Picking on Picks
So Mike Fisher didn’t make the cut. He’s probably disappointed after all what was said about him being a real cadidate on making the team.People may look back at that and scoff at it. However, he was in the thick of things. I was told late last night by an exclusive source that Steve Yzerman and co. had three REALLY BIG questions. First, it was Drew Doughty or Jay Bouwmeester, Mike Richards or Jeff Carter, and Fisher or Patrice Bergeron. By the beginning of the week, Team Canada brass was convinced they would take Patrice Bergeron of the Boston Bruins. First, he’s younger and faster. Second, he’s played with Sidney Crosby before in International Competition. The rest was history. I do like the roster Yzerman came up with here, but I’m not so sure they are a lock for gold anymore.
Most people would say Canada’s biggest competitor in the Olympics are the Russians. However, after seeing Russia’s lineup, I don’t think they are going to be gold medal winners. Instead, I am very scared of the reigning champions, Team Sweden. Daniel Alfredsson could be playing alongside the Sedin Twins, which is a very frightening thought. Nicklas Backstrom lined up with Henrik Zetterberg and Peter Forsberg could be a treat, and the best defensive forward in the league, Samuel Pahlsson will likely terrorize other teams. I am not saying Canada will not be good, it is just that they should have gone with more offense.
Another thing Team Canada will have to overcome if discipline. The only selection I did not like on this team is Brenden Morrow. Why him? He is having a mediocre year and even though he has a lot of leadership skills and grit, he constantly takes penalties. Canada has to be disciplined, or else teams like Russia and Sweden will get the Power Play and they can be lethal on it.
At least Mike Fisher can spend the Olympics Break banging consulting with his fiancee. Other than Team Canada, Ottawa hosts the Surprise of the Year Team, the Colorado Avalanche. Last year Colorado won 3-2 in OT courtesy of Wojtek Wolski in the extra frame. Ryan Keller was sent back to Binghamton, meaning Nick Foligno will be back in the lineup. Foligno will play on the fourth line with Shean Donovan and Jesse Winchester. Ottawa has to stay concentrated tonight, and Pascal Leclaire should be able to continue his great play of late. If I were a betting man though, I would say Brian Elliott would get the start on New Years Eve against the Tavares’.
GO SENS GO!!!