2010 Olympics: Canadians Getting It Done in the Scoring Department

Written By: Mark “The Hard Hitter” Ritter

Heading into the 2009-2010 NHL season, many “hockey experts” were predicting that Russia would ice the most lethal combination of forward talent at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. At the quarter mark of the NHL season, Canada looks to have the best offensive lineup, which has to have Canadian men’s hockey executive director Steve Yzerman drooling.

Canada’s scoring, or lack thereof, at the Olympics has long been a source of many debates for hockey fans and countrymen alike. In 2002, Canada managed to score a total of 22 goals in six games en route to a Gold Medal finish. 2006 was another story, as Canada managed only 15 goals in six games, finishing an embarrassing seventh.

Fortunately for Canada, they have always been able to ice a very impressive defense, which, for the most part, has served them well in some of the low-scoring contests that they have been involved with.

This time around, Canada will try to ice a more well-rounded roster, with the ability to score goals and keep them out, as well. Yzerman has let it be known that players who do not play well at both ends of the ice need not apply, causing many Canadian forwards to re-think their game.

That said, outside of a few surprises, it will be tough for many lesser-known/less experienced players to crack Canada’s lineup—or will it?

With a Gold Medal expectation looming large, Yzerman must like what he sees from his troops thus far. In fact, to date, Canadians occupy 19 of the top 30 spots on the NHL’s scoring leader board, which, considering the steep competition form Europeans and Americans, is impressive.

The leader board is not perfect for Yzerman. Pittsburgh Penguins' Sidney Crosby, who recently endured the longest scoreless streak of his career, sits 19th overall in NHL scoring with just 21 points, far off what many had expected from the highly-talented Crosby, which has some "experts" questioning whether or not Crosby should be on Canada’s first line...laughable!

Other “disappointments” include Philadelphia Flyers sniper Jeff Carter, who, after posting a career-high 46 goals in 2008-09, has just seven goals through 17 games, putting him on pace to score around 35 goals, which is good, but well off his 2008-09 numbers.

Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Getzlaf, who lit the lamp a total of 25 times last season, has just two goals in 19 games, putting him on pace for a paltry 8-10 goals this season. Not great for a player that was expected to anchor one of Canada’s top-two lines, but when you consider Getzlaf has mustered 22 points in 19 games, it’s not so bad.

The thing is, for every “disappointment,” Yzerman has offset that with a pleasant surprise, including the Tampa Bay Lightning’s Steven Stamkos, who, with 13 goals in 19 games, is ranked seventh overall amongst all NHL players and shows no sign of cooling off.

Another surprise would have to be the early play of Edmonton Oilers forward Dustin Penner, who, with 12 goals, 11 assists, 23 points and a plus/minus rating of plus-10, seemingly has grown into the dominant player that many felt he would be.

Stuck on a team he no longer wanted to play for and strangled by trade demands/rumors over the summer, Dany Heatley finally landed with Joe Thornton and the San Jose Sharks, which was a blessing for Team Canada as Thronton and Heatley have been good for eachother.

Heatley, who some felt may be left off of Team Canada's roster, has quietly gone about his business this season, registering 14 goals in 22 games (seven of which came on the power play), which puts Heater in a tie for first overall in NHL goal-scoring, putting him back in the conversation for sure.

Atlanta’s Rich Peverly, Dallas’ Brad Richards and James Neal, Los Angeles Kings/Captain Canada Ryan Smyth, and the New York Islanders John Tavares are all having excellent starts to the season and will give Yzerman plenty to think about when he announces his final roster on New Year's Eve.

Smyth, who has had a resurgence in L.A., has nine goals (five of which have been on the power play) and 23 points in 22 games. With a record of 13-7-2 in 22 games played, it has been Smyth’s leadership, gritty play, and energy that have been a big reason for the Kings' tremendous start. Clearly, Smyth has to be considered for Team Canada, if he wasn’t already.

If the Olympics were to start today, Yzerman would be able to ice a very intimidating lineup full of powerful wingers, skillful centres, a multitude of grit and players that posses that great Canadian intangible, “HEART.”

The faces of the third and fourth line players may change from now up until the start of the Olympic's but, when it comes to Canada's Olympic squad, the core of the team will still consist of Sidney Crosby, Jarome Iginla, Rick Nash, Corey Perry, Jeff Carter, Mike Richards and Joe Thornton—who admittedly is no “lock” to make the team.

Outside of the aforementioned seven forwards, Team Canada’s roster is a complete and utter “crap-shoot,” one that may very well see some huge surprises making the list and some early “can’t miss” players being left behind to watch the Olympics with the rest of us slobs.

Either way, whether Yzerman employs familiar faces or a mishmash of old and new to round out Team Canada’s roster, one thing is for sure: when everything is all said and done, Canada will ice one of the most intimidating/impressive group of twelve forwards to ever don the Canadian jersey. Canada will score and they may very well have the best offense at the Olympics.

Until next time,

Peace!