GDT: Four Nations

[UFO]

People know I have always had a soft spot for Canada and when I started following hockey, there were some giants playing like Roy, Brodeur. Later on goalies like Price and Luongo. What happened to your goalies? Where is the top talent nowadays?

Although the Americans are far superior in the goalie position, their team seems to be built more balanced as well. Team USA also seemed to be more prepared.

Still, you can get a 2nd shot at them next week.

Canada vs USA at the olympics is going to be epic.

 

[PhilJets]

Maybe Canada can't produce great goalies anymore because its very expensive?

There are probably host of potentials great goalies and maybe 1 or 2 generational Canadian young aspiring goalies, that can't get the proper training anymore and connections?

Just a thought..... I'm pretty sure so many young kids watching hockey wanted to be a goalie.

I wanted to be Essensa first before i wanted to be Teemu Selanne.

 

[PhilJets]

ahh got it, Thank you!!!!

so there is a chance Canada falls to 4th spot still (s*!+)

That’s going to be a disaster


Yeah Canada should just pick the best on best players in short tournaments.
Don’t over think
oh checking line grinder line. Shut down line.
If the line 1 gets checked and cant find a way to score. You need guys on line 3 and 4 that can do some damage also.

I didn’t know hurt and relieve can co exist at the same time.
But this photo makes me feel that way

Helly yeah!!

View attachment 978063

As much i want Canada to win..... I hope this is the coming out of HELLYBUYCK.

Though its really not a coming out since his numbers been great on international stage:

His international record now reads 11-1-0, with an incredible 1.50 goals-against average and .942 save percentage overall.


Side question: Why was Kyle Connor got the lowest ice time and move down to the 4th line?

 

[Mad Dog Tannen]

Cirelli, hagel and Doighty were terrible out there. Surprisingly, Crosby didn’t look good either.

Harley was surprisingly ok.

Glad for helle. Feel bad for Connor, hopefully this experience teaches him how to show up for the playoffs.

I don’t think we have the line up to win, hopefully we switch up the lines.

As much i want Canada to win..... I hope this is the coming out of HELLYBUYCK.

Though its really not a coming out since his numbers been great on international stage:

His international record now reads 11-1-0, with an incredible 1.50 goals-against average and .942 save percentage overall.


Side question: Why was Kyle Connor got the lowest ice time and move down to the 4th line?

Side question response: cause Connor was playing pillow soft, losing most of his board battles, and was trying to dipsy doodle the worlds best players.

 

[PhilJets]

Cirelli, hagel and Doighty were terrible out there. Surprisingly, Crosby didn’t look good either.

Harley was surprisingly ok.

Glad for helle. Feel bad for Connor, hopefully this experience teaches him how to show up for the playoffs.

I don’t think we have the line up to win, hopefully we switch up the lines.


Side question response: cause Connor was playing pillow soft, losing most of his board battles, and was trying to dipsy doodle the worlds best players.

Ok thanks,

 

[Jets 31]

Can you imagine if the Winnipeg Jets had a goalie like the U.S team has, we would have a great shot at the Cup this year......... Oh wait we do.

 

[PhilJets]

Is there going to be tournament MVP and all team after the tournament is over?

IF there is, who are the front runner so far for the MVP?

 

[Jets 31]

You have to wonder how out of control the egos are in the Team Canada management/coaching brass that they'd rather select two .897 goalies and a .900 goalie in the roster over a Vezina contending .921 goal. You can't put your differences aside for 4 games?

I almost think no active NHL GMs/Executives or Coaches should be involved with Team Canada international events, there is way too much conflict of interest and biases involved. Would rather have seen Bruce Boudreau and Gerard Gallant being the coaches as they are not beholden to any NHL team and don't have the pull to block a guy from the roster just because they don't like him. Similarly, Team Canada would have been better off with former GMs like David Poile rather than Doug Armstrong selecting players from his club over players like Weeger.

