WC: General Talk '14 — Canada

[glue]

Jeez that looks pretty bad. However we've iced nicer line ups the last couple of years and had nothing to show for it so who knows.

Exactly...I'm just hoping TC has put together a team with a good mix of skill and will..and most importantly they come together in time. I know this tournament doesn't get as much importance due to it not being a true best on best...but Canada has been quite abysmal the last few years in this tournament...would love to see them put it all together and win this time around.

 

[Tyler Biggs*]

I hope Reimer shuts out every team he faces! I also hope he shuts up all of those who jumped on his back when he was down!

 

[Tyler Biggs*]

Some very good choices all around here. No, it's NOT our Olympic Team and YES, Canada definitely is the best hockey nation on the globe but this gives some of our younger guys an opportunity for lots of pressure - packed hockey. It's also good to see a few older players step up and don the Red and White. I've watched this tournament many times in the past and it's excellent hockey with different hockey strategies at work. The Europeans take this tournament very seriously but at the end of the day, Canada truly 'Rocks!'

 

[1Gold Standard]

I just don't know how anybody can expect a team of average NHLers and a bunch of inexperienced youngsters with practically little to zero prep time (yesterday was the first on-ice session in Zurich.. after flying all night and arriving in Europe in the morning, it was more like a sleepy skate around than a practice session) play 1 exhibition game and then compete in a tournament against teams that have been practicing and playing exhibition games for 3 weeks or more...
Highly unlikely this team plays in a 1/4 final game.

 

[1Gold Standard]

Their team is very exciting but that's about the only thing that's certain about US & A. Unproven group of talented youngsters mixed up with some grinders. D is talented and mobile but young. Thomas in net. Boom or bust team if I ever saw one. Finland and Sweden have steadier teams and a wealth of big ice experience.

Canada can't rely on talent doing all the work this year but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Age-wise it's a very good mix. Let's not pretend the team is short on talent, either. Remembering the last time they won the tournament, it wasn't exactly the globetrotters.

I think your analysis is lacking there... the last time they won in 07 the roster included 6 current or future Olympians + 2 experienced solid and proven goaltenders + some solid B team players like Mike Cammalleri and Justin Williams...

I don't see any of that on this current roster...some experienced NHLers with little to no international experience that are not not even B team worthy...

A lot of youth with little NHL experience, almost no international experience and none of whom look to be vying for an A team roster spot in the near future..except for Mackinnon...

and just for good measure throw in zero preparation...and I don't see them doing anything of note even considering the relatively weak competition in this tournament they'll be matched up against.

 

[DethOfDragnz]

Looks like Canada got a much needed upgrade as Nathan Mackinnon and Brayden Schenn have both joined team Canadas roster. On a negative David Perron looks to be out of the tournament before it even started with a injury. He was one of the few high caliber scorers for this team and he won't even play 1 game. It says on the TSN webpage that Sam Reinhart is training for one of team Canadas exhibition games. I hope he makes the full time roster too as he may be young but he has talent and can score and this team needs all the depth it can get.

 

[Tomas W]

Nice to see a pretty interesting line-up for Canada. They should be able to compete pretty well. A final coming up for Canada?

While this tournament is a sad excuse for a world championship, it's not much going on for us Swedes to watch hockeywise*, so I'm going to watch it per usual.

*yes yes the Stanley cup is going on, im checking out the Bruins (because they have an awsome team) and the Rangers (because I root for Lundqvist and Hagelin) a little bit.

 

[Awilliams]

[/B]

I think your analysis is lacking there... the last time they won in 07 the roster included 6 current or future Olympians + 2 experienced solid and proven goaltenders + some solid B team players like Mike Cammalleri and Justin Williams...

I don't see any of that on this current roster...some experienced NHLers with little to no international experience that are not not even B team worthy...

A lot of youth with little NHL experience, almost no international experience and none of whom look to be vying for an A team roster spot in the near future..except for Mackinnon...

and just for good measure throw in zero preparation...and I don't see them doing anything of note even considering the relatively weak competition in this tournament they'll be matched up against.

Once again you have no clue what you are talking about...did Bob Nicholson beat you up once or something?

how do you know they have no preparation? You constantly talk like you have an inside scoop and are in the know yet you are always so far off base

 

[1Gold Standard]

Once again you have no clue what you are talking about...did Bob Nicholson beat you up once or something?

how do you know they have no preparation? You constantly talk like you have an inside scoop and are in the know yet you are always so far off base

What is it with you and your fascination as to whether or not I have inside info?

