Martin Brodeur's poor game against USA opens up the door for a backup
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 22, 2010 11:30 AM EST
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As Mike Babcock is wise.
Wise enough to play Drew Doughty and Duncan Keith 9:41 and 8:44 in crunch time.
But now Canada faces the ignominy of playing Germany tomorrow in the qualification round.
So tell us, Wise One, who is your starting goaltender?
Martin Brodeur was not good last night.
Four goals on 22 shots?
Flopping around like David Aebischer.
Shedding the shackles of the trapezoid, Martin F. handled the puck with all the aplomb of a farmer trying to kill a rattlesnake with a shovel.
Anticipating Brodeur's prefrerence for playing the puck on his forehand, the Americans overloaded his left side to excellent effect.
Here we go...
The problem with coaching or assembling Team Canada is you must win. It's like soccer in Brazil or basketball for the United States; there's so much talent to chose from and nothing less than first place is acceptable.
Backs to the wall, Babcock's seen Marc-Andre Fleury step to the plate in Games 6 and 7 of the Stanley Cup finals and stop 48 of 50 shots to win the Cup . He's also got Roberto Luongo the superb goalie who's got a shutout in his only Olympic start of the tourney. And, oh yeah, that Brodeur guy who had a bad game is only the NHL's career leader in wins, shutouts and is arguably the finest player to ever play his position.
Babcock could go to any of the three and could win. But any could have a bad game, and if that happens they're all goats.
Three world-class players, let's look at the case for each:
Pros: Experience, has the wins historically and is a living legend. He can bounce back from a bad outing
Cons: He just had a pretty bad outing, if it's 2 in a row the team looks foolish for having 2 world class options on the bench
Pros: Can be dominant. Just as skilled as anyone, and more importantly is arguably the steadiest and most consistent of the three options
Cons: Doesn't have much "big game" experience
Pros: All the recent big games, and has won a lot. Knows what it's like to play behind a high octane team. Become a winner
Cons: The least consistent of the 3 and a bad game is not something they can gamble on. His next Olympic game will be his first. Still must be scarred by the last time he wore Team Canada colors
NHL playoffs are the big games for goalies, here's the stats for post-season play since the lockout.
Fleury's played nearly as many minutes as the other two have combined for and by far is first in wins. He's benefitted from having a good team in front of him, but the last time I checked Team Canada's pretty fair themselves. Luongo has had the weakest team to work with, but still has the best GAA and save percentage of all of them. Brodeur, for all his legend, really hasn't won that much post-lockout.
Any are capable, but a bad performance will have the Monday morning quarterbacks north of the border grinding their teeth.
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I voted for Luongo. Even though any of the 3 could come in and get the job done, I think Luongo is the safest best to provide stellar games and the best bet not to let up 3+ goals in any game.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
I’m with ya. As much as I’d love to see Fleury get some playing time, I don’t see how they’d give him the nod over Luongo. Now’s Bobby Lou’s chance to try and bring Canada back in front of his country in HIS city.
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Fleury is not an option for Babcock
He can’t send MAF out there without setting the Canadian press afire, and with Brodeur struggling, Babcock is pretty much limited to one choice, Roberto Luongo.
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Fleury might not be the most consistent goalie. His GAA and Save % might not be the best. Fleury is clutch though, when the game is on the line Fleury finds a way to get it done. I dont think Babcock is limited, Fleury is there for a reason. Of the three Fleury has played in the bigger games, on the bigger stage since the lockout. That said I think Babcock will go with Luongo, but after watching him in the playoffs the last couple years, I dont know why. I think bobby lou is overrated.
by genomachine-O on Feb 22, 2010 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that Fleury is not an option. Not because his numbers aren’t the best or he’s not clutch (because he definitely is!). But because Babcock didn’t use Fleury in any of the round robin games. Fleury doesn’t have any Olympic experience and now you’re going to throw him in there for an elimination game? No way. That would either be media suicide (if Fleury plays poorly) or a stroke of genius (if he plays well). But, I don’t think that Babcock would take that chance. His only option is Luongo.
