J-Bo gets the call

[CoolburnIsGone]

Bob McKenzie's article over on TSN's website says it was probably Jay size that got him the nod over Boyle. The article makes zero mention of Phaneuf so I wonder if he was really in the running for the last spot (I'd say no since Canada named Boyle to the taxi squad at the same time they named Jay to the spot).

I wonder how many times the Bouwmeester haters have actually seen the kid play this season to judge him. If its anything less than 10 times, I doubt you have a case against him.

 

[Psycho Papa Joe]

Skating?

People just look at numbers.. If you actually had seen a Panthers game this season you'd know how great J-bo has been.

I never said J-bo wasn't a good player. Of course he is. Personally I'd rather have him there than one of Foote or Blake. But IMO he isn't as good as Phanuef. Other than skating, there is no area where he has the edge, but he's still a great player. It's just that Phanuef is better.

 

[Beukeboom Fan]

Two or three years ago means squat now

Two or three years ago might mean squat if J-Bo was 40 YO, and past his prime.

J-Bo was awesome then, and he's only gotten better. In fact, it's probably 2 or 3 more years before J-Bo reaches his prime.

I can see how people would prefer to take Phaneuf. I just think that in a short tournament experience is even MORE important because you don't have time to get you used to you new teammates and more importantly, the bigger ice surface. Oh, and BTW, J-Bo's best asset is his skating which will be a huge advantage on the bigger surfaces.

I'll come back and eat crow if J-Bo dissappoints, but I will be VERY surprised if that happens. I think that people are forgetting that J-Bo & McCabe are probably going to get fairly limited icetime in either case. They are pretty obviously 6 & 7 on the depth chart, and unless Canada is losing I would be surprised if either one of them got more than 15 minutes per game.

 

[trenton1]

Based on recent play, Brad Stuart should have been strongly considered. I find it strange that he has only been mentioned in passing by a couple of posters and not much at all by the media. He has been a 3 zone stalwart since his December arrival in Boston. His hitting game has really picked up too.
It would be nice to see him better recognized but having him be well rested for the playoff race is even better.

 

[pei fan]

Dion Phaneuf is tied for 14th for even strength scoring on his team.He is in a 20 way tie for 98th among NHL defencemen.He is an elite powerplay specialist right now but that is about it.Watch the games!

 

[David]

Based on recent play, Brad Stuart should have been strongly considered. I find it strange that he has only been mentioned in passing by a couple of posters and not much at all by the media.

So that Brian Gionta can blow by him again on the bigger Olympic ice at 2X the speed that he blew past Stuart in last night's game to score against him?

Nah, forget about Stuart...

 

[trenton1]

So that Brian Gionta can blow by him again on the bigger Olympic ice at 2X the speed that he blew past Stuart in last night's game to score against him?

Nah, forget about Stuart...

Is that all you've got?

That's one example of Stuart being out there for an opposing goal. Everyone on that Olympic team has been burned this year and many were uglier plays than getting beat at the end of a shift by a speedster like Gionta. As if Gionta skates like Jason Allison or something.

And for the record, I didn't say he should be there necessarily. I said he should have gotten some discussion and consideration.

 

[missinthejets]

I can't believe how much negativity there is towards Bouwmeesters selection... The guy has always played very, very well when he's put on the team canada jersey, I have no doubts he will do the same again.