What Ottawa Senators Might Play In The World Championships?

PHOTO CREDIT: USA TODAY SPORTS

It is a tournament that nobody in the NHL really wants to play in, because it means that you either didn’t make the NHL playoffs or were eliminated in the first round.  But once you are there and competing, the chance to represent your country in the World Championships is usually an experience to remember.

However, in this Olympic year, you have to think that most, if not all, of the players who went to Sochi would politely decline the invitation to travel to Minsk, Belarus to participate in the World Championships.

So, given that the Ottawa Senators do not appear bound for the playoffs, (sorry to you optimists out there), some of them might get the call to play for their country.  Here are some who might get asked, and the likelihood they will or will not go. I have already discussed Bobby Ryan‘sBobby Ryan Play For The US At The World Championships?” href=”https://senshot.com/2014/03/27/bobby-ryan-play-us-world-championships/” target=”_blank”> situation with USA Hockey, and that was just before the announcement that he was going to be shut down for the season with a sports hernia.

Craig Anderson, USA

Mar 28, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators goalie

(41) is named the fisrt star in game against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Blackhawks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

With Ben Bishop, Jimmy Howard, Ryan Miller and Jonathan Quick all expected possibly be in the playoffs and all but Bishop having already made the trek overseas once this season, it could be down to Cory Schneider and Anderson to be the backstops for the US.  Tim Thomas might also be available, but after not being selected for Sochi he might not feel the need to go.

Anderson has had an up and down season, and I don’t know if he would answer the call or not.

Robin Lehner, SWEDEN

Mar 25, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators goalie

(40) makes a save against the Florida Panthers in the second period at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

The Swedes will have options in the net including Eddie Lack, Jacob Markstrom, Victor Fasth, and Lehner.  You would have to think that Lehner would be in the mix and at least get an invite.

Erik Karlsson, SWEDEN

Mar 25, 2014; Sunrise, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators defenseman

(65) skates with the puck in the third period against the Florida Panthers at BB&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports

He probably wouldn’t go, citing exhaustion and rightly so, but Sweden would be foolish to not at least extend the invitation to the best defenseman in the Olympics.

Jason Spezza, CANADA

Mar 28, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center

(19) skates with the puck in the third period against the Chicago Blackhawks at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Blackhawks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Spezza has played for Canada many times before and might like the opportunity, but health factors and a young family might discourage him from answering the call.  He seemed to be playing hurt for a lot of the season, and might need the full off-season to get back to full health.

Kyle Turris, CANADA

Mar 28, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Chicago Blackhawks center

(19) tries to take Ottawa Senators center

(7) off the puck in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Senators defeated the Blackhawks 5-3. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

His emergence this season could make him a target for Rob Blake and the selection committee.  He is young, and has played for Canada as a junior.

Clarke MacArthur, CANADA

Mar 18, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators left wing

(16) tries to recover the rebound following a shot on New York Rangers goalie

(30) in the third period at the Canadian Tire Centre. The Rangers defeated the Senators 8-4. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Has been part of a dynamic duo this season with Turris, and the pair could be magic on the big ice in Minsk.

Ales Hemsky, CZECH REPUBLIC

Mar 24, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Ottawa Senators right wing Ales Hemsky (83) passes the puck against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the first period at Tampa Bay Times Forum. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The impending free agent might not want to risk injury and he did play in Sochi, two knocks against going to the Worlds.  However, the tournament is in Eastern Europe and not too far away from the Czech Republic.

Milan Michalek, CZECH REPUBLIC

Mar 22, 2014; Dallas, TX, USA; Ottawa Senators left wing Milan Michalek (9) skates against the Dallas Stars during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Like Hemsky, he has reasons not to go.  No contract for next season, he played in Sochi and he doesn’t have a contract for next season.  But he always seems to answer the call for his country and he is playing his best hockey of the season right now.

Mika Zibanejad, SWEDEN

Mar 28, 2014; Ottawa, Ontario, CAN; Ottawa Senators center Mika Zibanejad (93) skates with the puck in the second period against the Chicago at the Canadian Tire Centre. Mandatory Credit: Marc DesRosiers-USA TODAY Sports

Team Sweden might have a decidedly European based flavor this season, but Zibanejad might be one of the better Swedes available for the team.  It would be good for him after being denied the opportunity to play in the 2013 World Juniors.  The more hockey he can play the better for his development.

This list is pretty comprehensive and not all of them will likely get invites, and even fewer will accept.  The players who made the trek already once this season to Sochi would be given a pass for saying no, and health concerns might lead to other declines.  But if I had to make a bet, I would count on at least seeing Zibanejad, Turris and MacArthur going and probably Methot as well.