For what it’s worth, I think that the Canadian team is the only team that has strong enough goaltenders that each one should have gotten a start in the round robin games. I really strongly feel that Fleury should’ve played in against the Swiss.
by c0nquistad0rian on Feb 22, 2010 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
While I agree with your conclusion that Luongo is the best option, the idea that experience matters drives me nuts. What of Jonas Hiller and Ryan Miller? They seem to be doing just fine and its the first time in the Olympics for both of them.
Experience doesn’t matter in the sense that I don’t think that Fleury couldn’t get the job done; he definitely could. The difference between Jonas Hiller, Ryan Miller, and Marc-Andre Fleury is two fold. First, Hiller and Miller are without a doubt the best goalies for their respective countries. Fleury’s inclusion on the roster shows that he is a top 3 goalie for his country. But with the other two, there isn’t even an argument for who should play. Secondly, the expectations of the Swiss and the American teams has been dramatically different than that of the Canadian team coming into this Olympic tournament. Again, not to say that Fleury couldn’t handle the pressure of playing for Canada. But, I just don’t think that it would be a smart move by Babcock to opt for Fleury now. Had Fleury played – and played well – against the Swiss. I think that the argument to start Fleury would be more legitimate. But with the expectations of the fans and the media, starting Fleury is too much of an unknown for them and too much of a risk for Babcock.
And here you have it: Luongo is going to start for team Canada on Tuesday.
by c0nquistad0rian on Feb 22, 2010 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
No matter who is in goal when Canada loses it will be media suicide. If Babcock leaves Brodeur in and they lose, or if he changes goalies and they lose. It will all be the same. It will all be the wrong move. Thats why I go with Fleury. Hes clutch, and right now thats what Canada needs. Fleury has out performed both of the other goalies by far in the most difficult hockey tournament in the world, The Stanley Cup Playoffs, the last 2 years.
by genomachine-O on Feb 22, 2010 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
Don’t forget that Fleury’s lost more big-profile tournaments than he’s won. Clutch exists mainly in people’s imaginations.
But recently
There’s no arguing against his clutchness. 2 SCF appearances, 30 playoff wins, 1 Cup.
Ovechkin = Green Backs
by red army line on Feb 22, 2010 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
juniors are not even close to the same level as the Stanley Cup. Canadians may feel so, but its just not.
by genomachine-O on Feb 22, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Remember when you were in high school, how class drama and all that seemed like it might literally ruin your life? I guarantee you the pressure those kids feel in juniors is no different.
At any rate, I defy anyone to show me that there is any such thing as clutch that is a repeatable, verifiable skill. You might feel it in your bones that it’s true, but I just don’t buy it.
apparently you havent watch the Penguins in the playoffs the last 2 year. Fleury came up with huge saves in game 7’s last year. Where Fleury was THE best goalie out of the 16..including Luongo and Brodeur.
by genomachine-O on Feb 22, 2010 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
Fleury did, but he also had a rough outing in Game 5, giving up some goals frankly he knew he should have stopped.
He rebounded but MAF was in a rythym last spring, playing all the games and in a groove. He hasn’t even played in front of this team.
Could Fleury jump in and do the job? Yeah, he could. But Canada doesn’t need to panic and give the media and public reason to put panic in their player’s heads by jumping their #3 goalie up to the #1 goalie.
Luongo’s capable, he doesn’t have the big game experience of Fleury or Brodeur, but Bobby Lou is as solid as they come.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 22, 2010 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Babcock really put himself in a sticky situation here
They got Luongo action early, but maybe he should’ve play MAF against the Swiss. At this point you’re damned if you do,and damned if you don’t.
If he keeps Brodeur in and they don’t medal he’ll have hell to pay.
If he takes Brodeur out and MAF or Lunogo doesn’t play well, or the team loses, he’ll have hell to pay.
At this point it’s one and done. There is no margin for experimentation. Canada has to win their next two games for a shot at the bronze. Three wins would get them into the gold/silver game. They’ll need four total wins from here on out to win gold. However, there are some good things and bad things about this. Canada was granted with a gift by getting Germany in their first game. This means there is margin for experimentation for one game. The unfortunate part is that after Germany they’ll have Russia and then most likely Slovakia or Sweden. THEN, if they manage to get passed all of those teams, they’ll have either the US, Finland, or Czech waiting for them in the gold medal game. It’s not looking good AT ALL for Canada…
Something else to consider: Fleury is the very fimiliar with Ovechkin, Semin, Datsyuk, Gonchar and Malkin.
