Team Canada 2022

[Big Phil]

I know times have changed but, if Chris Pronger can be on Team Canada over and over, again, Scheifele certainly can be forgiven for last night's terrible lapse in judgement.

I just hope Evans is okay. He certainly took one for the team.

If anything it helps him make the team. The bleeding hearts will want his head because Lord knows a heavy bodycheck is an automatic suspension in 2021. But in reality what he did showed exactly why the Jets won in the first round and why the Marner Leafs lost. Scheifele was doing everything he could to prevent his team from being scored against. Evans was in the wrong. He never looked up at all and should never have assumed the Jets would stop playing. I had Scheifele on this team anyway, but he is a lock now.

 

[Big Phil]

Toews is good from a chemistry perspective. It would be a plug-and-play selection especially when MacKinnon is on the ice with them.

I can see Team Canada going down this route.

Although, I have seen Makar switch partners in the same game for Colorado. He's quite a versatile player when it comes to gelling with different types of defencemen.

I have a feeling they're going to go with:

Theodore-Petro
Chabot-Makar
Nurse/Morrissey-Doughty

Now the one question mark is Parayko. Armstrong is the GM and he might want to put the big man in. That could cause Petro to move to the left side and Nurse/Morrissey to get dropped.

He's going to claim they want a bit of tenacity and size on the backend. I don't agree with that but politics unfortunately do play a role in these things. Plus, Parayko has a lot of Canadian experience that could sway them.

You do need some sandpaper as well. You have to envision being able to play any sort of style of game and beating that team while playing it. The opponents will always fear Canada, but you still have to prepare for every opponent.

 

[JackSlater]

Mark Stone is too slow for best on best Hockey, no matter how quick his brain works.

I disagree, Stone has been very good at the WJC and IIHF WC on big and small ice. If Getzlaf and Perry can be effective at the best on best level then nothing precludes Stone from doing the same. It also helps that the tournament is to be played on NHL sized ice.

If anything it helps him make the team. The bleeding hearts will want his head because Lord knows a heavy bodycheck is an automatic suspension in 2021. But in reality what he did showed exactly why the Jets won in the first round and why the Marner Leafs lost. Scheifele was doing everything he could to prevent his team from being scored against. Evans was in the wrong. He never looked up at all and should never have assumed the Jets would stop playing. I had Scheifele on this team anyway, but he is a lock now.

I agree that it only helps him make the team if anything. You worry about guys who are consistent discipline problems but that isn't Scheifele.

 

[DFF]

So is Mangiopani playing with McDavid or Crosby?

One of the best goal scorers Canada ever had. A lock.

 

[ORRFForever]

....

You're smarter than the average bear, Mr. Newman / Hud / Mr Slater, what do you think about Toffoli instead of Marner on Team Canada 2022?

 

[JackSlater]

You're smarter than the average bear, Mr. Newman / Hud / Mr Slater, what do you think about Toffoli instead of Marner on Team Canada 2022?

Toffoli is a good player. Had a good IIHF WC for Canada in 2015 on the third/fourth line, should have made a WJC team or two. Good experience in the playoffs. I don't like him for a best on best tournament though. There is more to consider than what happens in the playoffs of the North division, though Toffoli had a good regular season too. I don't think that Toffoli would be a liability or anything but there are better players, Marner included, among right side options. I would consider him for a theoretical B team.

Nice pick out of Hud. Great movie. The book isn't bad either.

 

[ORRFForever]

Toffoli is a good player. Had a good IIHF WC for Canada in 2015 on the third/fourth line, should have made a WJC team or two. Good experience in the playoffs. I don't like him for a best on best tournament though. There is more to consider than what happens in the playoffs of the North division, though Toffoli had a good regular season too. I don't think that Toffoli would be a liability or anything but there are better players, Marner included, among right side options. I would consider him for a theoretical B team.

Nice pick out of Hud. Great movie. The book isn't bad either.

Mr. Newman NEVER took a bad picture. Ever.

How many people can say that?

