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World Cup: 2016 World Cup — Team North America (Part II)

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Obviously I root for Finland (home team) to do well. But honest to god, I'm kind of hoping this team wins the whole damned thing.
 
Johnnybegood13 said:
Who would he "easily" replace in the top 6? now you think he can replace proven star forwards on the best national team in the world. :shakehead

The McDavid hype machine is getting ridiculous, yes he skates fast and sees the ice very well but for christ sake, he's 19 and has played 45 NHL games and so far isn't even the best player on team NA.
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He might get in as 13th forward. But hard to justify McDavid as top-2 center in TC yet.
 
Some reflections on the game: Overall, pretty damn exciting team to watch after 2 games. Lots of ups and downs, it's part of the excitement of teams this young.

Defenceman. Ekblad-Rielly both heavily relied on, and they've done well overall. Some mistakes, some excellent plays. Hard to believe Ekblad is only 20, they look good as the top pairing.

Ghost and Parayko played well together, Ghost brings PP abilities that could be relied upon if teams take undisciplined penalties. Paryako was very good tonight, strong on the PK. Fluid skater and brings a 6'5 frame, I was impressed.

Murray played his usual steady self, Jones had a few hiccups. Jones out Trouba in next game, competition should be tight for the final spot on D.


Forwards. Nuge and MacKinnon have been excellent both games, Drouin played well. Most of the older forwards have been the most consistent. Scheifele has been strong as well, Gaudreau finding ways to create offence. Pretty much every forward has had their moments top to bottom, it's a talented group. Too many ups and downs though, but not uncommon with young teams.

The thing with this forward group, if they catch fire in a game, look out. They can give any team in this tournament nightmares. These pre-tournament games will be useful, Czech Republic up next. It'll be interesting to see how they do against a National Team.

Regarding the forwards -- chill. Combinations are starting to work themselves out. Put Eichel back at Centre and let him be "the guy" on his own line. Same with McDavid and Gaudreau, those 3 are drivers and are better utilized apart.

Matthews can play anywhere. It's amazing how he is risen up the depth chart. He looked good with Scheifele, and Scheifele matches up well with McDavid. Power forward style game, size, and he's a good skater. Scheifele is good on the cycle and maintaining possession in the offensive zone.

Drouin-Nuge-MacKinnon
Matthews-McDavid-Scheifele
Larkin-Couturier-Gaudreau
Saad-Eichel-Miller

Line order means nothing. Roll them wave after wave.
 
BrendanGallagher11 said:
Only player on team NA that would crack der countries lineup is Gaudreau for the states
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Gaudreau, Gostisbehere, Eichel, Saad and Larkin would all have legit chances to make the team.

McDavid, Ekblad and even Scheifele(depending on injuries) could have made team Canada.
 
Give McDavid and Gaudreau a guy who wants to get them the puck. A pure goal scorer/shooter like Trochek/Saad would make sense. Eichel's patience will hold them back. He needs to be the guy on his line with the puck on his stick to be most effective an unfortunately he isn't good enough to be that guy with most of this team.

Here's what I'd suggest.

Gaudreau McDavid Trochek
Drouin RNH Mackinnon
Matthews Scheifele Saad
Larkin Couturier Eichel

Maybe swap Eichel and Saad.
 
Parayko is a beast. Cant wait to see his progress this upcoming NHL season. Will be one of the top NHL dman in 5 years or so
 
Johnnybegood13 said:
Who would he "easily" replace in the top 6? now you think he can replace proven star forwards on the best national team in the world. :shakehead

The McDavid hype machine is getting ridiculous, yes he skates fast and sees the ice very well but for christ sake, he's 19 and has played 45 NHL games and so far isn't even the best player on team NA.
Click to expand...

I can tell who you think is by your name alone, but he's as good as Gaudreau.
 
TAnnala said:
Obviously I root for Finland (home team) to do well. But honest to god, I'm kind of hoping this team wins the whole damned thing.
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Me too.

I hope McDavid eliminates Canada in the final, prompting the ACC crowd to shower the ice with debris in protest.

I want to see Bettman proclaim the greatest hockey nation in the world to be "NA players born after Oct 1, 1992." What a complete farce.
 
Forward Lines I would like to take a look at

Larkin Mcdavid Scheifele

Douin Nugent-Hopkins Mackinnon

Mathews Eichel Gaudreau

Saad Couturier Trocheck
 
Human Bean said:
I know he's American.
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Even if he were Canadian, there is 0 chance he would make the team. McDavid actually has an argument, since he has shown what he can do in the NHL, and even then I only think he makes the team as an extra forward, or as an injury replacement.

A player with zero NHL games is not making the deepest roster in the world. You might have an argument if he has a great rookie season, but given the timing, and the fact he was just drafted, it wouldn't happen.
 
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