With Russia “looming” as Kevin Allen put it, Canada’s best hope in the net might be the guy who’s either beaten all of the above last year’s playoffs or practices with them every day.
It raises an interesting thought.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
Luongo played in FLA for years and owns AO. Ooooooooowns. Go ahead, link to MAF stoning AO in game 7, but AO has had a lot of success against MAF, not so much against Luongo.
I’m not surprised MAF has so much support in this poll, but I don’t see any way it happens. Team CAN is being extremely conservative, very risk averse. Playing MAF could be a boon if he has a clutch game, but it could also cost them the tournament. Think about the discussion regarding Mike Green getting snubbed and ask yourself if you think Babcock and Team Canada want to go all in with a risk. I don’t see it happening. Honestly, I bet they stay with Brodeur, but if not it’s going to be Luongo.
/voted Luongo
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Yeah, I’d be shocked if they went with Fleury. I don’t think it’s impossible that Fleury dresses as the backup, but even that’s unlikely.
off topic, but Mike Green should be on team Canada, they really could have used him last night. Niedermayer and Pronger (Pronger especially) were horrible.
And Dan Boyle, the guy that would have most likely been cut for Green, was an absolute mess. Part of the reason (so I’ve heard) that he got the nod was because Team Canada is using the SJS PP and they wanted him to QB it. He’s been terrible on the PP and was never that good in his own end. Mike Green could be playing just as bad as some of the D they have there, and he might have mattered on the PP. He sure as hell wouldn’t have blown two shots wide late against SUI. Can’t say it doesn’t make me smile.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I love it. I don’t want to see him helping Canada, I want him healthy, and I want him playing with a chip on his shoulder.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I want him on the beach all day and drinking in the clubs all night! Put that weight back on Greenie!
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
Oh trust me, we’re all over that story line at Japers’ Rink. But a motivated and healthy Mike Green is something scary for the league, fat jokes aside. I’m hoping for some Brian Leetch in ’94 magic from him.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I’m hoping for some Brian Leetch in ’94 magic from him.
Nothing like setting the ceiling high. Now you just need someone with leadership like Mess.
Brian Leetch is setting the bar high for most D, but not Mike Green. When it’s said and done I think Green goes down as a better player than Leetch, on both sides of the puck. I picked Leetch because he was under the radar that entire playoffs despite putting up ridiculous numbers. Everyone wanted to talk about Messier and Richter, but Leetch was their best player. I wouldn’t be shocked to see Green do something like that. He’s taken so much shit lately I think people have forgotten how good he really is.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Enough with the mike green propaganda dude. Your saying hes going to go down as a better than Leetch? Thats a little premature dont you think?
by genomachine-O on Feb 22, 2010 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
It’s premature because it hasn’t happened, but I think it’ll happen. Green is already putting up comparable point totals to Leetch and plays in a tougher era to score. Green is bigger, skates just as well, and has a better shot than Leetch ever had. You may not like Green, but you have to give him his due. There isn’t another D in this league that is even close to being on his offensive level. And he’s getting better.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
There isn’t another D in this league that is even close to being on his offensive level.
I’ll preface by saying Green is the best offensive defenseman in the league, but Duncan Keith has 7 less points than Green this season, Drew Doughty is 20 years old and has 45 points. Green wasn’t even in the league at that age.
Green is #1, but I don’t think he’s put as much space between himself and some other guys as maybe you do.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
Maybe not, but it also depends how Keith and Doughty develop. This will be Greens third straight year leading the D scoring, and he missed 1/5 of the season last year and played 4 fewer than Keith this year. If (when) those guys start doing it consistently then we can re-evaluate. But it’s not just the points, I don’t think either of those guys are the same kind of threat to create on their own, and they certainly aren’t the same kind of scoring threat. And Green is also having a down year this year, compared to the previous two.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
no doubt Green is a great offensive defensiveman, but three seasons of work is a little early to be saying he’s gonna have a better career than a hall-of-famer like Leetch. It’s certainly possible given how Green’s career has gone, but it’s definitely early.
