DO you honestly think that doesnt happen? Has happned in Buffalo for far far far too long
- hubie

For teams that truly want to succeed yes. If that was the case, Wilson would still be in TO.

I love how Spezza gets no love. I was more anti-spezza than anyone out there, and the his game has developed- it's worth putting him on the team. He's a two way center now and one of the best (top 3) play-makers in the league. Theres a reason heatley had back to back 50 goal seasons and now he can't even be a back to back 30 goal guy. (Spezza is great on faceoffs as well). But obv it all depends on how their playing.

Stamkos-Crosby-Giroux
Nash-Getzlaf-Perry
Bergeron-Spezza-Seguin
Hall-Toews-Eberle

*Benn*, Marleau, Thronton, Duchene key forwards to watch as well.
*Spezza> E.Staal, Marleau (34 yrs old), Thornton (34.5 yrs)
- AlfieisKing

There is no way a healthy Tavares isn't on that team. To say Spezza isn't getting love and then leave off Tavares is sort of amusing.

Correct Myers has to play for Team Canada because he did so at the World Juniors.

With Vanek and Ehrhoff though. If the country that you have played for in previous olympics does not qualify you can play for another country that you have citizenship in.
- JVince117

Someone earlier linked the IIHF rules. If they've already participated in an international competition for another country they have to get citizenship and wait 4 years (while not competing for another country than the one they just got citizenship in) before they will be granted eligibility to play for that country.

So if I have it correctly Vanek would have to wait 4 years since he last played hockey either representing a different country, or IN another country, to apply for eligibility to play for a new nation.

No McDonagh love?

I think it would be unwise for the Canadians to look at Michael Del Zotto for a spot on the team. 35 points and a plus-26 this year. He's only 21 and he's continuing to get better.
- RAG$4LIFE

He's my eighth. I'm splitting hairs here. Love all the dmen that USA can put out.

I don't see how people can see Tim Thomas being an Olympian by 2014. Who would your 3 goalies be? I'd go with Miller, Quick, and Schnieder. For Canada I'd go Price, Luongo, MAF.

There is no way a healthy Tavares isn't on that team. To say Spezza isn't getting love and then leave off Tavares is sort of amusing.
- Lohaus

Tavares of a year or two ago I would say probably wouldn't make it. But since this season his skating ability has improved tenfold, I'd say there's no way he gets left off the team.

I don't see how people can see Tim Thomas being an Olympian by 2014. Who would your 3 goalies be? I'd go with Miller, Quick, and Schnieder. For Canada I'd go Price, Luongo, MAF.
- RAG$4LIFE

Roy, Brodeur and Turco
EDIT: maybe Belfour

Tavares of a year or two ago I would say probably wouldn't make it. But since this season his skating ability has improved tenfold, I'd say there's no way he gets left off the team.
- Scruffton

Of course, even Stankos didn't make that team. They were just puppies. If the tourney started today, Tavares is on the team.

I don't see how people can see Tim Thomas being an Olympian by 2014. Who would your 3 goalies be? I'd go with Miller, Quick, and Schnieder. For Canada I'd go Price, Luongo, MAF.
- RAG$4LIFE

And I wouldn't mind getting the opinion of a Buffalo fan or two on whether or not they see Miller on the team in 2 years.

Some seem to think he is slipping.

Someone earlier linked the IIHF rules. If they've already participated in an international competition for another country they have to get citizenship and wait 4 years (while not competing for another country than the one they just got citizenship in) before they will be granted eligibility to play for that country.

So if I have it correctly Vanek would have to wait 4 years since he last played hockey either representing a different country, or IN another country, to apply for eligibility to play for a new nation.
- Scruffton

Vanek moved to the US when he was 14 and attended University of Minnesota. Has has all of the citizenship he needs.

I linked the rules in another blog earlier today and there was a clear answer saying that if a players team does not qualify and that player has citizenship in another country they are allowed to play for them.

In no particular order.

Giroux-Crosby-Stamkos
Tavares-Spezza-Toews
Staal-Thornton-Hall/Seguin/Eberle/Lucic/Neal/Someone im forgetting
Perry-Getzlaf-Nash

Weber-Keith
Seabrook-Doughty
Bieksa-Peitrangelo
Letang-Subban
Myers-Phaneuf
Staal


Pick and choose whoever.



Fluery/Price/Luongo/Ward
- jbold

Lucic and Benn should make the team.

Vanek moved to the US when he was 14 and attended University of Minnesota. Has has all of the citizenship he needs.

