WJC: 2024 Team Canada Roster Talk - Part 1

[cmcneil02]

Man we have 0 defence.

 

[Gigantor The Goalie]

Agreed.

According to the TSN broadcast, the plan was to play both Ratzlaff/St. Hillaire today. Makes sense. But Rousseau went to the staff and said he needed more time to get sharp and wanted to play. And they said yes...

I really don't get why they're catering to a player like that. I don't get why he's been anointed as the starter and they don't seem to be giving the other guys a fair shot to compete for the job. Undrafted goalie with zero international experience, what has he done to deserve this much deference? And imagine you're Ratzlaff, scheduled to finally play, and your teammate basically benches you on his request? Wtf.

I heard that too and I get why they did it. Being a Canadian goalie at the WJC's is a tough mental task. People who say goalies are voodoo suddenly have a lot of opinions on goalies they've rarely seen. You don't want to add the uncertainty of which goalie is going to be the 1G, 2G, 3G. You want those roles pretty solidified so everyone can just focus on their role. Obviously this Canadian coaching/management staff wants Rousseau to be the 1G and believe he's capable of it. They've had success recently just betting on two guys and having success. They thought they were making two smart bets based on their eye test. Maybe none of this matters but those bets aren't looking promising. At this stage they have to give Ratzlaff a group stage game.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

Rousseau has not played well at all. I admire him trying to get another game in but he’s still out of position a lot and giving up soft goals.

 

[Hinterland]

Agreed.

According to the TSN broadcast, the plan was to play both Ratzlaff/St. Hillaire today. Makes sense. But Rousseau went to the staff and said he needed more time to get sharp and wanted to play. And they said yes...

I really don't get why they're catering to a player like that. I don't get why he's been anointed as the starter and they don't seem to be giving the other guys a fair shot to compete for the job. Undrafted goalie with zero international experience, what has he done to deserve this much deference? And imagine you're Ratzlaff, scheduled to finally play, and your teammate basically benches you on his request? Wtf.

It would be something different if the guy was actually any good. But we're talking about a smallish goalie that gives up soft goals non-stop.
Whoever is the one making those goalie decisions for Hockey Canada should get fired asap. Not only did they pick poor goalies for the tournament (both for Canadian and WJC20 standards) with much better ones available, they're also sticking with a goalie that's completely unable to even make the most simple saves. If Rousseau shits the bed again during the tournament, which is extremely likely, Canada will have no other goalie with significant game time on the wider ice. Or are they just gonna sink with Rousseau without even looking for options? Curious.

Czechia and Switzerland both selected two poor goalies as well with much better ones available but at least they seem to have a somewhat capable starter. I don't really see the plan for Canada. If they believe they can win this tournament with Rousseau in net then I wish them good luck but I don't see it happening.

 

[Dominance]

We’re kinda bullying these guys. Who cares about some mid goaltending and a couple horrific defensive lapses in a pre-tournament game - we’re looking really good.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

We’re kinda bullying these guys. Who cares about some mid goaltending and a couple horrific defensive lapses in a pre-tournament game - we’re looking really good.

Yeah I mean this is supposed to be an all dominate American team. Pushing them around. Some very sloppy defensive zone coverage that hopefully gets cleaned up as we go but very positive signs.

 

[nbwingsfan]

I really hope this team finds a way to succeed. The wild amount of negativity around this team from the fans it will be fun to see it shoved down some throats. Definitely some things that need to be ironed out but they don't hand out medals on December 22nd.

There’s so much negativity around TC rosters every year anround here and I can never understand why.


Even last season there was questions about Bedard being “overrated” and can’t rely on a 17yo to produce and Shane Wright not being a good #1C.

In the end Canada almost always ends up as one of the top teams that can compete with anyone

 

[Dominance]

Yeah I mean this is supposed to be an all dominate American team. Pushing them around. Some very sloppy defensive zone coverage that hopefully gets cleaned up as we go but very positive signs.

We’re dominating. In a game that doesn’t matter, I don’t care about the scoreboard, only who’s carrying play. I would have been happy if the boys were just hanging around with the States at this point - but they are head and shoulders above.

 

[Blame the referee]

Really like that Beck/Danielson/Allard line !!

 

[Dominance]

Every line is buzzing.

Biggest thing for me is that Warren and Lamoureux look fantastic against the team I thought they might struggle against the most on the big ice.

Dare I go so far as to say that St. Hilaire looks like he can lock it down when the team is playing strong defense like this? Made the saves from distance, no bad rebounds, not scrambling around, locked down the breakaway.

 

[The Crypto Guy]

Beck…wow. Brutal.

 

[Namikaze Minato]

Beck giving it to hutson for an OT goal, the Habs fans dream!


Just a little early there, Beck....

 

[Junohockeyfan]

Really like that Beck/Danielson/Allard line !!

Most consistent line for Canada. Crazy that that line on paper is the 4th line?

 

[Statsy]

Thought Donovan was great. I hope we keep him in the lineup.

 

[Mitch nylander]

I think Yager should be the extra. Easily the worst player so far

 

[jj cale]

Pleasantly surprised at our showing today so time to take my lumps, some obvious warts but overall we skated better and showed up. Defense surely needs work, is Luneau even going to play? I dunno Rousseau, I think you have lost your starters spot. I like Lamoureaux a lot so far.

It's obvious of course but............Celebrini is gifted

 

[Dominance]

I think Yager should be the extra. Easily the worst player so far

Not even close. Was not the most effective with the puck today but really bought into the intense and physical forecheck and flashed his speed on the back check. He was good.

 

[Marc the Habs Fan]

 

[Junohockeyfan]

They should leave a roster spot open for another goaltender. Not impressed with the goaltending.

 

[ORRFForever]

I will watch the game later tonight but it sounds like we played pretty well. Losing to the U.S. in O.T. is perfect - it's hard to beat a team TWICE and the loss will be a motivator.

Sorry to hear about the 2 D-Men.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Hockey aside I hope Luneau is ok, it seems odd that a banal flu would keep him out of the tournament

 

[ORRFForever]

They should leave a roster spot open for another goaltender. Not impressed with the goaltending.

Convince one of the 3 to fake an injury.

 

[Dion TheFluff]

oh those were probably 2 of our top 4 D eh?
Nice to see a Battalion make it but that's a pretty big blow.

 

[ORRFForever]

Hockey aside I hope Luneau is ok, it seems odd that a banal flu would keep him out of the tournament

It must be serious because the Round Robin doesn't matter (much) and, if he just had the flu, he would recover before the playoffs.

 

[Jared Dunn]

oh those were probably 2 of our top 4 D eh?
Nice to see a Battalion make it but that's a pretty big blow.

I think Luneau definitely would have been the top guy, that's tough