Of course, but that’s the nature of youth.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Green’s. You can’t prove your career in 3 years. Suffice it to say, I’m convinced he’s the real deal. I may be young, but I had a front row seat to almost all of Leetch’s career. I saw him plenty.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Awesome. That era of hockey (1988-1996) will probably always be my favorite era as I had nothing better to do than to eat, sleep and breathe hockey. I was fortunate enough to watch that team in 1994 twice, but always in Pittsburgh. Pitt had a program called student rush (I believe they still have it) where you could buy the best available seat for $15 with your student ID. I saw many games 2,3 or 4 rows off the glass for next to nothing. Hell, most of those seats were better than the seats I got when I bought my first season tix.
The Caps had student rush a couple years ago, but as soon as they re-signed AO and started selling out they stopped it.
I lived in NY for the 90s so before Center Ice I watched mostly NYI/NYR/NJD hockey. At least there were three teams that regularly played the Caps. You’d be kind of shocked how much NYI and NJD fans hate Brian Leetch and think he’s terrible.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
After watching Doughty yesterday, I will make the bold prediction that he will be a better all around d-man than Green. The big differences are that Doughty has a bit of a mean streak and likes to play D. It will help him play better D as Green, when compared to his offensive prowess, is weak defensively.
At 20, Doughty was relied on to play the bulk of the PK for Canada yesterday. That speaks volumes considering Babcock is not traditionally known for relying on youth like that.
Doughty is a freaking stud. You won’t hear me say anything against that. He was better than Pronger or Niedermayer yesterday. I think you could argue he was Canada’s best D. It was him or Keith.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I think I also underestimated how highly you guys think of Leetch. I’m used to talking to NYI and NJD fans who act like he’s Sandis Ozolinsh. Didn’t expect so much respect from you all.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
No, healthy Green isn’t enough. But healthy Green + healthy Jeff Schultz (the most overlooked Caps injury of last year, IMO) plus the Pens losing 2 of their top 4 D might just be enough…
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
It’s not just knowing Ocho. He also knows Dats, Geno, and Gonchar. But, I’m with you. It’s gonna be Luongo.
Fair enough, but Luongo has been in the league long enough and every player on the contenders has been scouted to exhaustion. I just don’t think “having a better book” is going to be much of a factor when they decide who to take.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Team CAN is being extremely conservative, very risk averse.
Yep. Plus Fleury’s been the #3 on the depth chart all tourney….To have him go from #1 to #3 would be a big time panic move and if it doesn’t pay off, then there’s a lot of egg on their faces.
Yzerman and Babcock aren’t exactly prone to panicing like that
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
And why should they? They still have the most talented team in the tournament and I still think they are the favorites to win it.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
All due respect to MAF...
Except for the huge save early in game 7 against the Caps last year, “having the best book” on Ovechkin hasn’t exactly translated into stopping him with much regularity (February 7th comes immediately to mind). Maybe there’s something to be said for players having book on goalies as well.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Feb 22, 2010 11:14 PM EST up reply actions
This is true,but....
they (the Russians)also know him very well.Like Hooks stated in the article,the Americans kept Marty B. on his backhand most of the night,what do you think the Russians might do to to someone that has modest puck-handling skills on a good day and a bad digit to boot?
Good point, they might go with Brodeur just the same.
If that happens and he gives up 4+ goals and Canada loses to Russia the country may burn though. (Of course, there’d be a lot of discontent if ANY canadian goalie gives up 4+ and they lose)
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
Playing the second of back-to-backs against Russia does not bode well for Canada. Canada’s defense looked slow against us last night. I can’t imagine how slow they will look against Malkin and company.
Although if Canada can learn to channel the first 10 minutes and last three of the US game into an entire effort, they will run away with the gold. The pressure was unbelievable. They had 8 or 9 good shots in 2 minutes. Yikes.
My concern is that the teams that have given CAN problems have used an aggressive forecheck with speed. Germany is playing one of the most passive traps I’ve ever seen. That won’t pressure the D into any mistakes. Germany needs to pick it up and play physical, but I doubt they will.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
The lack of rest is still concerning. Even if a half-hearted effort will get them by Germany. The pressure Russia is going to bring will have the Canadian D panting by the third.
