Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Kiel vs Pierre









Anyone who's watched any NHL on TSN game with me, or a World Junior Hockey Championships game, knows I hate Pierre McGuire. I can't stand the guy. He yells, he says things that don't make sense like "human eraser" and he develops a weird man love for one player a year. Ask Dion Phaneuf or Cody Hodgson.




That being said, he has a great job, and I've got nothing. It takes some guts to be on national television every night sharing your opinions, instead of just opining from the couch.




This is why I've decided to try something new - criticizing him from the internet.




Last month, McGuire the Monster released his version of Canada's Olympic Hockey Team. I'm going to try the same. I'll list his team, then discuss which picks are ridiculous and which ones I agree with.







Goalie


Pierre's Picks: Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, Marc-Andre Fleury
My picks: Martin Brodeur, Roberto Luongo, Marc-Andre Fleury

I can't help but agree with Pierre. There are no other options. Personally, I'd love to see Cam Ward in the third spot, but his lacerated leg got him "cut" from consideration. Brodeur, by the way, will 100 per cent be the starter.


Let's just hope this doesn't happen to Fleury again....

Defence

Pierre's Picks: Scott Niedermayer, Shea Weber, Chris Pronger, Dan Boyle, Dion Phaneuf, Jay Bouwmeester, Brent Seabrook
My picks: Niedermayer, Weber, Pronger, Boyle, Bouwmeester, Seabrook and Robyn Regher


Sorry Dion. I can't put you on my team. Phaneuf's a tad overrated in my books. That a man with that chin can nailed down a girl like Elisha Cuthbert is an Olympic effort in itself, but I don't see him fitting in. Phaneuf always tries for the big hit at the expense of defence and his offensive skills aren't needed with guys like Weber and Boyle out there. Sorry Pierre, they'll be no "Double Dion" in Vancouver.


I chose Robyn Regehr to take his teammate's spot. Regehr is an ornery dude and the Canadians will need some sandpaper to take gold. Pair him with Pronger and watch out!


Forwards:


Pierre's Picks: Rick Nash, Sidney Crosby, Martin St. Louis, Jeff Carter, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry, Brenden Morrow, Mike Richards, Shane Doan, Patrick Marleau, Jordan Staal, Jerome Iginla, Patrick Sharp.
My picks: Nash, Crosby, Iginla, Carter, Getzlaf, Richards, Doan, St. Louis, Perry, Morrow, Joe Thornton, Dany Heatley, Jonathan Toews,

Here's the thing. Jordan Staal is not making this team. Canada has too many centres as is. He's a good penalty killer and terrific defensively, but, so are Mike Richards and Shane Doan and both are better players.


Pierre doesn't have Joe Thornton on the team. Why? Big Joe is the league's best passer and he's got the size up the middle that Canada needs. Thornton should be a lock for this team, c'mon Pierre WHAMMMO, wake up.


Dany Heatley. Yep. I don't like him either. However, the guy scores goals. He is playing tremendous hockey right now in San Jose and he's among the best scorers in the league. Aside from that, he's always up for a trip to the World Championships after the season and he always plays his heart out. In a short tournament, you want Heatley on the ice.


I said Jonathan Toews will be the team's 13th forward. Patrick Sharp is probably the better choice, but Toews is young and I think Canada will take him for the experience looking ahead to 2014.


So, there you go. Pierre and I going head-to-head. We'll find out who's closer in about a month. Either way, I can always change my mind.




1 comment:

  1. I think Canada should consider Steven Stamkos. He has 17 goals and 30 points in 32 games with Tampa this year. He also put up 11 points at the World Championships last year and has over a point-per-game average in international play. Not only can he contribute to the team this year, but the experience will help prepare him for the future.

    http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=6554

    I also think Mike Green should be on this team. He contributed 31 goals and 73 points last year and is having another solid season this year with 32 point in 32 games. This team should use these young guys to add speed, youth and point production.

    http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/teams/players/bio/?id=4600

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