Don't forget that Team Canada has only scored 4 goals in 2 plus games compared to the U.S who has scored 9 in 2 games . Gee i wonder if a guy tied for 3rd in goals in the NHL right now would have helped....

 

[Jets 31]

How in the f*** are parayko and doughty on this team... so many good cdn defencemen

Honestly Parayko has to be there because of size but these games aren't good for just that, you need skating and skill like Morrissey .

 

[ps241]

So I was at a Volleyball tournament all day boy are those a grind (shout out to parents of club volleyball players). Yup you aren’t sitting in a cold rink for two hours but those grinding 11 hour days at Dakota field house are something.

Got home late and watched the game on PVR general observations.


Best first period of hockey I have seen in years. So much skill on both sides of the puck that was fun to watch.

After the US got torched on the McDavid goal they made the adjustments and really locked down the neutral zone.

Canada also made it really tough on the US. Dominant NHL players on both sides were totally taken out of their game. Both sides iced line ups that allowed them to play any style of game.The part that impressed me most was how committed both teams were to team defense. Both teams were shutting down the other teams stars and if not for an awkward D line change on the second US goal and a first goal Binnington would have wanted back this game could have gone either way.

I thought Connor played a touch better ( couldn’t have been more invisible than his first game) but due to the nature of the grinding game it was smart to keep him on the bench. He had a team low 8:32 but that was smart coaching since he plays non physical and last night was a grinding and the forwards needed to defend really well. I don’t think he will be on the US team going to the Olympics. He’s not built for this type of hockey where there is zero time and space for cute plays.

The part that surprised me most was how effective Jake Guentzle was. He is 5’11” and 178 but he was able to generate a team leading 5 shots and was one of the few US players that was dangerous. Dear KC while you are on the bench watching the game study Jake and how a small guy can shine in a grinding game (not kidding).

US coaching was very good. Take a look at the usage with their D. They have a great D core with Werenski (Norris level season), Fox (Norris winner), Faber, Slavin, Hanifin, McAvoy. So last night in that game their TOI was:

Faber 25:19
Slavin 25:36

McAvoy 20:13
Hanifin 19:27

Fox 13:44
Werenski 13:47


How do you make MacKinnon and McDavid look average, you use your best defenders and keep one of the two sets on the ice when they are out there. Its why a kid like Samberg is to important in Winnipeg. Defending the other teams stars really well is so underrated its painful.

I thought Morrissey was Canada’s best defender and he also led the Canadian defenders with over 22:00 minutes.

I thought Doughty sucked vs Sweden but I didn’t think he sucked last night. Our entire D core pretty much stymied the US attack most of the night and that is also in big part to a Canadian forward group that were all getting back fast and eliminating time and space.

Posters are focused on what our team did wrong and how guys like MacKinnon were ineffective but on the US side their top guys like Matthew’s, Hughes, Eichle, had two shots total between them and those were both Hughes. Eichel and Matthews weren’t able to get off a single shot on net.

Its comical that people thing Schiefele would have been a savior when guys like MacKinnon, Matthew’s, Hughes, Eichel and even McDavid were getting shut down. None of the top guys were thriving and Mark would have probably been a liability on defense.

This was what it was. A very spirited game where both teams fought and gave the other team nothing.

Tournaments not over, chin up.

Team US is annoying with some natural heels but that is a very well constructed, deep team, that is well coached and Canada was right there with them in a one goal game. Beat Finland and let’s see what happens in the rematch.

 

[Jets 31]

So I was at a Volleyball tournament all day boy are those a grind (shout out to parents of club volleyball players). Yup you aren’t sitting in a cold rink for two hours but those grinding 11 hour days at Dakota field house are something.

Got home late and watched the game on PVR general observations.


Best first period of hockey I have seen in years. So much skill on both sides of the puck that was fun to watch.

After the US got torched on the McDavid goal they made the adjustments and really locked down the neutral zone.

