Team Canada invitees

[Cavs019 708]

Kovy, as for Kariya being the most skilled guy on the Canadian lineup, Im throwing up all over my comp as we speak.

[all-star 0]

you would put feder over ovechkin? im pretty sure, the russian coaches would take saprykin over feder.

[Sven 1]

Now thats what i call a lineup...

I guess Canada just won the gold medal

[JGraz15 53]

Kovy - I haven't seen him play much, is Fedor Fedorov any good?

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Maltby and Draper offer a lot more as 4th liners than a Kariya/any finess player combo.  For starters, Maltby and Draper are 3rd/4th liners on the Wings so they don't have to adjust their games.  A player like Kariya will have to drastically change his game on the 4th line to be as effective as Maltby and Draper.  Superstars like Kariya are effective because they get premium ice time.  In a situation like this, he wouldn't be getting much ice time at all.  Even if he played on the 4th line in an offensive mode, he probably wouldn't score that many goals, simply because he wouldn't have the opportunity.  Its not about just scoring, its also about stopping the other team from scoring, and Maltby and Draper are good at that.

Thinking like that you are right but I mean do Canada seriously need a grind line to win? I'm not sure, imagine 4 skills line that always put others team on their toes...Others teams would totally freak and would only be on the defensive mode and it would be much spectacular hockey...

A bit off topic but here's my Russian forward lineup I would like to see...

Samsonov-Datsyuk-Kovalev

F.Fedorov-Fedorov-Mogilny

Kovalchuk-Kozlov-Zherdev

Afinogenov-Zhamnov-Yashin

Is it just me or does it seem weird seeing Fedor on the second line. His chemistry with Sergei must be great, but I think a line of:

Kovalchuk-Fedorov-Mogilny would be dynamite.

Or Kovalchuk-Datysuk/Fedorov-Fedorov/Datsyuk

Hell, I don't even think Fedor is good enough to warrant himself a spot on that team. Give me Maxim Sushinsky over him any day, both play the same game but Sushinsky is a way way better scorer.

I only put Fedor there because of the chemistry with his brother and Mogilny is a good friend of Sergei too.

I forgot to put some noticeable forward yesterday...(here's a lineup with a Defensive line)

Samsonov-Datsyuk-Kovalev

Kovalchuk-Fedorov-Mogilny

Zherdev-Kozlov-Afinogenov

Malkin-Zhamnov-Ovechkin (D line - Everyone say those 3 players can play two- way hockey)

Substitute - Scratches

Chistov-Yashin-F.Fedorov

Semin-Sushinsky

PowerPlay 1 (For the love of the game)

Samsonov-Datsyuk-Mogilny

Fedorov-Kovalev

PP2

Zherdev-Kozlov-Chistov(only there for PP)

Gonchar-Kovalchuk

My D-line would maybe lack of experience, but Zhamnov should help and they would got lot of speed and skills...Ovechkin and Malkin can play D hockey if they are asked to IMO.

What do you guys think of that?

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Perhaps put Kovalchuk on Both PP's and double shift him so its not a passing fest out there.

haha, lol...But Theo, do you remember the time of the Soviet Union in the 70-80s when the stats were saying that the Soviets were scoring 1 goals on 6 shots while Canada were scoring 1 goal on 9 shots...

I think in the NHL right now, players shoot a lot for nothing.

[KingPest19 0]

Maltby and Draper offer a lot more as 4th liners than a Kariya/any finess player combo.  For starters, Maltby and Draper are 3rd/4th liners on the Wings so they don't have to adjust their games.  A player like Kariya will have to drastically change his game on the 4th line to be as effective as Maltby and Draper.  Superstars like Kariya are effective because they get premium ice time.  In a situation like this, he wouldn't be getting much ice time at all.  Even if he played on the 4th line in an offensive mode, he probably wouldn't score that many goals, simply because he wouldn't have the opportunity.  Its not about just scoring, its also about stopping the other team from scoring, and Maltby and Draper are good at that.

Thinking like that you are right but I mean do Canada seriously need a grind line to win? I'm not sure, imagine 4 skills line that always put others team on their toes...Others teams would totally freak and would only be on the defensive mode and it would be much spectacular hockey...

A bit off topic but here's my Russian forward lineup I would like to see...

Samsonov-Datsyuk-Kovalev

F.Fedorov-Fedorov-Mogilny

Kovalchuk-Kozlov-Zherdev

Afinogenov-Zhamnov-Yashin

Is it just me or does it seem weird seeing Fedor on the second line. His chemistry with Sergei must be great, but I think a line of:

Kovalchuk-Fedorov-Mogilny would be dynamite.

