The holiday season and the pending new year mean that the 2014 Sochi Olympics are near. While I enjoy competitive international skeet shooting as much as the next guy, it’s the ice hockey tournament that I am looking forward to.
The host nation Canada won the gold in 2010 with an unforgettable final against the United States. Sidney Crosby added to his growing legend with an overtime game winner, forever becoming the “Golden Boy” of Canada. Crosby will certainly be a central figure in Canada’s hopes for a repeat, but the Canadians will certainly have their work cut out for them.
The Olympic hockey tournament brings out the best of the best. Since the NHL players were allowed to compete in 1998 the Canadians have won twice (2002, 2010), with Sweden winning in 2006 and the Czech Republic in 1998. While we certainly don’t anticipate Great Britain to repeat their success from the 1936 games, the Canadians, host Russia, Sweden and the United States have to be considered favorites to win the gold.
The preliminary invites for Olympic camps were sent out at the beginning of the summer with an orientation for both the U.S. and Canada in August. Both the United States and Canada are expected to announce their final rosters after January 1st.
The U.S. is expected to repeat their announcement of the Olympic team after the completion of the Winter Classic. With 107,000 fans in attendance and the complete focus of the hockey world in Ann Arbor, the USOC can own the moment as they announce their squad. We have a pretty good idea about who will fill the bulk of the roster spots. Here is a list of players that were left off the initial invites but could wear the colors of their nation in February.
United States-Brandon Dubinsky, C, Columbus Blue Jackets-The Columbus center isn’t going to light up the scoreboard, but provides leadership and depth up the middle. A solid faceoff man and two-way player, Dubinsky could be a big asset.
United States-Jason Pominville, RW, Minnesota Wild-With goal scoring at a premium it will be hard to leave the Wild sniper off the final team. Only 12 NHL players have scored more than Pominville’s 15 markers this year.
United States-Ben Bishop, G, Tampa Bay Lightning-A position of strength is suddenly a position of weakness for the United States. Jimmy Howard, Jonathan Quick have been injured and Craig Anderson has been terrible.
With the season he has had to date, Bishop is a legitimate candidate to start in Sochi.
Canada-Jason Spezza, C, Ottawa Senators-Probably the most notable omission from the Canadian invitees, Spezza hasn’t had the season that could get him an at-large add. With a wealth of depth at center, Spezza could still be the odd man out.
He’s a solid two-way center, that is great in the faceoff circle, but his 10 goals and 28 points in 34 games aren’t wowing the Team Canada brain trust.
Canada-Jamie Benn, C/LW, Dallas Stars-Canada’s GM Steve Yzerman was in Dallas the other night to scout, and Benn was certainly on his radar. The Stars’ captain has stepped up his game and is one of the more underrated players in the NHL. He has strong leadership and plays a complete game covering the entire surface of the ice.
Canada-Josh Harding, G, Minnesota Wild-While no one expected Harding to have the season that he has put forth, he may now be the favorite to start the Olympics in goal for Team Canada.
There is no goaltender in the world hotter than the Wild net minder and with injuries and struggles among the previous invitees, Harding will certainly be in Sochi.
Canada-Alexander Steen, LW, St. Louis Blues-Another example of a player that has played out of his mind would be Steen. With depth needed on the wings, Steen has certainly played himself onto the Olympic roster.
Canada-Tyler Seguin, RW, Dallas Stars-Another player being scouted on Tuesday night was certainly Tyler Seguin. The Stars’ leading scorer has been reborn in Dallas, lighting the lamp 18 times in 33 games. Count on Seguin to be named to the Canadian roster.
Canada-Patrick Marleau, C/LW, San Jose Sharks-Canada is deep at center, so Marleau could find a spot as a wing, but the trend has been to go with younger players. He is still productive and has some of the best wheels in the world. If Steven Stamkos declares himself fit to play, it may cost Marleau a spot on the club.
Canada-Dan Girardi, D, New York Rangers-While there is certainly no shortage of right-handed shots on the Canadian roster, Girardi would be an excellent complement to the surplus of offensive minded defensemen. A sturdy shot blocker and a rugged, tough stay at home defender, Girardi could be a missing link on the blue line.
Czech Republic-Jaromir Jagr, LW/RW, New Jersey Devils-The ageless Jagr has shown that he still has plenty of magic left in that wand of his.
You have to believe that Jagr will be a last minute addition to the Czech roster. His veteran leadership and big game poise are perfect for the Olympic tournament.
Sweden-Daniel Alfredsson, RW, Detroit Red Wings-Another veteran omission was the veteran right wing. He may prefer to let the wealth of younger talent represent the “Three Crowns” in Sochi, but Alfredsson has shown that he can still be productive.
The back injury to teammate and countryman Henrik Zetterberg could open up a roster spot if Alfredsson wants to join the Swedes.
Russia-Dmitri Kulikov, D, Florida Panthers-Of course there is the token weirdness of the Russian Olympic invites that include five KHL defensemen of the 12 rearguards selected. Kulikov is a proven world-class commodity, logging over 20 minutes a night for the Panthers. His exclusion is an oddity, but certainly not shocking given the politics between the NHL, KHL and IOC.
Russia-Ilya Bryzgalov, G, Edmonton Oilers-Another weird omission given the shallow depth pool was the formerly unemployed Bryzgalov. Now the starter in Edmonton, he has to be considered a candidate for Sochi. Politics aside, if Russia wants to be competitive, they’ll need someone other than Semyon Varlamov in goal even if it is just to back up the Colorado net minder.