I make no such assertions. As per Hockey Canada's info yesterday, Coach Tippett meets with his players for the 1st time. And since as of last last week, most of the players were working out individually, see Kadri with the Knights in London/Biaska still in Vancouver as he was there to comment on Vancouver firing Torts... ipso facto the team had yet to practice together.. They left for Switzerland late Saturday where Tippett addressed his team for the 1st time yesterday (Sunday).

I don't know about you, but in my book that classifies as shoddy preparation...5 days from a tournament starting, coach meets his players for the 1st time, not all the players have assembled, late additions still arriving, no practice before departing for Europe. 1 planned exhibition game (tomorrow)... that's what I call woeful preparation..

if you have any information that contradicts what I've been able to gather from news reports/social media etc...I'm open to hearing it..

 

[Scotty B]

Once again you have no clue what you are talking about...did Bob Nicholson beat you up once or something?

how do you ( Mr Writer ) know they have no preparation? You constantly talk like you have an inside scoop and are in the know yet you are always so far off base

Doubtless ' Mr Writer' doesn't need me to defend him. Still, everything he said, to me, had the ring of truth.

Although it's a joy to see one or two Canuck youngsters, who may well make our A team in the not too distant future , --- past tourneys with teenagers like P Bergeron, J Toews and M Duchene spring to mind, Jeff Skinner, Ryan Murray, Taylor Hall, yadda yadda --- strutting their stuff in a TC uni, and on Big Ice...

Let's face it, ...

Canuck Media + Fans are lukewarm about this WC tourney, AT BEST!

Ditto Hockey Canada + most of our BEST NHL'ers

Europe's Best teams routinely airlift in top NHL'ers, who recently got eliminated from SLC PO, prior to WC sudden death round? Do we?...Sans injuries... Only very rarely.

Prep time? Yeah sure...TC is totally prepared for, in all likelihood, another mediocre WC showing, with the odd flash of brilliance from our kidz, who again make the tourney watchable ( again see Skinner, Jeff... yadda yadda )

Sorry, I lost my train of thought...

YAWN

 

[Awilliams]

What is it with you and your fascination as to whether or not I have inside info?

I make no such assertions. As per Hockey Canada's info yesterday, Coach Tippett meets with his players for the 1st time. And since as of last last week, most of the players were working out individually, see Kadri with the Knights in London/Biaska still in Vancouver as he was there to comment on Vancouver firing Torts... ipso facto the team had yet to practice together.. They left for Switzerland late Saturday where Tippett addressed his team for the 1st time yesterday (Sunday).

I don't know about you, but in my book that classifies as shoddy preparation...5 days from a tournament starting, coach meets his players for the 1st time, not all the players have assembled, late additions still arriving, no practice before departing for Europe. 1 planned exhibition game (tomorrow)... that's what I call woeful preparation..

if you have any information that contradicts what I've been able to gather from news reports/social media etc...I'm open to hearing it..

The olympic team had less practices and no exhibition games before they played their first game....last year the team only lost 2 games...both in shootouts and had less then half of the preparation time.

i'm sure coach tippett hasnt put any work into preparing...just showing up and hoping for the best

My fascination is i actually do have inside information...and i know you are full of **** yet act like yours doesn't stink....you have clear personal vendettas against specific people and act like you want teams to win but are always negative

 

[Awilliams]

Doubtless ' Mr Writer' doesn't need me to defend him. Still, everything he said, to me, had the ring of truth.

Although it's a joy to see one or two Canuck youngsters, who may well make our A team in the not too distant future , --- past tourneys with teenagers like P Bergeron, J Toews and M Duchene spring to mind, Jeff Skinner, Ryan Murray, Taylor Hall, yadda yadda --- strutting their stuff in a TC uni, and on Big Ice...

Let's face it, ...

Canuck Media + Fans are lukewarm about this WC tourney, AT BEST!

Ditto Hockey Canada + most of our BEST NHL'ers

Europe's Best teams routinely airlift in top NHL'ers, who recently got eliminated from SLC PO, prior to WC sudden death round? Do we?...Sans injuries... Only very rarely.

