Sports Logic

This week's Manic Monday is one question and it's very straight forward. If you were the General Manager, who would be on your team, and if you're so inclined, why?

Wayne's Strategy

My selections are based on stats, styles and hunches. I'm not a believer in taking players on "experience" just because they were at the Olympics before – especially considering the 2006 disaster in Italy.

Another factor is there just aren't that many veteran players in the league today as decorated as the Joe Sakics, Steve Yzermans and Mario Lemieuxs of previous years, I'm looking at the group of good, young players in the league that are being compared to those players.

My team is built on skill, speed and grit – in that every player picked fits that description. I built a complete team around complete players – no powerplay specialists or shutdown player with no offensive upside. The coaching staff should be able to roll four lines and six defencemen without worrying about a drop-off in production or responsibility.

Forwards:

Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh Penguins) – This was a no-brainer. He's a point-producing machine and just so happens to be a proven winner. Plays the game with skill and grit and is no slouch in the faceoff circle, Crosby will be a huge part of Team Canada's attack.

Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim Ducks) – Getzlaf is the prototypical player for my Team Canada. He's a big guy who can skate, has great vision and hands and doesn't mind mucking it up.

Dany Heatley (San Jose Sharks) – If you're going to play a skill game, you need to have a few snipers to finish. Heatley fits that role to a tee with his knack for getting open and his lightning quick release and accurate shot.

Jarome Iginla (Calgary Flames) – Iginla is the elder statesman on my forward corps. He's a combination of sniper and playmaker with more than enough sandpaper. Add good speed and leadership and he's a lock.

Brendan Morrow (Dallas Stars) – Morrow's not the biggest guy in this lineup, but plays like it. He isn't fancy but has good hands and is very hard to play against, making him the kind of responsible two-way checker needed for a short tournament.

Rich Nash (Columbus Blue Jackets) – Outside of Heatley, Nash is the best pure sniper in this lineup. His speed and hockey sense makes him a breakaway possibility every shift and he has the power forward game to free up space for his linemates.

Dustin Penner (Edmonton Oilers) – I start with a caveat here: this is a blatant homer call. Penner is playing well enough this season to merit consideration (likely as a late cut), but I have him on my team for a few reasons: He's getting the bulk of his points five-on-five, he's very responsible defensively and of course…CTV/TSN are covering the Olympic Games. I would love to see Craig MacTavish's reactions on TSN.

Corey Perry (Anaheim Ducks) – Perry is the most well-rounded agitator in the game today. His chippy style drives opponents crazy and he has high-end talent and toughness to back it up.

Mike Richards (Philadelphia Flyers) – Mike Richards is the ultimate two-way player in the game today. He's often compared to Bobby Clarke, but I see him as Michael Peca with much more talent. Richards skates well, hits like a truck, kills penalties and contributes in every area of the rink.

Eric Staal (Carolina Hurricanes) – Staal is my flyer pick. I know he's struggled a bit this season with consistency and injuries, but he's got the speed, size, reach and skills to carry a team on his back. At his best, he's a bull in a china shop and I'd love to see him on the biggest stage.

Joe Thornton (San Jose Sharks) – Without a doubt, the best passer in the game. His ability to see the ice, slow down the play and thread perfect feeds to linemates for easy goals should be enough to get him on the team. The fact that he has something to prove as a big game player certainly doesn't hurt.

Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks) – He may only be 21 years old, but being compared to Steve Yzerman from the day he was drafted doesn't hurt. He has the smarts, skills and leadership of the Team Canada GM and he's at his best on the big stage.

Late Cuts – The Battle for the 13^th Forward Spot:

Patrice Bergeron, Jeff Carter, Shane Doan, Mike Fisher, Patrick Marleau, Brad Richards, Marc Savard, Patrick Sharp, Ryan Smyth, Martin St. Louis

Despite his injury history, my hunch is telling me to take Ryan Smyth. Veteran would better understand role in press box and if called upon, his game is simple enough that it won't take long to fit into a fourth line role.

Defence:

Jay Bouwmeester (Calgary Flames) – Bouwmeester's skating ability allows him to close gaps and join rushes with little risk. Has the hockey sense and positioning to log minutes in any situation.

Drew Doughty (Los Angeles Kings) – It's hard to believe he's 19. Watching Doughty play such a well-rounded, responsible game is a treat. He's great defensively and very smart offensively. Add in his poise and he's the complete package.