 

[Frank the Tank]

Mark Stone is too slow for best on best Hockey, no matter how quick his brain works.

As an Oilers fan, a puck thief who can play defense and knows how to get open for shots is what McDavid needs on his wing. Speed isn't that important; more so it's the ability to find space in the neutral and offensive zones. Stone fits the mould of a Draisaitl, Maroon, Matthews, all of whom have excelled on McDavid's wing.

 

[ORRFForever]

Do we know if the NHL will be playing at the Olympics?

 

[jcs0218]

Do we know if the NHL will be playing at the Olympics?

NHL participation was part of the new CBA.

Nothing has been announced yet as it relates to a boycott due to China and political reasons.

 

[ORRFForever]

Stamkos is playing well. His shot looks like it looked a decade ago.

He just added another goal. Maybe he belongs on Team Canada after all.

 

[therealdeal]

Not having Mark Stone on the team is maybe one of the worst takes I’ve ever heard.

I don’t want to have negativity, but, he could play on the first line for Team Canada no problem and be one of the best players.

 

[ORRFForever]

Not having Mark Stone on the team is maybe one of the worst takes I’ve ever heard.

I don’t want to have negativity, but, he could play on the first line for Team Canada no problem and be one of the best players.

Habs hadn't seen much of him and she made a quick comment. Let's not pile on.

 

[therealdeal]

Habs hadn't seen much of him and she made a quick comment. Let's not pile on.

Yeah, fair fair.

My apologies. Everyone’s got their opinion and mines not better. I don’t even watch enough probably to make as good a call as most people here.

IM ALL FIRED UP FROM THE GOLD BOYS!!

 

[ORRFForever]

Yeah, fair fair.

My apologies. Everyone’s got their opinion and mines not better. I don’t even watch enough probably to make as good a call as most people here.

IM ALL FIRED UP FROM THE GOLD BOYS!!

Yours is better than mine.

 

[Eternal Leaf]

Here's my take based on the information we have right now.

Huberdeau - McDavid - MacKinnon
Marchand - Crosby - Bergeron
Scheifele - Point - Marner
Couturier - O'Reilly - Stone

Theodore-Pietro
Chabot-Makar
Nurse/Morrissey-Doughty

Price
Fleury

----

Line #1 - It would be intriguing to have Barzal on line #1 for an all-speed option. However, I think it's better to go with an equal caliber player that's a natural left winger in Huberdeau. Plus, this line will make mincemeat of the competition even if McDavid-MacKinnon hop onto the ice without a third linemate.

Line # 2 - No need to explain. GOAT line chemistry.

Line #3 - Point is a given. Marner is Canada's best natural RWer. Scheifele offers serious skill, jam, and leadership. This is the line that can be experimented with the most. I could easily see Tavares in there for experience + chemistry with Marner. Maybe Stamkos for chemistry with Point? I could even see Barzal for a faster line. Lots of choices but I personally think Scheifele should be on the team.

Line #4 - This is a must. They can shut down pretty much any line on the planet while being offensive threats. What a luxury.

----

Defensive pairing #1 - I think this is a given. Chemistry, skill, and proven experience through Pietro. They've got it all.

Defensive pairing #2 - Makar is Team Canada's best defenseman. Simple as that. Chabot will fit with him nicely. He's got great hockey IQ, good skating ability, international experience, and can handle tough minutes if necessary. I think he's a defenseman that can mentally keep up with Makar and that's half the battle with such a skilled partner. I feel iffy about Toews as I think he's too much of a question mark at the international level. But it's not the end of the world if it happens.

Defensive pairing #3 - Doughty will be there. Proven international defenceman that's still good. They need leadership material in the d-core due to a younger second pairing. I'm not sure about which one from Nurse/Morrissey will make it. But both are fine and quite capable.

----

Goalies - This is not a choice. It's all we've got.

----

Random thoughts - There are only 2-3 question marks on this team. The rest come down to how they want to put together the lines, chemistry, and/or how specific players are doing in 2022.

