International TournamentsDiscuss International Tournaments like the WJC, Olympics, and World Cup, as they take place, or discuss past tournaments. performances.
I don't think what is available for us on defense is all that weak.
It's not great but it's more then serviceable if guys quickly develop some chemistry with their partners.
Look at the on paper defense that Finland had going into last years championships, every Finn that I saw was howling that they didn't have a chance with what they considered was a terribly soft Swiss cheese back end but who ended up winning the whole thing?
This tournament is different, it's not so much about who has the most stars as it is about each line and pairing finding a role and coming together quickly.
Most people always forget that about the World Championships for some reason.
From the Avs, I'd expect O'Reilly, Duchene, and Downie to get invites. I think O'Reilly would be the only one that would play though. The other two are hurt and will need surgery
I rarely post but its hardly trolling other than my two leafs picks on defense , most of my guys are already on other lists , Iginla should be on this team but I left him off and Stall has a very young family (pure SPECULITIVE FICTION ALERT) so I think he wont go . I didn't pick some older and bigger players for my team because that's not the kind of team that wins these tourney's on international ice .
I rarely post but its hardly trolling other than my two leafs picks on defense , most of my guys are already on other lists , Iginla should be on this team but I left him off and Stall has a very young family (pure SPECULITIVE FICTION ALERT) so I think he wont go . I didn't pick some older and bigger players for my team because that's not the kind of team that wins these tourney's on international ice .
Cool man, welcome to the International Board!
Fowler is American. I'll assume you meant Andrew McDonald. I can't imagine Bergeron getting selected for any Team Canada's anymore. Myers is hurt, so even if Buffalo doesn't make it, I can't imagine him going. Given Schenn's atrocious year, I would be devastated if we had to take him.
On forwards, I would not take Smytty or Duchene, for one Duchene is hurt, and for two, he played terribly last year for Team Canada. And Heatley, that'll be interesting to see if they ask him go to.
Look for Lupul to get an invitation if he is healthy. Im sure Hockey Canada took note of his play this season, and with a good WC this spring I believe he could garner some attention for an Olympic spot. Obviously its a long shot, but he is a big guy, can skate well, can shoot, has hands, and this year proved he could be a set up man.
Now that Price is out, if Harding says no due to contract and Ward decides to sit out again (although I don't think he will because the way Hockey Canada said it will impact the Olympic selections, it was probably aimed at guys like him), that leaves Dubnyk and Reimer or Chris Mason maybe? I know they had Mason there before and he's still a solid backup, but that's a far cry from a Ward/Price/Harding trio.
Eberle-RNH-Stamkos
Moulson-Tavares-Parenteau
Kane-O'Reilly-Downie (Kane is like Landeskog)
Foligno-Been-Glencross
Gorges-Subban
Phaneuf-Giordano
Hamonic-Beauchemin
Would be a realistic team..
Marcus Foligno was assigned back to the AHL to assist in trying to get the Amerks into the playoffs. (Nick, of course, plays for USA and is in the playoffs).
Sounds like Nash is out according to Dregger. Wasn't really counting on him this time around, he's got other things to worry about. Would have been nice to have him, but he's put his time in. Forward talent shouldn't be an issue anyhow.
