World Cup: Canada 4 Nations Tournament 2025 Roster Talk

[BlueDream]

The US scored 2 goals and won the game..and the only reason they scored 2 was bad goaltending.

Fun fact: You can win with 1 goal despite people seemingly unaware of it.

Nope, not realistic against a team as stacked as the U.S.

If you think it should happen, that’s your own problem and you should learn the game.

 

[kanucks25]

Pretty even game could have gone either way. Did not like Canada's lines nor deployment.

However the top forwards all had bad games on an individual basis after McDavid's goal, which was majority of the game.

I think they need to stop shortening the bench as McDavid and Mackinnon don't even look that fast after their first few shifts. Even out the time to ensure all players have energy every shift.

 

[Jets4Life]

Whoever thinks Logan Thompson (or any goalie) was going to shutout this stacked USA team is kidding themselves.

Canada’s offense looks like shit. They had a good 1st period in both games and then looked very pedestrian after that.

Gonna have to score more than 1 goal to win.

I think you are missing the point. Logan Thompson gives Canada the best chance of winning. Binnington did not play horrible, but he let in a soft goal, and he did not play that great against Sweden in the first 60 minutes. Binnington simply isn't a great goalie.

Perhaps they lose with Thompson in net, but the probability of him shutting the door against the Americans is much more likely than with any goalie Canada chose. This is whole point of choosing the best players for the tournament, which Canada did not do. Binnington played like Binnington, so it's not his fault. It's the management who chose him to start.

 

[Nakawick]

I would play Mackinnon with Hagel and Point. Sid is still injured, he can’t shoot. He hasn’t played well other than his passing against Sweden. His assist on Stone’s goal was about his top speed. I think he would better with Marner who is a bit more east west. I would try Marchand Crosby Marner. Reinhart and Jarvis with McDavid.

 

[ORRFForever]

I think you are missing the point. Logan Thompson gives Canada the best chance of winning. Binnington did not play horrible, but he let in a soft goal, and he did not play that great against Sweden in the first 60 minutes. Binnington simply isn't a great goalie.

Perhaps they lose with Thompson in net, but the probability of him shutting the door against the Americans is much more likely than with any goalie Canada chose. This is whole point of choosing the best players for the tournament, which Canada did not do. Binnington played like Binnington, so it's not his fault. It's the management who chose him to start.

First, the tournament is not over yet.

Second, let this be a lesson for the Olympics. We need bigger players with better goaltending.

Having said that, you make terrific points.

 

[Pierce Hawthorne]

The difference in the game was 100% Binnington. And if you think otherwise you're a Blues fan


Binnington played alright, but he straight up got outplayed by the other guy and gave up a bad stinker.

Canada might have still lost the game with another goalie, but if the other goalie made the saves he was supposed to make, that game is 1-1 heading to OT.

 

[Divine]

The difference in the game was 100% Binnington. And if you think otherwise you're a Blues fan


Binnington played alright, but he straight up got outplayed by the other guy and gave up a bad stinker.

Canada might have still lost the game with another goalie, but if the other goalie made the saves he was supposed to make, that game is 1-1 heading to OT.

Not even sure it'd be 1-1. Canada was dominating the game until Binnington's stinker. Then they had to play more timid because any shot could go in against Binnington.

 

[Leafs4Life77]

As an Avs fan, very happy Cale didn't play today.

The conspiracy theorist in me wonders if Canada didn't sit him on purpose. Regardless of whether they won or loss this game, they were still gonna have to win against Finland to get in. So todays game didn't really matter for them.

Cale not playing allowed Harley to be fully integrated into the team now instead of having to play the silly rules game they were doing up to that point. Additionally, kept their most important player out of a game that had the potential for nastiness which I also wonder if the Canadians had an inkling or an idea was gonna happen before the game as well since all those fights were clearly staged.

Whole post is ridiculous but this is absurd.

 

[JackSlater]

Canada has a lot to learn from that game. Overall it was an even game for the most part, but neither team should be content with how they played. Binnington gave away a goal early when Canada should have been building momentum, but realistically with Canada's crap goaltending we may as well expect a bad one every game. Cooper finally started changing the lines around but it was too late. Also, this is the second time in a row that Cirelli and Hagel were out late in the third when Canada needed a goal - Cooper needs to recognize that he is not coaching Tampa Bay in the NHL. Lobbing shots from the point if McDavid or MacKinnon can't generate something isn't a great strategy, especially when Makar isn't there to take those shots.

I thought that the defence was generally good. Morrissey filled in nicely as the number one, Harley was exceptional given the context, and Doughty was very good given his health and age. Binnington is what he is and despite the weak first goal he was otherwise solid. The forwards were a problem. McDavid scored a nice one and was generally threatening, but his linemates throughout the game were not clicking. MacKinnon tried but was a non factor. Crosby stunk, worst game I've seen him play internationally. I thought that Stone was pretty good. I liked Bennett for the most part but Canada taking two checking lines is a waste.

