Martin St. Louis and Other Olympic Sized Rink Thoughts

(photo via hockeycanada.ca)

Puck justice, my friends. The Canadian Hockey Brain Trust have made the right decision by adding big little man Martin St. Louis to the Olympic Hockey roster. His story speaks for itself, so here's a quick snapshot in case you've been living in a cardboard box under the Gardiner:

- He was not drafted coming out of College and signed as a free agent with the Calgary Flames
- 0.93 points per game in the regular season
- 1.08 points per game in the playoffs
- 6 time NHL All-Star
- 2 time Art Ross trophy winner, which is awarded to the NHL's leading scorer (04 and 13)
- 1 Hart trophy awarded to the League's MVP in 04
- Stanley Cup Champion
- Represented Canada internationally 4 times, including the 2006 Olympics
- Captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning

He was consistently criticized for being too small but he continues to silent those haters. His skill set, leadership ability, and determination are undeniable. Now, Stamkos is an amazing player that is tough to replace. No denying that. This was not a swap out of teammates that play for Team Canada GM Steve Yzerman in Tampa. This was the right selection for a player that has paid his dues and deserves another opportunity to add a gold medal to his amazing resume. 

Enter: Snider. Everyone always loves it when an American criticizes decisions made for a Canadian Olympic Ice Hockey Team by a group of the sharpest hockey minds in the world (who are of course Canadian as well). Where was Snider's valued opinion when Bobby Ryan wasn't named to Team USA? Some of the guys that made it (names that come to mind are Carter and Kunitz) will either be national heroes or fodder for guys like Snider that happily will throw in the "Told you so's". Time will tell if this team comes out on top amongst a very competitive field. I will give him kudos for standing up for his player, Claude Giroux. Making this team is tough, and some great players are going to be left off. 

- For all you gamblers out there, here are some Olympic hockey odds from sportsbook.com:

Canada 2/1
Russia 9/4
Sweden 4/1
USA 6/1
Czech Republic 10/1
Finland 12/1
Field (Any Other Team) 18/1

According to the Odds Maker, expect a Canada/Russia final. How huge would that game be?

- I saw an article today proclaiming that they found the answer to beating Team Canada and most of it has to do with playing on the big ice while exploiting the Canadian's grinding and physical game. These tournaments are made for players like Karlsson or any other offensive minded defensman. The big ice makes them feel like a Russian in a Vodka bar. But fear not! I'm positive that the lessons learned from the 06 embarrassment in Torino have been deeply analysed. And maybe they will work on strategies for the Olympic sized rink's surface.

- The tourney kicks off February 12th, with Canada drawing Norway on the 13th at 12 pm. Crosby and Co should take Group B without too much trouble. It looks like Finland will be their toughest competition.

- Enjoy the Olympics and have a fun, gut wrenching, nail biting tourney!

- Paqman