Olympic Outlook

With just over 3 weeks until Steve Yzerman announces the complete Team Canada roster for the 2010 olympics it's time to review...

In Goal

Luongo won the battle of starting goalies when his Canucks outplayed the New Jersey Devils and Martin Brodeur. Obviously this won't decide who will be starting for Team Canada as the blame can't rest solely on the shoulders of the goaltender, however, it is interesting to see, which goaltender stepped up. At this point and time, I still think there is debate who will be starting for Team Canada in Vancouver, however, I believe that there is no doubt that the three goaltenders will be Luongo, Brodeur and Fleury (Fleury as the 3rd string). Personally, I still haven't wavered in my opinion that Brodeur will and should be the starter. In any case, the future of Canadian goalies is reassuring, with names such as Fleury, Ward, Mason and Price (when he has shown flashes of being a solid NHL goaltender) leading the charge.

Up Front

In addition, it seems like everywhere I look I see people arguing that Stamkos should be on Team Canada. I'll admit that he is having an amazing year and I would love to see him wearing a Team Canada jersey but it always comes back to who will he replace? I had my doubts whether Joe Thornton, after his constant playoff choking year after year, would be left off his team, however, after an incredible start to the season, I wouldn't be surprised to see his line in San Jose, including Heatley and Marleau, be an actual line on Team Canada. Furthermore, Crosby will be on the team, which leaves 2 open centre spots, as Steve Yzerman has gone on the record of stating that he prefers centres to play centre and if possible to keep it that way when filling out the teams roster.

 Team Canada has always, and appears to be continuing to follow previous trends, to have a well rounded team by picking players not solely on their offensive abilities but their ability to play specific roles and the adaptability to move into other roles in case of injuries. This is where I believe that Stamkos loses out. With Thornton and Crosby as the 2 offensive centres, I don't believe that Stamkos game is well rounded enough to play that 3rd or 4th line centre role. But let's be honest, Stamkos is only 19 years and there is no doubt that he'll be helping Canada win Gold in future olympics for years to come (hopefully NHLers are participating in them!!), but I think people forget of a young 18 year old NHLer who was left off Team Canada's olympic roster and in fact scored 102 points in that rookie season. You might have heard of him, he'll be the number centre for Team Canada in 2010, Sidney Crosby.

Now here are my predictions up front:

Now these might not be the exact lines but I figure it'll be easier to list the players in that fashion.

Nash - Crosby - Iginla

Heatley - Thornton - Marleau*

St.Louis - Toews - Doan

Smyth* - Richards* - Morrow*

For the players with Stars beside their name I feel as if they require discussion. Where I had a feeling Joe Thornton might be left off the Olympic team, I didn't have Marleau even on the radar. After his solid start though, I truly believe that he has played his way on the team and I can't see Steve Yzerman leaving him off. Same goes for Smyth, Captain Canada appeared to have finally reached his end of representing Canada at the Olympics but after his strong start and demonstrating his ability to play with elite players, I think that he'll make the team not only because of sentiment but because he's earned it. The only worry I have is about the injury he sustained. Hopefully he can come back before the announcement and play a few strong games. After starting off the season on fire Richards has come back to earth but is still playing his gritty two way game that will serve him well in making this team. The same can be said for Morrow, in addition to the fact he missed most of last season with an injury, his bounce back this year is impressive.

In addition, I believe that if there is in fact a taxi squad or if there are to be other players who make the main roster it will come from the California State, in the form of Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry, both Anaheim Ducks. After slow starts from both, they have picked up their individual games. Unfortunately for the Ducks, it has not equated to wins.

Manning the Backend

I think other than the slight debate about who will be actually starting in goal, the defense for Team Canada, in my opinion, if fairly cut and dry. The starting pairing and anchors to the team will be a reunion between Chris Pronger and Scott Neidermayer, both getting older but remain top defensemen, both on their respective clubs and league wide. After them, you can be sure to see newly signed to long term contracts, Duncan Keith and Jay Bouwmeester, two very smooth skaters with good all around games. Rounding the top 6 will be two defensemen, who don't receive as much publicity due to their markets than their skill level, Dan Boyle and Shea Weber.

 After having been on my radar for a possible roster spot and at the very least a taxi squad spot, I believe Brent Burns' game has struggled this year, and after recently suffering a concussion, has all but shut the door on any possibility of him being in the mix. As for the final taxi squad position, allowing for one defenseman, it will come down to Dion Phaneuf, who seems to have finally found his all around game, even if it means lower offensive totals, and the LA Kings stud defenseman Drew Doughty, who has not only fast tracked the turn around to respectability for Los Angeles but has demonstrated that he will definitely be the anchor of Team Canada for years to come.