WJC: 2022 Team Canada Roster Talk, Part II

[JT63]

Would be interested if Cameron tried lines like:

Perfetti - Wright - Bourgault/Bourque
RW on this line interchange as a plug and play on any line

Bedard - McTavish - Stankoven
U18 familiarity with strong balance

Neighbours - Johnson - Guenther
Oil Kings connection with a flashy centreman

Greig - Desnoyers - Sourdif
Possession and energy 4th line

Cuylle 14th F

 

[jj cale]

I just want this thing to get started before it gets cancelled now.

 

[Smif]

Sooooooo looking forward to tomorrows night CAN/RUS game

These are on Thursday, not tomorrow.

 

[Gold Standard]

The PIB (Pain in the Butt) line.

Should make one particular Swedish poster happy who every year comments on how Canada should bring a low-skill bang and crash line...

he'll probably complain the most of the havoc they bring.

 

[Mathieukferland]

The PIB (Pain in the Butt) line.

Should make one particular Swedish poster happy who every year comments on how Canada should bring a low-skill bang and crash line...

he'll probably complain the most of the havoc they bring.

Like I’ve mentioned before, this is a severe overreaction to getting out grounded in a fluke championship game last year. We have the deepest talent pool of any country on earth, so we should not handicap ourselves by not bringing our best. Even with this philosophy, two elite sh*t disturbers in l’Heureux and McClennon were left at home. I hope Canada wins, but if they don’t it’s a result of backwards roster philosophy and repeating the same errors made by the Tim Hunter-led team of 2019

 

[JackSlater]

The PIB (Pain in the Butt) line.

Should make one particular Swedish poster happy who every year comments on how Canada should bring a low-skill bang and crash line...

he'll probably complain the most of the havoc they bring.

I enjoy it from the usual Swedish refrains about referees and various Canadian conspiracies. That line in question sounds pretty good. I don't love the projected fourth line at the moment.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Like I’ve mentioned before, this is a severe overreaction to getting out grounded in a fluke championship game last year. We have the deepest talent pool of any country on earth, so we should not handicap ourselves by not bringing our best. Even with this philosophy, two elite sh*t disturbers in l’Heureux and McClennon were left at home. I hope Canada wins, but if they don’t it’s a result of backwards roster philosophy and repeating the same errors made by the Tim Hunter-led team of 2019

I mean 2 of the 3 players on the line were no doubt locks to make this team regardless of what line or who else is selected to the team so I don't exactly see the issue with this line being a thing or how it signifies some issue with the philosophy or an over correction. I mean it could have happened and I do have things I don't love that they have done but that line is not one of them. Also L'Heureux might be an elite shit disturber but and I am saying this as a Moosehead's fan, there is absolutely no way I would trust him not to go so far over the line in a tournament like this. He needs to learn to get his emotions in check or he rightfully won't get to play for this team and honestly that goes for next year as well.

 

[Gold Standard]

I enjoy it from the usual Swedish refrains about referees and various Canadian conspiracies. That line in question sounds pretty good. I don't love the projected fourth line at the moment.

I don't have an issue with PIB line. I was fearful that Hockey Canadas would go full on Cameron stupid and really dumb it down and go with Cameron's size fetish...Finley etc.

 

[Mathieukferland]

I mean 2 of the 3 players on the line were no doubt locks to make this team regardless of what line or who else is selected to the team so I don't exactly see the issue with this line being a thing or how it signifies some issue with the philosophy or an over correction. I mean it could have happened and I do have things I don't love that they have done but that line is not one of them. Also L'Heureux might be an elite shit disturber but and I am saying this as a Moosehead's fan, there is absolutely no way I would trust him not to go so far over the line in a tournament like this. He needs to learn to get his emotions in check or he rightfully won't get to play for this team and honestly that goes for next year as well.

