Team Canada 2014: Predicting The Forwards

Yesterday I took a shot at predicting the defensemen and goaltenders that will be named to the roster of Team Canada, and now I will try to figure out the forwards.  This is a much more difficult task simply because of the depth in the forward ranks that the selection committee has to choose from.  There are going to be a lot of big names left off the roster, because there can only be 14 names on the roster and there are at least twice as many that could lay legitimate claim to a spot.

Nov 22, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins center

(left) and left wing

(right) at the face-off circle against the New York Islanders during the first period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Canada’s depth is up the middle, with as many as 8 natural centres that could be named, some of whom will move to the wing to be part of this team.  However, having too many players play out of position could pose a problem and you need to have a few natural wingers as well.  While I was pretty confident in naming my back end, this is going to be pure speculation, and more of this group might be my preference than what will really take place when the roster is named on Tuesday.

Like the defense, familiarity goes a long way in a short tournament, which is why some of the players on my roster have the edge over some of the players just left off.  Each line has a pair of players that play together on their teams, and that cohesion will benefit the team.

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).

LINE 2

C  Ryan Getzlaf, ANH

After having a tough 2011-12 season, Getzlaf fell off the “lock” list for a while, but this season has been dominant once again and put himself back into “without a doubt” status. Currently 4th in league scoring.

Nov 18, 2013; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Anaheim Ducks center

(15) celebrates after scoring a goal with right wing

(10) against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the third period at the CONSOL Energy Center. The Penguins won 3-1. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

RW Corey Perry, ANH

All this guy does is win, both individually and as a member of teams.   One of the most decorated players in the world, and like his centreman Getzlaf, has returned to dominance after going through a bit of a slump a couple of seasons ago.

LW Claude Giroux, PHI

Dec 28, 2013; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Philadelphia Flyers forward

(28) skates against the Edmonton Oilers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

After a brutal start to the season and putting his spot in jeopardy, Giroux has stormed back and put himself back in the conversation.

LINE 3

C  Jonathan Toews, CHI

Jan 3, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Chicago Blackhawks center

(19) controls the puck in front of New Jersey Devils defenseman

(7) during the first period at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

Captain serious was the top forward in 2010 and all he has done since is hoist 2 Stanley Cups.  One of the best (if not THE best) 2 way centres in the game today.

RW Patrick Sharp, CHI

Jan 3, 2014; Newark, NJ, USA; Chicago Blackhawks left wing

(10) scores his third goal of the game past New Jersey Devils goalie

(30) during the third period at the Prudential Center. The Chicago Blackhawks defeated the New Jersey Devils 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

A late surge moved him from bubble to “how do you keep him off?” status in my mind. Can play all 3 forward positions, and plays with Toews every night.

LW Taylor Hall, EDM

Dec 28, 2013; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers forward

(4) looks for a pass against the Philadelphia Flyers at Rexall Place. Mandatory Credit: Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports

In Edmonton it is tough to see how good he can really be when surrounded by veteran talent.  He has the size and speed to make a difference on the big ice, and is insulated with 2 very good 2-way linemates.

LINE 4

C Patrice Bergeron, BOS

Jan 2, 2014; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins center

(37) controls the puck in front of Nashville Predators right wing

(27) during the second period at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

One of the best faceoff men in the league and an annual Selke Nominee.  A late game stopper, even if the offense hasn’t been up to par this season

RW  Jeff Carter, LAK

A big body who can skate like the wind and can play any style of game. Was the 14th forward in Vancouver.

Apr 4, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Kings center

(10) and center

celebrate after a goal by Carter in the first period against the Minnesota Wild at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

LW Mike Richards, LAK

You can’t argue with his style of game, determination and willingness to sell out to win.  Might not be the best skater, but his hockey IQ is off the charts and that can make up for lack of foot speed.  Can do a lot of the heavy lifting (penalty kill, defensive zone presence)

TOUGH TO LEAVE OFF

While Team USA had 3 or 4 guys that were the main focus of attention for not being named to their roster, (Bobby Ryan, Kyle Okposo, Keith Yandle, Dustin Byfuglien), there will be a dozen names left off Team Canada that will cause controversy.  These names (just at forward) include (and I know I am even leaving names off this list):

Sep 24, 2013; Denver, CO, USA;Dallas Stars left wing

(14) is congratulated for his second period goal by center

(91) against the Colorado Avalanche at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Martin St. Louis – Last year’s scoring leader and plays for Canada GM Steve Yzerman

Joe Thornton – Veteran presence who played a shutdown role in Vancouver

Rick Nash – Inhury plagued season, but dominates when he plays for Canada

Jamie Benn – rapid riser, tough to keep off

Tyler Seguin – rejuvinated in Dallas, but didn’t play well on wing in Boston, not a centre on this team

Matt Duchene – up and down season just off the bubble

Eric Staal – veteran has lost his elite spot

James Neal – injuries have hurt him this season, sniper who just doesn’t make it

Andrew Ladd – Gritty natural winger could be a great 4th liner for this team