Yes, that is a photo of Marty Brodeur on my Islanders column. I have my reasons, one of which is that I truly believe marty Brodeur has been the greatest goalie to play the game (in modern times).
That said, the largest controversy the Olympic games have spawned is the "who is in net?" question for both Team Canada and Team USA.
Early on, there was speculation that Ryan Miller's spotty play immediately prior to the Olympics would mean the death of Team USA. Of the three USA born goalies, only Jonathan Quick was on a winning streak. I'm not even sure if he has been seen in the Olympic Village yet.
But Ron Wilson and Brian Burke went with their gut feeling and put Ryan Miller in net with Tim Thomas on the bench waiting for the tap on the shoulder should he be needed. I trust Brian Burke's gut. Actually, I trust Ron Wilson's too. Miller has been outstanding.
For Team Switzerland the story in net has been Anaheim Duck Jonas Hiller. As an Eastern conference brat, I knew nothing of this kid, other than he stole J.S. Gigiere's limelight and can now face shots from ex-Leaf Jason Blake. I had no idea how good he is. I do now. So does the rest of the world.
The buzz has been the Brodeur vs Luongo debate since Team Canada has not risen to the top of the Olympic standings. Prior to the games, the job was Brodeur's to keep. He earned it. He's been there. He is clutch. But Marty has weaknesses just as any other mortal. And oh, how mortal he has become.
With the upset loss to Team USA, the Twitter buzz was immediate that "Bobby Lu" should be in net from here on out. Who the hell is Bobby Lu? I don't see him on the roster! Nope, but I am don't follow Vancouver and it took me a few minutes to figure out that's Roberto's new nickname. It sounds more like a female country singer's name, but, whatever.
Will the shake up change Team Canada's fate? Perhaps. As good as "Bobby Lu" (yuck that's awful!) can be, he too is mortal. But I agree with Babcock, (and most of the hockey universe) he needs to play the next game for Team Canada. Give Brodeur a rest to clear his head. But if you get to the Gold Medal round, Marty is money under pressure.
What struck me yesterday was something that Mike Eurzione said on the Bill Watter's show on AM 640 Toronto: "In a short tournament like this, don't call it hockey, call it goalie."
I think he's right.
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