Team Canada 2014: Predicting The Forwards

LINE 1

C Sidney Crosby, PIT

Jan 3, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center

(87) skates with the puck against the New York Rangers during the second period at the CONSOL Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

A lock to make the team, as the best player on the planet.  He scored the Golden Goal in 2010 and has been healthy all season.

RW  Steven Stamkos, TBL

Nov 7, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning center

(91) shoots as Edmonton Oilers center

(93) defends during the second period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Despite his leg injury, you have to name him to the roster, expecially given the strides he has made in his recovery.  A natural centre but has the speed and smarts to play wing and should form a dynamic duo with Crosby, and also take some of the heat off Sid.

LW  Chris Kunitz. PIT

Dec 9, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins left wing

(14) carries the puck against the Columbus Blue Jackets during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Likely to be the most controvertial selection for those complaining that “their guy” didn’t make the team.  Kunitz has great chemistry with Crosby and is 4th in league scoring, and is a +23 (Crosby is +12).