Didn't need home ice advantage in 2002. Just needed Mario feeding Sakic and Kariya.
- Ben37

North American Olympics have been kind to the US/Canada - non-North American Olympics, not so much. I think Canada is a solid favorite heading to Sochi, will be interesting to see how much home ice helps Russia, and Sweden is probably going to be a major factor.

They're all retired.
Where were you guys in 1980?
- dbell646

Now who's living in the past.

They're all retired.
Where were you guys in 1980?
- dbell646

Well. I wasn't even a gleam in my dad's eye.

North American Olympics have been kind to the US/Canada - non-North American Olympics, not so much. I think Canada is a solid favorite heading to Sochi, will be interesting to see how much home ice helps Russia, and Sweden is probably going to be a major factor.
- MadCap2008

Indeed. Canada went from gold in 2002 to 7th in 2006. But that was the Rob Zaumner year.

The guys picking the teams just have to remember that skating is the skill that will determine the Olympics. Not board battles.

I hate you for having USA as your 3rd team
- dbell646

Well US is up in my chart now that we don't have Czechs on our team.

Indeed. Canada went from gold in 2002 to 7th in 2006. But that was the Rob Zaumner year.

The guys picking the teams just have to remember that skating is the skill that will determine the Olympics. Not board battles.
- Ben37

Rob Zamuner...I remember this guy. Good defensive forward only.. Played for Tampa and Ottawa If I'm not mistaken. Not a Team Canada material IMO.

Now who's living in the past.
- canadianpenfan

He brought up 02 so figured I'd bring up the greatest sports team of all time

Looks like Pouliet made the WJC Canada team. Good for him & speaks well for his development.

http://ca.sports.yahoo.co...ter-nearly-170029511.html

Rob Zamuner...I remember this guy. Good defensive forward only.. Played for Tampa and Ottawa If I'm not mistaken. Not a Team Canada material IMO.
- Orpik44

Yeah, he was one of the final cuts for the team. For some reason the management at the time thought that defensive forwards would help. So guys like Kris Draper (who made the team) and Zamuner were considered for the team.

He brought up 02 so figured I'd bring up the greatest sports team of all time
- dbell646

The 2005 Canada WJC team?

The 2005 Canada WJC team?
- Ben37

No 2nd would be 2013 usa wjc team. Where'd Canada finish? I can't remember

No 2nd would be 2013 usa wjc team. Where'd Canada finish? I can't remember
- dbell646

Eh, no one thought that team would win.

Just go look at the 05 team. Look at the players from that team. There are like 4 of them who didn't have solid NHL careers.

They scored something like 43 goals and gave up 7 through the whole tournament.

Eh, no one thought that team would win.

Just go look at the 05 team. Look at the players from that team. There are like 4 of them who didn't have solid NHL careers.

They scored something like 43 goals and gave up 7 through the whole tournament.
- Ben37

They stunk.

i think this is the USA's year. If Bylsma knows how to put the right guys with each other and if their goaltending performs the way they should, they will be the toughest team to build.

To me, in international tourneys you look for speed, hockey IQ, and chemistry. If your group has those, the rest will come

really excited for the tourney. always the greatest Olympic sporting event.

Eh, no one thought that team would win.

Just go look at the 05 team. Look at the players from that team. There are like 4 of them who didn't have solid NHL careers.

They scored something like 43 goals and gave up 7 through the whole tournament.
- Ben37

Team Canada in 2005 was just plain filthy.

This is definitely good to see. At first glance it seems small but it's a palpable difference.

Pens are allowing fewer shots and goals per game (25.9 shots/2.29 goals) than last season (29.2 shots/2.48 goals).

Wednesday's game basically made a full turn around in the 3rd and OT when the team didn't allow a Toronto shot on net.

When I was thinking about team USA I forgot about Kessel and Parise. This is going to be a tough team. Little weak at center but a good blend of grit and skill. I'm excited about our chances.

When I was thinking about team USA I forgot about Kessel and Parise. This is going to be a tough team. Little weak at center but a good blend of grit and skill. I'm excited about our chances.
- dbell646

Should be an excellent tournament to watch...no matter what

also,

Pouliot invited to Canada's WJC selection camp again
http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=694027

Olli Maatta and Jory Rand. Pretty neat stuff.

Kobasew participating in skate.

Kobasew participating in skate.
- dbell646