World Cup: Four Nations Tournament-Team Canada

[RoyIsALegend]

What's the skinny on Sanheim? Seems like a weak selection and someone who wasn't on my radar but sounds like he's a lot better than I realized? In my head he's not much more than a solid 2nd pairing guy. Any Flyers fans hanging around this thread?

Nothing concerning however as even at our best in 2002 (Brewer) and 2014 (Hamhuis) we had guys no better than Sanheim on our roster.

Only exception is 2010 when our D were all straight killers.

Not being a jerk, but have you watched him play this year at all?

I ask because he’s night and day taken huge leaps in improvement this season. I’ve watched 4-5 Flyers games and he’s been incredible.

Super reliable all over the ice, big minute muncher, smooth passer, physical, lights out defensively.

I didn’t include him in my team projection at the start of the season, but he was in my most recent one here…

World Cup: - Four Nations Tournament-Team Canada

You might want to learn about something called the PP. Lafreniere doesn’t play PP1 for his team. Pretty sure every forward you named there does. And PP2 for the Rangers virtually doesn’t exist because our PP1 is very good and those guys don’t leave the ice. He has some of the best even strength...

forums.hfboards.com

Lafreniere - McDavid - Reinhart
Marchand - Crosby - MacKinnon
Hagel - Point - Marner
Bennett - Thomas - Stone
Scheifele / Konecny

Toews - Makar
Morrissey - Dobson
Theodore - Pietrangelo
Sanheim

Binnington
Thompson
Hill

 

[sobrien]

What's the skinny on Sanheim? Seems like a weak selection and someone who wasn't on my radar but sounds like he's a lot better than I realized? In my head he's not much more than a solid 2nd pairing guy. Any Flyers fans hanging around this thread?

Nothing concerning however as even at our best in 2002 (Brewer) and 2014 (Hamhuis) we had guys no better than Sanheim on our roster.

Only exception is 2010 when our D were all straight killers.

Playing 28+ mins a night, killing penalties, leading or joining rushes up ice and creating chances. He's become extremely steady, and can play both sides which I'm sure was the most attractive to HC. Sort of surprised but thrilled he's getting a look. Wouldn't be shocked if he's the 7 or 8th D, but as long as he gets a game, that'll be awesome.

There's a great article from Kevin Kurz in The Athletic about his and Konecny's close friendship from a day or two ago I'd recommend everyone check out.

 

[Mathieukferland]

F (12/13): Crosby, McDavid, MacKinnon, Marchand, Point, Stone, Konecny, Hagel, Cirelli, Reinhart, Bennett, Jarvis.

If this is the forward group I think the management group has got it spot on (they owe us one after the last 24 hours with hockey Canada). I personally didn’t have Bennett, but I think of all the "grit" options that were being discussed, he is a way better pick than Wilson, Lowry, etc

 

[HFpapi]

I don't neccessarily dislike it or criticize it, but if the leaks are true that all of Bennett, Jarvis, Cirelli, Hagel, and Konecny made the forward group, then that's a very "classic" Team Canada selection. Foregoing raw talent and inexperience like Bedard (I would have to assume if those guys all made it there's no room for him right?) for more structured roles like checking lines and 4th line with energy and shut down capability.

Especially on the heels of Canada's WJC selection camp release omitting guys like Sennecke, Iginla, and Misa.

Again, no issues with Hagel, Bennett, Cirelli, Jarvis and especially not with Konecny but just a very typical selection.

When will the roster be announced btw? If things are already starting to leak then just put it out there.

Playing 28+ mins a night, killing penalties, leading or joining rushes up ice and creating chances. He's become extremely steady, and can play both sides which I'm sure was the most attractive to HC. Sort of surprised but thrilled he's getting a look. Wouldn't be shocked if he's the 7 or 8th D, but as long as he gets a game, that'll be awesome.

There's a great article from Kevin Kurz in The Athletic about his and Konecny's close friendship from a day or two ago I'd recommend everyone check out.

Appreciate the reply. Nice to have a prime-aged utility defender like him in that case since a lot of Canada's prime-aged candidates like Morrissey, Bouchard, and Dobson are offence-heavy and the all-arounders like Pietrangelo and Doughty are old.

 

[Habsforever14]

I don't like those selections. Bedard and Celebrini should absolutely have been on that team. Barzal also should have been there.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

I don't like those selections. Bedard and Celebrini should absolutely have been on that team. Barzal also should have been there.

Bedard has no place on the team right now. All of those players should show up for the worlds though in the spring.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

Bedard has no place on the team right now. All of those players should show up for the worlds though in the spring.

I'd put him on there without a doubt. He's on the worst team in the league and is the 2nd youngest player in the league. He'd score a billion goals with McDavid feeding him the puck. His shot is ridiculously good.

Personally, I'd have him over Marner. I just hate how Marner plays in big games.

 

[Habsforever14]

Bedard has no place on the team right now. All of those players should show up for the worlds though in the spring.

