Team Canada 2022

[ORRFForever]

I was surprised that he thinks that Scheifele's stock is down based on the playoffs this year and last.

I don't get that either.

 

[ORRFForever]

Pietro and Price =

Again tonight. 2 best players.

 

[ORRFForever]

Price > MAF

MAF having flashbacks of 2004. Why does MAF do these things?

 

[Eternal Leaf]

If Price plays like this in 2022, it doesn't matter what lineup Canada puts out there. They're taking home the gold.

 

[Big Phil]

Dougie Hamilton is being allowed to talk to other teams by Carolina. What does Carolina know that we don't?

Just another reason to keep "Dougie" off TC2022.

I can never get that image out of my head a couple of years ago in the playoffs of Hamilton going into the corner with a passionate Ovechkin a little ways behind him and he literally just let up and allowed Ovechkin to get to the puck and make a quick set up for a goal. Sure Carolina still won the series, but when a 6'6" defenseman basically clears a path for an opponent to get to the puck first out of sheer fear, that bothers me. Yeah, yeah, I know he may or may not have thought it was an icing. Big deal. You play until the whistle goes.

I am not big on Hamilton being on the team, nor was I ever with Girard. More and more people should realize Theodore and Pietrangelo belong though. And obviously Makar. Honestly, Canada will be just fine on the back end.

 

[ORRFForever]

Point and Barzal are amazing. Point with another goal. Barzal is everywhere and the Islanders best player.

I do NOT want Tampa Bay to win.

 

[ORRFForever]

 

[jcs0218]

I think Theodore probably makes the team.

But every game, he seems to be doing something "soft". Shying away from a hit, or turning the puck over because he is afraid of being hit.

He has a really big advantage that he is a left-handed shot though.

 

[jcs0218]

LeBrun has a new article about Hockey Canada and players whose stock is up or down this playoffs. Not a whole lot of surprising stuff. He thinks that Hockey Canada has narrowed things down to around 45 players and will try to bring management, coaches, and potential players together some time after Labour Day. He also thinks that Cooper is the likeliest coach. Calls Theodore the only left side defence lock, which makes sense. LeBrun is also optimistic regarding Huberdeau and thinks that if Hockey Canada believes Barzal can play the wing then he's on the team. I was surprised that he thinks that Scheifele's stock is down based on the playoffs this year and last.

LeBrun isn't quite as reliable on these things as McKenzie is but he's also not a Dreger type shill. He generally knows at least something before talking.

I am really surprised that the list is down to 45 players. I would have suspected 25-30 at this point.

Maybe the last 2 forwards, last 2 defensemen, and last 2 goaltenders have a 20+ names combined?

Because at this point, I see about 15-20 players who should probably be locks.

It makes me wonder if we will see 1-2 surprise picks. Picks that weren't on the radar.

A pure defensive specialist like Danault? A shootout specialist? Some like Toffoli who is great at a supporting role?

I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of doubt and a lot of those "45 players" surround the 2nd and 3rd goaltenders.

I think now, and I have always thought, that Price was 1st.

As for that goaltending decision, the question should be: "Who can be the most steady?"

Nevermind "who can be the best on their best day?".

Canada doesn't need their goaltender to steal a game for them. All they need is for their goaltender to not lose them the game.

This is why I think Fleury might suffer in his chances, because he can allow soft goals and mental mistakes to sabotage his team.

 

[JackSlater]

I am really surprised that the list is down to 45 players. I would have suspected 25-30 at this point.

Maybe the last 2 forwards, last 2 defensemen, and last 2 goaltenders have a 20+ names combined?

Because at this point, I see about 15-20 players who should probably be locks.

It makes me wonder if we will see 1-2 surprise picks. Picks that weren't on the radar.

A pure defensive specialist like Danault? A shootout specialist? Some like Toffoli who is great at a supporting role?

I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of doubt and a lot of those "45 players" surround the 2nd and 3rd goaltenders.

I think now, and I have always thought, that Price was 1st.

As for that goaltending decision, the question should be: "Who can be the most steady?"

Nevermind "who can be the best on their best day?".

Canada doesn't need their goaltender to steal a game for them. All they need is for their goaltender to not lose them the game.

This is why I think Fleury might suffer in his chances, because he can allow soft goals and mental mistakes to sabotage his team.

