All time teams - dream teams

[Eye of Ra]

8 teams. World Cup format.

Canada
Czech
Finland
Sweden
Slovakia
Swiss
Russia
USA

Everyone in their prime.

Canada.

Mario Lemieux - Wayne Gretzky - Sidney Crosby
Eric Lindros - Steve Yzerman - Bryan Trottier
Mark Messier - Joe Sakic - Jarome Iginla
Dale Hawerchuk - Marcel Dionne - Ron Francis

Too many centers....Iginla is better than Howe......

Raymond Bourque - Paul Coffey
Al MacInnis - Larry Murphy
Denis Potvin - Bobby Orr

Patrick Roy

Czech.

Milan Hejduk - Patrik Elias - Jaromir Jagr
Martin Straka - Robert Lang - Petr Sykora
Martin Havlát - Petr Nedved - Martin Rucinsky
Petr Klíma - Bobby Holík - Václav Prospal

Roman Hamrlik - Tomas Kaberle
Pavel Kubina - Jaroslav Spacek
Marek Zidlicky - Petr Svoboda

Dominik Hasek

Finland.

Jere Lehtinen - Saku Koivu - Teemu Selänne
Esa Tikkanen - Olli Jokinen - Jari Kurri
Petri Skriko - Mikko Koivu - Ilkka Sinisalo
Sami Kapanen - Christian Ruuttu - Jussi Jokinen

Teppo Numminen - Kimmo Timonen
Jyrki Lumme - Risto Siltanen
Reijo Ruotsalainen - Sami Salo

Miikka Kiprusoff

Sweden.

Daniel Sedin - Henrik Sedin - Tomas Sandström
Mats Näslund - Mats Sundin - Daniel Alfredsson
Markus Näslund - Kent Nilsson - Peter Forsberg
Henrik Zetterberg - Thomas Steen - HÃ¥kan Loob

Nicklas Lidström - Börje Salming
Erik Karlsson - Calle Johansson
Stefan Persson - Kenny Jönsson

Henrik Lundqvist

Slovakia.

Marián Hossa - Peter Stastny - Peter Bondra
Marián Gáborík - Pavol Demitra - Zigmund Pálffy
Anton Stastny - Jozef Stümpel - Miroslav Satan
Zdeno Ciger - Peter Ihnacak - Marian Stastny

Zdeno Chara - Lubomir Visnovsky
Robert Svehla - Andrej Sekera
Andrej Meszároš - Lubomir Sekeras

Jaroslav Halak

Switzerland.

Nino Niederreiter - Hnat Domenichelli - Damien Brunner
Patrick Fisher - Martin Pluss - Paul Di Pietro
Marcel Jenni - Reto Von Arx - Michel Riesen
Ivo Rüthemann - Andres Ambuhl - Felix Hollenstein

Mark Streit - Roman Josi
Mathias Seger - Goran Bezina
Julien Vauclair - Severin Blindenbacher


Martin Gerber

Russia.

Alexander Ovechkin - Sergei Fedorov - Alexander Mogilny
Ilya Kovalchuk - Pavel Datsyuk - Pavel Bure
Valeri Kamensky - Yevgeni Malkin - Alexei Kovalev
Vladimir Krutov - Igor Larionov - Sergei Makarov

Sergei Gonchar - Sergei Zubov
Andrei Markov - Alexei Zhitnik
Slava Fetisov - Vladimir Konstantinov

Vladislav Tretiak

USA.

Pat Kane - Mike Modano - Brett Hull
John LeClair - Jeremy Roenick - Joe Mullen
Tony Amonte - Pat LaFontaine - Keith Tkachuk
Kevin Stevens - Neal Broten - Bill Guerin

Phil Housley - Brian Leetch
Chris Chelios - Gary Suter
Mathieu Schneider - Mark Howe

Mike Richter

How would the tournament end?


My tip:

1: Canada
2: Russia
3: Sweden
4: Finland
5: USA
6: Slovakia
7: Czech
8: Swiss

Make you own rosters and speculate who would win a tournament like this.