Or Kovalchuk-Datysuk/Fedorov-Fedorov/Datsyuk

Hell, I don't even think Fedor is good enough to warrant himself a spot on that team. Give me Maxim Sushinsky over him any day, both play the same game but Sushinsky is a way way better scorer.

I only put Fedor there because of the chemistry with his brother and Mogilny is a good friend of Sergei too.

I forgot to put some noticeable forward yesterday...(here's a lineup with a Defensive line)

Samsonov-Datsyuk-Kovalev

Kovalchuk-Fedorov-Mogilny

Zherdev-Kozlov-Afinogenov

Malkin-Zhamnov-Ovechkin (D line - Everyone say those 3 players can play two- way hockey)

Substitute - Scratches

Chistov-Yashin-F.Fedorov

Semin-Sushinsky

PowerPlay 1 (For the love of the game)

Samsonov-Datsyuk-Mogilny

Fedorov-Kovalev

PP2

Zherdev-Kozlov-Chistov(only there for PP)

Gonchar-Kovalchuk

My D-line would maybe lack of experience, but Zhamnov should help and they would got lot of speed and skills...Ovechkin and Malkin can play D hockey if they are asked to IMO.

What do you guys think of that?

chitsov and fedor above frolov? IMO he would bring way mor e to the team than either of those 2 but thats just my opinion

[Hockeyman9621 0]

Kovy, we all realize your dream of a non-contact dangle Russian league, but defense and checking is part of hockey, that's the problem Russia has now, they stack up their teams and hope for chemistry. Canada has those top notch defensive players to match teams like Russia and Sweden who have awesome offense. Defense wins championships. So good luck Russia, Canada will win once again.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Kovy, we all realize your dream of a non-contact dangle Russian league, but defense and checking is part of hockey, that's the problem Russia has now, they stack up their teams and hope for chemistry. Canada has those top notch defensive players to match teams like Russia and Sweden who have awesome offense. Defense wins championships. So good luck Russia, Canada will win once again.

With my lineup, if the rules are applied like they should, I think my skills dangler would win but that's just my opinion.

The russians are maybe not big hitters but they are all freaking strong skaters. Look at guys like Kovalev-Samsonov-Fedorov-Kovalchuk-Kozlov, they are all so strong and agile on their skates and they are guys like Datsyuk-Zherdev-Chistov that are practically untouchable.

So don't get me wrong, these guys can play contact way more than guys like Sakic-Draper-Maltby. I'm sure if guys like Kovalev-Kovalchuk-Fedorov can stample guys like Draper if they want but they know that's not hockey. I'm sure even Samsonov can get a piece of Draper.

Canada will need some lose to learn their lessons, I'm sure this day will come a day or another.

Damn Kariya out of the lineup...

[Eazy_b97 1]

Kariya didn't play in the WC and it didn't hurt them. Draper and Maltby aren't bad skaters, many consider Draper to be one of the top in the world actually. I don't like some of their choices, but I do, and always have, liked the idea of having 1 capable defensive line. Whether it was stars like Thornton and Doan, or Maltby and Draper, they can score as well, but have the skills, speed and smarts to play both ends. This isn't Tie Domi and Wade Belak were talking about.

[Chadd 916]

Kovy, we all realize your dream of a non-contact dangle Russian league, but defense and checking is part of hockey, that's the problem Russia has now, they stack up their teams and hope for chemistry.  Canada has those top notch defensive players to match teams like Russia and Sweden who have awesome offense.  Defense wins championships. So good luck Russia, Canada will win once again.

With my lineup, if the rules are applied like they should, I think my skills dangler would win but that's just my opinion.

The russians are maybe not big hitters but they are all freaking strong skaters. Look at guys like Kovalev-Samsonov-Fedorov-Kovalchuk-Kozlov, they are all so strong and agile on their skates and they are guys like Datsyuk-Zherdev-Chistov that are practically untouchable.

So don't get me wrong, these guys can play contact way more than guys like Sakic-Draper-Maltby. I'm sure if guys like Kovalev-Kovalchuk-Fedorov can stample guys like Draper if they want but they know that's not hockey. I'm sure even Samsonov can get a piece of Draper.

Canada will need some lose to learn their lessons, I'm sure this day will come a day or another.

Damn Kariya out of the lineup...

The problem is most of your players couldn't find their own end of the ice with a map and arrows painted on the ice. Even the ones that give some effort on defense aren't terribly talented in their own end.

