Ottawa Senators Players Who Should And Could Be Olympics Bound
Now that it has been confirmed that the NHL players will indeed be participating in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, attention will turn to predicting the players who will be representing their various countries.
While there will be only 12 countries participating, meaning a lot of players will not get the opportunity, but here is a list of Ottawa Senators players who should get the call, along with a couple of players who might be in consderation to make their countries’ squads.
Erik Karlsson, SWEDEN
May 22, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators defenseman
Erik Karlsson(65) during wamups prior to game four of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Obviously, if he is healthy, Erik Karlsson is one of the top 5 defensemen in the world, and you could argue for him being the absolute best, depending on your preferences and how you like your blueliners. He will definitely be on Team Sweden.
Bobby Ryan, USA
April 30, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Anaheim Ducks right wing
Bobby Ryan(9) shoots the puck against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period in game one of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at the Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan represented the US in Vancouver the last time around as a 22 year 0ld, and with 3 more 30 goal seasons under his belt since then, there is no reason to think that he would not be on the roster once again.
Craig Anderson, USA
May 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators goalie
Craig Anderson(41) makes a save against Pittsburgh Penguins right wing
Jarome Iginla(12) during the third period in game five of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 6-2 to close out the series. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Anderson has donned the Stars and Strips twice in the World Championships and was arguably the best goalie in the league last season. He will be in tough with a solid group of US goalies including Jonathan Quick, Cory Schneider, Jimmy Howard and Ryan Miller. However, a good start to the season would make it tough for US management to keep him off the roster.
Milan Michalek, CZECH REPUBLIC
May 22, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) during wamups prior to game four of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
His knees will likely determine whether or not he is available to play, but if healthy, Michalek will be on the Czech Republic club in Sochi. He has represented his country in the Vancouver Olympics as well as 4 World Championships.
Jason Spezza, CANADA
May 24, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators center Jason Spezza (19) on the ice against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period in game five of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 6-2 to close out the series. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Is this the year that Spezza breaks through to make it impossible to keep him off Team Canada? He seems to have fallen down the depth chart, and missing most of the 2013 season doesn’t help his case. He would need an incredible start to the season to get himself back into the mix for the ultra-competitive Canadian roster that could field two teams and the “B” team would have a legitimate shot at the gold medal.
Marc Methot, CANADA
May 14, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman Marc Methot (3) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Joe Vitale (46) along the boards during the third period in game one of the second round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Pittsburgh Penguins won 4-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Not the flashy type player, but his solid defensive play has made people notice the blueliner. Although not likely to make the final team, he should get invited to the orientation camp in August. He has the advantage of being a left-handed shot on a roster that will likely be dominated by righties.
Mika Zibanejad, SWEDEN
May 7, 2013; Ottawa, ON, CAN; Montreal Canadiens centre Jeff Halpern (24) and Ottawa Senators centre Mika Zibanejad (93) face off in the first period in game four of the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs at Scotiabank Place. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports
Probably not yet in that level, Zibanejad is more likely to get the not for the 2018 games. There is still a lot of the veteran presence from the 2006 Gold Medal Swedish club that are not quite ready to pass the torch. Another player who would need a great start to the season to make the Swedes take notice and maybe get himself into a taxi squad position.
Robin Lehner, SWEDEN
Apr 11, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Ottawa Senators goalie Robin Lehner (40) makes a save against the Philadelphia Flyers during the second period at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
After Henrik Lundqvist, there is a wide-open audition for the next two goalie spots. Whether Lehner gets enough game action to prove that he belongs before the decision is made remains to be seen, but he will be in the mix with the likes of Viktor Fasth, Jacob Markstrom, Anders Lindback and Jhonas Enroth for the remaining positions.