Click to read more...

 

[JackSlater]

That Canadian team is terrible.

Canada probably wins comfortably - too many decades of top level hockey, and even today produces more great players than any other country. Russia/Soviets easily second. Then a very interesting competition between Czechs, Swedes and Americans.

 

[LiveeviL]

On paper Canada (with Kariya on it) and USSR takes it, #1 & #2.
Sweden #3, but the D-should have Anders Eldebrink, Hedman and Öhlund on it (out: Calle Johansson, Stefan Persson, Kenny Jönsson).

 

[Conspiracy Theorist]

Laine-Barkov-Puljujärvi
Aho-Teräväinen-Tolvanen
Vesalainen-Räsänen-Rantanen
Kapanen-Granlund-Donskoi

Määttä-Ristolainen
Juolevi-Välimäki
Vaakanainen-
Vatanen-Jokipakka

Korpisalo
Saros
Rask

That team is going to kick ass in 2022.

 

[JackSlater]

I much prefer this Canadian team:

Lemieux Gretzky Yzerman
Hull Beliveau Howe
Messier Clarke Lindros
Sakic Crosby Richard
Mikita

Pronger Orr
Robinson Bourque
Potvin Harvey
Kelly

Roy
Plante
Brodeur

I excluded anyone from the pre-WW2 era, as most of that generation was clearly surpassed by the group that followed them. In some cases a lesser player was selected or put higher in the lineup for cohesion reasons. Tons of great players excluded.

 

[DN28]

8 teams. World Cup format.

Canada
Czech
Finland
Sweden
Slovakia
Swiss
Russia
USA

Everyone in their prime.

...

Those are not all-time teams..

EDIT: I mean too many great players before 90s are missed. Especially for that Czech team.

EDIT 2: This would be my all-time Czech team, taking into account "greatness" and chemistry too.

Straka - Novy - Jagr
Jiri Holik - Lang - Nedomansky
Elias - Hlinka - Martinec
Prospal - Zabrodsky - Hejduk

Pospisil - Machac
Hamrlik - Suchy
Svoboda - Bubla

Hasek
Holecek
Vokoun

 

[Uncle Rotter]

Are players picked for their international play, or how they played in the NHL?

 

[jfc64]

Prime is not yet reached for some.

 

[Namba 17]

USSR/Russia

Kharlamov - Petrov - Mikhailov
Krutov - Larionov - Makarov
Mogilny - Fedorov - Bure
Kovalchuk - Datsyuk - Malkin
Firsov, Maltsev

Vasiliev - Zubov
Fetisov - Kasatonov
Markov - Konstantinov
Gonchar

Tretyak
Khabibulin
Nabokov

 

[alko]

Also Slovak team is based only on players, that were in NHL. But we had a lot great ones, that were only at home.

Darius Rusnak, the great agitator Jozef Golonka, Igor Liba, Vlado Dzurilla are only few of them.

 

[VMBM]

USSR/Russia

Kharlamov - Petrov - Mikhailov
Krutov - Larionov - Makarov
Mogilny - Fedorov - Bure
Kovalchuk - Datsyuk - Malkin
Firsov, Maltsev

Vasiliev - Zubov
Fetisov - Kasatonov
Markov - Konstantinov
Gonchar

Tretyak
Khabibulin
Nabokov

Although I don't like Firsov being a spare, I can't think of many changes with the roster. Maybe I would try to squeeze in Bobrov and Sologubov somewhere...

 

[Zine]

USSR/Russia

Kharlamov - Petrov - Mikhailov
Krutov - Larionov - Makarov
Mogilny - Fedorov - Bure
Kovalchuk - Datsyuk - Malkin
Firsov, Maltsev

Vasiliev - Zubov
Fetisov - Kasatonov
Markov - Konstantinov
Gonchar

Tretyak
Khabibulin
Nabokov

Although I don't like Firsov being a spare, I can't think of many changes with the roster. Maybe I would try to squeeze in Bobrov and Sologubov somewhere...

What, no Ovechkin?