Hockey Canada invited 46 players to the summer camp in 2010 and 47 in 2014, so 45ish not seems like a very safe guess. They invited only 34 to the 2002 camp, but that team already had 8 players officially picked. Players have played themselves onto the team in the early months of a NHL season, and it's good that Hockey Canada generally keeps its mind open to that possibility. If they do end up doing a sort of camp in Calgary in September I'd expect a few seemingly random players to be there.

I agree about the goaltenders. Canada doesn't need to gamble on a goaltender who can get hot and carry the team to wins, just someone who can provide consistently good goaltending. I far, far prefer Price to Fleury - Fleury's recent gaffe is just another example of why. I guessed, like many others, that Price was the leading goaltending candidate for quite some time and I wouldn't be surprised if the playoffs have all but locked that down. If they want Fleury as the backup then that's fine. LeBrun mentioned Kuemper as a serious contender to make the team and I like that as well.

 

[ORRFForever]

I agree about the goaltenders. Canada doesn't need to gamble on a goaltender who can get hot and carry the team to wins, just someone who can provide consistently good goaltending. I far, far prefer Price to Fleury - Fleury's recent gaffe is just another example of why. I guessed, like many others, that Price was the leading goaltending candidate for quite some time and I wouldn't be surprised if the playoffs have all but locked that down. If they want Fleury as the backup then that's fine. LeBrun mentioned Kuemper as a serious contender to make the team and I like that as well.

Yes. Fleury's a terrific goalie but he has never gotten that "gaffe-ness" out of his system. He's ALWAYS been prone to it and we don't want that at the Olympics.

Needless to say, barring an injury, Price is everything we need.

 

[ORRFForever]

A shootout specialist?

I forgot about the shoot-out.

We have to hope it NEVER gets to THAT point - it's never been our strong suit.

 

[ORRFForever]

If I've learned nothing from these playoffs, I've learned (TBH, I already knew) Canada produces FAR more players that rise to the occasion than any other country.

Barzal and Point have really made a statement. To a lesser extent : Toffoli.

Lots of players on the backend have looked terrific - Theodore and Alex P especially.

Things are looking good for 2022 - especially up front.

 

[bobholly39]

If Price plays like this in 2022, it doesn't matter what lineup Canada puts out there. They're taking home the gold.

That's essentially what he did last time. He had a great team obviously - but with the way he played there's no chance Canada loses. Big game goalie

 

[ORRFForever]

That's essentially what he did last time. He had a great team obviously - but with the way he played there's no chance Canada loses. Big game goalie

I'm someone who wants a rock solid D - I'd be happy with 6 defensive guys on the back end.

With the offensive players we have, goals will come, but it's hard to lose when your opponent can't score.

 

[BoardsofCanada]

I'm someone who wants a rock solid D - I'd be happy with 6 defensive guys on the back end.

With the offensive players we have, goals will come, but it's hard to lose when your opponent can't score.

But obviously you need d-men who are good puck handlers/skaters who can get the puck out and up to the forwards. I am sure I am stating the obvious. But you can't have 6 physical D who are great at punishing attacking forwards but then can't get the puck out under pressure.

You also need a few D who can QB the PP.

 

[ORRFForever]

But obviously you need d-men who are good puck handlers/skaters who can get the puck out and up to the forwards. I am sure I am stating the obvious. But you can't have 6 physical D who are great at punishing attacking forwards but then can't get the puck out under pressure.

You also need a few D who can QB the PP.

That's fair - as I'm sure you know, I was exaggerating for effect. I just think we should lean toward the defensive side.

I prefer a D-Man who will make the Ryan Pulock save as opposed to a D-Man who will make the Ryan McDonagh move/shot - that was awesome last night.

If we find someone capable of both, all the better.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Canada 1:

Huberdeau-Crosby-Marchand
McDavid-MacKinnon-Point
Marner-Barzal-Stone
ROR-Bergeron-Couturier
Scheifele

Theodore-Pietrangelo
Nurse-Makar
Chabot-Ekblad
Chychrun

Fleury
Kuemper
Price

Canada 2:

Marchessault-Stamkos-Suzuki
Hall-Seguin-Toffoli
Kane-Strome-Giroux
Gourde-Horvat-Brown
Reinhart

Pelech-Pulock
Toews-Doughty
Girard-Hamilton
Rielly

Binnington
Driedger
Blackwood

 

[86Habs]

LeBrun has a new article about Hockey Canada and players whose stock is up or down this playoffs. Not a whole lot of surprising stuff. He thinks that Hockey Canada has narrowed things down to around 45 players and will try to bring management, coaches, and potential players together some time after Labour Day. He also thinks that Cooper is the likeliest coach. Calls Theodore the only left side defence lock, which makes sense. LeBrun is also optimistic regarding Huberdeau and thinks that if Hockey Canada believes Barzal can play the wing then he's on the team. I was surprised that he thinks that Scheifele's stock is down based on the playoffs this year and last.