I feel Tavares, Parayko, and Barzal are going to get a serious look. I wouldn't be surprised if 1-2 of them make it over the guys I listed.

But I don't think Tavares or Parayko have earned a spot. While Barzal is just stuck behind too much quality.

 

[ORRFForever]

Here's my take based on the information we have right now.

Huberdeau - McDavid - MacKinnon
Marchand - Crosby - Bergeron
Scheifele - Point - Marner
Couturier - O'Reilly - Stone

Theodore-Pietro
Chabot-Makar
Nurse/Morrissey-Doughty

Price
Fleury

----

Line #1 - It would be intriguing to have Barzal on line #1 for an all-speed option. However, I think it's better to go with an equal caliber player that's a natural left winger in Huberdeau. Plus, this line will make mincemeat of the competition even if McDavid-MacKinnon hop onto the ice without a third linemate.

Line # 2 - No need to explain. GOAT line chemistry.

Line #3 - Point is a given. Marner is Canada's best natural RWer. Scheifele offers serious skill, jam, and leadership. This is the line that can be experimented with the most. I could easily see Tavares in there for experience + chemistry with Marner. Maybe Stamkos for chemistry with Point? I could even see Barzal for a faster line. Lots of choices but I personally think Scheifele should be on the team.

Line #4 - This is a must. They can shut down pretty much any line on the planet while being offensive threats. What a luxury.

----

Defensive pairing #1 - I think this is a given. Chemistry, skill, and proven experience through Pietro. They've got it all.

Defensive pairing #2 - Makar is Team Canada's best defenseman. Simple as that. Chabot will fit with him nicely. He's got great hockey IQ, good skating ability, international experience, and can handle tough minutes if necessary. I think he's a defenseman that can mentally keep up with Makar and that's half the battle with such a skilled partner. I feel iffy about Toews as I think he's too much of a question mark at the international level. But it's not the end of the world if it happens.

Defensive pairing #3 - Doughty will be there. Proven international defenceman that's still good. They need leadership material in the d-core due to a younger second pairing. I'm not sure about which one from Nurse/Morrissey will make it. But both are fine and quite capable.

----

Goalies - This is not a choice. It's all we've got.

----

Random thoughts - There are only 2-3 question marks on this team. The rest come down to how they want to put together the lines, chemistry, and/or how specific players are doing in 2022.

I feel Tavares, Parayko, and Barzal are going to get a serious look. I wouldn't be surprised if 1-2 of them make it over the guys I listed.

But I don't think Tavares or Parayko have earned a spot. While Barzal is just stuck behind too much quality.

If the playoffs have proved nothing, it's proved Barzal should be there and Marner should not.

 

[Habs76]

How come?

52 games, 28 goals. Been terrific in the playoffs. Younger than JT. I'm going to assume he's faster than JT - we all are. Based on his Games Played, looks like he's stayed healthy.

Looks like his goal production is up and down but, like I said, his inclusion is based on the assumption that he has a strong fall/winter

Gallagher is a better pick than Toffoli

 

[Eternal Leaf]

If the playoffs have proved nothing, it's proved Barzal should be there and Marner should not.

Marner has disappointed me as well.

But in the end, that's for the Leafs.

I just don't see him being left out here. He's a top 5 point-getter, kills penalties, natural RWer, and has been successful in previous Team Canada stints. I would imagine he's going to come out flying next season too, which will wash away some of the playoff stench he's carrying right now.

Barzal can find a spot on the other side though. Scheifele, Stamkos, Tavares, or Barzal are all capable of taking the other wing. I think Scheifele/Stamkos might get preference cause they bring something different to the line.

Stamkos can score and Scheifele brings physicality (the clean kind lol) + leadership.

 

[Gold Standard]

Looks as though we got out goaltending settled for the Olympics. (provided it is a NHL Olympics)

MAF
Price
Kuemper

I mean... how do you not reward Darcy with an Olympic spot now.

That should buy us another 4 years to work on our goaltending issues.

 

[JackSlater]

Marner has disappointed me as well.

