With December approaching I began my countdown roughly 71 hours ago at the mark of 87 days..
The Olympics are coming.
Yes! One of the most exciting events in hockey is just a few short months away. The greatest athletes worldwide gathering together for the common goal and dream of bringing home the gold in the name of their country.. Among them, some of our very own Pittsburgh Penguins..
Top 10 Plays by Team Canada Invitees
Representing team USA, Brooks Orpik is first amid the elite Guins honoured with an invite to orientation camp. Tallying up a total of 2 Goals 17 Assists last season Orps is off to an impressive open, already recording 6 Assists, along with 67 hits and 37 blocked shots within the first two months of play. After suffering a lower body injury in mid November, Brooks returned Nov 21st after missing 4 games and almost immediately fell back into his groove. He appears to have re-gained his foot speed, making a few clutch plays and poke checks, as well as registering an assist to help bring the Penguins from their 2-0 3rd Period deficit to secure an OT win to the Florida Panthers last night. His physicality and penalty killing abilities could add some valuable depth to the team USA blue line. Either way, Brooks has plenty of free candy left to dish out.
Heading up two key positions for Russia are, of course, Evgeni Malkin and Sergei Gonchar. Now here’s a little equation for everyone: What do you get when you combine a Stanley Cup Champion + the Conn Smythe + 2 Hart Trophies + 2 Calders + 2 Art Ross Trophies + the Lester B Pearson + 3 Rocket Richards…
The answer?? One HELL of a first line.
Geno will, more than likely, act as first line center for his Olympic team with Ovechkin and Kovalchuck, while Sarg looks to be positioned along side Andrei Markov as the top defensive pairing. Offensively speaking this team is absolutely stacked. With the potential to be unstoppable, Russia debatably possesses the greatest offence ever witnessed in Olympic hockey history. Geno has come a long way in his few years as a penguin, both on and off the ice. His control, protection, playmaking, and judgement (to name a few) improve from season to season. Each year he comes back mentally and physically stronger, ready to take his game to the next level. He has also expanded into an accomplished two way player, leading the league in takeaways during the 08-09 season. Although he often comes off on the shy side towards the media, Geno has a deep passion for this game, a big personality and an unspoken leadership presence made apparent through his actions.
Gonchar is a valuable addition to any team’s blue line providing a strong veteran presence. Prior to being injured Oct. 20th with a broken wrist, he was tied for second in NHL defensemen with seven points. Missing for a total of 12 game the team’s power play suffered without their star quarterback. Sarg displays exceptional timing, control and lateral movement along the point and routinely averages about 70% of his points on the power play. With these two players on the team, Russia will be a powerhouse force to be reckoned with.
Finally, we have our tenacious home team. The Canadians.
After being questionably left off the 2006 Olympic roster, Sidney Crosby is the obvious choice for this team’s top line centerman (potentially playing opposite his own NHL team mate Malkin). His playmaking abilities are unmatched and he is notably one of the smartest players in the league, always acting a step ahead of the play, relentless and driven. Crosby’s passion, experience, character and fierce competitive nature also make him a prime candidate for team Canada Captain. Although he is still relatively young for a title as prestigious as the C, Crosby has proven to be a natural born leader earning the penguins 3 consecutive playoff runs, 2 SCF appearances and 1 ultimate cup win. The ambassador of our nations sport, The Kid is a dedicated edition to this team.
I think we all know that Fleury has proven himself to be a reliable big game player. Do I even have to refer to the show he put on in the ‘08 cup finals game 5? The stonewall he made on Ovechkin turning the tide in game 7 of the ’09 conference semis? Or the two unbelievable saves he made in the last five seconds of the SCF game 7 match to secure a 2-1 cup victory??… When Fleury is confident he is difficult to beat, thriving on hype and big plays. He has great flexibility, puck playing ability and post to post movement. Flower has been solid in net so far this season and continues to peak the interest of Olympic scouts. Speaking in terms of team Canada goaltending, he is first overall in wins, and a close second in saves. His resume is not as deep as his competition (Brodeur and Luongo), but he has pleaded a good case and, in light of his recent cup win, is likely to secure the final position in goal on the roster.
Jordan Staal is a bit of a wild card as to whether or not he will crack the top list. The skill he brings to the ice pertains more so to his contributions as a two way forward.
Yzerman has stated that his plan, when creating the final team’s roster, is to make sure each and every player has a specific job or roll to fill. “We want quality and depth at each position so our team has no weaknesses. We intend to be strong in all parts of the game, both at even strength and on special teams.” He mentions the importance of roll players to a team and even references the performance of Maxime Talbot in game 7 of the SCF.
Staal is emerging as a promising complete player. Once known as a checking centerman, he has evolved offensively through his time spent with the penguins. His niche is with the special teams. Physical defensive abilities, coupled with power, size, control, and protective reach make him a danger to other teams even when playing shorthanded.. Or should I say ESPECIALLY when playing shorthanded?..
Stevie, if it’s depth you want, it’s Staal you get.
Best of luck to each of our boys securing a roster spot to represent their respective countries.
As of January 2nd I will be blogging to you from the heart of Vancouver, where I hope to keep you as updated as possible on any new news and information regarding the great sport of Hockey at the Olympic games.
Until then, keep your stick on the ice.
number of view: 1989Tags: Brooks Orpik, Evgeni Malkin, Jordan Staal, Marc Andre Fleury, Sergei Gonchar, Sidney Crosby
Wow i wish i could write hockey like this! ShutYour5Hole you are the best player on my team, team Belarus!
OOOOOOOH CAAAAAANADAAAAAA!
(how are my vocals?)
i think i have commented on your ability to hit high notes before!
then to quote colby armstrong:
okay, one two, one two, are we checkin this mic?