[News] IIHF Men's Worlds Roster News: Toffoli, Lucic, Weegar added to Team Canada Roster

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

After Sutter himself, I think Lucic represents what the team needs to move away from, more than any other player. That may be unfair to Lucic, but perception is what it is.

We need his toughness and leadership on the team. Especially if we are going to be giving chances to Phillips and Coronato next year. No one will touch them if they know Looch is around.

Sutter just played him wayyyy too much the past 2 seasons.

[The Cobra]

Originally Posted by Johnny Makarov

We need his toughness and leadership on the team. Especially if we are going to be giving chances to Phillips and Coronato next year. No one will touch them if they know Looch is around.

Opposing players "touched" Flame players all the time. And Looch was around all the time.

The game, speed wise, has passed him by.

The Flames need to move on from him.

[Johnny Makarov]

Originally Posted by The Cobra

Opposing players "touched" Flame players all the time. And Looch was around all the time.

The game, speed wise, has passed him by.

The Flames need to move on from him.

Why don't you ask Gaudreau and Chucky about BL and AL? Before looch and after looch... lol

I can't think of any Flame getting manhandled with Looch in the lineup.

[Toonage]

^ Tanev got tossed around after Lucic took a big hit. Lucic never went after Trouba or anyone on the Rangers.

[Leeman4Gilmour]

Lucic is the obvious choice for the big ice, haha. Seriously, good on Team Canada for giving Lucic the opportunity.

[GirlySports]

With the first round upsets, this could be a really good team. Colorado, Boston, Tampa, etc...

[topfiverecords]

Originally Posted by Enoch Root

After Sutter himself, I think Lucic represents what the team needs to move away from, more than any other player. That may be unfair to Lucic, but perception is what it is.

Wow

[The Fisher Account]

Lucic is going to look absolutely ridiculous on international ice.

[Enoch Root]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Wow

Wow what? I didn't attack the player in any way, just saying changes need to be made.

[soulchoice]

I’m definitely going to head to Latvia and watch. This will be fun.

[Naitix]

Would not be surprised if Lucic hangs them up after this season. He has never been to Worlds/Olympics so must want to get get to do that at least once before retiring

[jaydub74]

I love Loch, but are the worlds played on the larger ice surface? If so his reduced foot speed may quickly become an issue.

[tvp2003]

Looch is playing for a contract next year.

I actually think he'll be okay on the big ice, although against smaller, faster teams it will be interesting to say the least.

[CroFlames]

Yep, probably a farewell tour and I'm OK with it. He's done as a player, but he's a great guy and any NHL team would be smart to get him on a payroll soon for coaching/advising/mentoring.

[Erick Estrada]

Originally Posted by topfiverecords

Wow

He's kind of right though. This team gaslit early draft picks on guys like Hunter Smith and Keegan Kanzig, always searching for the Nick Ritchie's of the league when the NHL is becoming a fasters, more skilled league where smaller players are thriving. Size and physicality are still positive traits in an NHL player but only if the footspeed and skill is NHL caliber. Zadorov fits in because he can skate but this team also added Gudbranson who Sutter sheltered enough to hide his deficiencies as this organization is still way too preoccupied with size and toughness.

[Hack&Lube]

[Calgary4LIfe]

I think that one of the big differences between international ice and NHL ice is how the game is played. In the NHL, explosiveness and agility is much more important as guys are always on top of one another. Lucic has impressive top speed, but it is his first step or two (his agility and explosiveness) that makes him look slow. There aren't many players that can actually keep up with him when he is skating hard, and I am guessing that this will actually show up a bit better on the international ice surface.


I will be watching and rooting for him, and hopefully we can see Huberdeau playing better now as I am sure there is some relief after knowing Sutter won't be here next season.

[GioforPM]

Originally Posted by Calgary4LIfe

I think that one of the big differences between international ice and NHL ice is how the game is played. In the NHL, explosiveness and agility is much more important as guys are always on top of one another. Lucic has impressive top speed, but it is his first step or two (his agility and explosiveness) that makes him look slow. There aren't many players that can actually keep up with him when he is skating hard, and I am guessing that this will actually show up a bit better on the international ice surface.


I will be watching and rooting for him, and hopefully we can see Huberdeau playing better now as I am sure there is some relief after knowing Sutter won't be here next season.

You can actually play off the boards a fair bit in the D zone on international ice. The goal there seems to be to allow perimter passing and just cut off the wide pass across, which takes forever anyway. Large ice actually is often eaiser to defend if you play a conservative game, and Lucic's "stand still in the zone" method could work.

[midniteowl]

I'll most definitely cheer for Team Canada no matter who's on the team!

[Buff]

Originally Posted by Sec214

Don’t think many elites are taking invites this year.

But Lucic did!