GDT: WJC Pre-Tournament Game #5:Dec 19 Canada Vs Switzerland

[covfefe]

That is one of the biggest reasons why most Canadian teams fail. They have enough talented forwards every year, but the defencemen are too slow to get the puck to the forwards. McIssac cannot skate at all, this was a problem ever since he was playing in his first junior season, his biggest flaw and he hasn't improved it at the U20 level. Phillips was always a meh player, still not sure his role on this team, he's not quick for a small player like Hicketts.

Mitchell, Smith, and Bouchard are going to be good. I have confidence in Dobson because I know he can skate well and he's a good puck-mover. The rest, better play better in their roles.

Phillips is 6'0 203, Hicketts is a generous 5'8 and ~175...

Agreed on most other points though.

 

[SpItFiReZ]

Lol it’s the first exhibition game as a team, we need to relax a bit here. If it was the first tournament game then I’d be more worried.

 

[780il]

It's also a joke they didn't take Merkley.

I get that one cause Merkley is straight doo doo in his own zone

Still would be better than McIsaac maybe

 

[HC7]

McIssac shouldn't be near this team, all of his possession stats are awful. People want to call him a defensive D because he's always in his own zone. In reality he's just really bad.

 

[John Agar]

It's also a joke they didn't take Merkley.

We already have Wild Cards...

Merkley is a Tasmanian Devil of Wild Cards...

Way too freelance for Hockey Canada

 

[jj cale]

First period and a half, good to very good.

The last period and a half, not so good.

Defense sure needs to be ironed out.

 

[Canucks LB]

And I just noticed how goddamn pretty those jerseys are I’m definitely going to buy one

 

[nucks88]

I hope Scott is as good as I think he is

He will be a fine backup....

 

[TheBradyBunch]

I think Bernard Docker should've made the team over McIsaac tbh.

Would have been risky to take 5RD and just 2LD.

Congrats to Ian Scott on winning the starting job tonight.

Congrats to you for the comment with the least amount of perspective tonight.

 

[goonybird]

what a snipe. criminally underrated. hart trophy contention in the future

 

[780il]

what a snipe. criminally underrated. hart trophy contention in the future

He's good, real good

But c'mon lol

 

[Michael Brand Eggs]

I would love to see Canada swap Anderson-Dolan and Veleno for next game.

 

[Christien]

McIssac shouldn't be near this team, all of his possession stats are awful. People want to call him a defensive D because he's always in his own zone. In reality he's just really bad.

Quit hating, he's not a bad player by any means and has had a great year for Halifax.

 

[snipes]

Comtois is such a beast.

 

[Sens of Anarchy]

I would love to see Canada swap Anderson-Dolan and Veleno for next game.

Agree; neither of those lines did much. Bowers and Entwistle looked overmatched vs the Swiss...so lookout.

 

[HC7]

We he have Wild Cards...

Merkley is a Tasmanian Devil of Wild Cards...

Way too freelance for Hockey Canada

Merkley plays better with better players. His vision would be unparalleled on this team, and playing with the best U-20 Canadians would only create better chances. His D game isn't great, but his offensive makes up for it and then some.

 

[John Agar]

I would love to see Canada swap Anderson-Dolan and Veleno for next game.

I agree...

Dolan kills p0ssesion...

Put him on a checking line so he can push forcheck...

Veleno would make better O'zone choices towards goals...

 

[Jason MacIsaac]

Taking McIsaac and Phillips as the only other LHD other than Smith seems suicide now. I'm not sure what I would want to see.

Smith - Bouchard
Brook - Mitchell
Phillips - Dobson
Extra Forward
McIsaac

 

[snipes]

It's also a joke they didn't take Merkley.

We need more defenders who know how to defend and actually care about playing defence.

 

[Alerion]

Comtois is cementing himself as the guy TSN overhypes heading into the tournsment this year. Excellent game from him.

 

[Canucks LB]

I really hope that the third period, The only period i got to watch because I was at work is not an indication on how Canada is going to play.

Because if it is they’re going to get absolutely lambasted by USA.

Luckily though I think Canada is going to be just fine

 

[Legend123]

It's also a joke they didn't take Merkley.

offense is the last thing we need. We need D!!!

 

[TheBeastCoast]

Not so fast...

Scott plays for a dominant team in the Dub'...

Not sure this will be solid for this tournament no matter who is in net...

I think the Canadian team defense must evolve each game in order to counter this problem....

Or we will have a team that wins Corsi, but loses the S'Corsi...

Scott plays a pretty large role in said best team in the CHL.

 

[BMOK33]

Dobson’s weight is too low for his size. I know some Isles fans thought he could make the team as early as next year. Needs another 20-30 pounds easily

 

[John Agar]

Merkley plays better with better players. His vision would be unparalleled on this team, and playing with the best U-20 Canadians would only create better chances. His D game isn't great, but his offensive makes up for it and then some.

Maybe one day... lots of upside on Merkley, but his reputation has preceded him...

He may be one of the best D'Men out of his draft class one day... but thats up to him... reeling himself in to get there...

Hockey Canada tends to make safer upside picks... right or wrong...