said. Amazing player(no not just points king stats fanboys) but he has some things to work on. To call him a failure and invisible suggests ignorance and foolishness, it tells they just care about box scores. Than again he is a leafs prospect so there is a bias there as well. I guess some are angry Leafs have a great prospect on their hands, and no scouts dont just look at point totals
Marner will be fine as he is a clear great talent who is still developing. He has been even during his decent play one of Canada's best forwards. Disagree all you want but its a fact.
He has some sick skill and is a great prospect. Mitch will be fine.

 

[carlweezer*]

Marner has shown why he is a 4th overall pick and scouts weren't just looking at point totals(to suggest they have is some of the most stupidest things I have read here). He clearly is a 4th overall pick and in flashes has been great. He has been decent and thats fine by me. Reality is entire team needs to step it up.
Marner is a clear great prospect but as the good posters have said. Amazing player(no not just points king stats fanboys) but he has some things to work on. To call him a failure and invisible suggests ignorance and foolishness, it tells they just care about box scores. Than again he is a leafs prospect so there is a bias there as well. I guess some are angry Leafs have a great prospect on their hands, and no scouts dont just look at point totals
Marner will be fine as he is a clear great talent who is still developing. He has been even during his decent play one of Canada's best forwards. Disagree all you want but its a fact.
He has some sick skill and is a great prospect. Mitch will be fine.

Great Edgework , stick handling and agility. But the pros will take that away. It works in JR but even in the AHL it's childs play.

I think he is a great prospect but he needs to improve on his strength big time and also he needs to play smart hockey and have less turnovers. If he is Turnjng it over this much now then you can only imagine what that would look like in the NHL. No coach will tolerate that inspite all the offensive skills.

I see the talent but I'm skeptical it will translate to NHL hockey. I feel Nylander is the better prospect by a mile. Marner to me remindse of Sam Gagner in the Knights days which is not an insult.

 

[JackSlater]

Hard to believe some people are essentially ruling us out if we meet Finland in the quarters. Sure, they have a good team and they've played better than us up to this point, but on paper we should definitely be favoured; we have the more talented team all around.

I haven't been thrilled with the team either, but I still feel really hopeful. We play a meh game against the US and hang right with them only to lose a nailbiter, and then absolutely dominate the Danes (the scoreboard indicated a much closer game than it actually was). Is it really just one poor game against a desperate Swiss team that played out of their minds (a game we still won), that has people losing their s***? If we can regroup and get a win against Sweden, we'll be right back on track, at which point I would feel very confident in our chances against Finland. Not to mention, I feel as comfortable with Blackwood in net as I have been with any Canadian goalie in a long time.

Our road to the Gold Medal was so easy last year it was almost unfair. We had Denmark --> Slovakia --> Russia. This year, it will likely go Finland --> Sweden --> USA/Russia. I can't deny that it'll be much more difficult. But with our pre-tournament game against Sweden and boxing day game against USA it is clear that we can play with the best teams in the tourney, even when we're not at our best. We've got a team that's capable of winning gold - it's not a foregone conclusion, but it is certainly a real possibility. The tournament's been rocky for us thus far, but there's still a lot of hockey left to be played in the coming week.

The Sweden game will be telling. I find it hard to believe that they will be able to suddenly go up a level in the quarterfinals against a quality opponent, so today is the day it should happen. There is no reason to be pessimistic or nervous though, provided Canada improves it's play. No team has look great. Canada outplayed USA. Sweden was outclassed by USA. Finland got ripped apart by Russia for the second half of their game. Russia barely beat the Czechs and is struggling with Slovakia. We all know Canada's issues. In terms of talent Canada is ahead of the other teams, so if things come together there is still a lot to like.

This team reminds me of the 2008 team in some ways. Underwhelming against teas it should overpower, disappointing against its good opponent in the preliminary round. Not showing signs of noteworthy chemistry. Mason was huge for that team, and hopefully Blackwood will do the same for this team. Of course, there are also similarities to the 2013 team. There is no need to write this team off though.

 

[Tripod]

Marner was creating chances, but he also overhang led the puck on many occasions. But he is not alone in doing this. Point has been doing the same thing.

Virtanen, as soon as he has the puck only seems to have limited focus...drive the net or shoot. It's like he has no awareness of anything else around him.

Strome has a good shot. But man he takes a long time to get it off and it is easily telegraphed.

Barzal is very creative and should get more PP time.

Crouse played a good game I thought but he and Gauthier need to be more physical.

Konecny us a spark plug. Not sure why he is not used to get lines going.

Beauvillier has been good I thought. Needs more icetime.

To me, the biggest issue is coaching. Lowry should be stressing a fast, quick shift game plan. Instead, he is playing his favorite guys for 2-3 minute shifts. Dumb. Canada has the ability to come at teams in waves. Coaching the way he is eliminates that. Marner...in minute 1-2 is not as good as Point who is fresh. Once the players shifts are over 1 minute long, get the hell off and get the next wave of fresh guys on the ice. Just like Hicketts getting a 3 minute shift in OT. All of our Dmen are better than Hicketts once he is gassed after being out there for 2 minutes. Dumb coaching.

And if that coaching style continues, we won't win. He has created a "me" culture and this tournament has always been about sacrificing the "me" for "we".