I’d hope so, but RUS isn’t exactly a heavy forecheck team. They play a lot more on the rush, which I think the CAN D will be able to handle better. I also don’t think RUS has looked all that good. The top line is fine, but after that… not so much.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I agree that Russia has not looked great. I think both Canada and Russia have saved something for the elimination rounds. When they are on, it is magical, but otherwise, they have both looked almost bored and expecting this to be easy.
CAN has looked much better than RUS to me. I also don’t think the flaws are because they are saving anything, I just think RUS isn’t playing well. I’m sure they aren’t going on the PP thinking “let’s take it easy and save it for when it matters.” They want to score every time, they just can’t. And I don’t think Canada’s D or G were saving themselves, I just don’t think they got it done. The D looked nervous and made terrible decisions with the puck, including the veterans. I think the pressure is getting to them more than anyone thought it would.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I didn’t see the RUS-SVK game, but I thought Russia looked pretty good against the Czechs. They finally did get a PP goal, and the Malkin-Semin-Ovechkin line is ridiculous. Russia’s D is a little shaky and who knows how Nabakov will play.
Russia-Canada should be a great game, it’s going to be weird to see Malkin playing against Crosby on Ovechkin’s team.
I’ve been impressed with Russia’s top line since they united Malkin with Semin/Ovechkin. Kovalchuk has disappointed me, I haven’t been really impressed with him at all.
I think if you could somehow limit Russia’s first line, you’re in good shape. Canada’s been a little better, deeper with their forwards (Crosby/Iginla, the SJ trio, etc). Which I guess was somewhat expected coming into the tournament
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
Yeah agreed on Kovalchuk. Nothing he’s done has made me more concerned about NJD getting him.
Canada is much deeper, but they aren’t really using it. Brendan Morrow gets like 6 minutes a night.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Canada is deeper and is no doubt the favorite, but Russia’s top line could take the game over. Russia’s depth isn’t terrible either, and you know the top two lines are going to get a ton of playing time.
Yeah, Russia’s top end talent can certainly take a game over. I just think they haven’t been very crisp yet.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I think Russia’s down fall will be goaltending honestly. Nabokov has looked shaky so far. I thought they would go with Bryzgalov. If Russia is going to trade chances with teams all day, a team like Canada should be able to take advantange of that. Then again their goaltending has been shaky too.
by genomachine-O on Feb 22, 2010 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah I thought Bryz was better as well but I saw something that said the RUS D likes playing in front of Nabokov better. I don’t really know, RUS personnel decisions are so informed by politics I won’t even guess.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
I was thinking the same thing about the politics. There is a reason that Aleksey Morozov is the captain. It is not because he is either their best player or their best leader. I would bet it is because he came home before the rest.
I think he got the C because he came back home, but I think at this point the players have a lot of respect for him. He’s been their captain in international tournaments for years now, and they’ve done pretty well. It’ll be interesting to see what they do with the C when Morozov finally calls it quits.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
“finally” makes him sound so old! Angelfaced Al (as some Pens fans liked to derisively call him) only just turned 33 years old last week. He might not make next Olympics but he could be in WC’s to come.
Might they go with Kovalchuk as captain? He’s a former national team captain, isn’t he? Or maybe by then it’ll be Ovechkin’s team.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
by Hooks Orpik on Feb 23, 2010 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
Based on the last two Olympics, I’d go with AO. Kovalchuk really hasn’t done much. He has the Gold Medal winning goal in the WC from 2007 but I don’t think he’s much of a leader. But if he leaves the NHL for the KHL before Sochi, I guarantee he gets the next C.
Killer_Carlson and Steckel Me Elmo are like brothers to me. And when I say brothers I don't mean like actual brothers. I mean it like how black people use it, which is more meaningful, I think.
Heh...poll split right down the middle between Luongo-Fleury.
