Oh here comes the 'Canada has only lost when it's not best on best'. You know other teams are often missing their best players too. You haven't been the best country in the WJC in the past 2 years. It doesn't matter if the games are best on best or not. Get over it already.
Also remeber that the games are played on smaller ice surface almost every year. Sweden and Russia would **** everyone on larger ice.
I could see Landeskog in the NHL, playing a similar role that MPS did last year. But the other two would be better off left in Sweden, I think.
edit: I'm of the opinion that players should be top players at the previous level they played at before the NHL before coming to the NHL, and I don't think Larsson and definitely not Zibanejad are there yet.
Tough to be a 'top' player in the SEL at 17 IMO. Both were very good players. Larsson for 2 seasons and Zbad was called up mid way and was said to be the best forward in the SEL by many in season's end.
Mikael Granlund PPG as 17 years old. You are kidding yourself if you think SEL is in another league of leagues nod in Europe in comparison to FEL. I never have seen so much hype and such a high pick for a guy who has played 20 pro games and scored 4 goals..
Zibanejad is a power forward in every sense of the word, a guy with an incredible mean streak and temper who also possesses some very real goal-scoring skills. He's a born playmaker on offense, he's a great skater, his shooting and hands are perhaps the best in the draft and every scout I've read praises his hockey intelligence. The combination of technical perfection as a skater and shooter and his penchant for aggressive and physical play with excellent defensive ability make him one of the most-wanted prospects in this draft. You wonder if he had played in the CHL, instead of bouncing between junior leagues and the SEL in Sweden, he might have been a sure-fire top-5 pick. There's a good chance he becomes the "steal" of this draft
Mika's a real power forward but also has soft hands, good vision and fine skating skills. He has tremendous balance and is hard to knock off the puck. He's very strong in the battles along the boards, finishes checks with authority and has a heavy shot that he gets off quickly. Mika's a competitive player who is willing to pay the price to score a goal. He does have a very good understanding of his defensive duties.
Versatility is also a bonus for Zibanejad who can play center or either wing as right-shooting player. He's a long strider who gets up and down the surface quickly and at 6-2, 192 pounds has plenty of room to fill out and get stronger. Zibanejad has soft hands and the vision/instincts to make plays all over the ice. He's also got a hard, heavy shot that he uses to great effect, sometimes seeing time at the point on the power play.
Not many weaknesses to find in Zibanejad's game. A bit of a temper- must learn to keep his emotions in check at times.
Generally speaking, young players who do not put up big numbers in the Swedish Elite league improve when they mature as NHL players and scouts are counting on that being the case with Zibanejad. He’s a powerful skater, has a good shot and finishes his checks.
Intelligent two-way center with a heavy shot. Above average sense and anticipation, uses his size and strength for both offensive and defensive purposes, not afraid to play physically and likes to initiate contact. Powerful skater and a non-stop motor, excellent on faceoffs.Has been compared to a mix of Mike Fisher and Nicklas Backstrom. Could develop into a formidable two-way second-line center.
There goes the medal I guess
Too bad WJC isnt really a best of the best juniors tournament anymore.
This is exactly why Sweden is the no 2 hockey nation in the world. After Canada, they are generally the most hurt by teens in the NHL. Last year it was MPS, OEL and Josfsson. The year before Karlsson and Hedman. They lose at least 2 - 3 guys every year, while the Americans typically lose no more than one
haha, take that, that's how us Canadians felt when Edmonton hogged Hall and Eberle and NYI hung onto Tavares
not that I blame the teams but... Still
Mikael Granlund PPG as 17 years old. You are kidding yourself if you think SEL is in another league of leagues nod in Europe in comparison to FEL. I never have seen so much hype and such a high pick for a guy who has played 20 pro games and scored 4 goals..
seriously? has he looked great in your prospects camp? Wasn't he signed for 2 more years in the SEL?
Mikael Granlund PPG as 17 years old. You are kidding yourself if you think SEL is in another league of leagues nod in Europe in comparison to FEL. I never have seen so much hype and such a high pick for a guy who has played 20 pro games and scored 4 goals..
Also remeber that the games are played on smaller ice surface almost every year. Sweden and Russia would **** everyone on larger ice.
Last 10 WJC in Europe:
Russia: 1 Gold
Sweden: 0 Gold
Canada: 5 Gold
timanG[LEFT said:[/LEFT]i;34590143]Elitserien and SM-liiga are two completely different leagues. A year ago Antti Pihlström scored 10 points in 43 SEL games and after his transfer to FEL, he has scored 74 points in 78 FEL games.
Also remeber that the games are played on smaller ice surface almost every year. Sweden and Russia would **** everyone on larger ice.
Last 10 WJC in Europe:
Russia: 1 Gold
Sweden: 0 Gold
Canada: 5 Gold
This team can take medal..
Richard Rakell - Johan Larsson - Ludvig Renfeldt
Max Friberg - Johan Sundström - Marcus Sörensen
Pathrik Westerholm - Victor Rask - Pontus Westerholm
Joakim Nordström - Joachim Nermark - Jeremy Boyce
Filip Forsberg
Nemeth - Klingberg
Brodin - Klefbom
Claesson - Noren
Bengtsson
Elitserien and SM-liiga are two completely different leagues. A year ago Antti Pihlström scored 10 points in 43 SEL games and after his transfer to FEL, he has scored 74 points in 78 FEL games.
It is quite impressive how you completely missed the point of my post and then went on to argue against numerous points I did not make.