Canada also made it really tough on the US. Dominant NHL players on both sides were totally taken out of their game. Both sides iced line ups that allowed them to play any style of game.The part that impressed me most was how committed both teams were to team defense. Both teams were shutting down the other teams stars and if not for an awkward D line change on the second US goal and a first goal Binnington would have wanted back this game could have gone either way.

I thought Connor played a touch better ( couldn’t have been more invisible than his first game) but due to the nature of the grinding game it was smart to keep him on the bench. He had a team low 8:32 but that was smart coaching since he plays non physical and last night was a grinding and the forwards needed to defend really well. I don’t think he will be on the US team going to the Olympics. He’s not built for this type of hockey where there is zero time and space for cute plays.

The part that surprised me most was how effective Jake Guentzle was. He is 5’11” and 178 but he was able to generate a team leading 5 shots and was one of the few US players that was dangerous. Dear KC while you are on the bench watching the game study Jake and how a small guy can shine in a grinding game (not kidding).

US coaching was very good. Take a look at the usage with their D. They have a great D core with Werenski (Norris level season), Fox (Norris winner), Faber, Slavin, Hanifin, McAvoy. So last night in that game their TOI was:

Faber 25:19
Slavin 25:36

McAvoy 20:13
Hanifin 19:27

Fox 13:44
Werenski 13:47


How do you make MacKinnon and McDavid look average, you use your best defenders and keep one of the two sets on the ice when they are out there. Its why a kid like Samberg is to important in Winnipeg. Defending the other teams stars really well is so underrated its painful.

I thought Morrissey was Canada’s best defender and he also led the Canadian defenders with over 22:00 minutes.

I thought Doughty sucked vs Sweden but I didn’t think he sucked last night. Our entire D core pretty much stymied the US attack most of the night and that is also in big part to a Canadian forward group that were all getting back fast and eliminating time and space.

Posters are focused on what our team did wrong and how guys like MacKinnon were ineffective but on the US side their top guys like Matthew’s, Hughes, Eichle, had two shots total between them and those were both Hughes. Eichel and Matthews weren’t able to get off a single shot on net.

Its comical that people thing Schiefele would have been a savior when guys like MacKinnon, Matthew’s, Hughes, Eichel and even McDavid were getting shut down. None of the top guys were thriving and Mark would have probably been a liability on defense.

This was what it was. A very spirited game where both teams fought and gave the other team nothing.

Tournaments not over, chin up.

Team US is annoying with some natural heels but that is a very well constructed, deep team, that is well coached and Canada was right there with them in a one goal game. Beat Finland and let’s see what happens in the rematch.

Don't think Scheifele would be a savior but i don't think it's comical to think he would help , we will agree to disagree on this one.

 

[ps241]

Don't think Scheifele would be a savior but i don't think it's comical to think he would help , we will agree to disagree on this one.

Yes we will agree to disagree.

Comical is a bit strong but “IF” he was on the team he would be a supprt player on the 3rd or most likely the 4th line. I get it he’s our boy but much better players than Mark were all getting shut down in that game. Not saying you said this but I see others saying it’s “a joke” Mark was left off this team. That is disrespectful to the players who are all out their busting there ass. Mark has had a good season and he could have been selected to this team but he was always going to be borderline like Suzuki. It’s not about the fringe players and what they might have done, it’s about the best guys fighting through this and finding a way.

 

[Edgar Halliwax]

Yes we will agree to disagree.

Comical is a bit strong but “IF” he was on the team he would be a supprt player on the 3rd or most likely the 4th line. I get it he’s our boy but much better players than Mark were all getting shut down in that game. Not saying you said this but I see others saying it’s “a joke” Mark was left off this team. That is disrespectful to the players who are all out their busting there ass. Mark has had a good season and he could have been selected to this team but he was always going to be borderline like Suzuki. It’s not about the fringe players and what they might have done, it’s about the best guys fighting through this and finding a way.

We'd all likely be praising all of the choices if we beat the US yesterday. But we lost and we were outplayed. Would #55 have made a huge difference, likely not. Having said that he's tied for first in the league among Canadians. That has not been an accident, he's had a great year. I don't ever remember a Team Canada with NHL players, not selecting the leading Canadian goal scorer to this point of the season.