Duncan Keith (Chicago Blackhawks) – Keith is a smooth skating shutdown player defender with offence to go with it. He's a Norris Trophy type of player and should be an anchor on this team.

Chris Pronger (Philadelphia Flyers) – Pronger brings the nasty edge to this crew. He's a monster of a man at 6'6" and knows how to slow the game down when things get frantic. His ability to control a game from the defensive side is invaluable.

Brent Seabrook (Chicago Blackhawks) – Teams with Keith in Chicago as arguably the best duo in the league. Seabrook is a smart, hard-nosed defender who plays physical without taking penalties.

Shea Weber (Nashville Predators) – Weber has one of the hardest shots in the game and knows exactly how to use it. On top of that, he's a workhorse defensively and delivers punishing checks in shutting down opposing scorers.

Late Cuts – 7^th Defenceman:

Dan Boyle, Mike Green, Scott Niedermayer, Dion Phaneuf

Even though I think he's lost a step and has been passed by the five younger players on my list, I think Scott Niedermayer's presence with the team would have a calming influence. He's a proven winner and could step in should someone get hurt or struggle.

Goaltenders:

Martin Brodeur (New Jersey Devils) – Easily one of the best goalies in hockey history, Brodeur grabbed the starter's job with his play this season. He's a big game goalie and that's exactly what you need in a short tournament like the Olympics.

Marc-Andre Fleury (Pittsburgh Penguins) – He's come a long way since his gaffe at the World Juniors huh? Fleury's maturity and ability to make the big save when it matters backstopped the Penguins to the Stanley Cup…and as far as I'm concerned, cemented him as Brodeur's backup.

Roberto Luongo (Vancouver Canucks) – While I've never understood his unofficial title as the best goalie in the world, Luongo is nothing if not talented. However, his inability to carry the Canucks consistently year after year – particularly when the expectations are high – raises a huge red flag for me and relegates him the third string status.

Late Cuts: Goalies

Marty Turco, Cam Ward

Wayne's Lines:

Nash-Crosby-Iginla

Heatley-Thornton-Staal

Penner-Getzlaf-Perry

Morrow-Richards-Toews

Smyth

Keith-Seabrook

Pronger-Doughty

Bouwmeester-Weber

Niedermayer

Brodeur

Fleury

Luongo

Shaun's Strategy:

For my team, I basically slotted the centers first (Since those positions are the most obvious) and I put them with players who would be the best fit. I don't care about prior service with the Hockey Canada program, and I also didn't base my decisions solely on 35 games this season, which seems to be a popular sentiment among the media these days…but in some cases it didn't hurt.

Forwards:

Michael Cammalleri, Montreal Canadiens – Right off the bat, I have to defend my most controversial pick. Obviously he won't be making Steve Yzerman's team, but I'd like to ask why not. He is a top goal scorer in the league, can play the PP with the best of them, is an underrated passer of the puck, and for a smaller guy plays a big man's game. In addition to that, his defensive play is much improved this season (+10) which has been his bugaboo his entire career.

Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins – This is obvious, and I have space to fill. So in 2006, Crosby was left off the team along with Eric Staal and Dion Phaneuf in favor of Todd Bertuzzi, Kris Draper and Bryan McCabe. Just think about that for a second…

Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks – He will probably be the 3^rd line center on the team, but he is more than capable of adjusting his game to fill that role. Getzlaf is one of the best setup men in the game and knows what it takes to be a winner. He had a slow start, but offseason surgery will do that to a guy.

Dany Heatley, San Jose Sharks – Believe it or not, Heatley was my last pick. I don't think he brings the right attitude to the team, but he can put the puck in the net with the best of them. And if he wants to play the ego card in this dressing room, Godspeed Mr. Heatley.

Jarome Iginla, Calgary Flames – Upon closer inspection, Iginla will be the oldest forward on my team. With his leadership and prior experience, he is my choice for captain, but that shouldn't be a shock. I figure if he's considered the best leader in hockey, why would they pass him up for the C?

Brenden Morrow, Dallas Stars – The first of my checking line makes an appearance. Morrow is an excellent 2-way player, in the mold of a Michael Peca in 2002. If I recall, that worked out okay for everyone.

Rick Nash, Columbus Blue Jackets – After making strides in his own end last season, Nash has had a bit of a setback early on this year. He is still far too important to leave at home, and hopefully playing with other top flight players will motivate him to rekindle that defensive awareness.

Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks – With his play this season, Perry has jumped ahead of guys like Jeff Carter and Vinny Lecavalier. Perry is a guy you hate when you watch him play, but you'd love to see him on your team. If there's one thing Canada lacked in 2006, it was grit. With his nose for the net and penchant for mixing it up after whistles, Perry will be this year's version of Theoren Fleury in 2002.

Mike Richards, Philadelphia Flyers – With all due respect to Pavel Datsyuk, Richards should have won the Selke last season as the best defensive forward. His penalty killing is exceptional, and has enough offense to hold his own.

Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks – Speaking of players in the mold of Mike Richards… Sharp brings a penalty killing element, like Richards that will be priceless in a short tournament. With a PK of Richards and Sharp up front, teams may actually have to take the extra second to think or it's going the other way in a hurry.

Eric Staal, Carolina Hurricanes – To quote Doug MacLean "To leave Staal off the team because he has had a bad 30 game stretch is idiotic." Well said Mr. MacLean…well said indeed. I don't know if anyone remembers something called the "playoffs", but Eric Staal is in the elite in terms of big game players.

Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks – At the other end of the spectrum of big game players is Joe Thornton. But, how can you justify leaving the leading scorer in the league at home? Simple answer: you can't.

Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks – Toews is my 13^th forward on this team. That isn't to say he doesn't deserve a regular shift. His versatility is such that he can fill in for a role player, or if Mr. Thornton struggles for example, he could be a #2 center.

On The Bubble: Jeff Carter (Flyers), Shane Doan (Coyotes), Vincent Lecavalier (Lightning), Patrick Marleau (Sharks), Dustin Penner (Oilers), Rick Rypien (Canucks)ß
J

Defence

Jay Bouwmeester, Calgary Flames – Last year when I previewed the Olympic team I left Bouwmeester off the team. Watching him now on a regular basis, you get an appreciation for the guy. Unless you're looking for him on the ice, you'll never notice him, and that is the greatest compliment a defenseman can get in my opinion.

Drew Doughty, Los Angeles Kings – I'm hesitant to include Doughty on the team. I wonder if the pressure of the situation will rattle him. There's no doubt the talent is there, but is the mental make-up at this stage of his career. Don't be surprised if Doughty is left off the team for that reason alone.

Duncan Keith, Chicago Blackhawks – I need to make sure everyone understands how good this guy is. He is the best defenseman in this country, and I don't think it's even close anymore. He can shut down the league's elite one minute and rush the puck up the ice the next. He is a stone cold lock for this team.

Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames – Phaneuf is my 7^th defenseman. Everyone knows I am a huge fan of his, but even I can't deny his defensive shortcomings. In his defense (no pun intended) he is light years ahead of Dan Boyle or Mike Green in his own end.

Chris Pronger, Philadelphia Flyers – If this tournament were 6 more months down the road, I can envision a scenario where Pronger doesn't make the team. By all accounts his attitude has shown up again in Philadelphia, and how's that working out? In the last month, Pronger has 3 assists and is a -4 in 15 games. That's not Olympics worthy in this deep class.

Brent Seabrook, Chicago Blackhawks – He is more than Duncan Keith's wingman. Seabrook is an excellent skater, who is versatile enough to quarterback a power play or be the lead defender on the penalty kill. I recently read a story by 8 members of Sun Media picking their teams. Seabrook got one vote out of 8…words can't describe how I felt when I saw that.

Shea Weber, Nashville Predators – Is there a more unknown defenseman in the league? Could you imagine the publicity this guy would get in a city like Detroit or Toronto. Actually, I'd rather not think about Weber in Toronto because I like him.

On The Bubble: Dan Boyle (Sharks), Mike Green (Capitals), Scott Niedermayer (Ducks)

Goalies

Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils – The greatest goalie of our generation is the starter in Vancouver, and even the most die-hard Canucks fan has to understand that. Brodeur is hands down the best goalie in this country going into the Olympics and barring a collapse of CuJo proportions, he will be the starter at the end as well.

Marc-Andre Fleury, Pittsburgh Penguins – Practice with me Marc, "Mr. Brodeur, do you need your water bottle refilled?" Also it would be nice if he packed a couple of suits because I would guess his playing time in these Olympics will be equivalent to Luongo's Vezinas…I kid because I love.

Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks – Luongo will be the backup in this tournament. But can't we all picture the day where Luongo gets his token game against Norway and pitches a 10 save shutout and suddenly there's a hue and cry to make him the starter? I sure can.

On The Bubble: Cam Ward (Hurricanes)

Shaun's Lines:

Heatley-Crosby-Iginla

Nash-Thornton-Staal

Cammalleri-Getzlaf-Perry

Morrow-Richards-Sharp

Toews

Pronger-Doughty

Keith-Seabrook

Bouwmeester-Weber

Phaneuf

Brodeur

Luongo

Fleury

After a one week hiatus, I have returned with the power rankings. I'm feeling a little under the weather this week, so I may have to "Brophy" these rankings a little. Last week he only made 3 blatant errors, which actually may have won you money if you chose the under.

1. Washington Capitals (18-5-6) LW: 3 – Even without Alex Ovechkin in the lineup, the Capitals keep winning. Putting up 14 goals in their last 2 games without the best player in the league is an impressive feat, I don't care if you like them or not. (You know who you are)

2. Chicago Blackhawks (18-7-3) LW: 2 – I couldn't possibly put the Sharks ahead of the Hawks after that 7-2 drubbing a week and a half ago. At one point in the 2^nd period, the shots in that game were 28-6. To go into San Jose's barn and embarrass them like that is something special.

3. San Jose Sharks (19-7-5) LW: 1 – Even with their impressive start, there are already signs of the Sharks getting ready to gag come playoff time. When the Sharks have had to play the 2 and 3 seed in the West, they have come up short in both games, and more troubling, Heatley, Marleau and Thornton were shut down relatively easily.

4. Pittsburgh Penguins (20-9-1) LW: 4 – Since the return of Evgeni Malkin, the Penguins have their game back on track. They are 5-1-1 in their last 7, which is good. On the downside, Sidney Crosby is having groin issues again.

5. Calgary Flames (18-7-3) LW: 8 – Who wants some "expert analysis"? I'm probably as much of an expert as John Shannon is, so here goes nothing. Calgary is really good in the defensive zone, they are decent in the offensive zone, and they are awful in the neutral zone. Next time you watch a Flames game, watch how often they lose the puck in the neutral zone.

6. New Jersey Devils (19-7-1) LW: 5 – They are 5-1 in their last 6 and that one loss was an absolute dud. Martin Brodeur is allowed a stinker every now and then, and did he ever use it on Wednesday night?

7. Buffalo Sabres (16-7-2) LW: 6 – It took me almost 24 hours to complete something on the Sabres and nothing came to mind. So, I'll use some of that Brophy magic. "Ryan Miller is a good goalie" Outstanding.

8. Phoenix Coyotes (17-11-1) LW: 14 – As unlikely as it sounds, the Coyotes may actually be for real. They are riding a 4 game winning streak and are starting to loosen up a little defensively. Maybe a winning/exciting team will bring fans to the rink in Glend...HAHAHA, I almost finished that sentence.

9. Los Angeles Kings (17-10-3) LW: 15 – Slowly and surely, I am on my way to losing the "Kings won't make the playoffs" bet. The Kings are 4-1-1 in their last 6 and are doing it without any production from Anze Kopitar or Dustin Brown. On top of that, Ryan Smyth is injured, and they still keep winning.

10. Boston Bruins (15-9-5) LW: 19 – You think the Bruins are regretting the 4 year contract extension they gave Tim Thomas? Not that Thomas is playing well, but Tuukka Rask looks like he's ready to become a #1 goalie. Maybe the Bruins could trade Rask to Vancouver for Andrew Raycroft, right Leafs fans?

11. Atlanta Thrashers (15-8-3) LW: 18 – Dear Kari Lehtonen, please pack your things and address them "To be determined on March 4^th" (My guess is Detroit). Ondrej Pavelec has struggled of late, but insert Johan Hedberg who is 7-2 this season with a 2.16 GAA.

12. Detroit Red Wings (14-10-2) LW: 12 – The Wings look like they have finally given up on Chris Osgood. So you know what that means. Jimmy Howard will get them into the playoffs, give up a suspect goal and get yanked for Osgood, who will go 16-0 with a 0.00 GAA on their way to another Stanley Cup.

