OT: XXII Olympic Winter Games - Sochi 2014

[Troy McClure]

If Benn played with Crosby he'd be on that list. That's how Kunitz got on. Marchand playing with Bergeron got him on that list.

Benn is good enough to make that list, and he'll probably make the team. This doesn't mean he can't make the team. Look at Team Canada World Junior Camps as an example.

Whether Benn is good enough or not isn't the question. That team has the choice of the best talent in the NHL. They can pick from proven talent. They don't have to settle on potential. Benn has a few seasons of good but not great play on teams that failed to make the playoffs and is in the midst of changing positions. Today, Benn hasn't earned a spot, and a big reason why he has been passed over is that he hasn't had a chance to show what he can do in the playoffs against better competition.

Whatever you think of Marchand, he's been a contributor to two long playoff runs. Those are tough playoff games against other good teams. Kunitz benefits from playing by Crosby, but he put up some great numbers this season beside Crosby. He may not make the team, but I can understand the Team Canada people wanting to see if that chemistry can continue in international competition on the bigger ice. He's probably a long shot to make the team.

The bad timing of the Stars being so bad for so long will rob Benn of the chance to earn a spot on this Olympic team. I am hopeful that Benn will have several opportunities to show off in the playoffs over the next four years to earn a spot on the next Team Canada.

 

[Arno Dorian*]

Our gain. I hate that the NHL shuts down mid season and the players all risk injury for another team.

This x1000. We don't need our young roster having any more risk of injury.

 

[sepHF]

Damn... I had Benn on my mock lineup playing with Getzlaf and Perry.

Really surprised he didn't get invited at least over a guy like Marchand.

 

[Dr Pepper]

Meh.

Knowing our luck, we'll end up with a fully-rested stable of forwards and defense, only to watch Kari get wrecked while tending the twine for the Finns.

Season shot.

 

[Arpi3080]

At least Gonchar got an invitation:

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=678658&cmpid=nhl-fb

EDIT:

Lehtonen for Finland but it will be a hard competition agains Rask, Rinne, Niemi and Backstrom

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=678698&navid=nhl:topheads

 

[TrillMike]

Lehtonen for Finland but it will be a hard competition agains Rask, Rinne, Niemi and Backstrom

http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=678698&navid=nhl:topheads

I take Kari before Rask, Niemi and Backstrom 10 times out of 10. Just my opinion though.

 

[Stars99Lobo37]

Bump.

Anyone thinking Seguin or Benn get added with their play thus far this year?

 

[MetalGodAOD*]

TSN projected Benn would get the call

 

[Primetimey*]

I can't see Seguin getting a spot even if he is at a PPG from here until they announce the roster. Benn would be a good choice for a 4th line LW however.

 

[ElGuapo]

Geez Canada is loaded with centers.

 

[Bjorn Le]

Unless Benn significantly drops off one would think he's a good bet now. If Seguin is PPG+ he might get on as the 13th or 14th forward.

 

[jukkaeemeli]

Hi. Lehtonen has been amazing. so pleased, that Dallas have some faith on him If Rinne is out, Lehtonen and Rask should be our starting golies in olympics.

 

[Stars99Lobo37]

Hi. Lehtonen has been amazing. so pleased, that Dallas have some faith on him If Rinne is out, Lehtonen and Rask should be our starting golies in olympics.

Please no. He needs rest.

 

[Troy McClure]

Unless Benn significantly drops off one would think he's a good bet now. If Seguin is PPG+ he might get on as the 13th or 14th forward.

Seguin faces an uphill battle thanks to the Boston smear campaign that the Canadian hockey media accepted as truth.

 

[tjcurrie]

Seguin faces an uphill battle thanks to the Boston smear campaign that the Canadian hockey media accepted as truth.

Yeah that likely plays a partial role in keeping him off. That and as good as he is, he's not really a Team Canada type of guy. Not yet. He's extremely young still and really hasn't placed himself among the offensively elite yet. They'll just look at him as "Just another skilled offensive guy." He's not up there with the likes of Crosby, Stamkos (obviously gone now), Tavares, Getzlaf, etc, and he isn't someone they can stick in a checking-type role. He just ends up in that odd man out category.

Benn on the other hand brings the entire package and offers up the intangibles they'll be looking for after the top two lines are formed. His offensive production (if he keeps it up for the most part) is the icing on the cake. He deserves to make it and if he doesn't I'm cheering for the U.S.A once again.

 

[UpGoesRupp]

Well, Benn moves past Stamkos due to injury, Giroux due to poor play and potentially Nash cause of injury. I've said it in a couple threads. I'd like to see a line of:

Benn-Getzlaf-Perry/Nash

 

[tjcurrie]

Well, Benn moves past Stamkos due to injury, Giroux due to poor play and potentially Nash cause of injury. I've said it in a couple threads. I'd like to see a line of:

Benn-Getzlaf-Perry/Nash

Canada does like to stick with what they've used in the past. They also try to match NHL linemates when they can. So I can see Benn/Getzlaf/Perry for sure.

 

[Arpi3080]

I wonder if Gonchar is still a lock for team Russia.

 

[Dr Pepper]

I wonder if Nuke is on their radar.

 

[Arpi3080]

Maybe Ruff has a little influence as assistent coach?!

 

[Atas2000]

I wonder if Nuke is on their radar.

nope. I expect him to be a lock in 2018

 

[Atas2000]

I wonder if Gonchar is still a lock for team Russia.

He actually never was...

 

[Stars99Lobo37]

Bumping this since we're less than two weeks from learning rosters.

 

[MBTendy]

Really hoping Benn makes it.

 

[aloonda*]

I wonder if Nuke is on their radar.

Was wondering the same. Not as early as you did, but it crossed my mind the other day.