 

[1Gold Standard]

The Sweden game will be telling. I find it hard to believe that they will be able to suddenly go up a level in the quarterfinals against a quality opponent, so today is the day it should happen. There is no reason to be pessimistic or nervous though, provided Canada improves it's play. No team has look great. Canada outplayed USA. Sweden was outclassed by USA. Finland got ripped apart by Russia for the second half of their game. Russia barely beat the Czechs and is struggling with Slovakia. We all know Canada's issues. In terms of talent Canada is ahead of the other teams, so if things come together there is still a lot to like.

This team reminds me of the 2008 team in some ways. Underwhelming against teas it should overpower, disappointing against its good opponent in the preliminary round. Not showing signs of noteworthy chemistry. Mason was huge for that team, and hopefully Blackwood will do the same for this team. Of course, there are also similarities to the 2013 team. There is no need to write this team off though.

I have. time to book the return flight home and get busy for next year.

 

[snipes]

Marner was creating chances, but he also overhang led the puck on many occasions. But he is not alone in doing this. Point has been doing the same thing.

Virtanen, as soon as he has the puck only seems to have limited focus...drive the net or shoot. It's like he has no awareness of anything else around him.

Strome has a good shot. But man he takes a long time to get it off and it is easily telegraphed.

Barzal is very creative and should get more PP time.

Crouse played a good game I thought but he and Gauthier need to be more physical.

Konecny us a spark plug. Not sure why he is not used to get lines going.

Beauvillier has been good I thought. Needs more icetime.

To me, the biggest issue is coaching. Lowry should be stressing a fast, quick shift game plan. Instead, he is playing his favorite guys for 2-3 minute shifts. Dumb. Canada has the ability to come at teams in waves. Coaching the way he is eliminates that. Marner...in minute 1-2 is not as good as Point who is fresh. Once the players shifts are over 1 minute long, get the hell off and get the next wave of fresh guys on the ice. Just like Hicketts getting a 3 minute shift in OT. All of our Dmen are better than Hicketts once he is gassed after being out there for 2 minutes. Dumb coaching.

And if that coaching style continues, we won't win. He has created a "me" culture and this tournament has always been about sacrificing the "me" for "we".

This 100%. I have a lot of faith in this team if they can correct minor coaching issues and play a relentless Canadian game. They are more than talented enough, lack of talent is not an issue at all.

You're spot on about no team looking great. Czech's are giving the Finns all they can handle right now. We can beat either of those teams. We have the fastest team in the tournament from what I have seen, we'll get clicking here.

Go Canada Go!

 

[Jyrgen]

Marner has all the skill he needs to become a legit top line player. He just needs time to adapt and figure out how to succeed as a smaller player. It might require higher hockey IQ to manage that compared to a bigger player .. But time is on his side.

Its all up to him, sure if he is not looking better than in this tournament two years from now.. Then its ok to start worrying a little bit.

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

I watched the end of the Czech-Fin game and then turned to see Canada down by 2. What's with this team???

The game is getting chippy. If things continue, we will down a few players against the Fins.

 

[therealdeal]

I have no confidence in this team at all, and Virtanen has been terrible. He might very well be a good hockey player, but he's been a liability at best so far for this tournament.

 

[Bloomberg]

just started watching the game. Whos playing well?

 

[covfefe]

Konecny is awesome and exactly what this team needs to get going. Glad to see him getting more shifts today.

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

I have no confidence in this team at all, and Virtanen has been terrible. He might very well be a good hockey player, but he's been a liability at best so far for this tournament.

It looks like the coach has NO control over the team. It is a Free-For-All out there.

I don't care if we lose this game. I just want ALL of our players available for the medal round and I'm worried that will NOT happen.

 

[snipes]

Absolutely love the way Canada is playing. Finally mucking it up and playing physical. This is the best they've played all tournament.

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

Absolutely love the way Canada is playing. Finally mucking it up and playing physical. This is the best they've played all tournament.

Yes. 2nd period has been terrific. Win, lose or draw, this game is all about getting better.

 

[snipes]

Yes. 2nd period has been terrific. Win, lose or draw, this game is all about getting better.

For sure, this is the first time I've got chills watching the game. They are playing awesome in the 2nd and end of the first. All of it stemmed from the physical play we've been calling for.

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

For sure, this is the first time I've got chills watching the game. They are playing awesome in the 2nd and end of the first. All of it stemmed from the physical play we've been calling for.

Then we take a penalty and everything goes to hell. We are our own worst enemy. Again, the coach needs to keep control of this team.

 

[snipes]

Marner just had the biggest hit of the tournament, absolutely crushed that Swede. Wow!

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

5 on 5, things have been good to great - altho less well since the penalty. As they said on TSN, if we can't stay out of the box, we will lose in the Quarters.

 

[The Winter Soldier]

This Canadian side will do well to medal. Unless the Goaltending does a Price. It sure looks we are up against it. Who knows? We have done it before with stealing games via hot goaltending.

 

[covfefe]

Then we take a penalty and everything goes to hell. We are our own worst enemy. Again, the coach needs to keep control of this team.

Not exactly like it was a strong call...

 

[snipes]

You know what I don't care the result of this game. We will build off this, we are finally playing like Canadians.