13. Nashville Predators (16-11-2) LW: 11 – After winning 9 in a row, the Predators look like they are on their way back to earth. Their only win last week was over the lowly Chicago Blackhawks. Wait, I'm getting something...The Hawks are good? When did that happen? But TSN never mentions them...surely TSN would give us the straight dirt on teams right?

14. Vancouver Canucks (16-13-0) LW: 16 – I wasn't being sarcastic when I said it was a terrible coaching decision by Alain Vigneault to sit Luongo against the Hurricanes. Why he would play Luongo in a back to back situation and gave him Saturday afternoon blows my mind. Andrew Raycroft HAS to play that Philadelphia game after Luongo won the night before in New Jersey.

15. Colorado Avalanche (16-9-6) LW: 13 – Every week when I do these rankings, I always seem to drop the Avalanche further down the list. Eventually I will be right for doing so, but for now they are making me look like an idiot. They're even winning without Craig Anderson now.

16. Columbus Blue Jackets (13-11-5) LW: 7 – Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the coldest team in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets!!!! I don't know if it's a Manic Monday topic, but Ken Hitchcock might be the next coach to get fired. He's bickering with the franchise goalie...that's a surefire way to lose your job, right Ted Nolan?

17. Ottawa Senators (14-10-4) LW: 9 – According to That's Hockey, Jonathan Cheechoo is "hot" because he has 3 points in his last 4 games. For a guy who scored 56 goals a few years ago, if that constitutes "hot" the Senators are doomed.

18. Dallas Stars (13-8-8) LW: 17 – Lost another game in a shootout huh? Well, I'll comment on you when you go a week without doing so.

19. St. Louis Blues (12-10-5) LW: 23 – Now this is what we expected from the Blues. Apparently all it takes to get them motivated is John Davidson looking for stamps to mail Andy Murray his pink slip.

20. Philadelphia Flyers (13-12-1) LW: 10 – It's absolutely mind blowing that a team with this much talent could be playing this bad. Did Chris Pronger's wife think Philly is too cold and they secretly moved to Cabo? Is that Sean Pronger in Chris' jersey? By the way, what a terrible hire Peter Laviolette was. And I'm not just referring to the 8-2 beating they took in his debut.

21. Minnesota Wild (13-12-3) LW: 27 – When we last spoke I wrote that if you wore a Minnesota Wild jersey you had to pick up your game. Since that fateful day the Wild are 5-0-1. They are also 10-3-3 in their last 16, but don't let anyone know...they might actually start believing they are good.

22. New York Rangers (14-14-0) LW: 22 – Remember when the Rangers were at the top of these rankings? I don't either...but I remember saying they weren't a playoff team. I'd like to see that blow up real good in New York. Not because I don't like the Rangers, but I really really don't like Glen Sather.

23. Tampa Bay Lightning (11-9-8) LW: 24 – I made a mistake on this one. The Lightning lost 3 in a row last week and I moved them UP in the rankings. That won't happen again...

24. Montreal Canadiens (13-14-2) LW: 20 – Maybe it was the emotion of the centennial ceremony, but the Canadiens really got the job done against the Bruins on Friday. That could possibly be the highlight of their season.

25. Edmonton Oilers (12-13-4) LW: 25 – With Ales Hemsky having shoulder surgery and missing for the rest of the season, it's times like these that Oilers fans can thank their lucky stars that they have Shawn Horcoff...

26. New York Islanders (11-11-7) LW: 26 – What can we say about the play of Jack Hillen this season? He's 2^nd on the team in plus/minus. And you thought he wasn't capable of being a shutdown defenseman. PFFT!!

27. Florida Panthers (11-13-5) LW: 21 – I don't care if it is predictable...We can sum of the entire Panthers franchise right HERE

28. Anaheim Ducks (10-12-6) LW: 28 – Last week the Ducks beat Calgary and Chicago and looked to be on their way up the standings. Then they lost 5 in a row. Such is the life of a Ducks fan without BURKEY!!!!

29. Toronto Maple Leafs (8-13-7) LW: 30 – For once, I actually don't have anything to say about the Leafs. Sure they are winning more games lately, but beating Tampa, Florida, Montreal and Columbus isn't exactly worthy of planning a parade route. And with that, someone read this and crumpled up their blueprints.

30. Carolina Hurricanes (6-16-5) LW: 29 – Good news for 'Canes' fans!!! Cam Ward is due back this week. So that means the Hurricanes can go back to relying on their goalie to make 45 saves a night in a 7-1 loss. Hooray for everything!!!