 

[Jets 31]

Yes we will agree to disagree.

Comical is a bit strong but “IF” he was on the team he would be a supprt player on the 3rd or most likely the 4th line. I get it he’s our boy but much better players than Mark were all getting shut down in that game. Not saying you said this but I see others saying it’s “a joke” Mark was left off this team. That is disrespectful to the players who are all out their busting there ass. Mark has had a good season and he could have been selected to this team but he was always going to be borderline like Suzuki. It’s not about the fringe players and what they might have done, it’s about the best guys fighting through this and finding a way.

I can agree with this but i think Scheifele would be on this team if he played for the Leafs and was having the season he is . Of the top 20 scorers in the NHL right now and can play because of the countries involved Scheifele is the only one not picked or playing. I just hope it's added motivation for Scheifele when the playoffs roll around.

 

[Aggie204]

Schiefele has had a history of cheating for offense, poor defensive effort/coverage and staying too long on his shift. I wonder if that played a big part of the non-selection.

But common, it’s a frigging 4-5 game tournament. I firmly believe you bring your best. To me the lightening line is a “energy” line, it’s a waste. Binnington in net is a liability and you need scoring to level it out.

 

[Howard Chuck]

So I was at a Volleyball tournament all day boy are those a grind (shout out to parents of club volleyball players). Yup you aren’t sitting in a cold rink for two hours but those grinding 11 hour days at Dakota field house are something.

Got home late and watched the game on PVR general observations.


Best first period of hockey I have seen in years. So much skill on both sides of the puck that was fun to watch.

After the US got torched on the McDavid goal they made the adjustments and really locked down the neutral zone.

Canada also made it really tough on the US. Dominant NHL players on both sides were totally taken out of their game. Both sides iced line ups that allowed them to play any style of game.The part that impressed me most was how committed both teams were to team defense. Both teams were shutting down the other teams stars and if not for an awkward D line change on the second US goal and a first goal Binnington would have wanted back this game could have gone either way.

I thought Connor played a touch better ( couldn’t have been more invisible than his first game) but due to the nature of the grinding game it was smart to keep him on the bench. He had a team low 8:32 but that was smart coaching since he plays non physical and last night was a grinding and the forwards needed to defend really well. I don’t think he will be on the US team going to the Olympics. He’s not built for this type of hockey where there is zero time and space for cute plays.

The part that surprised me most was how effective Jake Guentzle was. He is 5’11” and 178 but he was able to generate a team leading 5 shots and was one of the few US players that was dangerous. Dear KC while you are on the bench watching the game study Jake and how a small guy can shine in a grinding game (not kidding).

US coaching was very good. Take a look at the usage with their D. They have a great D core with Werenski (Norris level season), Fox (Norris winner), Faber, Slavin, Hanifin, McAvoy. So last night in that game their TOI was:

Faber 25:19
Slavin 25:36

McAvoy 20:13
Hanifin 19:27

Fox 13:44
Werenski 13:47


How do you make MacKinnon and McDavid look average, you use your best defenders and keep one of the two sets on the ice when they are out there. Its why a kid like Samberg is to important in Winnipeg. Defending the other teams stars really well is so underrated its painful.

I thought Morrissey was Canada’s best defender and he also led the Canadian defenders with over 22:00 minutes.

I thought Doughty sucked vs Sweden but I didn’t think he sucked last night. Our entire D core pretty much stymied the US attack most of the night and that is also in big part to a Canadian forward group that were all getting back fast and eliminating time and space.

Posters are focused on what our team did wrong and how guys like MacKinnon were ineffective but on the US side their top guys like Matthew’s, Hughes, Eichle, had two shots total between them and those were both Hughes. Eichel and Matthews weren’t able to get off a single shot on net.