Not trying to be a jerk but you can't seriously say guys like Hagel and Cirelli should be there over Bedard or Barzal (ik he's injured but he has time to come back)

 

[Nucks2001]

CIrelli and Bennett? I think one would have been fine. I think you missed a serious chance of adding someone like a Robert Thomas, who contributes better offensively and in FO circle than both those guys while still providing reliable 2-way play. Depends on their roster make-up and if they still decide to add him

 

[ConnorMcMullet]

Modifying my lines a bit, seems like Bennett and Cirelli are both making the team.

Cooper won't split up Hagel and Cirelli then, and Crosby - MacKinnon - Marner practiced as a line together in the summer.

I'm hoping Canada stacks the top-6 a bit, MacK with Sid and Marner will be lethal, and you have the best player in the world paired with currently the best goal scorer in the world. I'd put Point, the next best player, on the top line too, and play both lines quite heavily. Would be a waste if they were "only" playing 18 min a game.

I could see Cooper going with something like this. Past the top-6, we have a rock-solid defensive 3rd line, and a tough and gritty 4th line. Probably isn't how I would have constructed the team, but this would make some sense to me considering the ridiculously stacked top-6.

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

Defense seems pretty set, with X likely being Parayko — wouldn't be my choice though.

Toews - Makar
Morrissey - XXXX
Theodore - Pietrangelo

 

[TheBeastCoast]

I'd put him on there without a doubt. He's on the worst team in the league and is the 2nd youngest player in the league. He'd score a billion goals with McDavid feeding him the puck. His shot is ridiculously good.

Personally, I'd have him over Marner. I just hate how Marner plays in big games.

You are entitled to your opinion no matter how wrong it may be.

 

[SannywithoutCompy]

You are entitled to your opinion no matter how wrong it may be.

Marner hasn't looked good in an important game since London, he's right

 

[Nucks2001]

Modifying my lines a bit, seems like Bennett and Cirelli are both making the team.

Cooper won't split up Hagel and Cirelli then, and Crosby - MacKinnon - Marner practiced as a line together in the summer.

I'm hoping Canada stacks the top-6 a bit, MacK with Sid and Marner will be lethal, and you have the best player in the world paired with currently the best goal scorer in the world. I'd put Point, the next best player, on the top line too, and play both lines quite heavily. Would be a waste if they were "only" playing 18 min a game.

I could see Cooper going with something like this. Past the top-6, we have a rock-solid defensive 3rd line, and a tough and gritty 4th line. Probably isn't how I would have constructed the team, but this would make some sense to me considering the ridiculously stacked top-6.

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

Defense seems pretty set, with X likely being Parayko — wouldn't be my choice though.

Toews - Makar
Morrissey - XXXX
Theodore - Pietrangelo

You're forgetting Travis Sanheim

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

You are entitled to your opinion no matter how wrong it may be.

In a predictive situation, anyone can be wrong about anything. Marner could be great and Bedard might suck. Absolutely true.

But Marner has consistently sucked in big moments. Every year it's the same story with him. The bigger the game the worse he plays. I personally would not have him on the roster regardless.

On the flipside, for all the crap Bedard has gotten, he's on the absolute worst team in the league. He's got no assistance and is still putting up decent numbers. His shot is as good as anyone's in the league and I see no reason to believe that he wouldn't kill it with McDavid. I'd take him over Marner all day long.

The best predictor of future performance is past success. Bedard has put up generational numbers in the Juniors. I think with a great team he'd produce here again. Marner on the other hand consistently chokes in big games. I wouldn't want to rely on him for anything.

 

[sobrien]

I don't neccessarily dislike it or criticize it, but if the leaks are true that all of Bennett, Jarvis, Cirelli, Hagel, and Konecny made the forward group, then that's a very "classic" Team Canada selection. Foregoing raw talent and inexperience like Bedard (I would have to assume if those guys all made it there's no room for him right?) for more structured roles like checking lines and 4th line with energy and shut down capability.

Especially on the heels of Canada's WJC selection camp release omitting guys like Sennecke, Iginla, and Misa.

Again, no issues with Hagel, Bennett, Cirelli, Jarvis and especially not with Konecny but just a very typical selection.

When will the roster be announced btw? If things are already starting to leak then just put it out there.


Appreciate the reply. Nice to have a prime-aged utility defender like him in that case since a lot of Canada's prime-aged candidates like Morrissey, Bouchard, and Dobson are offence-heavy and the all-arounders like Pietrangelo and Doughty are old.

Teams are gonna be announced tomorrow; SWE and FIN during the day (North American times), CAN and USA during primetime. Friedman said on the Monday 32 Thoughts pod that the media knows and they've been told not to spill it.

As for some of the grittier roster selections, I imagine the Canadians (and all other teams) are looking at the Tkachuks and looking for a way to combat them. Plus a team like Finland has a pretty bruising defense, potentially. They may also look at the Americans having a mostly small-ish D who don't like to be hit, or struggle with space being taken away (see Q Hughes in the playoffs last year). That's just my theory though.

 

[NordiquesForeva]

CIrelli and Bennett? I think one would have been fine. I think you missed a serious chance of adding someone like a Robert Thomas, who contributes better offensively and in FO circle than both those guys while still providing reliable 2-way play. Depends on their roster make-up and if they still decide to add him

Cirelli and Bennett are a little different though, right? Cirelli is a more traditional defensive/shutdown centre that can contribute offensively, kill penalties, and has a little bit of grease/edge to his game. I don't Bennett can really play that kind of role...he's more of an energy/sparkplug type player that can get under his opponents' skin, throw some big hits, and contribute offensively.

