Some thoughts based on the Babcock/Yzerman interviews:
-Bergeron will not make this team (offensive level has dropped too much, shutdown line C can be replaced by Toews/Richards/Getzlaf)
-Tavares is at risk (C [already too many], too slow, weak defensively, high end offense is replacable)
-One of Duchene/Benn will make the team (I hope it is Duchene due to the WC and Speng Cup but Benn has upper hand in being natural LW [where Canada is weak], really want both though)
-Stamkos will play (Guy is going hard in rehab, he was upset from being cut in 2010, and won't miss the olympics this year)
-MSL will make the team (Yzerman GM, reigning Art Ross winner, Stamkos [who will be back] chemistry)
-Kunitz will make the team (In case of Sid having horrible chemistry again, if Sid finds suitable wingers, Kunitz sits [Low risk, high reward])
My lineup based on mix of personal thoughts and what I expect from HC
Forwards:
1.Stamkos-Crosby-MSL
2.Benn-Getzlaf-Perry
3.Sharp-Toews-Giroux
4.Duchene-Richards- Carter
Ex. Kunitz, Couture
1.#1 Offensive force, Stamkos has speed Crosby needs
2.#2 Offensive force, three big, skilled bodies, can hold own skating
3.#1 Shutdown line, still capable of good/clutch offence
4.#2 Shutdown line, has chemistry Babcock wants, Duchene throws in dynamic offence
Ex. Kunitz in case of chem. problems, Couture for 200 ft. game
*2 Centers on each line as suggested by Babcock
Defence:
1.Kieth-Weber
2.Vlasic-Doughty
3.Bouwmeester-Pietrangleo
Ex. Subban, Giordano
1. All around unit, capable of whatever we need
2. Selected Vlasic as the elusive 3rd starting LHD, shut down pair with potential offence
3. Chemistry, mixed with great skating and a hot start
Ex. Have to take Subban because of skating/Norris, Giordano is my sleeper pick as Babcock wants even handedness and Gio is lights out this year
*Even LHD-RHD, with chemistry and experience
Goalies:
1. Carey Price
2. Roberto Luongo
3. Mike Smith
1. Hot start, represented Canada before, best of limited options
2. Experience and is still playing quite decent
3. Can be good as anyone when hot, but this spot doesn't really matter to me due to limited potential of actual playing time.
*Area in which I think there will be little dispute, almost certain Price-Luongo go 1-2
Conclusion: Think it will be a really good overall team, great lineup exception goaltending, but I can see Price easily stepping up and pushing us to a repeat Gold. Nearly unmatched on offence and defense. Should be an entertaining Olympics.