My issue isn’t exactly with Greig or Neighbours (who has been great), but just the need to leave out so many players from camp that, based on form, deserved a spot

 

[newfy]

Like I’ve mentioned before, this is a severe overreaction to getting out grounded in a fluke championship game last year. We have the deepest talent pool of any country on earth, so we should not handicap ourselves by not bringing our best. Even with this philosophy, two elite sh*t disturbers in l’Heureux and McClennon were left at home. I hope Canada wins, but if they don’t it’s a result of backwards roster philosophy and repeating the same errors made by the Tim Hunter-led team of 2019

Everyone on that line deserves to be on the team, theyre good hockey players that also play gritty. 2 first round picks and one was a 3rd rounder.

Its so different than just bringing someone to stir the pot. Its not a backwards philosophy to bring those guys at all. Canada has always had gritty players with skill, throwing a couple first rounders who are both tearing their leagues up with a great forechecker, mid round pick only sounds bad to you because they can also play physical?

I wont be surprised if that line ends up one of Canadas most effective in this tournament based on Greigs skill level, Neighbours shot/strength and Sourdif playing like their Bertuzzi/Hyman type guy. That line just makes sense

 

[Morgs]

Would be interested if Cameron tried lines like:

Perfetti - Wright - Bourgault/Bourque
RW on this line interchange as a plug and play on any line

Bedard - McTavish - Stankoven
U18 familiarity with strong balance

Neighbours - Johnson - Guenther
Oil Kings connection with a flashy centreman

Greig - Desnoyers - Sourdif
Possession and energy 4th line

Cuylle 14th F

This is way better than what Cameron has going right now imo. Not at all surprising he plans on using two of his best F as 13/14. For me, best lineup:

Perfetti-Wright-Johnson
Bedard-McTavish-Stankoven
Bourgault-Bourque-Guenther
Neighbours-Greig-Sourdif/Desnoyers

Cuylle shouldn't play.

Defense pairings are shockingly perfect (could use Clarke, obviously).

 

[snipes]

The PIB (Pain in the Butt) line.

Should make one particular Swedish poster happy who every year comments on how Canada should bring a low-skill bang and crash line...

he'll probably complain the most of the havoc they bring.

I like what I’m hearing there, some tough Western Canadian boys who can buy into an identity of being a physical force every shift is important.

Frankly every line needs to be playing that way, hockey is still a game of physical and psychological intimidation. Especially at this age group. Don’t need to be goons or taking cheap shots, but they need to be heavy on every single puck and attack in waves. Especially on NA style ice, take away all time and space with a suffocating attack.

 

[Morgs]

I can't get over this team bringing so many "grinder" types and placing them in big roles over guys that are more proven to put the puck in the net at elite rates. They must be overcompensating the hell out of losing the gold medal game last year, and it doesn't make any sense. Par for the course with HC. What's even worse is that they have the ability to go full-nuclear in their top-6 by having their 6 most talented forwards and production guys play together (especially their top-line with Perfetti, Johnson, and Wright), while still having very strong 3rd line (and a shutdown 4th), and straight up refuse to get away from it. Like Canada knows how good Bedard-McTavish-Stankoven were at U18's LAST YEAR and they're still breaking them up for reasons? They're using guys like Sourdif and Cuylle in prominent roles over Stankoven and Bedard and I have no idea why besides a dumb coach.

They still obviously have the best overall group in the tournament, but it's like they are trying to be closer to the rest of the teams instead of just blowing them out of the water with 4 lines of attacking. Mike Babcock at the Olympics trying to win 1-0 games against good teams instead of crushing them.

 

[TheYardMachine]

Will Garand be the starter :O

 

[cmcneil02]

Todays Lines - posted by Mark Masters (via twitter)

(11) Perfetti | (15) Wright | (18) Bourgault
(13) Johnson | (23) McTavish | (22) Bourque
(12) Neighbours | (17) Greig | (24) Sourdif
(27) Cuylle | (19) Desnoyers | (9) Guenther
(10) Stankoven, (16) Bedard

(25) Power | (3) Zellweger
(21) Guhle | (6) Cormier
(7) Sebrango | (4) Lambos
(28) O'Rouke, (8) Seeley

(31) Garand
(1) Cossa
(30) Brochu

Same lines at practice today. Pre-Tournament game tomorrow against Russia, Looks like that will likely be the lineup tomorrow.
#GoCanadaGo

 

[BigBadBoar]

Is there any chance for Bedard to get substantial minutes on ice?
I would also be excited to see Perfetti, McTavish, and Power together on the first PP unit. Might be a devastating force. Those guys are at the elite senior hockey level already.

