WJC: 2015 — Canada Roster Talk (Part IV)

[Muston Atthews]

Gauthier is naturally slow but he is winning almost every face-off as he was 10 for 10 in USA game. Also his down low cycling game is very good as it created a few scoring chances. Where he has trouble is in a fast up and down the ice game where chances are created off the rush. Great idea by coaches putting him with Richie and Crouse as they all skate at relatively same pace which helps the line effectiveness.

What surprises me is the ineffectiveness of McDavid. The truth of it is he must still be hurt. Otherwise he looks a little slow compared to the best 95s. His line has been Canada's least effective. Thank god for Reinhart and Domi who are carrying this team. And Petan Fabbri and Paul truth be told have been the better 2nd line.

McDavid slow? Whaaaa? Or do you mean his reaction time

 

[YOYOTCROSTER*]

His overall game is not there. Combo of his skating speed and stick puck strength looks bad. 3X in USA game he was caught from behind by US forwards and he had puck taken from him. Even in offensive end he is not beating defence like I see him in the ohl. Something is wrong maybe he needs a few more games to get his game back. Talked to Mac in Montreal and off the TV folks are saying he is not back to full health yet.

 

[Rants Mulliniks]

He's been awful that's why. I don't mind him playing because he is a good face off man and has been effective killing penalties. But anything else he's not been good. His foot speed is Dany Heatley-esque and he's struggling controlling the puck.

Personally I don't think he's hurting the team in his current role though.

So he's doing exactly what he was brought in to do - to the extent of being a tournament statistical leader - while playing on a 4th line.

Again, what's to complain about? Are we expecting dynamo play there?

 

[Lalonde]

Gauthier is a true Manny Malhotra junior version Actually, I have no problem with him as the checking-line center.
As for me, I expected more from Ritchie in sense of his offensive skills. Yes, he hits everything and everyone on the ice, but we all know that he can score, too.After all , he's the 10th draft pick and played two games with McD. I'd be changing him sometimes with aforementioned Point in the 4th line...

 

[MR4]

I'm all for criticism against McDavid not being what he was hyped up to be but to say he's been slow, is just wrong

 

[Novak Djokovic]

I'm assuming Fabri is done for the tournament? That sucks. We need depth against Russia/Sweden, if they are able to beat Slovakia.

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

I'm assuming Fabri is done for the tournament?

Was something said on TSN?

 

[Novak Djokovic]

Was something said on TSN?

Yup. Although Point has done a good job with McDavid, but Fabbri is more talented, IMO.

 

[Heldig]

As an old soccer player, I have really noticed/appreciated the amount Nic Petan uses his feet - stripping pucks, redirecting passes, even kicking the puck to teammates.

 

[JackSlater]

Well things look pretty good for Canada, though presumably Slovakia will be better than they were the last time Canada played them. Honestly, none of the other teams in the tournament have looked particularly good. On the other side Sweden has won all of their games but goes through periods where they have gotten outplayed by inferior teams, while Russia looked pretty weak in the last two games. It will be disappointing if Canada doesn't win the whole thing.

 

[CrazyJoeDavola]

Fabbri done. Sucks but we should still have the depth to overcome this.

 

[Icebreakers]

One thing Gauthier has going for him this year is that the team is so deep. I bet you if the team was struggling like how they did last year people would be hot on Gauthier about being useless and not scoring. But he doesnt need to score this year and hes doing his job well.

 

[Alerion]

Fabbri done. Sucks but we should still have the depth to overcome this.

With all due respect to Fabbri, Point should be able to fill his role pretty well. Loving the depth this year, it seems to be a great mix of skilled guys and 2 way guys with a couple specialists thrown in. I have no complaints about Groulx so far.

 

[Vaclav Varada]

Has a forward ever played in 2 tournaments for Canada without a goal?

Nothing against Gauthier at all. I like how he is playing in his role. I'm just curious.

 

[ronnyweed]

Dal Colle shoulda made this team

 

[Alerion]

Dal Colle shoulda made this team

I'm not sure how you can say this when they're 5-0 and have 29 GF and only 4 GA.

 

[chunkylover53]

I'm not sure how you can say this when they're 5-0 and have 29 GF and only 4 GA.

Sure you can. Canada could still do well even though MDC shoulda made this team. Giroux shoulda made Team Canada over a few guys but they were fine without them because they had so much depth.

 

[1Gold Standard]

sucks to lose Fabbri. I sure hope we have him in our line-up for next year's tournament. my guess is he'll be in St. Louis.

 

[Marky9er]

sucks to lose Fabbri. I sure hope we have him in our line-up for next year's tournament. my guess is he'll be in St. Louis.

Really sucks for Storm fans.

 

[Patmac40]

 

[Get North]

This team seems to have alot of confidence and feel like they will win. That's what I'm getting from them, alot of 19 year olds aswell. If we beat Slovakia, I just have a feeling we might dominate the gold medal game.

 

[BigBen]

sucks to lose Fabbri. I sure hope we have him in our line-up for next year's tournament. my guess is he'll be in St. Louis.

I highly doubt he'll be playing in the NHL next year. Can Canada call up a player like MDC now that he's out for the rest of the tourny?

 

[1Gold Standard]

I highly doubt he'll be playing in the NHL next year. Can Canada call up a player like MDC now that he's out for the rest of the tourny?

No, once you submit your roster 23 players (20 skaters 3 goalies) that's your roster. there are no provisions for injury replacements.

 

[OttawaRoughRiderFan*]

No, once you submit your roster 23 players (20 skaters 3 goalies) that's your roster. there are no provisions for injury replacements.

That seems wrong. There should be a taxi squad.

As long as we don't have any injuries against Slovakia, we should be fine.

 

[xxxx]

This team seems to have alot of confidence and feel like they will win. That's what I'm getting from them, alot of 19 year olds aswell. If we beat Slovakia, I just have a feeling we might dominate the gold medal game.

6-1 over Russia? you know what I mean