Hope you're right. I haven't been impressed with Canada's supposed "scoring line" centers so far. Scheifele hasn't done much, and Strome looks way over his head against elite players. Hamilton's also not really impressed. I thought he'd play with more energy than he has.
The wingers and the defense has been, by and large, good for Canada in the three exhibition games. It's the scoring centers and Visentin that have me a bit worried.
Don't get me wrong there is lots to worry about...and I'm not the guy that comes here every year and says we won't win. But there are 3 other rosters this year I like just as much as ours, if not more.
We'll be leaning on home ice based on what I've seen thus far.
I think Visentin's nerves are showing, his angles and calmness are out whack for the most part. The upside to Visentin in this tournament is important...even though Wedge may play better, seeing if we can get the best out of Visentin is still very important for us to try.
I think Hamilton will settle down along with Murray, Gormley and Harrington to provide our safest most reliable players. Beaulieu, a guy I really like, may make a couple mistakes that will put him into sheltered/PP role like Pietrangelo in his 18 year old stint in the WJC.
I'm a fan of Scott Harrington. All I've ever seen from the guy, not much tbh, but he's just been a very clean kid in the defensive zone and were gonna need that.
If Strome can't cut it we will need someone to step up. And that doesn't leave Sheifele off the hook either....tough go forcing two 18 year olds into these spots though.