frankgrimes

The thing is, 4 flying lines are not needed a top 6 bottom 6 approach is the way to go. The first two lines are going to have an unreal amount of speed, but the third and fourth line don't need to provide that they should be role players. Who cares if other teams are better skaters, clock up the middle and check everything that moves done by the third and fourth line. Having said that, at the end of the day this is their roster and we'll see how well they are doing on the bigger ice.

I'm expecting 0 fights, because nobody would be stupid enough to drop the gloves against Lucic. I mean Lucic, Getzlaf and Nash these are three big bodies add to that Carter and Nash = 5 big bodies so only one missing to form two physical shutdown lines, that can also score. I think, not having the intimindation factor of Lucic will hurt this team, as will not having Seabrook on the roster.

Lucic may not be the fastest skater, but the guy provides size, physicality and intimidation not one team in the whole tournament has someone like him. Backes is tough but he wouldn't stand a chance against Milan Lucic. Lucic - Getzlaf - Perry to me was a completely no brainer that line, would have scored, dominated and shut down other top lines no Benn, Marleau and Kunitz don't have that element in their game. Kunitz is just there well because he is Cindys Winger. Instead of havin to form one defensive pairing, they now have to form two Weber + and Keith + ? Seabrook should have been on that team, with either Hamhuis or Subban as an emergency replacement. Personally I also feel sorry for MSL, these are obviously his last Olympics and his own GM doesn't stand up for him, personally I would be pissed and ask for a trade.

Agreed, all this talk about chemistry and then not picking the arguable two best pairings in the world is just dumb. Provide Weber with Doughty and this defense is killer from the get go. The only ! positive of having Kunitz there, is the chemistry with Crosby other than that, meh. The thing with Nash is this: He can play top 6 minutes but thanks to his size also fulfill bottom duties (checking, shutdown type of stuff) so I understand the thought process of that. St. Louis needs to be a top 6 guy, he can't fulfill the bottom 6 job maybe that worked against him. Giroux was obviously held back by his horrible start. Benn, Marleaux are very questionable to me..

Nope I think, if Kronner doesn't need to play the QB PP role he will and should focus on his shutdown role. Let Karlsson be the QB and focus more on the defensive duties. Having said that it's almost unreal how much weaker their defense is looking without the perfect human.

Depends if he has played for any TC team before, if so he would not b e able to play.

Nerves for sure, he doesn't like the big stages but boy if I'm Seabrook, Lucic, Giroux or St. Louis I'd be seriously best nothing against Benn (great player), but he is a product of a superstar in the making in Seguin.

Just for fun I did the caphit on team Canada, a whooping 150 million $ and now just dream about the quality of roster we would have, if it weren't for the stupid CBA...

Hamhuis over Seabrook is just wow. Also I'm surprised that Lucic hasn't made it, the guy is a rugged physical mammoth, Lucic - Getzlaf - Perry would have been a nightmare to play against.

Their defense safe for OEL and Kronner lacks stay at home defenders, other than that a very good roster, they should medal for sure. So happy for the Monster, well deserved

How could I forget that, not having G iroux on the roster is a headscratcher. Kunitz is only on the team thanks to Cindy

How can they not take Seabrook ? that would have been two pairings with immediately chemistry

Seriously, just shut up and announce the roster, nobody cares about politicians or ministers announce the damn roster

I fully agree, but at some point it will happen and personally I wouldn't be too pissed about a rebuild, starting next year (...*cough* McDavid draft :-)

My summary: 1. The Players I really don't know what kind of goofy and play for the camera stuff people are expecting? Keep in mind despite being outstanding atlethes, extremely rich these guys are human beings too, enjoying the same things we "normal" people are doing. I thought it was pretty cool seeing a guy making 64 million in the future, talking about playing Xbox, watching TV hanging out...sure it's a damn nice apartment. Yes, the show did focus too much on Lupul, the guy just seems to love the spotlight but whatever. For all the crap Kessel is getting, because he is introverted he did extremely well. I know full well, I wouldn't have done half as good a job having the cameras in my house or infront of me. The second ping-pong game seemed a bit forced, having a hard time to believe Phaneuf would take it that seriously. The best DetroitRedWings part obviously was Danny K going out and giving autographs, taking pictures with fans and obviously seeing Alfie and his family on Christmas. The lag of Pasha is simple, he was injured and his English although extremely improved isn't the best plus he is a shy guy. My only complaints are they did just focus a bit too much, on showing their homes and cars, who cares about Lupul going shopping or seeing Phaneufs dressing shoe room ? 2. The Coaches I really think, the difference between Babcock and Carlyle has been made very clear. I have a hard time believing, that Randy C. really has the room and the full support of his team, Babcock on the other side has at least the room and is by far the more constructive coach. As a new player I would have a hard time, following Carlyles gameplay (...yeah compete harder but how ? yeah finish every check but HOW do we counter THEIR system ...? ). 3. Winter Classic ... Thats my biggest disappointment with the last episode. HBO has Z coming back and obviously they are featuring him, but two Original 6 franchises and not even one interview with former alltime greats "alumnis" ? I know the show is just 60 minutes long, but seriously cut the games before it and focus on the big event between the two clubs. Also having a crowd of 105.000 under classic hockey conditions and not even featuring them, is another disappointment. I really hoped to see interviews with the perfect human, Cujo, Domi, Koecur...EP 4 could have been so much better it's a shame. To best honest, I've felt a bit bad for Liles having to say goodbye to this teammates during the Winterclassic...seriously couldn't they have waited a few more minutes and let him enjoy the day ? Show some class here. Overall I've enjoyed it more than I thought I would, it's nice to see that these outstanding stars aren't all that different in their everyday routines from us. Just for comparison, I'm glad not one player embarrassed himself like Bryzgalov or Boudreaux.

The quality simply is amazing, great find thanks for the link.

It's better than getting nothing and also part of doing the classy thing by providing someone who is on his last legs with an opportunity to win his first Stanley Cup.

Kindl hasn't played well so I'm not shocked by that, not taking Hudler although seems like a mistake.

Bring back Campbell please

Quincey Smith, Smith is young and already showing huge improvements give him time. Also they are both cheaper than the other pairing and have more room to grow.

Updated earlier predictions Tavares - Crosby - Stamkos St. Louis - Toews - Giroux Nash - Bergeron - Richards Lucic - Getzlaf - Perry Doughty - Weber Keith - Seabrook Bouwmeester - Pietrangelo outside D: Vlasic over Subban outside O: St. Louis over Hall, Benn and Seguin Luongo Price Crawford I think Letang has played too much on the offensive side in order to be trusted on the bigger ice. Vlasic is a stable, non maintenance kind of guy so if any injuries happen, he should be in. 3 + 4 line are obviously the grind it out, shutdown lines with physicality and intimidation in form of Lucic.

Agreed, I mean if Alfie has the chance to go to a powerhouse team and play for the cup I'm sure he would do it and it would be well deserved just a great player.

There's already a thread for that http://www.letsgowings.com/forums/topic/75095-its-time-to-predict-2014-team-canada/?hl=canada

If Alfie has the chance to play for a cup contender and they are willing to give up an end first or an early second rounder, Kenny absolutely has to do it. I'd love to see Alfie finally getting his Stanley Cup ring and

Well if Lupul gets a 10.000 $ fine, Myers should get 5 - 7.500 $ no stick involved and I don't think he did it intentionally. I also think fines should be in % of the salary not just a fixed amount