Offensively, most of those guys need open space to work their magic and generally dosappear when they don't have it. There just isn't a good mix on your proposed team.

[Adam91 0]

I hate to harp at Canada but for the 2nd half of the World Championship game Russia's skill was sure killing Canada's so called defence. Although hopefully some of those d-men won't be making the team. I'm still waiting for Eric Brewer to be exposed as the slightly above average d-men that he is (yes I know he wasn't on the World Champ.. team but he hasn't looked good to me in any of his international expierence) Also Regehr often looks slow and out of position on the big ice.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Kariya didn't play in the WC and it didn't hurt them. Draper and Maltby aren't bad skaters, many consider Draper to be one of the top in the world actually. I don't like some of their choices, but I do, and always have, liked the idea of having 1 capable defensive line. Whether it was stars like Thornton and Doan, or Maltby and Draper, they can score as well, but have the skills, speed and smarts to play both ends. This isn't Tie Domi and Wade Belak were talking about.

Like you said Eazy, Maltby and Draper are pretty good skaters but to battle on a corner, I prefer a Kovalev or even a Datsyuk. That's maybe the way I see the game. I know Canada got lot of skills but that's not the same. Russia is like pure hockey technique skills vs Canada that is more of brute strenght skills. I don't know how Canada can win year after year but I think it's because they have not others choices than winning so it's in mentality of the players since they are young. But, is it that good to always have that winning mentality? I think Europe but more the Russia is the place where they developped the more technical skills because the development there is focus on development over winning here.

Kovy lineup

Samsonov-Datsyuk-Kovalev

Kovalchuk-Fedorov-Mogilny

Zherdev-Kozlov-Afinogenov

Malkin-Zhamnov-Ovechkin

Eazyb97 lineup

Iggy - Sakic - St. Louis

Healtey - Lecavalier - Bertuzzi

Richards - Thorton - Nash

Draper - Primeau - Doan

Just for fun Eazy...

[Chadd 916]

Kariya didn't play in the WC and it didn't hurt them. Draper and Maltby aren't bad skaters, many consider Draper to be one of the top in the world actually. I don't like some of their choices, but I do, and always have, liked the idea of having 1 capable defensive line. Whether it was stars like Thornton and Doan, or Maltby and Draper, they can score as well, but have the skills, speed and smarts to play both ends. This isn't Tie Domi and Wade Belak were talking about.

Like you said Eazy, Maltby and Draper are pretty good skaters but to battle on a corner, I prefer a Kovalev or even a Datsyuk. That's maybe the way I see the game. I know Canada got lot of skills but that's not the same. Russia is like pure hockey technique skills vs Canada that is more of brute strenght skills. I don't know how Canada can win year after year but I think it's because they have not others choices than winning so it's in mentality of the players since they are young. But, is it that good to always have that winning mentality? I think Europe but more the Russia is the place where they developped the more technical skills because the development there is focus on development over winning here.

I would take eitehr of those two over Datsyuk in the corner anytime, Kovy if he decided he wanted to play hard on that particular shift.

[Michael9 57]

Kariya did have good chemistry with old man Mario 3 years ago though, correct? Along with Sakic if memory serves me right.

Kariya played with lemieux and yzerman, while sakic played iggy and symth

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Kovy, we all realize your dream of a non-contact dangle Russian league, but defense and checking is part of hockey, that's the problem Russia has now, they stack up their teams and hope for chemistry.  Canada has those top notch defensive players to match teams like Russia and Sweden who have awesome offense.  Defense wins championships. So good luck Russia, Canada will win once again.

With my lineup, if the rules are applied like they should, I think my skills dangler would win but that's just my opinion.

The russians are maybe not big hitters but they are all freaking strong skaters. Look at guys like Kovalev-Samsonov-Fedorov-Kovalchuk-Kozlov, they are all so strong and agile on their skates and they are guys like Datsyuk-Zherdev-Chistov that are practically untouchable.

So don't get me wrong, these guys can play contact way more than guys like Sakic-Draper-Maltby. I'm sure if guys like Kovalev-Kovalchuk-Fedorov can stample guys like Draper if they want but they know that's not hockey. I'm sure even Samsonov can get a piece of Draper.

Canada will need some lose to learn their lessons, I'm sure this day will come a day or another.

Damn Kariya out of the lineup...

The problem is most of your players couldn't find their own end of the ice with a map and arrows painted on the ice. Even the ones that give some effort on defense aren't terribly talented in their own end.

