The next series of blogs are going to focus on players and their nationalities. I am going to select the best starting six for many of the world’s top hockey playing countries. This isn't for the Olympics or any specific tournament. It is for the present moment. The only parameters I have are to select three forwards, two defensemen, and a goalie. I don’t care about moving centers to wing or a defenseman on their off side. These players are elite and they’ll figure it out. Each day I am going to offer up a new country until I run out of countries that can provide a quality starting six. I don’t care about their previous histories playing for their country. I don’t care about “waiting their turn” to make the team. I’m picking the six players I want on the ice to maximize success.
Today’s country is bound to be one of the most controversial I will put together. The self-proclaimed epicenter of the hockey world, Canada.
Center – Sidney Crosby
He may not be the absolute best player in the world anymore (hint: his linemate here is), but he is still the best all-around 200 foot player. His ability to play in his own end earns him the center position on Canada. There aren’t many more years he’ll be in this spot, but he was the runner up for the Hart Trophy last year and is still great.
Left wing – Nate MacKinnon
One of the very best players in the NHL the past few years. He’s so incredibly talented. His skating, his hands, and his finishing ability are all top end. He is a great center, but I love the idea of pairing him up with his Nova Scotia buddy and play with one of the best play makers ever. Who wouldn’t be excited to watch this.
Right wing – Connor McDavid
Well obviously McDavid would have a place in the starting six. I have him playing his off wing because his blistering explosive speed would consistently put the defense on their heels on the outside and opens up an easy cut back to the forehand. The middle of the ice will always be wide open for breakouts because of the attention paid to McDavid. Allowing Sid to do all the heavy lifting allows McDavid to cheat a little bit and giving him a head start seems grossly unfair. This line would be unreal to watch. It is a shame Crosby and McDavid have never played with one another internationally to this point.
Left defense – Dougie Hamilton
If not for injury Dougie Hamilton would probably have won the Norris Trophy this year. He is a great player and has the all-around skill set to thrive with talented forwards. He’s been one of the better players at his position for a number of years now and he deserves the accolades of having this role.
Right defense – Cale Makar
I’m sure some think this is crazy, but it isn’t. I don’t view the defense position as something focused on defending. The skill I am most focused on is ability to transition. Cale Makar has the ability to skate, create, and join the play. I want a five man unit where every player on the ice is capable of making plays. Makar would thrive in this role. He is the template of how we should be developing players at this position in the modern game.
Goalie – Corey Crawford
Yep, I’m going in a different direction than most. The fact of the matter is Canada doesn’t really have many good goalies. It is why they have that CHL rule limiting non-Canadian goaltenders in a desperate attempt to develop more Canadians at the position. Carey Price is probably the consensus pick here, but he isn’t consistently reliable these days. In 2017-18 Price had a .900 all situations save percentage, 2018-19 was .918, and this year was .908. Overall it is a mediocre .910 the last three years.
Crawford is 35, he’s dealt with vertigo, but he’s also shown a ton of consistency over his career. He’s a career .917 goalie and so is Carey Price. With Crawford there hasn’t been as much variance on how he gets to .917 where Price can go way up and way down.
With the caliber of team I want a higher floor. I don’t necessarily need the higher ceiling.
Thanks for reading!
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»