Its comical that people thing Schiefele would have been a savior when guys like MacKinnon, Matthew’s, Hughes, Eichel and even McDavid were getting shut down. None of the top guys were thriving and Mark would have probably been a liability on defense.

This was what it was. A very spirited game where both teams fought and gave the other team nothing.

Tournaments not over, chin up.

Team US is annoying with some natural heels but that is a very well constructed, deep team, that is well coached and Canada was right there with them in a one goal game. Beat Finland and let’s see what happens in the rematch.

I enjoyed reading your take on the teams, and savor every minute of these volleyball years. I miss them immensely now that my kids are older

 

[surixon]

So I was at a Volleyball tournament all day boy are those a grind (shout out to parents of club volleyball players). Yup you aren’t sitting in a cold rink for two hours but those grinding 11 hour days at Dakota field house are something.

Got home late and watched the game on PVR general observations.


Best first period of hockey I have seen in years. So much skill on both sides of the puck that was fun to watch.

After the US got torched on the McDavid goal they made the adjustments and really locked down the neutral zone.

Canada also made it really tough on the US. Dominant NHL players on both sides were totally taken out of their game. Both sides iced line ups that allowed them to play any style of game.The part that impressed me most was how committed both teams were to team defense. Both teams were shutting down the other teams stars and if not for an awkward D line change on the second US goal and a first goal Binnington would have wanted back this game could have gone either way.

I thought Connor played a touch better ( couldn’t have been more invisible than his first game) but due to the nature of the grinding game it was smart to keep him on the bench. He had a team low 8:32 but that was smart coaching since he plays non physical and last night was a grinding and the forwards needed to defend really well. I don’t think he will be on the US team going to the Olympics. He’s not built for this type of hockey where there is zero time and space for cute plays.

The part that surprised me most was how effective Jake Guentzle was. He is 5’11” and 178 but he was able to generate a team leading 5 shots and was one of the few US players that was dangerous. Dear KC while you are on the bench watching the game study Jake and how a small guy can shine in a grinding game (not kidding).

US coaching was very good. Take a look at the usage with their D. They have a great D core with Werenski (Norris level season), Fox (Norris winner), Faber, Slavin, Hanifin, McAvoy. So last night in that game their TOI was:

Faber 25:19
Slavin 25:36

McAvoy 20:13
Hanifin 19:27

Fox 13:44
Werenski 13:47


How do you make MacKinnon and McDavid look average, you use your best defenders and keep one of the two sets on the ice when they are out there. Its why a kid like Samberg is to important in Winnipeg. Defending the other teams stars really well is so underrated its painful.

I thought Morrissey was Canada’s best defender and he also led the Canadian defenders with over 22:00 minutes.

I thought Doughty sucked vs Sweden but I didn’t think he sucked last night. Our entire D core pretty much stymied the US attack most of the night and that is also in big part to a Canadian forward group that were all getting back fast and eliminating time and space.

Posters are focused on what our team did wrong and how guys like MacKinnon were ineffective but on the US side their top guys like Matthew’s, Hughes, Eichle, had two shots total between them and those were both Hughes. Eichel and Matthews weren’t able to get off a single shot on net.

Its comical that people thing Schiefele would have been a savior when guys like MacKinnon, Matthew’s, Hughes, Eichel and even McDavid were getting shut down. None of the top guys were thriving and Mark would have probably been a liability on defense.

This was what it was. A very spirited game where both teams fought and gave the other team nothing.

Tournaments not over, chin up.

Team US is annoying with some natural heels but that is a very well constructed, deep team, that is well coached and Canada was right there with them in a one goal game. Beat Finland and let’s see what happens in the rematch.

Very good take.

 

[hockeyarena]

As long as hockey costs $1100 for a 6 year old to play timbits, we will never develop stud goalies. It's just way to expensive and all that money is definitely going in some CEOs pocket. Interested to see how helle fairs in the finals, he hasn't been tested so far. Assuming oettinger plays game 3.