LeBrun isn't quite as reliable on these things as McKenzie is but he's also not a Dreger type shill. He generally knows at least something before talking.

Eh, Scheifele. Personally I don't really care if he's left off the team or gets selected in some capacity. The hit on Evans was ill-advised and cost his team, but I have no doubt he'd conduct himself with more composure and discipline when playing for Team Canada...in my estimation there's really minimal risk that he'll do something like that internationally. His remarks on twitter in the days after weren't well thought out, but that's beside the point. If Armstrong has concerns about his consistency in the playoffs, that's fair game in my view. With the way Point and Barzal are playing, and if Armstrong gets comfortable with Barzal on the wing, Scheifele may find himself on the outside looking in.

I also really wonder if there will be a surprise or two in the forward group. I've spoken about Horvat before, but I would not be surprised if Josh Anderson is getting consideration for a Morrow-like role. I mean, he's very rarely completely healthy and 100%, so even without getting into whether he is good enough to make this team (I certainly don't think he is) his health will probably preclude him from being considered. I'm not personally a fan of bringing guys like him, but there is no doubt Morrow impacted our 2010 team in a positive manner (he was outstanding in the Russia game in particular) and a big guy like Anderson that can move really well and get in hard on the forecheck a few shifts per period might be an asset. Again, I'm not building a case for the guy, but I have to think that Armstrong is working with a template of sorts and the lack of size/physicality on the projected 2022 team is glaring compared to 2010 and even 2014.

 

[Mike8]

Eh, Scheifele. Personally I don't really care if he's left off the team or gets selected in some capacity. The hit on Evans was ill-advised and cost his team, but I have no doubt he'd conduct himself with more composure and discipline when playing for Team Canada...in my estimation there's really minimal risk that he'll do something like that internationally. His remarks on twitter in the days after weren't well thought out, but that's beside the point. If Armstrong has concerns about his consistency in the playoffs, that's fair game in my view. With the way Point and Barzal are playing, and if Armstrong gets comfortable with Barzal on the wing, Scheifele may find himself on the outside looking in.

I also really wonder if there will be a surprise or two in the forward group. I've spoken about Horvat before, but I would not be surprised if Josh Anderson is getting consideration for a Morrow-like role. I mean, he's very rarely completely healthy and 100%, so even without getting into whether he is good enough to make this team (I certainly don't think he is) his health will probably preclude him from being considered. I'm not personally a fan of bringing guys like him, but there is no doubt Morrow impacted our 2010 team in a positive manner (he was outstanding in the Russia game in particular) and a big guy like Anderson that can move really well and get in hard on the forecheck a few shifts per period might be an asset. Again, I'm not building a case for the guy, but I have to think that Armstrong is working with a template of sorts and the lack of size/physicality on the projected 2022 team is glaring compared to 2010 and even 2014.

I have Point/Barzal/Scheifele all being on the team at this point.

Morrow was a great glue-guy throughout his career. He was a very good complementary player; could complement a skill line or be a catalyst on a grind line. Anderson's a lone-wolf type of player and far from being such a glue type of player. I don't see Anderson being anywhere close to being in discussion, frankly. There are a few dozen players of that Morrow-type that I'd have way ahead of Anderson.

I also think that Morrow-type has evolved to the point that there are players like Stone, O'Reilly, Couturier, etc. who fill that grittier, fundamentally sound, can play different brands of hockey, 'identity' type players, such that we no longer need 'role' players as in the past.

 

[86Habs]

Yeah, that's all fair and I certainly don't disagree re: Anderson and I understand where you're coming from regarding Anderson/Morrow. Morrow was a grizzled veteran by that point and an important piece on a Cup champion, and I don't remember hearing much controversy over his selection. I have Stone and O'Reilly as locks (or near locks I guess) but the fact is neither of them are as physical as guys Morrow/Perry/Benn. We're not hurting for forwards that can make life difficult for the opposition, but part of me is concerned that Armstrong will go down the path of looking at someone like Anderson in an effort to get a banger and crasher onto the roster, on the NHL-sized ice surface. My concerns are probably unfounded, but I've always had a little trepidation about Armstrong selecting this team honestly.