But in the end, that's for the Leafs.

I just don't see him being left out here. He's a top 5 point-getter, kills penalties, natural RWer, and has been successful in previous Team Canada stints. I would imagine he's going to come out flying next season too, which will wash away some of the playoff stench he's carrying right now.

Barzal can find a spot on the other side though. Scheifele, Stamkos, Tavares, or Barzal are all capable of taking the other wing. I think Scheifele/Stamkos might get preference cause they bring something different to the line.

Stamkos can score and Scheifele brings physicality (the clean kind lol) + leadership.

I think that the question with Barzal is whether he can play on the wing. Barzal is really good - better than his numbers and coming along nicely under Trotz. His game is built around carrying the puck all over and passing, which is usually what Canada's centre do. Still you'd like to have that skating on the team. I don't recall Barzal ever playing wing, but I'd be interested in hearing about it if someone does remember it happening. He might also make the team as a centre, who knows.

 

[86Habs]

I think that the question with Barzal is whether he can play on the wing. Barzal is really good - better than his numbers and coming along nicely under Trotz. His game is built around carrying the puck all over and passing, which is usually what Canada's centre do. Still you'd like to have that skating on the team. I don't recall Barzal ever playing wing, but I'd be interested in hearing about it if someone does remember it happening. He might also make the team as a centre, who knows.

I see Barzal as a lot like Duchene in 2014. Awesome skater, really good puckhandling and distribution skills. Duchene has always been inconsistent and tried to do too much himself sometimes, but when he was on top of his game he was really good. Barzal's skillsets are best deployed at center, but I see no reason why he couldn't fill in on the wing in a pinch. He's also proven he can play well in a structured system, and as you said the point totals don't always tell the whole story with him. Duchene didn't really play a whole lot in 2014 until Tavares was injured, but he was able to step in pretty seamlessly on that fourth line and give Babcock 6-8 minutes per game of fairly high-quality play. Having that center/wing versatility on the bench (or in the press box) is pretty valuable in my view.

I currently have Barzal penciled in as my 13th/14th forward, and I think there is a really good chance he's selected.

 

[JackSlater]

I see Barzal as a lot like Duchene in 2014. Awesome skater, really good puckhandling and distribution skills. Duchene has always been inconsistent and tried to do too much himself sometimes, but when he was on top of his game he was really good. Barzal's skillsets are best deployed at center, but I see no reason why he couldn't fill in on the wing in a pinch. He's also proven he can play well in a structured system, and as you said the point totals don't always tell the whole story with him. Duchene didn't really play a whole lot in 2014 until Tavares was injured, but he was able to step in pretty seamlessly on that fourth line and give Babcock 6-8 minutes per game of fairly high-quality play. Having that center/wing versatility on the bench (or in the press box) is pretty valuable in my view.

I currently have Barzal penciled in as my 13th/14th forward, and I think there is a really good chance he's selected.

I do see parallels with Barzal and Duchene. I was more confident in Duchene as a winger though as his offence was more balanced between goals and assists and he was less puck dominant. I'm also pretty confident that he'd played wing at the IIHF WC a few times, though off the top of my head the only specific lines that I can remember are from the 2015 and 2016 tournaments (on Spezza's wing and McDavid's wing) which doesn't help for 2014. My only memories of Barzal are from his two WJC tournaments and one IIHF WC where he played centre. All that said, I think that Barzal is a better player even though I liked Duchene internationally. I also see him in the 13th or 14th role right now.

 

[ORRFForever]

You all make good points regarding Barzal. He is just so good in the playoffs. He is easily their best player and I don't mean from a stats POV. He drives the play and is ALWAYS dangerous.

As for Marner...

I am a Leaf fan and Marner, believe it or not, is my favourite player. I just cannot believe how error prone he is when the going gets tough. We've seen it for years.

I have said it before, if Marner plays in a "win or done" game, Canada will regret it.

 

[ORRFForever]

That should buy us another 4 years to work on our goaltending issues.

World Cup in 2 years (or less)?