 

[ps241]

We'd all likely be praising all of the choices if we beat the US yesterday. But we lost and we were outplayed. Would #55 have made a huge difference, likely not. Having said that he's tied for first in the league among Canadians. That has not been an accident, he's had a great year. I don't ever remember a Team Canada with NHL players, not selecting the leading Canadian goal scorer to this point of the season.

I am a Jets fan and would have found it interesting to see Scheifele in this tournament. That being said I thought he would be borderline to make this team.

I look at it that he is not making one of the top 3 centre spots (McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Point) so then we go to RW where he would be playing out of position:

Schiefele has 56 games played 62 points (not known for his defensive game although its passable/better this season)

Reinhart has 57 game played 62 points (31 goals, 57 goals last season) He’s got a cup and he is a very good defensive player.
Marner has 54 games played 71 points and is a good PK’er and plays a sound defensive game. He is a level up for point production.
Stone 42 games played 49 points pacing well and probably the best defensive right winger in the NHL

All three of those guys I take ahead of Mark as RW’ers in this format because they are actually RW’ers that all put up points but are materially better than Mark defensively

That gets us to the 4th line RW

Konecny has 57 games played and 61 points so similar points pace to Scheifele with less goals. But looking just a bit deeper the second highest scoring player on the Flyers is the rookie Michkov who in 55 games played has “36 points”. So Konecny is basically alone on an island with no offensive support with almost double the points as the next highest scoring player on his team. He also has sandpaper to his game that could come in handy in a 4th line type energy role. I probably take him over Schiefele as the 4th line RW.

Seth Jarvis is in and out of the line up but is a productive NHL forward who they use for his speed and two way game.

To me on Team Canada there are only two pure role players and those are Bennett and Cirelli. Cirelli is a 4th line center and PK’er and I wouldn’t have him on the team. Bennett is press box and they have him as a 4th line energy player to throw the body and step up to the other team if things go that way. Sam is mostly press box.

So that gets us to Schiefele I would have probably had him in over Jarvis, Cirelli, and Bennet but those guys are bubble press box, defined role players.

If Mark made it he was most likely 4th line centre and would you prefer him or Suzuki for that role? For Mark to have made 4th line centre they would have needed a different philosophy for team construction. If they lose this tournament they will probably adapt for the Olympics.

Before we throw the baby out with the bathwater remember Team Canada played a great defensive game last night and really shut down team USA’s star players for the most part.

My 2 cents on it.

 

[Aggie204]

I am a Jets fan and would have found it interesting to see Scheifele in this tournament. That being said I thought he would be borderline to make this team.

I look at it that he is not making one of the top 3 centre spots (McDavid, MacKinnon, Crosby, Point) so then we go to RW where he would be playing out of position:

Schiefele has 56 games played 62 points (not known for his defensive game although its passable/better this season)

Reinhart has 57 game played 62 points (31 goals, 57 goals last season) He’s got a cup and he is a very good defensive player.
Marner has 54 games played 71 points and is a good PK’er and plays a sound defensive game. He is a level up for point production.
Stone 42 games played 49 points pacing well and probably the best defensive right winger in the NHL

All three of those guys I take ahead of Mark as RW’ers in this format because they are actually RW’ers that all put up points but are materially better than Mark defensively

That gets us to the 4th line RW

Konecny has 57 games played and 61 points so similar points pace to Scheifele with less goals. But looking just a bit deeper the second highest scoring player on the Flyers is the rookie Michkov who is 55 games played has “36 points”. So Konecny is basically alone on an island with no offensive support with almost double the points as the next highest scoring player on his team. He also has sandpaper to his game that could come in handy in a 4th line type energy role. I probably take him over Schiefele as the 4th line RW.

Seth Jarvis is in and out of the line up but is a productive NHL forward who they use for his speed and two way game.

To me on Team Canada there are only two pure role players and those are Bennett and Cirelli. Cirelli is a 4th line center and PK’er and I wouldn’t have him on the team. Bennett is press box and they have him as a 4th line energy player to throw the body and step up to the other team if things go that way. Sam is mostly press box.