I wouldn't want to see Bennett be deployed as Canada's defensive centre honestly...but would have no problem with Cirelli in that role assuming he's flanked by say, Hagel and Stone.

 

[TheDoldrums]

On the flipside, for all the crap Bedard has gotten, he's on the absolute worst team in the league. He's got no assistance and is still putting up decent numbers. His shot is as good as anyone's in the league and I see no reason to believe that he wouldn't kill it with McDavid. I'd take him over Marner all day long.

He’s not putting up decent numbers. He usually gets caved in when he’s on the ice because his defensive game is terrible. He is absolutely not ready for a team like this, which will be full of intelligent two way players.

His shot is also insanely overrated at the moment. I’ve watched multiple games of Bedards this season, he absolutely does not have a shot as good as anyone’s. Dylan Guenthers shot is better at the NHL level.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

In a predictive situation, anyone can be wrong about anything. Marner could be great and Bedard might suck. Absolutely true.

But Marner has consistently sucked in big moments. Every year it's the same story with him. The bigger the game the worse he plays. I personally would not have him on the roster regardless.

On the flipside, for all the crap Bedard has gotten, he's on the absolute worst team in the league. He's got no assistance and is still putting up decent numbers. His shot is as good as anyone's in the league and I see no reason to believe that he wouldn't kill it with McDavid. I'd take him over Marner all day long.

The best predictor of future performance is past success. Bedard has put up generational numbers in the Juniors. I think with a great team he'd produce here again. Marner on the other hand consistently chokes in big games. I wouldn't want to rely on him for anything.

I don’t have a problem with thinking Bedard should be on the team. It’s justifiable even if I don’t think he should be on it. He blended in at the worlds last year, if he dominated that tournament I would have more time for the put him on a better team and he will shine argument. Trying to say he should take Marners spot is unjustifiable. Should the States not take Matthews or Sweden Willy? No of course not. Marner is going to be on the team and play an important role.

 

[Nucks2001]

Perhaps a Reuniting of the kid line from the 2017 WC:
Konecny-Point-Marner

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

He’s not putting up decent numbers. He usually gets caved in when he’s on the ice because his defensive game is terrible. He is absolutely not ready for a team like this, which will be full of intelligent two way players.

His shot is also insanely overrated at the moment. I’ve watched multiple games of Bedards this season, he absolutely does not have a shot as good as anyone’s. Dylan Guenthers shot is better at the NHL level.

Disagree with pretty much everything you've written here.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

Sanheim was not someone I was expecting but he's been excellent this season. I don't mind his inclusion as he's better than Bouchard for this roster.

The other five defensemen were obvious choices.

Looks like a decent roster based on the leaks. It will have a little bit of everything and of course the big hitters in McDavid, MacKinnon, and Makar.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

I don’t have a problem with thinking Bedard should be on the team. It’s justifiable even if I don’t think he should be on it. He blended in at the worlds last year, if he dominated that tournament I would have more time for the put him on a better team and he will shine argument. Trying to say he should take Marners spot is unjustifiable. Should the States not take Matthews or Sweden Willy? No of course not. Marner is going to be on the team and play an important role.

Two different things here.

1. I wouldn't have Marner regardless. I don't believe in him as a big game player. He chokes at the worst moments and I wouldn't want to depend on him for anything. I say this independently of us taking Bedard or not.

2. Bedard I think warrants selection as he's an awesome talent who I think would thrive with better players.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Teams are gonna be announced tomorrow; SWE and FIN during the day (North American times), CAN and USA during primetime. Friedman said on the Monday 32 Thoughts pod that the media knows and they've been told not to spill it.

As for some of the grittier roster selections, I imagine the Canadians (and all other teams) are looking at the Tkachuks and looking for a way to combat them. Plus a team like Finland has a pretty bruising defense, potentially. They may also look at the Americans having a mostly small-ish D who don't like to be hit, or struggle with space being taken away (see Q Hughes in the playoffs last year). That's just my theory though.

I mean, the U.S. will have the likes of Fox and Quinn Hughes, but they will be surrounded by the likes of Slavin, McAvoy, Faber, Werenski, etc. so it's not going to be a mostly smallish defense.

 

[minibrodeur]

People always complain about the roster choices but forget that this isn't an all-star game. It's not about picking the players with the most points or highest offensive ceiling. Maturity, experience and minimizing mistakes play a huge roll short tournaments like this. Guys like Bedard and Bouchard shouldn't be on this team yet.

 

[Lafleurs Guy]

People always complain about the roster choices but forget that this isn't an all-star game. It's not about picking the players with the most points or highest offensive ceiling. Maturity, experience and minimizing mistakes play a huge roll short tournaments like this. Guys like Bedard and Bouchard shouldn't be on this team yet.

I think you want a mix of players. The bulk of the roster is made up of grisly vets. Bedard offers a different dimension and energy.