 

[JackSlater]

Eh, Scheifele. Personally I don't really care if he's left off the team or gets selected in some capacity. The hit on Evans was ill-advised and cost his team, but I have no doubt he'd conduct himself with more composure and discipline when playing for Team Canada...in my estimation there's really minimal risk that he'll do something like that internationally. His remarks on twitter in the days after weren't well thought out, but that's beside the point. If Armstrong has concerns about his consistency in the playoffs, that's fair game in my view. With the way Point and Barzal are playing, and if Armstrong gets comfortable with Barzal on the wing, Scheifele may find himself on the outside looking in.

I also really wonder if there will be a surprise or two in the forward group. I've spoken about Horvat before, but I would not be surprised if Josh Anderson is getting consideration for a Morrow-like role. I mean, he's very rarely completely healthy and 100%, so even without getting into whether he is good enough to make this team (I certainly don't think he is) his health will probably preclude him from being considered. I'm not personally a fan of bringing guys like him, but there is no doubt Morrow impacted our 2010 team in a positive manner (he was outstanding in the Russia game in particular) and a big guy like Anderson that can move really well and get in hard on the forecheck a few shifts per period might be an asset. Again, I'm not building a case for the guy, but I have to think that Armstrong is working with a template of sorts and the lack of size/physicality on the projected 2022 team is glaring compared to 2010 and even 2014.

I could see Scheifele getting "bumped" as it isn't like he's make or break for the team. He probably transitions to wing well but there are plenty of options.

I wouldn't be shocked if Perron got a long look in the sort of role you're describing, which I think you've suggested yourself. Morrow was a solid pick for Canada who had been a good first liner for a few seasons by that point and had plenty of international experience. Importantly he also had a line with Getzlaf and Perry that was somewhat easy to see working. Anderson would be a disappointing selection but there are likely some voices in Hockey Canada looking for some physical options, and there is probably some merit to that honestly. Ideally Benn would still be a viable option but that looks like a thing of the past. This projects to be the least physical edition of Canada ever at this level, but it isn't as if Canada is going to face a very physical team at the Olympics. You'd like to have that as an option but not with a huge reach.

 

[ORRFForever]

I could see Scheifele getting "bumped" as it isn't like he's make or break for the team. He probably transitions to wing well but there are plenty of options.

I wouldn't be shocked if Perron got a long look in the sort of role you're describing, which I think you've suggested yourself. Morrow was a solid pick for Canada who had been a good first liner for a few seasons by that point and had plenty of international experience. Importantly he also had a line with Getzlaf and Perry that was somewhat easy to see working. Anderson would be a disappointing selection but there are likely some voices in Hockey Canada looking for some physical options, and there is probably some merit to that honestly. Ideally Benn would still be a viable option but that looks like a thing of the past. This projects to be the least physical edition of Canada ever at this level, but it isn't as if Canada is going to face a very physical team at the Olympics. You'd like to have that as an option but not with a huge reach.

On paper, the U.S. looks like our main (only? real) competition but we've built teams to beat the U.S. before (1998) and we know how that turned out.

As we all have said, just send the best team and let the chips fall where they may.

P.S. Scheifele is definitely on my team.

P.S.S. As for the size factor, unless the U.S. sends the Tkachuk brothers, and I'm not sure they will, I don't think it will come back to haunt us in any games.

 

[ORRFForever]

Canada 1:

Huberdeau-Crosby-Marchand
McDavid-MacKinnon-Point
Marner-Barzal-Stone
ROR-Bergeron-Couturier
Scheifele

Good lineup but a few quibbles...

* Why breakup Crosby, Bergeron and Marchand? They have amazing chemistry and would make a deadly 3rd line.

* As I have said many times, I don't want Marner anywhere near Team Canada - and he's my favourite Leaf.

* I think McDavid is better as a center.

* Point and Barzal have played themselves on the team.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Good lineup but a few quibbles...

* Why breakup Crosby, Bergeron and Marchand? They have amazing chemistry and would make a deadly 3rd line.

* As I have said many times, I don't want Marner anywhere near Team Canada - and he's my favourite Leaf.

* I think McDavid is better as a center.

* Point and Barzal have played themselves on the team.

Bergeron isn’t a first line caliber player for this team. Marchand and Crosby are. McDavid is bad defensively and on face offs. I wouldn’t overreact too much to the playoffs. Pick the best players.