I linked the rules in another blog earlier today and there was a clear answer saying that if a players team does not qualify and that player has citizenship in another country they are allowed to play for them.
- JVince117

scavenging players that didnt make team canada is pretty funny i must say

Over 200 votes in 10 minutes??? I knew a lot of people visit this site but wow
- HabsRUs

173 were by Ek. The other 27 was Ek's "kids"

Lucic and Benn should make the team.
- Allstarzz

benn maybe, lucic, not a chance. - he would get 3 penalties a game, hes a goon for that type of hockey, like most of boston. - hitting from behind is a nightly thing

Vanek moved to the US when he was 14 and attended University of Minnesota. Has has all of the citizenship he needs.

I linked the rules in another blog earlier today and there was a clear answer saying that if a players team does not qualify and that player has citizenship in another country they are allowed to play for them.
- JVince117

He last played for Austria in 09, so I think he'd be able to apply for the eligibility in 2013 as long as he abstains from playing for Austria again before then.

Vanek would be a 3rd liner on Team New York State

Someone earlier linked the IIHF rules. If they've already participated in an international competition for another country they have to get citizenship and wait 4 years (while not competing for another country than the one they just got citizenship in) before they will be granted eligibility to play for that country.

So if I have it correctly Vanek would have to wait 4 years since he last played hockey either representing a different country, or IN another country, to apply for eligibility to play for a new nation.
- Scruffton

And here's a bit of crazy IIHF trivia for you:

Petr Nedved has played for three national teams:

Czechoslovakia
Canada
Czech Republic

benn maybe, lucic, not a chance. - he would get 3 penalties a game, hes a goon for that type of hockey, like most of boston. - hitting from behind is a nightly thing
- big_dion

I could def see Benn by then, the Olympics always seemed to me like a younger players team.

He's my eighth. I'm splitting hairs here. Love all the dmen that USA can put out.
- martok2309

how would you compose the top 12? I think I'd go..

Parise Kesler Kane
Ryan Pavelski Kessel
Brown Stepan Callahan
Backes Stastny Pominville

Oshie, Gionta


Suter-Yandle
Orpik-Byfuglien
McDonagh-Fowler

Shattenkirk, Carlson

Miller, Quick, Schnieder (no room for Howard)

I love how Spezza gets no love. I was more anti-spezza than anyone out there, and the his game has developed- it's worth putting him on the team. He's a two way center now and one of the best (top 3) play-makers in the league. Theres a reason heatley had back to back 50 goal seasons and now he can't even be a back to back 30 goal guy. (Spezza is great on faceoffs as well). But obv it all depends on how their playing.

Stamkos-Crosby-Giroux
Nash-Getzlaf-Perry
Bergeron-Spezza-Seguin
Hall-Toews-Eberle

*Benn*, Marleau, Thronton, Duchene key forwards to watch as well.
*Spezza> E.Staal, Marleau (34 yrs old), Thornton (34.5 yrs)
- AlfieisKing

Okay, here's where I take exception...

E. Staal plays with Jiri Tlusty and either Jerome Samson or Chad Larose.

Getzlaf plays with Corey Perry and/or Bobby Ryan.

Staal has better numbers than Getzlaf, and is one of only 13 people to ever win a Stanley Cup, World Championship Gold and Olympic Gold.

How can he NOT be there?

I love how Spezza gets no love. I was more anti-spezza than anyone out there, and the his game has developed- it's worth putting him on the team. He's a two way center now and one of the best (top 3) play-makers in the league. Theres a reason heatley had back to back 50 goal seasons and now he can't even be a back to back 30 goal guy. (Spezza is great on faceoffs as well). But obv it all depends on how their playing.

Stamkos-Crosby-Giroux
Nash-Getzlaf-Perry
Bergeron-Spezza-Seguin
Hall-Toews-Eberle

*Benn*, Marleau, Thronton, Duchene key forwards to watch as well.
*Spezza> E.Staal, Marleau (34 yrs old), Thornton (34.5 yrs)
- AlfieisKing

Spezza is not on my list cause he is up and down all the time. and in 2 years i RNH is improving he well be head and shoulders better then Spezza! i left alot of guys out : Burgeron, Hall, Lucic, Benn, Seugin, B. Richards, St. Louis and i would take most of thoses guys over Spezza! thats just my opinion!

Doughty, Keith and Seabrook will not be on Team Canada 2014.

scavenging players that didnt make team canada is pretty funny i must say
- big_dion

Vanek is Austrian. Not Canadian. CLOSE!

And I wouldn't mind getting the opinion of a Buffalo fan or two on whether or not they see Miller on the team in 2 years.

Some seem to think he is slipping.
- Atomic Wedgie

His play this year certainly hasn't been Miller like. I think the crop of goalies Burke will be choosing from will include Miller, Quick, Howard, Thomas, Schnieder, Anderson. Al Montoya maybe the dark horse if he continues to improve.