 

[Mathieukferland]

What is the point of bringing Bédard and playing him as the 13th forward, sure it’s good for experience but from a straight on ice perspective it’s pretty useless to have the best goal scorer outside the NHL playing on PP2 and taking the 13th forward spot

 

[Dominance]

I can't get over this team bringing so many "grinder" types and placing them in big roles over guys that are more proven to put the puck in the net at elite rates. They must be overcompensating the hell out of losing the gold medal game last year, and it doesn't make any sense. Par for the course with HC. What's even worse is that they have the ability to go full-nuclear in their top-6 by having their 6 most talented forwards and production guys play together (especially their top-line with Perfetti, Johnson, and Wright), while still having very strong 3rd line (and a shutdown 4th), and straight up refuse to get away from it. Like Canada knows how good Bedard-McTavish-Stankoven were at U18's LAST YEAR and they're still breaking them up for reasons? They're using guys like Sourdif and Cuylle in prominent roles over Stankoven and Bedard and I have no idea why besides a dumb coach.

They still obviously have the best overall group in the tournament, but it's like they are trying to be closer to the rest of the teams instead of just blowing them out of the water with 4 lines of attacking. Mike Babcock at the Olympics trying to win 1-0 games against good teams instead of crushing them.

Constant aggravation with Team Canada at all levels. We’re the hegemon; play like it.

If I had it my way, you don’t take a single “role player” and just roll four lines of game-breaking skill. Short shifts for all the boys knowing they’ll be up again soon enough.

I see this team as the clear gold medal favourites regardless, but I would have much preferred to see something more in line with what you suggested:

Perfetti-Wright-Othmann
Stankoven-McTavish-Bedard
Johnson-Bourque-Bourgault
Savoie-Savoie-Guenther

I mean, come on. Proven chemistry on every line, and nobody’s standing up to these lines coming in constant waves.

 

[Statsy]

Is there any chance for Bedard to get substantial minutes on ice?
I would also be excited to see Perfetti, McTavish, and Power together on the first PP unit. Might be a devastating force. Those guys are at the elite senior hockey level already.

Just because you start as the 13th forward, doesn’t mean you finish as the 13th forward. He’ll definitely get his chance to move up as other players struggle and fall down the lineup. In fact, Bedard will probably be moved up quicker than usual due to the number of people constantly asking the management why the hell Bedard is the 13th forward.

 

[JackSlater]

Is there any chance for Bedard to get substantial minutes on ice?
I would also be excited to see Perfetti, McTavish, and Power together on the first PP unit. Might be a devastating force. Those guys are at the elite senior hockey level already.

For all the talk of Bedard's spot we don't know yet. The team hasn't even played its pre-tournament game. Have to think that he will get a chance to prove himself and move up the lineup at some point. I do not think that expecting more than a few points in a depth role was ever realistic, however if he gets a prominent role somehow and delivers then I'll be pleased to be wrong. Crosby, Lindros, and McDavid all provided pretty much the same result as 16 year olds and each of them was a better prospect than Bedard is. Gretzky had a different result, but he's a different calibre of player and played when the tournament was much less deep.

 

[Morgs]

Constant aggravation with Team Canada at all levels. We’re the hegemon; play like it.

If I had it my way, you don’t take a single “role player” and just roll four lines of game-breaking skill. Short shifts for all the boys knowing they’ll be up again soon enough.

I see this team as the clear gold medal favourites regardless, but I would have much preferred to see something more in line with what you suggested:

Perfetti-Wright-Othmann
Stankoven-McTavish-Bedard
Johnson-Bourque-Bourgault
Savoie-Savoie-Guenther

I mean, come on. Proven chemistry on every line, and nobody’s standing up to these lines coming in constant waves.