I'll add that I think the Tkachuks and dummy Miller did Canada a favour by starting the game that way. Canada has more players who are likely to rise to the occasion in an emotional game, and we saw that Canada didn't generate much when the game cooled down. USA's defence was excellent and the depth guys were good, but it makes life a lot easier when Hughes, while very dynamic, is probably the weakest player I've ever seen at this level and Matthews, who had a good defensive game, is so non-dynamic that he's a non factor offensively. This was a winnable game for Canada and it is disappointing that they went out of their way to pick experienced players who have won before and those guys generally just went through the motions late in a close game.

Going forward Canada needs to mix things up, obviously. The format of this tournament hurts Canada as most events have more games to figure things out and Canada usually needs to throw things in the blender. Still, they need to experiment even in a must-win game against Finland. I can't pretend to even know what they need to do. I thought that Reinhart would be good with McDavid, but it isn't working so far. As most of us figured out before the tournament Marner and McDavid are not a match. Maybe Point with McDavid as someone who can skate with him and shoot the puck too. If he is healthy, Konecny should draw back in. Canada needs some offence and he's a better scorer than Hagel, regardless of Cooper's comfort level. I don't know if this is allowable but Harley should stay on the team even if Makar comes back. I don't think that the defence needs much tweaking and the goaltending issue has no solution given that none of the goaltenders are great, so it needs to be the forwards.

I'd like Canada to win this event but clearly there needs to be improvement. There is some time but not much. Likewise, the moment this tournament ends the brain trust of the 2026 Olympic team needs to start planning for how to pick a cohesive and effective group of forwards for 2026.

 

[ref19]

The difference in the game was 100% Binnington. And if you think otherwise you're a Blues fan


Binnington played alright, but he straight up got outplayed by the other guy and gave up a bad stinker.

Canada might have still lost the game with another goalie, but if the other goalie made the saves he was supposed to make, that game is 1-1 heading to OT.

I mean Canada got outright abused physically. Binny wasn’t the problem. You aren’t going to win many games scoring 1 goal

Canada has a lot to learn from that game. Overall it was an even game for the most part, but neither team should be content with how they played. Binnington gave away a goal early when Canada should have been building momentum, but realistically with Canada's crap goaltending we may as well expect a bad one every game. Cooper finally started changing the lines around but it was too late. Also, this is the second time in a row that Cirelli and Hagel were out late in the third when Canada needed a goal - Cooper needs to recognize that he is not coaching Tampa Bay in the NHL. Lobbing shots from the point if McDavid or MacKinnon can't generate something isn't a great strategy, especially when Makar isn't there to take those shots.

I thought that the defence was generally good. Morrissey filled in nicely as the number one, Harley was exceptional given the context, and Doughty was very good given his health and age. Binnington is what he is and despite the weak first goal he was otherwise solid. The forwards were a problem. McDavid scored a nice one and was generally threatening, but his linemates throughout the game were not clicking. MacKinnon tried but was a non factor. Crosby stunk, worst game I've seen him play internationally. I thought that Stone was pretty good. I liked Bennett for the most part but Canada taking two checking lines is a waste.

I'll add that I think the Tkachuks and dummy Miller did Canada a favour by starting the game that way. Canada has more players who are likely to rise to the occasion in an emotional game, and we saw that Canada didn't generate much when the game cooled down. USA's defence was excellent and the depth guys were good, but it makes life a lot easier when Hughes, while very dynamic, is probably the weakest player I've ever seen at this level and Matthews, who had a good defensive game, is so non-dynamic that he's a non factor offensively. This was a winnable game for Canada and it is disappointing that they went out of their way to pick experienced players who have won before and those guys generally just went through the motions late in a close game.

Going forward Canada needs to mix things up, obviously. The format of this tournament hurts Canada as most events have more games to figure things out and Canada usually needs to throw things in the blender. Still, they need to experiment even in a must-win game against Finland. I can't pretend to even know what they need to do. I thought that Reinhart would be good with McDavid, but it isn't working so far. As most of us figured out before the tournament Marner and McDavid are not a match. Maybe Point with McDavid as someone who can skate with him and shoot the puck too. If he is healthy, Konecny should draw back in. Canada needs some offence and he's a better scorer than Hagel, regardless of Cooper's comfort level. I don't know if this is allowable but Harley should stay on the team even if Makar comes back. I don't think that the defence needs much tweaking and the goaltending issue has no solution given that none of the goaltenders are great, so it needs to be the forwards.

I'd like Canada to win this event but clearly there needs to be improvement. There is some time but not much. Likewise, the moment this tournament ends the brain trust of the 2026 Olympic team needs to start planning for how to pick a cohesive and effective group of forwards for 2026.

If I’m the US I’m tickled pink. MacK, Sid and Connor were invisible after the first 5 mins of the game

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

Why put Playoff Bennett in the lineup and give him so little minutes? Sam is made for moments like this.

