Ray Ferraro's 2014 Olympic Picks

[VictoryJuice]

Thornton should be there if he keeps playing unreal. IMO you take Thornton over iggy for the veteran guy

[tendulkar23]

Originally Posted by moon

I certainly hope they go for talent over "veteran presence."

If having multiple Olympic Gold medalists as well as Stanley Cup champions on the team isn't enough for veteran leadership then Canada is in big trouble and basically every other team has no shot at winning.

I agree with the "veteran presence" argument, but Iginla wouldn't be a typical veteran presence guy. He's been one of the top players for Canada in the three Olympics he's been a part of. He came up huge in both of the gold medal games he played in.

If I were constructing a team that was built to win, I take Iginla over Eberle or Jordan Staal without hesitation.

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by moon

I certainly hope they go for talent over "veteran presence."

If having multiple Olympic Gold medalists as well as Stanley Cup champions on the team isn't enough for veteran leadership then Canada is in big trouble and basically every other team has no shot at winning.

So suggesting that Iginla be on the roster leads you to believe someone's saying they want a team full of 35 year old players over the youngsters mentioned?

He's one player.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Captain_Obvious

So suggesting that Iginla be on the roster leads you to believe someone's saying they want a team full of 35 year old players over the youngsters mentioned?

He's one player.

What are you talking about I didn't say anything like that.

I said I hope they take guys based on their ability to play hockey not on some BS notion of veteran leadership, especially when their will be half a dozen guys who can offer experience and leadership.

[Flash Walken]

Marc Staal is an international hockey penalty machine.

He's my favourite staal, but I don't think I'd take him.

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by moon

What are you talking about I didn't say anything like that.

I said I hope they take guys based on their ability to play hockey not on some BS notion of veteran leadership, especially when their will be half a dozen guys who can offer experience and leadership.

There were several posts strictly debating Iggy on the team as that veteran presence. As one player.

Did anyone say anything about filling the team with veterans?

That's how your post came across after the ones it followed.

[moon]

Originally Posted by Captain_Obvious

There were several posts strictly debating Iggy on the team as that veteran presence. As one player.

Did anyone say anything about filling the team with veterans?

That's how your post came across after the ones it followed.

I never said or implied that the team would be filled with veterans. Not sure where you are getting that from. I was talking about Iginla as well.

[cam_wmh]

Originally Posted by VictoryJuice

Thornton should be there if he keeps playing unreal. IMO you take Thornton over iggy for the veteran guy

Watch the final game against the U.S again.

One certain south california threesome, DISAPPEAR from the game, when the pressure is at it's peak.

[habernac]

Anyone worried about Price hasn't watched him much lately. And he's got the international experience as well. I'd love to see him with a great team in front of him.

[Captain_Obvious]

Originally Posted by moon

I never said or implied that the team would be filled with veterans. Not sure where you are getting that from. I was talking about Iginla as well.

Originally Posted by moon

I certainly hope they go for talent over "veteran presence.

I'll say it again: I don't know why they wouldn't when looking at the team as a whole. Would be pretty astounding if they did anything otherwise.

[djsFlames]

Where is Stajan??!!?

[VANFLAMESFAN]

Luongo, Price and Ward would be my goalie threesome.

It's hard to argue with a guy who's done it before and is still playing well. Price would be interesting, I'd like to see him get a whirl. He's got all the tools.

[djsFlames]

I would put Iginla in a hundred times before J.Staal, even at 36.
But of course Staal is a center, so it is kind of an invalid argument..
Can't forget Iggy did lead the Canadian team in goals in van, and how soon they forget the "golden assist".

[3 Justin 3]

I am so sick of everyone over-rating Jordan Staal. He should be no where even remotely close to this team.

Also I laugh at the though of Brayden Coburn making this team. Like seriously Ferraro?

[kingkahuna]

Iginla will be on the team. I recall people predicting Scott Niedermayer would not be on the 2010 team.

[Split98]

No Captain Iginla?

No Thorton-Marleau?

IMO, those 3 (Marleau admittedly due to the Thorton chemistry) bumps J. Staal, Eberle and Sharp.

[The Voice of Reason]

Iginla would almost certainly be on the team. I wouldn't expect him to play in the Top 6. He'd probably be most effective in a role that is limited to 1st unit PP, standard 3rd line minutes and as a leader in the room. He has been a workhorse in the past, but those days are behind him with respect to Team Canada

He's got all the experience, he's one of only a few guys left who has played with/against Yzerman for many years. I'd also expect it to be his international swan song. He has nothing left to prove on the international stage.

[flylock shox]

What the heck happened to all the goalie farms out in Quebec?

Get back to work you poutine-sipping flemmards!

On the bright side, this means Irving has a chance.

[EYE_Overstand]

Lineup:
E. Kane, Crosby, IGINLA
E Stall, Giroux, Stamkos
Tavares, Toews, Seguin
Richards, Getzlaf, Perry

Nash, Eberle

Keith, Doughty
Weber, Letang
___________ , Pietrangelo

____________, ___________ *Defense is bloody hard to pick.

Luongo, Price, Ward (if Marty B plays well next year then he wins over Ward)

[BBQorMILDEW]

[QUOTE=moon;4058088]Also would be nice to see Eberle nowhere near this team but he has so much BS built up around him I am sure they will take him on his BS rep alone.[/QUOTE/]

Disagree.

Eberle is clutch and that is something that can't be taught. Sure, he may look borderline ######ed, but he's a gem on the ice. I'd put him on the team no questions asked.

Fast and a good hockey IQ, perfect for playing on International Ice.

You can hate on the Oilers all you want, but don't deny that Eberle is extremely talented. That's crazy Moon.