So that gets us to Schiefele I would have probably had him in over Jarvis, Cirelli, and Bennet but those guys are bubble press box, defined role players.

If Mark made it he was most likely 4th line centre and would you prefer him or Suzuki for that role? For Mark to have made 4th line centre they would have needed a different philosophy for team construction. If they lose this tournament they will probably adapt for the Olympics.

My 2 cents on it.

I enjoyed reading your take. Sounds points.

But I don’t agree with team Canadas approach/philosophy (the WJ as a sticking point) Looking forward to what the next game brings.

 

[sipowicz]

Too many empty uniforms, up front
Too thin on D
Bad 1st goal by Binnington

Petro and Weeger missing

no Theodore or Makar

 

[ps241]

I can agree with this but i think Scheifele would be on this team if he played for the Leafs and was having the season he is . Of the top 20 scorers in the NHL right now and can play because of the countries involved Scheifele is the only one not picked or playing. I just hope it's added motivation for Scheifele when the playoffs roll around.

Yea there appeared to be some territorial advantage to players whose coaches or GM’s were putting together the team. Cough cough Cirelli and Binnington.

Petro and Weeger missing

no Theodore or Makar

Injuries and illness are hurting us a bit although I thought our D were fine last night it’s still hard to not have an offensive weapon like Makar.

 

[gojetsgo]

I don't think anyone said that scheifele would have been "the savior" but he definitely would help, canada has scored all it's goals off the rush, you wouldn't lose that ability and you would add one of the hardest players to knock off the puck down low, someone who is very good at maintaining possession until he finds the open man

 

[sipowicz]

Cirelli, hagel and Doighty were terrible out there. Surprisingly, Crosby didn’t look good either.

Harley was surprisingly ok.

Glad for helle. Feel bad for Connor, hopefully this experience teaches him how to show up for the playoffs.

I don’t think we have the line up to win, hopefully we switch up the lines.


Side question response: cause Connor was playing pillow soft, losing most of his board battles, and was trying to dipsy doodle the worlds best players.

Yup, Connors schtick doesn't work with best on best, he didn't look very good out there, Slavin on D for the US impresed me, guy is very good!

Douhty and Paryko have no business being there, Harley and Sanheim looked way better, really miss Makar, Theordore and Pieitrangelo.

Jarvis, Hagel, Cirelli, Marchand on the team is a joke, Crosby looked gassed and slow, how Schief, Konecny, Strome and Suzuki got left off is puzzliing!

And not having Thompson in net, shows how out of touch Hockey Canada really is! Helly was good when he had to be, pretty easy night for him!

PS Thought Morrissey was great, probably the best Canadian D man that played

 

[kanadalainen]

Its comical that people thing Schiefele would have been a savior when guys like MacKinnon, Matthew’s, Hughes, Eichel and even McDavid were getting shut down. None of the top guys were thriving and Mark would have probably been a liability on defense.

Re: the savior term - we can disagree on this point, however IMHO the rest of your comments are excellent.

In my mind, its not about Schuffles playing a savior role. Far from it... rather its simply an automatic choice (should be ??) to recruit and heavily utilize one of Canada's highest scoring forwards on the Canadian team. His inclusion
- is logical
- reflects fair meritocracy vs a buddy-buddy decision
- gives Canada a player whose defensive game is awesome (this year). How can we go wrong?

The worst that can happen is that the Canadian choices are the best possible. The best that can happen is that it allows players (yes, like Schuffles) to contribute, and sometimes this influence may tip the overall balance in a very tight game.

Its been said before, but lots of players (Tampa line) can't compare to Schuffles for his contributions to points and play this year. This cannot be rationally disputed - we can use basic data for this test.

How many times are those that shape the core of Canada's national teams going to rely on players that are of relatively advanced age and literally past their primes? What may have worked in ca. 2010 - 2015 may not work optimally now.

Thanks for reading to the bottom.