Offensively, most of those guys need open space to work their magic and generally dosappear when they don't have it. There just isn't a good mix on your proposed team.

What you said is true in the NHL...Look at Kovalev with the Rangers, he was doing nothing because he was playing with players that don't create space for him.

But put Kovalev with a Datsyuk or Mario Lemieux and he should be able to do magic. If you put 3 skills players on the same line, they will create lot of spaces for each other with their skills and speed.

Maybe I'm wrong but that's the way I see it.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Kariya didn't play in the WC and it didn't hurt them. Draper and Maltby aren't bad skaters, many consider Draper to be one of the top in the world actually. I don't like some of their choices, but I do, and always have, liked the idea of having 1 capable defensive line. Whether it was stars like Thornton and Doan, or Maltby and Draper, they can score as well, but have the skills, speed and smarts to play both ends. This isn't Tie Domi and Wade Belak were talking about.

Like you said Eazy, Maltby and Draper are pretty good skaters but to battle on a corner, I prefer a Kovalev or even a Datsyuk. That's maybe the way I see the game. I know Canada got lot of skills but that's not the same. Russia is like pure hockey technique skills vs Canada that is more of brute strenght skills. I don't know how Canada can win year after year but I think it's because they have not others choices than winning so it's in mentality of the players since they are young. But, is it that good to always have that winning mentality? I think Europe but more the Russia is the place where they developped the more technical skills because the development there is focus on development over winning here.

I would take eitehr of those two over Datsyuk in the corner anytime, Kovy if he decided he wanted to play hard on that particular shift.

Interesting here, maybe you're right Chadd but for those who have seen Datsyuk played a lot, look at how he always find a way to leave the corner with the puck. He's intelligent and the puck is stuck to his stick like a magnet. Draper over Datsyuk on a corner, Draper has the strenght advantage but I take Datsyuk.

[lee92 2]

Kovy, we all realize your dream of a non-contact dangle Russian league, but defense and checking is part of hockey, that's the problem Russia has now, they stack up their teams and hope for chemistry.  Canada has those top notch defensive players to match teams like Russia and Sweden who have awesome offense.  Defense wins championships. So good luck Russia, Canada will win once again.

With my lineup, if the rules are applied like they should, I think my skills dangler would win but that's just my opinion.

The russians are maybe not big hitters but they are all freaking strong skaters. Look at guys like Kovalev-Samsonov-Fedorov-Kovalchuk-Kozlov, they are all so strong and agile on their skates and they are guys like Datsyuk-Zherdev-Chistov that are practically untouchable.

So don't get me wrong, these guys can play contact way more than guys like Sakic-Draper-Maltby. I'm sure if guys like Kovalev-Kovalchuk-Fedorov can stample guys like Draper if they want but they know that's not hockey. I'm sure even Samsonov can get a piece of Draper.

Canada will need some lose to learn their lessons, I'm sure this day will come a day or another.

Damn Kariya out of the lineup...

The problem is most of your players couldn't find their own end of the ice with a map and arrows painted on the ice. Even the ones that give some effort on defense aren't terribly talented in their own end.

Offensively, most of those guys need open space to work their magic and generally dosappear when they don't have it. There just isn't a good mix on your proposed team.

What you said is true in the NHL...Look at Kovalev with the Rangers, he was doing nothing because he was playing with players that don't create space for him.

But put Kovalev with a Datsyuk or Mario Lemieux and he should be able to do magic. If you put 3 skills players on the same line, they will create lot of spaces for each other with their skills and speed.

Maybe I'm wrong but that's the way I see it.

great players don't need others to open space up...they open the space up themselves. that's what made lemieux and gretzky stand out above the rest

[Eazy_b97 1]

Kovy lineup

Samsonov-Datsyuk-Kovalev

Kovalchuk-Fedorov-Mogilny

Zherdev-Kozlov-Afinogenov

Malkin-Zhamnov-Ovechkin

Eazyb97 lineup

Iggy - Sakic - St. Louis

Healtey - Lecavalier - Bertuzzi

Richards - Thorton - Nash

Draper - Primeau - Doan

Just for fun Eazy...

Simly... Mines better.

Kovy's line-up

2nd line injury prone - 2nd line center - Inconsistant float

1st line elite fwd - 1st lines - Injury prone

2nd liner - 3rd liner - 3rd liner

Who they hell can they stop? Half of them couldn't even stop Crosby/Perry/Bergeron

My team

You're looking at the best 3 players in the NHL, production wise

Big, Talented, first liners with an edge

Big, talented, strong, first liners

D Specialist, best in the game - Dominating force - Hard working Star

Really Kovy. The Russians do not show up. Alot of your teams is Flash. Hell we argued Antropov was as good as Afi last month... can you say that about anyone on team Canada?

