sleddy2008
12-28-2009, 11:24 PM
From The LA Times
Four Canadian television networks will provide live coverage of the announcement of Canada's Olympic hockey team Wednesday, and they'll be joined by the FAN radio network and live streaming on websites. The nationally circulated Globe and Mail newspaper plans to publish a 16-page supplement analyzing the roster on Thursday.
You think Canada is excited about the Vancouver Games?
It is, and with good reason. Not only does the host country want to win at the game it claims to have invented, this could be the last Olympics to include NHL players.
The U.S. roster will be announced Friday during NBC's telecast of the Winter Classic at Boston's Fenway Park, ending a series of announcements that began last week. Latvia, Norway and Slovakia will announce their rosters today and the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany and Switzerland will name their teams Friday.
Here's a look at what to expect from Canada and the United States:
Canada
Goaltenders: Easy. Martin Brodeur of New Jersey, who is the NHL's all-time leader in shutouts, Vancouver's acrobatic Roberto Luongo and Stanley Cup winner Marc-Andre Fleury.
Defense: With only one practice before the tournament, familiarity from previous NHL or world teams is an asset. Look for the Ducks' Scott Niedermayer to be paired with former teammate Chris Pronger, now with Philadelphia. Nashville's multidimensional Shea Weber fits well. San Jose's Dan Boyle will be there. Chicago's Duncan Keith should get a spot, though defense partner Brent Seabrook might not. Calgary could send Jay Bouwmeester and Robyn Regehr.
The Kings' Drew Doughty, who just turned 20, would be a great pick for his vision and scoring potential. But Canada has snubbed precocious youngsters before: The 2006 Turin, Italy, team ignored Sidney Crosby and finished out of the medals.
Forwards: Start with Crosby, San Jose's Joe Thornton, the Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf and defensive stalwart Mike Fisher of Ottawa at center. Throw in Columbus' Rick Nash, Calgary's Jarome Iginla and the Ducks' Corey Perry on the wings, with Dallas' Brenden Morrow for grit, San Jose's Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley to play alongside Thornton, and Chicago's Jonathan Toews for his all-around game. Add Carolina's Eric Staal for two-way play and Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis for speed on the left side and it's a potent mix.
Four Canadian television networks will provide live coverage of the announcement of Canada's Olympic hockey team Wednesday, and they'll be joined by the FAN radio network and live streaming on websites. The nationally circulated Globe and Mail newspaper plans to publish a 16-page supplement analyzing the roster on Thursday.
You think Canada is excited about the Vancouver Games?
It is, and with good reason. Not only does the host country want to win at the game it claims to have invented, this could be the last Olympics to include NHL players.
The U.S. roster will be announced Friday during NBC's telecast of the Winter Classic at Boston's Fenway Park, ending a series of announcements that began last week. Latvia, Norway and Slovakia will announce their rosters today and the Czech Republic, Finland, Germany and Switzerland will name their teams Friday.
Here's a look at what to expect from Canada and the United States:
Canada
Goaltenders: Easy. Martin Brodeur of New Jersey, who is the NHL's all-time leader in shutouts, Vancouver's acrobatic Roberto Luongo and Stanley Cup winner Marc-Andre Fleury.
Defense: With only one practice before the tournament, familiarity from previous NHL or world teams is an asset. Look for the Ducks' Scott Niedermayer to be paired with former teammate Chris Pronger, now with Philadelphia. Nashville's multidimensional Shea Weber fits well. San Jose's Dan Boyle will be there. Chicago's Duncan Keith should get a spot, though defense partner Brent Seabrook might not. Calgary could send Jay Bouwmeester and Robyn Regehr.
The Kings' Drew Doughty, who just turned 20, would be a great pick for his vision and scoring potential. But Canada has snubbed precocious youngsters before: The 2006 Turin, Italy, team ignored Sidney Crosby and finished out of the medals.
Forwards: Start with Crosby, San Jose's Joe Thornton, the Ducks' Ryan Getzlaf and defensive stalwart Mike Fisher of Ottawa at center. Throw in Columbus' Rick Nash, Calgary's Jarome Iginla and the Ducks' Corey Perry on the wings, with Dallas' Brenden Morrow for grit, San Jose's Patrick Marleau and Dany Heatley to play alongside Thornton, and Chicago's Jonathan Toews for his all-around game. Add Carolina's Eric Staal for two-way play and Tampa Bay's Martin St. Louis for speed on the left side and it's a potent mix.