2014 Olympic Men’s Hockey Preview: The Goaltending

5.  Canada

Jan 26, 2014; Vancouver, British Columbia, CAN; Phoenix Coyotes forward Shane Doan (19) scores against Vancouver Canucks goaltender Roberto Luongo (1) during the third period at Rogers Arena. The Vancouver Canucks won 5-4 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Anne-Marie Sorvin-USA TODAY Sports

Probable Starter:  Carey Price, MTL or Roberto Luongo, VAN

Third Goalie:  Mike Smith, PHX

Luongo doesn’t get enough credit for the job he did in Vancouver in an extremely high pressure situation.  He has gone through some peaks and valleys in the four years since.  Price has been probably the most consistent, but Luongo has the better upside.  Luongo will probably get the nod as the first option, but the #1 probably won’t be decided until the preliminary round is over. Unlike many of the other teams in the tournament, the goal of the goalie for Canada will not be to win the gold medal, but to not do anything to have his team lose it.