Speculation is running ramped about which players will represent Canada. From now until early 2010, there will be numerous amounts of newspapers, articles, blogs and other forms of hockey writing from writer’s to aficionado’s across the country, speculating what the final roster of what the beloved team will be. Whomever they decide, we do know this, there’s certainly no shortage of talent. Players such as; Sidney Crosby, Vincent Lecavalier, Jarome Iginla, Dany Heatley, Dion Phaneuf, Chris Pronger & Mike Green are all locks (barring injury) to make the squad. The management crew certainly does not want to be expeditious in determining the line-up, it would be wise to be very methodical in choosing the players as last Olympics did not fair so well. That being said, there is a myriad of other choices when determining the final roster. Canada has enough talent to send 3 full teams to the 2010 Olympics. However, we do not live in a perfect world and management will have to settle for cutting some very good players that deserve to represent their country on the international stage. In the wake of the managers being named, I thought I would offer my two cents on which players have an excellent chance on being selected:

*Joe Sakic & Scott Niedermayer not listed because of career uncertainties

The biggest controversy will be on the situation of goaltenders. Canada is certainly too deep between the pipes. The main question will be; who is more deserving, Roberto Luongo or Martin Brodeur? While Brodeur has the experience, that in itself may be his downfall. There has been talk that he may be showing signs of aging, coupled with his lackluster performance at the last Olympics could prove to management that Luongo is the right man for the job.

With the NHL toying with the idea that this may be the last time they send players to compete for the Olympics, (although I doubt that will be the case) it certainly puts pressure on the players to make a push to represent their country. For all of these players, it will be the first time they will compete for Olympic glory at home in Canada, they will all want a shot to play. Of course injuries and performances of this year and the early part of next year will play a huge role in who ultimately gets to compete in Vancouver. But for now, isn’t it interesting to speculate?

Until next time,

Alex Fineberg

The highly touted prospect of the New York Islanders scored his first NHL goal last night (the Game Winning goal, no less) and contributed an assist in the Islanders’ 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils last night at the Prudential Center. The win broke New York’s losing streak at 6 games. Blake Comeau and Trent Hunter (empty netter) also contributed goals for the Islanders. Travis Zajac tallied for the Devils.

Okposo scored on a power play late in the 3rd period to put the Islanders ahead for good. He parked himself in the slot and eluded the penalty-killing Devils (exhibiting poise and better hockey sense than one might expect out of a rookie), then one-timed a Richard Park feed past New Jersey goaltender Martin Brodeur. His assist on Comeau’s goal also showed he has a willingness to work hard in the corners and behind the net and also possesses a soft pair of hands in terms of passing.

The rookie’s goal was not the only highlight of the night for New York , who have inexplicably dominated the Devils this season. Goaltender Wade Dubielewicz was once again solid in net. He turned back 34 shots and made an excellent save on a partial breakaway by New Jersey’s John Madden.

The game featured three fights, two of which were won handily by the Devils. The Isles’ Matthew Spiller was decked by a thunderous blow from New Jersey’s Arron Asham. Rod Pelley dropped the much larger Josef Vasicek with a flurry of punches at the end of the game. Still, Islander fans must have appreciated the fire and passion that was demonstrated by their team. Those attributes were noticeably absent during the losing streak.

Coach Ted Nolan criticized his team earlier in the week for their collective lack of effort and put them through a series of torturous workouts to punish them. If last night’s game is any indication, the Coach’s message has been received loud and clear.