This myth that Russians are unbelievable skilled is JUNK! Canadas have the same technology and similar system, but we develop our players in a mental game and prepare them for systems, the Russians use that time on talent. Gives them a bit more, but not alot. It renders most streaky, inconsistant, players. St. Louis is as quick as any of the Russians. Sakic and Iggy can shoot like any of them. Pure Dangles, I throw out Heatley, who can go with him? Kovy? We'll see, it'll be close. All-round, how about Richards, Thornton, Nash and everyone else? The Russians can't fly by these guys, they can't play as physically and the Russians will give them the space needed to create plays.

Throw a puck into a corner, have Maltby and Draper go in and then send Kovy and Datsyuk. I know where my money is.

I have alot of respect for the way the Russians teach, we've had alot of their books and ideology in the family for a while. This isn't the '72 series, Canadians have come a long way talent wise and with every year the gap is bridged. There are juniors who I'd put up against NHLers for hands alone. The problem is, its Canada vs. the World in hockey. When Russia plays well we say, we don't have their skill. When Sweeden or Cze play well we say our systems aren't as good. We compare ourselves to everyone around the world and expect us to be the best at EVERY aspect, it just doesn't happen, not any more at least.

[kosydar 0]

I agree with you Eazy, except Datsyuk proved that can be a first liner. I'd take him over Fedorov any day. Sure, Fedorov is better defensively, but Datsyuk is younger and frankly he tries harder.

[Chadd 916]

I agree with you Eazy, except Datsyuk proved that can be a first liner. I'd take him over Fedorov any day. Sure, Fedorov is better defensively, but Datsyuk is younger and frankly he tries harder.

That's an interesting question. Do you want the guy who has more talent but doesn't usually work hard or the smaller, harder working guy with less talent? Offensively they have similar numbers at this point of their careers. Sergei has scored more than a point a game once in the last 8 years and Datsyuk never has, even back in Russia.

[Adam91 0]

Kariya did have good chemistry with old man Mario 3 years ago though, correct?  Along with Sakic if memory serves me right.

Kariya played with lemieux and yzerman, while sakic played iggy and symth

Sakic actually played with Iginla and Gange for most of the Olympics

[Adam91 0]

Theo I watched every minute of every game Kovalev played in the playoffs with Montreal and there were huge consequences when he failed which were shown on every sports station across North America and other then that one perticular slash he was nothing short of amazing for almost all of the Hab's playoffs and 77 playoff points in 94 games is pretty impressive.

[Eazy_b97 1]

Kovy's a tough guy to watch consistantly. When you only see him 6-10 a year and on highlights, you tend to think more of him. He's a highlight reel player. Makes great plays, but when he isn't doing something remarkable, he is very replacable.

[Kovy_Ribs_Fedo 3]

Kovy's a tough guy to watch consistantly. When you only see him 6-10 a year and on highlights, you tend to think more of him. He's a highlight reel player. Makes great plays, but when he isn't doing something remarkable, he is very replacable.

I don't know how you can say that. I don't know how a guy of this skills caliber is easy to be replacable.

Have you seen some of his games in Pittsburgh. In the last 2 year in a half he was in Pittsburgh, he was controlling the flow of the game all by himself or so. It was either him who was controlling the puck or the other team. Some will say his plays were not always working but how beautiful it was to watch. I think you have never seen the real Kovalev but it seems like some can't realize how this guy is good. Some guys are good because they score goals or they do big hits, but Kovalev is good for what he is not for what he does. I think Kovalev can play the Draper game if he was pay for it, but can Draper play the Kovalev game if he wanted to?

And I watch a lot of his playoffs games and he was great at almost every game.

You say you see him only 6-10 times a year, but if you watch him more closely, you will see that a lot of the moves he makes are all highlights reel but they are not shown because they did not turned into a goal.

Like Theo said earlier, Kovalev needs freedom to play but it's like that for all the great players. Lafleur-Orr-Lemieux are all players that needed a lot of freedom to be as great as they were. Just think at the first 3 years Lafleur was playing in Montreal. He was not having freedom and it results he was stone on the ice. Kovalev is the kind of player that need freedom to play great. On another end, guys like Draper are players that are better when they don't get freedom. Gives freedom to those Draper-Maltby-Murray etc and they will not know what to do.