Yep. I've always thought they should just bring the best 14F and if anyone is close, go for chemistry in the bottom-6. It has never made sense taking inferior players because of their aggravating or defensive playstyle. 4 waves of stars is the only thing that makes sense in hockey if there isn't a cap, and Canada has [much] better players than they brought.

 

[newfy]

I can't get over this team bringing so many "grinder" types and placing them in big roles over guys that are more proven to put the puck in the net at elite rates. They must be overcompensating the hell out of losing the gold medal game last year, and it doesn't make any sense. Par for the course with HC. What's even worse is that they have the ability to go full-nuclear in their top-6 by having their 6 most talented forwards and production guys play together (especially their top-line with Perfetti, Johnson, and Wright), while still having very strong 3rd line (and a shutdown 4th), and straight up refuse to get away from it. Like Canada knows how good Bedard-McTavish-Stankoven were at U18's LAST YEAR and they're still breaking them up for reasons? They're using guys like Sourdif and Cuylle in prominent roles over Stankoven and Bedard and I have no idea why besides a dumb coach.

They still obviously have the best overall group in the tournament, but it's like they are trying to be closer to the rest of the teams instead of just blowing them out of the water with 4 lines of attacking. Mike Babcock at the Olympics trying to win 1-0 games against good teams instead of crushing them.

Cuylle is a 2nd round pick with 18 goals in 22 games this year.

For all the crap people are giving about "grinders" its getting a little hard to listen to. Stankoven is 5'7, his first year where he would be seriously considered and he still made the team. The U-18s are a completely different beast, I wouldn't expect or necessarily want those guys playing together and I'm the type that doesnt want them to leave young guys at home.

Bedard should (and will) get his playing time, dont stress about lineups before they've even hit the ice. But whining about Sourdif and Cuylee playing over a guy like Stankoven is kinda ridiculous. Its not that theyre grinders, its that they dont play a flashy skill game. BUT theyre both really effective hockey players and bring a lot to the table that a guy like Stankoven doesnt.

Like Cuylle is almost a goal a game in the OHL and we're complaining about him before they even play any games? Kinda ridiculous

 

[TheBeastCoast]

I get the complaints over leaving Savoie at home and bringing someone like Finley to camp...but at the end of the day Finley got cut and I really do fail to see the players on this team that don't deserve to be there? Every single one is having a great season with their own junior team.

 

[jj cale]

Cuylle is a 2nd round pick with 18 goals in 22 games this year.

For all the crap people are giving about "grinders" its getting a little hard to listen to. Stankoven is 5'7, his first year where he would be seriously considered and he still made the team. The U-18s are a completely different beast, I wouldn't expect or necessarily want those guys playing together and I'm the type that doesnt want them to leave young guys at home.

Bedard should (and will) get his playing time, dont stress about lineups before they've even hit the ice. But whining about Sourdif and Cuylee playing over a guy like Stankoven is kinda ridiculous. Its not that theyre grinders, its that they dont play a flashy skill game. BUT theyre both really effective hockey players and bring a lot to the table that a guy like Stankoven doesnt.

Like Cuylle is almost a goal a game in the OHL and we're complaining about him before they even play any games? Kinda ridiculous

Yeah, a little patience is in order.

 

[Morgs]

Cuylle is a 2nd round pick with 18 goals in 22 games this year.

For all the crap people are giving about "grinders" its getting a little hard to listen to. Stankoven is 5'7, his first year where he would be seriously considered and he still made the team. The U-18s are a completely different beast, I wouldn't expect or necessarily want those guys playing together and I'm the type that doesnt want them to leave young guys at home.

Bedard should (and will) get his playing time, dont stress about lineups before they've even hit the ice. But whining about Sourdif and Cuylee playing over a guy like Stankoven is kinda ridiculous. Its not that theyre grinders, its that they dont play a flashy skill game. BUT theyre both really effective hockey players and bring a lot to the table that a guy like Stankoven doesnt.

Like Cuylle is almost a goal a game in the OHL and we're complaining about him before they even play any games? Kinda ridiculous

Aren't you doing the same bullshit putting down Stankoven's game over Cuylle because he's small and skilled?