Five Players Who Broke Through At The Olympics
The Olympics are now in the history books, but some players took a step forward that either they had been waiting for or showed something new.
PHOTO CREDIT: USA Today Sports
Here are 5 players who took that step in my mind:
At one time he was the best player not playing in the NHL and a top prospect for the Minnesota Wild. He was in the middle of a decent season, but not standout, before he went to Sochi. All he did there was lead the undermanned Finnish team in scoring with 7 points in 6 games and get named to the media all-star team.
PHOTO CREDIT: USA Today Sports
On a very disappointing Russian team, Radulov was one of the few bright spots. He led the Russians in scoring with 6 points in 5 games. Sometimes people forget how talented he is and was before he bolted the NHL for the KHL.
3. Phil Kessel
PHOTO CREDIT: USA Today Sports
He has faced a brunt of the teasing from Habs and Senators fans, but the failure of the US to medal cannot be placed at the feet of Kessel. During the semi-final game against Canada, Kessel was one of very few players who actually showed that he gave a crap about the game and was their best player. This was after leading the tournament in scoring and not backing down at all in the face of constant scrutiny.
2. Kristers Gudlevskis
Gudlevskis almost quarterbacked the upset of the ages against Canada in the quarterfinal. PHOTO CREDIT: USA Today Sports
In what was probably the best goaltending performance of the tournament, the Tampa Bay Lightning prospect and Latvian goalie stood toe to toe with Canadian shooters and made 55 saves despite losing 2-1 in the quarterfinal. The constant barrage from Canada left him tired and worn out, and he needed help to get to his feet at one point. Hockey fans on the whole might not have known the name before, but they will remember that performance for a long time.
1. Jamie Benn
Jamie Benn celebrates after scoring the only goal in Team Canada’s 1-0 Semi-final win over the US PHOTO CREDIT: USA Today Sports
Benn was known as a good player, but he elevated his game when put on a line with Corey Perry and Ryan Getzlaf. He only scored 2 goals in the tournament, but both were game winners. Everyone knew he was good, but not sure anyone really knew just how good he could be. His size, strength and pursuit of the puck made people take notice and shows why he forced his way on the team despite not being invited to the summer orientation camp.