Prep time? Yeah sure...TC is totally prepared for, in all likelihood, another mediocre WC showing, with the odd flash of brilliance from our kidz, who again make the tourney watchable ( again see Skinner, Jeff... yadda yadda )

Sorry, I lost my train of thought...

YAWN

Last year they brought in Subban and Hamhuis....that doesn't count? So far they added Schenn, Mackinnon and Read

Name 5 top NHLers from other countries

 

[1Gold Standard]

The olympic team had less practices and no exhibition games before they played their first game....last year the team only lost 2 games...both in shootouts and had less then half of the preparation time.

i'm sure coach tippett hasnt put any work into preparing...just showing up and hoping for the best

My fascination is i actually do have inside information...and i know you are full of **** yet act like yours doesn't stink....you have clear personal vendettas against specific people and act like you want teams to win but are always negative

The difference being none of the Olympic serious gold medal contenders had any time to prepare. As I already stated the Euro teams have been practicing with half/full roster for 3 weeks or more, played 6 or more exhibition games.

just showing up and hoping for the best? That seems to be the Hockey Canada approach to the WHC... I mean the results are not there...can't win a 1/4 final game to save their lives.

I have no personal vendetta, but I grant you that I'm pessimistic by nature and a critic of the way things are done at Hockey Canada. if they start taking all tournaments seriously and win gold on a more consistent basis in ALL tournaments my criticism would stop... but Hockey Canada's record is sorely lacking post Vancouver 2010... and nobody at Hockey Canada is above criticism.

 

[PanniniClaus]

This tourney just got more interesting with MacKinnon involved. I have been following the roster composition of other teams and there is no reason why this team cannot medal at minimum.

 

[Remix]

Any line/d pairing guesses from the current roster?
PP lines?

 

[Awilliams]

The difference being none of the Olympic serious gold medal contenders had any time to prepare. As I already stated the Euro teams have been practicing with half/full roster for 3 weeks or more, played 6 or more exhibition games.

just showing up and hoping for the best? That seems to be the Hockey Canada approach to the WHC... I mean the results are not there...can't win a 1/4 final game to save their lives.

I have no personal vendetta, but I grant you that I'm pessimistic by nature and a critic of the way things are done at Hockey Canada. if they start taking all tournaments seriously and win gold on a more consistent basis in ALL tournaments my criticism would stop... but Hockey Canada's record is sorely lacking post Vancouver 2010... and nobody at Hockey Canada is above criticism.

So nothing but gold is good enough? Since 2010 they have 2 silver medals at juniors, plus a bronze. 2 bronze at U18 plus a gold. Won every ivan hlinka which is only other best on best. Lost in 1/4 final to Russia, Russia, Slovakia and Sweden.

Both Worlds and juniors have been won by a different team every year since 2010 with exception of USA winning two juniors 2010 and 2013.

If you are that arrogant that yoh think Canada should and has to win every year then you have no clue.

not saying this team will win, but to say Hockey canada is a failure since 2010 is embarassing. They have won every best on best since then and have had competotive teams at every event.

i hope they win every time but these other countries do too which is a big pain in the ass

 

[1Gold Standard]

So nothing but gold is good enough? Since 2010 they have 2 silver medals at juniors, plus a bronze. 2 bronze at U18 plus a gold. Won every ivan hlinka which is only other best on best. Lost in 1/4 final to Russia, Russia, Slovakia and Sweden.

Both Worlds and juniors have been won by a different team every year since 2010 with exception of USA winning two juniors 2010 and 2013.

If you are that arrogant that yoh think Canada should and has to win every year then you have no clue.

not saying this team will win, but to say Hockey canada is a failure since 2010 is embarassing. They have won every best on best since then and have had competotive teams at every event.

i hope they win every time but these other countries do too which is a big pain in the ass

There have been 14 IIHF tournaments since Vancouver 2010. And No I don't give a rat's ass about some summer Ivan Hlinka tournament..

14 IIHF tournaments since Vancouver 2010 results = 2 gold medals 1 Silver 3 Bronze and 8 tournaments (Count them 8 tournaments) in which we failed to even medal. You can defend that record all you want.. I will criticize it. No, I don't expect 14 gold medals... but I expect a hell of a lot more than what's been going on post Vancouver.

 

[Atomos2]

Any line/d pairing guesses from the current roster?
PP lines?

