Well folks Olympic fever is in full swing. Beginning with Krejci being named to the Czech Olympic team yesterday, today it has only gotten better.
The first, and of no surprise to any at all, was the naming of Tuukka Rask to Team Finland. I mean really, does this need an explanation? Rask should just change his name to brick wall because he's ridiculous between the pipes.
This will be Rask's first Olympics but as special and daunting as it may be, I can guarentee we're going to see the same calm, cool, collected Tuukka we usually see (unless he loses. Especially if he loses to the Swedes).
Rask obviously deserved this spot a ridiculous amount with his performance the past few seasons. This year he's played in 33 games with a 21-9-2 record. He has a .934 SV% and 1.96 GAA. I don't even need to explain how solid he is in net. Finland would have been straight up stupid to not have picked him up. Way to go Tuuks!
This will be Rask's first Olympics but as special and daunting as it may be, I can guarentee we're going to see the same calm, cool, collected Tuukka we usually see (unless he loses. Especially if he loses to the Swedes).
Rask obviously deserved this spot a ridiculous amount with his performance the past few seasons. This year he's played in 33 games with a 21-9-2 record. He has a .934 SV% and 1.96 GAA. I don't even need to explain how solid he is in net. Finland would have been straight up stupid to not have picked him up. Way to go Tuuks!
And also not coming as a surprise to anyone: Zdeno Chara has been named captain of the Slovakian Olympic team. Again, does this need an explanation? Chara is a 6'9" mass of sheer power and defensive talent that you are hard pressed to match in absolutely anyone else.
This isn't Chara's first time in the Olympics. He's done this twice before with Slovakia. The first time was in the 2006 Olympics, where Slovakia came in fifth and Chara played in 6 games and scored 1 goal and 1 assist. The second time was in 2010, where the team came in fourth place and Chara played in 7 games and notched 3 assists.
Chara may be struggling a little bit this season, but he's still a hugely influential and important figure on our blue line. With the amount of ice time he's capable of taking paired with his size and that 108 MPH slap shot, he's going to be a force for this team. Chara has played in 41 games this season with 9 G and 9 assists, putting him at the top of the league in goals for defenseman.
This isn't Chara's first time in the Olympics. He's done this twice before with Slovakia. The first time was in the 2006 Olympics, where Slovakia came in fifth and Chara played in 6 games and scored 1 goal and 1 assist. The second time was in 2010, where the team came in fourth place and Chara played in 7 games and notched 3 assists.
Chara may be struggling a little bit this season, but he's still a hugely influential and important figure on our blue line. With the amount of ice time he's capable of taking paired with his size and that 108 MPH slap shot, he's going to be a force for this team. Chara has played in 41 games this season with 9 G and 9 assists, putting him at the top of the league in goals for defenseman.
Of course, Saint Patrice himself is going to the Olympics for team Canada. Bergy is a top NHL center, offensive force and a great two player who brings speed, talent and veteran hockey sense to the game.
This is Bergeron's second Olympics and as we all recall the Canadians won gold. Bergeron played in seven games and notched one assist.
This season Bergy has played in 42 games and has scored 10 goals and 15 assists. It was obvious Canada wasn't going to leave him off the roster and they were smart to do so because he's going to bolster their game in almost every aspect.
This is Bergeron's second Olympics and as we all recall the Canadians won gold. Bergeron played in seven games and notched one assist.
This season Bergy has played in 42 games and has scored 10 goals and 15 assists. It was obvious Canada wasn't going to leave him off the roster and they were smart to do so because he's going to bolster their game in almost every aspect.
Last, but certainly not least, is Loui Eriksson, who has been named to Team Sweden. Despite being injury plagued this season, he's helped the team offensively and plays well along the boards.
This will be Eriksson's second Olympics with Sweden. In 2010 he played in 4 games and scored 3 goals and got 1 assists. Sweden came in 5th that year.
This will be Eriksson's second Olympics with Sweden. In 2010 he played in 4 games and scored 3 goals and got 1 assists. Sweden came in 5th that year.
So congratulations to all of our players who will be representing their countries in Sochi! Give 'em hell boys!