I vote Luongo. Would love to see Fleury play, but as was mentioned above, he’s just not an option. If they were to lose a game with Fleury in net, Babcock would be assassinated by the Canadian media. Luongo can carry a team on his back with his steady play, which may be just what the doctor ordered for reeling Team Canada. Brodeur and Fleury are game-breaking, high-risk/high-reward goalies (compared to Luongo, at least), which isn’t what Canada needs, seeing as they have about twenty or so potentially game-breaking skaters.
Hey, an out is an out - unless you're Mario, in which case it's probably two outs. -UtesFan89
Why can't Mendy bust a long TD run? We could use it.
twenty or so potentially game-breaking skaters
I would say 21. Richards and Pronger are the bums of this team. Funny that they are Flyers.
Pronger looked lost last night
I think they mentioned that he had been in each Olympics since they opened them up to NHL players. As the game progressed, I kind of thought that might not be such a good thing. Time to bring in some new blood.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Feb 22, 2010 11:25 PM EST up reply actions
I voted Luongo
and I still can’t believe I missed that game. always seem to catch shuffleboard on ice known as Curling. I guess my stars are not aligned right. I want MAF tobe completely healed with the break is over, these Pens need to get it together.
you mean you actually got to play it? Sweet.
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yeah. the Pittsburgh Curling Club had an open house to raise funds for the club. You got about 20 minutes of off ice training (which was really just doing lunges). Then you got about 15 minutes of on ice training and we got to play one End. It was a blast and required waaaay more athleticism than I originally thought.
I always thought that training for something like that required a pretty decent lower body workout. You feeling it in your legs today?
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Yeah didn’t even think of that. Coming from someone who doesn’t necessarily sweep or clean much, I’d imagine that would do me in too.
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Sean Leahy just retweeted this. He’s normally one to steer clear of rumors, but I haven’t seen it confirmed anywhere else.
Either way, it claims Luongo will be starting against Germany: http://www.truthandrumours.net/2010/02/21/canadas-weaknesses-not-many-just-scoring-defense-goaltending/
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
Robert Morris Sports Complex (Neville Island) has curling here. Dont know if you guys live in the burgh or not though.
Lu is probably the safer pick, but I see MAF as the high risk, high reward in this competition. Coming off the bench, I think he’s just as likely to lead Canada to gold as he is an early exit. Roberto is hotter coming in and more consistent than MAF would be.
I’m curious, if this Canada team does just as bad as the Turin team, does Yzerman get the Gretzky treatment: banished from Canada to Phoenix for three years
I dont get how Fleury is a bigger risk than Luongo. After watching Luongo in the playoffs the last few years, I would say he is the bigger risk.
by genomachine-O on Feb 22, 2010 3:39 PM EST up reply actions
By that point Chicago had proved themselves to be a FAR superior team than Vancouver. If not for Luongo, that series may well have been a sweep.
Gary Roberts was born in a log cabin in North York, Ontario that he built with his own hands weeks in advance.
Remember last season’s playoffs, when a good Vancouver Canucks team could not put away a young Chicago Blackhawks squad in the second round in large part because the Blackhawks exposed Luongo? He has never been on a team that’s advanced beyond the second round.- SCOTT BURNSIDE.
by genomachine-O on Feb 23, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
His critics (led by our own Scott Burnside) will be quick to tell you that he hasn’t won anything of note in the NHL. And that’s true. Luongo crashed and burned big time against Chicago in the second round of the playoffs last season- Pierre Lebrun
by genomachine-O on Feb 23, 2010 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
Im not alone in thinking Luongo stunk it up in the playoffs.
by genomachine-O on Feb 23, 2010 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
If Babcock were smart, which so far he hasn’t been (but a lot of the fault was really on Yzerman in the first place for not picking guys like St. Louis and Staal), he would think back to the games when it really mattered that the Pens beat his Wings team. Two Finals in a row, Fleury stood on his head when the team needed him, with only two exceptions (game 5 ’09 and the butt goal in ’08). Babcock should know, if anyone does, who is capable of pulling this out.
Flower isn’t like Brodeur who can get you shutouts here and there, but he’s the guy who if you need to win 2-1, he won’t let in the second, but if you can score 5 goals, he might let in 4 but no more. He makes the big saves at the big times, and that’s what matters in clutch games like this. I’m for Fleury all the way. But then again, I’m a USA fan, so here’s hoping they put in Luongo =D
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