Tomorrow at noon Hockey Canada will announce the 23 man roster for the Canucks. This has been a much discussed debate even before the Olympic draw. So here it is, my team Canada.
Canada is always a powerhouse in the International scene but recently has looked like a midpack team even with all the choices and talent. This year I think Hockey Canada will carefully select its rosters and quite possibly go in the next generation movement. I expect Canada to erase all doubts and finish in the top 2 if not number 1 in the world.
In Net: Canada always has strong goaltending so that shouldn't be an issue at all. The main issue is who will start? I believe veteran Martin Broduer will be their number 1 guy till he faulters. He's been playing invedible hockey and has been there and back in almost every way possible. Roberto Luongo will be his backup and be groomed for the next tournament. As for the third stringer its a tough call but my gut says Cam Ward of the Carolina Hurricanes. Wards a great goalie and one of the few bright spots in the Canes lineup and future.
On The Backend: Needless to say Canada easily has the best defense in the world and its a hard selection because there is way too many great Canadian defensemen of all molds.Veteran Chris Pronger will be Canadas main physical threat from the point. He can put up numbers while intimating the opposition. His partner I believe will be Ottawa native and San Jose Shark Dan Boyle, who is always deadly. Scotty Niedermayer will be the captain for one last tournament and should feature in the 2nd pairing with Mike Green of the Washington Caps. The last pairing of Jay Bouwmeister of the Calgary Flames and Brent Seabrook should be equally as deadly as the 1st 2 pairings. I believe that Duncan Keith, Robyn Regher or Shea Weber will be the last man in. Its a tough call and in my gut I still don't trust it as I've gone through this about 100 times before this post. Dion Phaneuf of Calgary Flames shouldn't be counted out ether.
Up Front: Canada always has a balanced forward attack with much skill and much grit as well. Canadas top line looks more like the top line of an allstar team and would gaurentie a cup for any team lucky enough to have all 3 players. Sydney Crosby I believe will be forced to the left as that's Canadas only weak position. Joe Thornton will center this group with Assistant captain Jerome Iginla on the right. On the second line former Senator Danny Heatley will play with International linemate Ryan Getzlaf and RW Rick Nash. Corey Perry could feature on the right but I have him one line day down with Vincent Levavalier C and LW Martin St Louis. Long gone are the days of Draper and Maltby frustrating and shutting down opponents. Welcome to the LW Ryan Smyth, C Eric Staal and RW Shane Doan days. A Pretty talented 4th line that would compare to any 1st line in the league. The Odd man out was a hard selection as there was about 20 players who could or should be on this squad. Many people are going to laugh when they are my selection but Ill stand by it. Mike Cammalleri of the Montreal Canadians. He's talanted and can play in all situations. He can play LW which Canada is short on and play center equally as good. A key trait in my opinion. He's also finally breaking out and showing why the Habs tried so hard to sign him. He's also consistent and has shown he can carry a offensively starved team. Love it or hate it he's my pick for the forward sub.
Sleepers: Half of the NHL roster could be considered sleepers but Ill limit it to a couple. Dion Phaneuf who I mentioned before could be a candidate. He's a talented hockey player despite his struggles with the Flames. One of the most feared hitters in the game. Jeff Carter is another bubble player to think about. Finally Milan Lucic. The brass are high on his physical play and determination. He's more likely a real sleeper than the other 2. If you wanna go by those standards you may wanna consider Paul Kariya who has loads of international experience and plays left wing. Brad Richards is another guy who could easily be there as well. Not so much a sleeper though.
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