Kharlamov - Petrov - Mikhailov
Krutov - Larionov - Makarov
Firsov - Fedorov - Bure
Ovechkin - Datsyuk - Malkin
Maltsev, Bobrov

Vasiliev - Ragulin
Fetisov - Kasatonov
Zubov - Konstantinov
Gonchar - Lutchenko
Markov

Tretiak
Khabibulin
Myshkin

On an individual level Im not sold on Larionov, but gotta keep KLM together.

 

[Uncle Rotter]

What, no Ovechkin?

In terms of international hockey, Kovalchuk has had the better career.

 

[Scotty B]

I much prefer this Canadian team:

Lemieux Gretzky Yzerman
Hull Beliveau Howe
Messier Clarke Lindros
Sakic Crosby Richard
Mikita

Pronger Orr
Robinson Bourque
Potvin Harvey
Kelly

Roy
Plante
Brodeur

I excluded anyone from the pre-WW2 era, as most of that generation was clearly surpassed by the group that followed them. In some cases a lesser player was selected or put higher in the lineup for cohesion reasons. Tons of great players excluded.

Messier wouldn't make my all time team. Yzerman might, then again Keenan didn't think he was good enough for one of our Canada Cup teams. Phil Esposito outshone Clarke in 72, although Ellis, Clarke and Henderson were great. Even if he had to get shifted to wing, I would have to pick Gilbert Perreault for an all time TC, first because he was such a sublime skater, second because he looked great vs international competition ( albeit limited ). And what about Mike Bossy? How can you leave him off the team?

 

[JackSlater]

Messier wouldn't make my all time team. Yzerman might, then again Keenan didn't think he was good enough for one of our Canada Cup teams. Phil Esposito outshone Clarke in 72, although Ellis, Clarke and Henderson were great. Even if he had to get shifted to wing, I would have to pick Gilbert Perreault for an all time TC, first because he was such a sublime skater, second because he looked great vs international competition ( albeit limited ). And what about Mike Bossy? How can you leave him off the team?

Messier easily makes the team because of his LW experience. Keenan wrongly leaving Yzerman off the 1991 Canada Cup team (defensible in 1987 though) doesn't mean much to me. Esposito and Clarke play different roles. Clarke is Canada's, and probably history's, best defensive centre. Esposito isn't good enough to get one of Canada's offensive centre roles. Perreault always looked good internationally, no question, but he has to compete against ridiculous competition, including players who never or rarely played international hockey like Howe, Hull and Richard. Bossy I strongly considered, because a sniper who at least contributes defensively is always valuable. He can't make it over Richard or Howe though, doesn't really fit a checking line and I simply chose Yzerman over him. Lots of great players can't make the team. Difficult to leave players like Trottier, Lafleur, Hall or Coffey off.

 

[jj cale]

Messier wouldn't make my all time team. Yzerman might, then again Keenan didn't think he was good enough for one of our Canada Cup teams. Phil Esposito outshone Clarke in 72, although Ellis, Clarke and Henderson were great. Even if he had to get shifted to wing, I would have to pick Gilbert Perreault for an all time TC, first because he was such a sublime skater, second because he looked great vs international competition ( albeit limited ). And what about Mike Bossy? How can you leave him off the team?

Messier for sure makes the team.

I can't fathom his choice of Mikita over a guy like Espo though.

Bad choice IMO. Espo has to be there.

 

[JackSlater]

Messier for sure makes the team.

I can't fathom his choice of Mikita over a guy like Espo though.

Bad choice IMO. Espo has to be there.

Mikita was much better defensively than Esposito, much more versatile and arguably his offensive equal. Comfortably a better player all time. I honestly cannot imagine how anyone could include Esposito on such a team, given that he can only play an offensive centre role and Canada simply has better offensive centres.

 

[moon*]

For the OP Larry Murphy would struggle to make all-time Canada 10, he is nowhere near all-time team 1.

 

[jj cale]

Mikita was much better defensively than Esposito, much more versatile and arguably his offensive equal. Comfortably a better player all time. I honestly cannot imagine how anyone could include Esposito on such a team, given that he can only play an offensive centre role and Canada simply has better offensive centres.