 

[le_sean]

Why put Playoff Bennett in the lineup and give him so little minutes? Sam is made for moments like this.

Because he plays for the Panthers. If he was a Tampa player, he’d be at 20 mins tonight

 

[Pierce Hawthorne]

Whole post is ridiculous but this is absurd.

How is that ridiculous.


I mean ya sure Canada vs USA all that nonsense. The finals between the two is the one that matters.


Win or Lose, Canada still had to win against Finland to make the finals. Todays result didn't matter in that regard.

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Why put Playoff Bennett in the lineup and give him so little minutes? Sam is made for moments like this.

...cuz Cirelli is...uhhh...on the bench bored and...uhhhh...


Jon Cooper

 

[Nakawick]

Harley coming in without even a practice played pretty well and impressed me. I would keep Harley in and sit Doughty in place of Makar.

 

[SeanMoneyHands]

Because he plays for the Panthers. If he was a Tampa player, he’d be at 20 mins tonight

...cuz Cirelli is...uhhh...on the bench bored and...uhhhh...


Jon Cooper

Hagel and Cirelli are good together but man Cooper needs to reduce their minutes. And he's wasting Points skills playing him with them. Point is possibly the best in front of the net guy canada has and he's buried with those two lol.

 

[Zirakzigil]

Harley coming in without even a practice played pretty well and impressed me. I would keep Harley in and sit Doughty in place of Makar.

Cant. He wasnt named to the team originally. If Makar is healthy Harley comes out.

 

[Divine]

Nope, not realistic against a team as stacked as the U.S.

If you think it should happen, that’s your own problem and you should learn the game.

Helly shuts out the US tonight, no doubt. Less chances and easier saves.

Going from Brodeur to Price/Luongo to Binnington is quite the drop off. Hockey Canada also playing politics with Cooper wanting his guy here and the team not wanting the best Canadian goaltender there because the GM in Vegas had a vendetta against him.

 

[BigDaddyLurch]

Hagel and Cirelli are good together but man Cooper needs to reduce their minutes. And he's wasting Points skills playing him with them. Point is possibly the best in front of the net guy canada has and he's buried with those two lol.

...Cirelli shouldn't even be on the team...Konecny should have played...

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

/team scores 1 goal

“Let’s bench Marner”

He’s the QB of the 2nd PP unit and created good chances there. He should be the main driver of a 3rd line, facilitating the offense. Like always, Canada needs more scoring.

I definitely agree he shouldn’t be with McDavid, not sure why Cooper stuck with it so long.

Marner has done very little. Props to him for scoring that goal but outside of that he’s done very little. Id demote him.

 

[syz]

Harley coming in without even a practice played pretty well and impressed me. I would keep Harley in and sit Doughty in place of Makar.

Yea unfortunately I don't believe this would be an option. Harley is only allowed to play on an emergency basis. Maybe if Makar comes back Doughty can say his ankle is sore or something.

 

[Mike Liut]

The difference in the game was 100% Binnington. And if you think otherwise you're a Blues fan


Binnington played alright, but he straight up got outplayed by the other guy and gave up a bad stinker.

Canada might have still lost the game with another goalie, but if the other goalie made the saves he was supposed to make, that game is 1-1 heading to OT.

Your other 18 players got out played too

 

[BlueDream]

MacKinnon has been very disappointing. Many forwards have been but he should be providing a lot more.

I think you are missing the point. Logan Thompson gives Canada the best chance of winning. Binnington did not play horrible, but he let in a soft goal, and he did not play that great against Sweden in the first 60 minutes. Binnington simply isn't a great goalie.

Perhaps they lose with Thompson in net, but the probability of him shutting the door against the Americans is much more likely than with any goalie Canada chose. This is whole point of choosing the best players for the tournament, which Canada did not do. Binnington played like Binnington, so it's not his fault. It's the management who chose him to start.

No I get the point. I think it’s obvious that Canada chose too many grinding/defensive forwards though and that’s been the main problem. The offense should be more dangerous than it has been.

 

[Hamilton Bulldogs]

The tampa line played way too much in the third for my liking. I don't mind Point out there but I didn't see many dangerous chances from Hagel or Cirelli and Cooper just seemed to keep throwing them out there. Wouldn't mind seeing McDavid, Nate and someone on the first line.

Makar was desperately missed on the PP, just isn't the same threat with anyone else on the point.

Binnington was pretty average, I don't think he necessarily lost the game but he certainly didn't do enough to win it. I just don't see why Canada is so committed to him. World Champs and now Four Nations he really hasn't done enough.

 

[HabsCode]

IMO Mackinnon and McDavid need to be reunited on first line. Crosby needs to play center. And Reinhart has been disappointing so far, needs to play less.

I would go

Mackinnon-McDavid-Marner
Marchand-Crosby-Stone
Hagel-Point-Konecny
Bennett-Cirelli-Reinhart