Quote:
Originally Posted by blender
I just can't accept that this is the best Canada can muster for a hockey team without NHL players. They never looked dangerous at any point in the tournament that I saw.
|
It might have been the two best goalies (sadly), but definitely some weird selections for forward and defense (e.g. Cracknell, Staal, Ferraro, Grant, Ellis, etc.) when better players were available. Overall though, the team had enough talent to compete for gold...lots of the selected players are still very good and productive in the euro leagues.
Coaching ultimately sunk the team. Eric Staal on the first line and leading the forwards in ice-time despite being completely useless in that role was horrible decision making by Julien. Ho-Sang was buzzing out there, but he was stapled to the bench the last two games...for reasons. Playing the kids (Johnson and McTavish) together instead of sticking them with vets most of the time was also a bizarre move. Pulling the goalie before getting possession against the Swedes...what? Maxim Noreau also seemed very underutilized the whole tournament.
The only thing Julien did right was play Tomkins over Pasquale.