Brent Wallace ‏@tsn_wally 2h
Canada Lines: Huberdeau Turris Burrows
Kadri Hodgson Brouwer
Chimera Scheifele Ward
Monahan Reinhart

Brent Wallace ‏@tsn_wally 2h
MacKinnon, Schenn and Read not skating today.

Brent Wallace ‏@tsn_wally 2h
@HC_Men Dpairs: Garrison Bieksa
Gudbranson Myers
Rielly Ellis
Methot not skating

Brent Wallace ‏@tsn_wally 1h
Canada begins its 2nd session. D's have changed.
Rielly-Gudbranson;
Ellis-Myers;
Garrison-Bieksa

 

[UsernameWasTaken]

So nothing but gold is good enough? Since 2010 they have 2 silver medals at juniors, plus a bronze. 2 bronze at U18 plus a gold. Won every ivan hlinka which is only other best on best. Lost in 1/4 final to Russia, Russia, Slovakia and Sweden.

Both Worlds and juniors have been won by a different team every year since 2010 with exception of USA winning two juniors 2010 and 2013.

If you are that arrogant that yoh think Canada should and has to win every year then you have no clue.

not saying this team will win, but to say Hockey canada is a failure since 2010 is embarassing. They have won every best on best since then and have had competotive teams at every event.

i hope they win every time but these other countries do too which is a big pain in the ass

Ivan Hlinka isn't best on best...not even close to it

For a guy who claims to be an 'insider', I'm surprised you don't know that.

...and Mr. Writer is correct. Outside of the Olympics, our international results are disappointing to say the least.

 

[86Habs]

Will Tippett be taking a page from the Steve Spott school of coaching and putting MacKinnon in a 4th line, limited minutes, energy role?

 

[Scotty B]

Last year they brought in Subban and Hamhuis....that doesn't count? So far they added Schenn, Mackinnon and Read

Once tourney starts and once TC reaches its roster quota, they ( TC braintrust ) don't normally airlift in additional guys after the second round of the playoffs, even though better players than their current roster may be available . Swedes did so last year prior to their sudden death game vs Canada, and that's par for the course for most top Euro teams

As for adding Schenn and MacK, geta grip, tourney hasn't even started, I was talking about airlifting guys in, at the knockout stage which TC historically ( again barring injuries ) is loathe to do!

Name 5 top NHLers from other countries

First off, I said:

...Europe's Best teams routinely airlift in top NHL'ers, who recently got eliminated from SLC PO, prior to WC sudden death round

Good luck finding fault with the above statement. In the past Russians have added guys like Malkin and OV, Swedes have added the Sedins etc, prior to WC kockout stages...

Secondly, although I'm too lazy to check rosters ( see ' lukewarm' )...if you count guys like Kovalchuk and Radulov as top ex-Nhlers, and young guns like Nichuskin ( man I love that kid ! ), in recent years RUS teams have been loaded with top talent!

 

[Scotty B]

I just don't know how anybody can expect a team of average NHLers and a bunch of inexperienced youngsters with practically little to zero prep time (yesterday was the first on-ice session in Zurich.. after flying all night and arriving in Europe in the morning, it was more like a sleepy skate around than a practice session) play 1 exhibition game and then compete in a tournament against teams that have been practicing and playing exhibition games for 3 weeks or more...
Highly unlikely this team plays in a 1/4 final game.

Man I wouldn't go that far! ( oh voice of doom and gloom )... Making the QF's, at a bare minimum, are pretty much a lead pipe cinch!

 

[Scotty B]

Ivan Hlinka isn't best on best...not even close to it

Other than the USA, which doesn't bring its A team to Ivan Hlinka, I was under the impression that the other top nations did...save the rare exclusion from Canada for U18 phenoms who've already graduated to our U20 team...

 

[1Gold Standard]

Man I wouldn't go that far! ( oh voice of doom and gloom )... Making the QF's, at a bare minimum, are pretty much a lead pipe cinch!

As we've witnessed the past 4 years, there's a fine line between winning and losing a 1/4 final game... based on this roster, I think the fine line has been reduced to qualifying for a 1/4 final game and not qualifying.

 

[glue]

While I certainly am hoping this year will be different I can understand the pessimism from some folks after 7th, 5th, 5th and 5th place finishes over the last 4 years. Sometimes its just about the right coach with the right group of players...not always about skill alone (and I don't think we're THAT short on that department either)..so you never know. It is after all a one game elimination tournament.