You just have to watch the summit series to know how Esposito makes this team over Mikita.

There are enough two way guys and great d-men on your team, you don't need mikita.

But what Esposito brings to that team, well, what can I say?....................you must know.

IMO..................Mikita over Espo is just a bad call.

It would never happen if i was picking the team.

You have given your reasons and they are duly noted but i'll never buy it.

 

[JackSlater]

You just have to watch the summit series to know how Esposito makes this team over Mikita.

There are enough two way guys and great d-men on your team, you don't need mikita.

But what Esposito brings to that team, well, what can I say?....................you must know.

IMO..................Mikita over Espo is just a bad call.

It would never happen if i was picking the team.

You have given your reasons and they are duly noted but i'll never buy it.

I've seen the Summit series, and prime Esposito is certainly much better there than a over the hill Mikita. There is no reasonable spot for Esposito on a team like this though. I would like to actually hear what specifically Esposito brings that puts him over Mikita rather than vague statements.

 

[jj cale]

I've seen the Summit series, and prime Esposito is certainly much better there than a over the hill Mikita. There is no reasonable spot for Esposito on a team like this though. I would like to actually hear what specifically Esposito brings that puts him over Mikita rather than vague statements.

Then guy just scored big goals and a lot of them and was a leader,the type of guy you need on a team.

Espo just made things happen

If that is vague I apoligize, but explaining what Espo brings to a team is rather akin to explaining what makes the mona lisa special.

I'm surprised you pick a guy like Mikita(no noteworthy international accomplishments) over a guy like Esposito.

Makes no sense to me, even with your well explained reasoning.


Head scratcher to this guy.

For me, a decision on whether to take Mikita or Esposito on an all time Team Canada is about the easiest decision I will ever make.

 

[JackSlater]

Then guy just scored big goals and a lot of them and was a leader,the type of guy you need on a team.

Espo just made things happen

If that is vague I apoligize, but explaining what Espo brings to a team is rather akin to explaining what makes the mona lisa special.

I'm surprised you pick a guy like Mikita(no noteworthy international accomplishments) over a guy like Esposito.

Makes no sense to me, even with your well explained reasoning.


Head scratcher to this guy.

For me, a decision on whether to take Mikita or Esposito on an all time Team Canada is about the easiest decision I will ever make.

How could Mikita have significant international accomplishments? During his whole prime, ie when he won his four Art Ross trophies and multiple Harts, the best Canadians had no opportunity to play international hockey.

I do agree that Esposito scored a lot of big goals, but he wouldn't be in position to do so on team Canada with so many scorers obviously ahead of him. Mikita or any centre beyond Gretzky/Beliveau/Lemieux/Clarke is just going to be a complimentary piece.

 

[jj cale]

How could Mikita have significant international accomplishments? During his whole prime, ie when he won his four Art Ross trophies and multiple Harts, the best Canadians had no opportunity to play international hockey.

I do agree that Esposito scored a lot of big goals, but he wouldn't be in position to do so on team Canada with so many scorers obviously ahead of him. Mikita or any centre beyond Gretzky/Beliveau/Lemieux/Clarke is just going to be a complimentary piece.

Then Esposito can be that complimentary piece, not mikita.

He earned it.

 

[JackSlater]

Then Esposito can be that complimentary piece, not mikita.

He earned it.

Not seeing it. Mikita has just as good a resume, if not better, and he is versatile. Esposito is one note. A great note, but one note. Not suited to be a complimentary piece.

 

[jj cale]

Not seeing it. Mikita has just as good a resume, if not better, and he is versatile. Esposito is one note. A great note, but one note. Not suited to be a complimentary piece.

As you wish.

This is all fantasy of course but....

I bet espo would end up not being a complimentary piece but one of the best players on this hypothetical team.

And I bet Mikita would see minimal ice time.

Espo would play himself into more icetime, I don't see Mikita doing that myself.

But we will never know.