|
Post by edmontongm on Dec 19, 2005 22:08:15 GMT -5
I can't say I'm overwhelmingly surprised at the United States selections except for Chris Chelios. (So much for him being a Greek bobsledder). At 43 (he'll be 44 when the Olympics start), I'm pretty certain he'll be one of the oldest Olympians to play ice hockey (if not the oldest).
My question is with the experience on the blue line already with Hatcher, Miller, Rafalski and Schneider...why take Chelios? He takes a lot of bad penalties now, averages only 16 minutes a game in Detroit and as shown, his experience isn't necessary...it would have made more sense to take a guy having a good year like Tom Preissing or someone that may play a larger role in 2010 like Ryan Whitney, Keith Ballard or Paul Martin. I'm pretty certain one of those 4 will get a taxi spot, but why not make them available right from the start?
To be honest, I think that Chelios should have done the honorable thing (like his own teammate and captain) and step aside for one of these guys.
|
|
|
Post by Bryce - Minny on Dec 19, 2005 23:35:46 GMT -5
you forget that Chelios is, and always has been a selfish prick.........That being said, I love having him on the WILD
|
|
|
Post by edmontongm on Dec 19, 2005 23:53:36 GMT -5
LOL, fair. Which begs the other question, why isn't the US management intelligent enough to take a younger (more capable) defenceman, when Chelios has shown to not be quite as capable this season as in years past.
|
|
|
Post by Nashville Predators on Dec 20, 2005 15:33:51 GMT -5
I'm pretty sure some Russian Olympians from back in the day were old too.. Larionov?
|
|
|
Post by Eric - Washington GM on Dec 20, 2005 16:09:06 GMT -5
Bryce is right with Chelios, he wants it all. But I liked all their selections, and almost had everything pegged except I would have liked to see Paul Martin or another Old-Timer in Brian Leetch get selected instead of Chelios. Langenbruner, I thought could have been added, but leaving him off for other players who are having better seasons, is a smart way to go.
For once, Jeremy Roenick is actiing like a bitch. I've always thought he had a good head on his shoulders, but it doesn't seem like it now. No way a GM will pick a player with 13 points, and a reduced role as a checker this season over a handful of players having better seasons. I'm glad they left out Hull and LeClair as well.
This is the best team they could have assembled, as I think this team has a lot of camaraderie, and I think that will carry them a long way if DiPietro keeps his level of play up.
|
|
|
Post by FincanSJGM on Dec 20, 2005 23:31:37 GMT -5
7th place
|
|
|
Post by Eric - Washington GM on Dec 20, 2005 23:53:22 GMT -5
you wish. I'm not saying they'll win it, although I'm hoping, but I think they are still a dangerous team.
|
|