I could name A LOT of players that I like that don't belong on the Olympic team. Curtis Glencross comes pretty quickly to mind. I really like Sean Monahan. I think Jordan Eberle is fantastic, but he doesn't break this lineup (although you could make a case for Taylor Hall). The point is, I'm fascinated by the reactions I get when I simply state that I don't think Jay Bouwmeester belongs in Sochi.
Of course that begs the question of WHY I don't think Jay Bouwmeester belongs on the team. After all, he's big, he's talented, and he's an effortless skater who never seems to get tired. Hell, he's a top pairing defenseman on almost any team in the NHL. I understand that. But being an Olympian isn't just about being one of the top 60-80 players in the league at your position: In terms of defensemen, it means being one of the top 8 and I simply don't think he has the credentials to back up his selection.
Many will point to the numbers he's putting up this season with partner Alex Pietrangelo. HMM... So an above average defenseman can put up good numbers playing with a superstar defenseman... Shocking... After all... It's not like some plug could put up decent numbers playing with a superstar... Don't believe me? Just ask Dave Lumley! He got to play with the great one and all he could manage was...
SERIOUSLY? Dave Lumley had 32 goals playing with Wayne? Oh... Scratch that train of thought then...
I guess if a borderline NHL player like Lumley can put up decent numbers playing with a star, then it stands to reason that an above average player should be able to put up even better numbers... But maybe that's just me.
Some will argue that his chemistry with Alex is the main reason he's on the team, since the team values pairings and wants to keep them together at all costs... Possibly... But then explain to me why Brent Seabrook didn't make the team... He puts up very good numbers playing with Duncan Keith... But his numbers don't matter??? Seems like a double-standard...
Ok, how about Martin St. Louis? The ageless wonder isn't just a guy who has oodles of chemistry with Steven Stamkos, he's the reigning Art Ross Trophy winner and has been carrying the Lightning since Stamkos went down in November... Oh... So his chemistry, pedigree and stats are irrelevant??? I'm a little confused.
OK... I think I get it now... So just being a former Gold medal winner and being a good team Canada soldier and putting up solid numbers doesn't get you on the team.
Good news for Rick Nash! His numbers are terrible, he has injury issues, and he's ON the team... Wait... That doesn't make any sense... I mean... Marleau has taken a lot of heat, but at least he's consistent, can play any role, and has great wheels... Rick Nash... USED to be a superstar... Of course he is a pressure performer... After all, last year in the playoffs he had... Wait... That can't be right... Seriously??? NO GOALS? What the Hell??? But he does put up big numbers at the World championships... You know... That tournament that happens at the same time as the NHL playoffs... The one with the guys who don't make the post-season but still want to play some hockey and see the world... Don't get me wrong, I'd go in a pinch... But it you think for one second that the competition at the Worlds is comparable to the competition at the Olympics...
When it comes to Bouwmeester I can at least see the appeal of his physical gifts (too bad he lacks physical play), but when it comes to Nash, I'm dumfounded by the decision.
In a short tournament anything can happen. I'll still be cheering for Canada to win Gold. Of course, I also still think it's Bobby-Lou's job to lose.
Your thoughts on the makeup of team Canada?
And just one last thought... Yzerman mentioned that Kunitz was there because he's tenacious, talented, and a winner. Finally, that explains why Bouwmeester... Ah crap... well... .333 is a GREAT batting average, so 1/3 ain't bad.
Have a great day!
[email protected]
Follow me on twitter 
Calgary Flames Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»