Team Canada At The 2014 Winter Olympics: Editor In Leaf’s Picks
Tim Bayer’s Picks
Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
LW C RW
John Tavares Sidney Crosby Steven Stamkos
Matt Duchene Ryan Getzlaf Corey Perry
Patrick Sharp Patrice Bergeron Jonathan Toews
Patrick Marleau Joe Thornton Martin St. Louis
Extras: Taylor Hall & Claude Giroux
LD RD
Duncan Keith Shea Weber
Jay Bouwmeester Alex Pietrangelo
Marc-Edouard Vlasic Drew Doughty
Extras: Dan Hamhuis & PK Subban
G
Carey Price
Roberto Luongo
Tim’s Explanation:
The biggest difference between my picks and most others is the inclusion of Marleau, Thornton and Hall. I just think these three players are playing too well for them to be left off. Thornton and Marleau have been there before and bring tons of experience, while Hall has game-breaking speed and scoring ability.
I’m not sure how a line of Tavares, Crosby and Stamkos would look in practice, but in theory, three dynamic offensive players of their calibre should be able to figure it out. I like Duchene’s speed on the second line alongside the Ducks. The third line will be the shutdown unit, and good luck winning draws against either Bergeron or Toews late in a game.
The third-string goalie spot doesn’t really matter, but I decided to go with Bernier instead of Braden Holtby. Bernier has the (slightly) larger body of work and is playing much better than Holtby this season.