Strange comment from Shane Doan

From game recap on Yahoo:

Team Canada’s won a ton of these and you’re going to lose once and awhile. Unfortunately, it was tonight. That’s the way it goes. We’ve won I don’t know how many in a row. It’s tough to keep winning that many in a row.


As far as I know, it is just one in a row.:laugh:

I have great respect for Shane Doan, the guy is all heart. But I guess the pressure of facing the disappointment of the hockey nation is too much even for him... Honestly, I do not think he has do distract Canada from this disappointment by pointing recent successes (still, no country has been as successful as Canada in the past 5 years or so, especially if you count juniors). I feel as long as the team gave its absolute best out there on the ice, and in a sportsmanlike manner, there is no shame in defeat.

From game recap on Yahoo:



As far as I know, it is just one in a row.:laugh:

I have great respect for Shane Doan, the guy is all heart. But I guess the pressure of facing the disappointment of the hockey nation is too much even for him... Honestly, I do not think he has do distract Canada from this disappointment by pointing recent successes (still, no country has been as successful as Canada in the past 5 years or so, especially if you count juniors). I feel as long as the team gave its absolute best out there on the ice, and in a sportsmanlike manner, there is no shame in defeat.

I think he means they won 17 in a row and eventually you lose one.

I think he means they won 17 in a row and eventually you lose one.

haha yeah was it really that hard to miss?

Haha. I feel stupid now! The only thing I have to say for myself is that I hope it was more clear in the actual interview than the quote shows. Well, that and the fact that I have properly grasped the meaning of so many quotes taken out of context in row, you would not believe!

I feel as long as the team gave its absolute best out there on the ice, and in a sportsmanlike manner, there is no shame in defeat.

There is shame if you are representing Team Canada. The fans, media, players and the grandmothers expect us to win everytime.

There is shame if you are representing Team Canada. The fans, media, players and the grandmothers expect us to win everytime.

Couldnt agree more on that one. I was ashamed of the plaers today. The last thing I want to see is footage of Spezza and co. sulking on the sidelines. You jsut flat out dont give up a two goal lead on home ice in this type of tournament, you just dont. 20 minutes. That's all they needed. They failed. Am I being too hard on them? Probably but if you think I am dont come crying to me if we lose in the Olympics on home ice in 2010 after a h*rse**** effort like that in the final two periods.

Spezza, Staal, St. Louis and others are bubble players for the Olympics. This is not what I wanted to see from them.

Couldnt agree more on that one. I was ashamed of the plaers today. The last thing I want to see is footage of Spezza and co. sulking on the sidelines. You jsut flat out dont give up a two goal lead on home ice in this type of tournament, you just dont. 20 minutes. That's all they needed. They failed. Am I being too hard on them? Probably but if you think I am dont come crying to me if we lose in the Olympics on home ice in 2010 after a h*rse**** effort like that in the final two periods.

Spezza, Staal, St. Louis and others are bubble players for the Olympics. This is not what I wanted to see from them.

I don't really like Spezza for the Olympics. If we've learned anything from 1998, it doesn't make sense to carry 8 centers and have them play out of position. I see Crosby, Lecavalier locking up the top two spots, then guys like Thornton, Getzlaf, Staal, Savard, Bergeron, Briere, Richards, Richards and Spezza all battling for 2 spots. I don't think you need Spezza in a checking role and he's a guy I don't trust in any big game situation. Unless he really changes in a year and a half I don't want him on the team.

1. Crosby
2. Lecavalier
3. Getzlaf
4. Richards

Those would be my four centers for a Canadian team.

I don't really like Spezza for the Olympics. If we've learned anything from 1998, it doesn't make sense to carry 8 centers and have them play out of position. I see Crosby, Lecavalier locking up the top two spots, then guys like Thornton, Getzlaf, Staal, Savard, Bergeron, Briere, Richards, Richards and Spezza all battling for 2 spots. I don't think you need Spezza in a checking role and he's a guy I don't trust in any big game situation. Unless he really changes in a year and a half I don't want him on the team.

St. Louis is more of a lock likely then Spezza, Staal are. Not as many great scoring wingers as Centermen who are great.
Briere, Brad Richards, Spezza, Savard, Staal, Getzlaf are all bubble guys IMO. Thornton Crosby Lecav are locks, with Mike Richards on the 4th line center I think. Could be that a cple of centers play the wings though so who knows.

Haha. I feel stupid now! The only thing I have to say for myself is that I hope it was more clear in the actual interview than the quote shows. Well, that and the fact that I have properly grasped the meaning of so many quotes taken out of context in row, you would not believe!

haha well im glad to see you atleast correct yourself on that. most people dont.

it would be awesome if canada could give us one Thorton, Getzhlaf or Spezza. would help our team and future alot.

Couldnt agree more on that one. I was ashamed of the plaers today. The last thing I want to see is footage of Spezza and co. sulking on the sidelines. You jsut flat out dont give up a two goal lead on home ice in this type of tournament, you just dont. 20 minutes. That's all they needed. They failed. Am I being too hard on them? Probably but if you think I am dont come crying to me if we lose in the Olympics on home ice in 2010 after a h*rse**** effort like that in the final two periods.

Spezza, Staal, St. Louis and others are bubble players for the Olympics. This is not what I wanted to see from them.

Don't be so hard to your team, they played such a great tourney, and it was a thinn line between winning and loosing. Take it as a motivation to win the next here in Switzerland :nod: Can't wait for it, the stadium in Berne is about 500 meters from my workplace :yo:

1. Crosby
2. Lecavalier
3. Getzlaf
4. Richards

Those would be my four centers for a Canadian team.

Joe Thornton anyone ? Even if I hate the guys, you can have Richards or Getzlaf over Thornton...They aren't just in the same class.

'You jsut flat out dont give up a two goal lead on home ice in this type of tournament, you just dont. 20 minutes. That's all they needed. They failed. Am I being too hard on them?'

yes. come on, they made the finals. as always, in order to win you must beat Canada. you can beat any other team but if you can't beat Canada you will not win. Russia's has a hell of a team.

in my world, if Canada does not make the finals it is a failure. but if they lose in the final, in a great game, in overtime, to a great team... hey, you can't win them all.

Joe Thornton anyone ? Even if I hate the guys, you can have Richards or Getzlaf over Thornton...They aren't just in the same class.

Everybody's personal list for the 2010 team is going to be a bit different.

The Defense and goaltending, you pick the best guys, so on D, it will be the likes of Pronger, Phaneuf, Burns, Boyle and guys like Jovo, Weber, Green, Hamhuis, Regehr, Seabrook, etc. Make sure you have 2 guys who can run a PP and can carry the puck up the ice. Most of the best Dmen have to play the shut down role on their teams anyways, so they should all be good defensively. Ideally try to get a 3/4 split on left and right handed shots on the blueline. Burns and Boyle are rights, which is gives Canada 2. Then guys like Weber, Green, and Seabrook are rights as well.

Goalies are the ones you think are the best in the game.

But, there are a few things we should all keep in mind before choosing the 2010 forward roster.

1) Need 1 checking centre for sure. 2 Scoring centres. 1 centre can be your choice of how to structure your team. Do you want another scoring line or an Energy line. Makes a huge difference on who that guy will be.
2) Faceoff guys. You need your centres to be good on faceoffs, and have at least 1 who is good on each circle, ie. a right and left handed centreman.
3) How many centres are you planning on converting to wingers? And are they really better than your natural wingers, both offensively and defensively.
4) Who will kill penalties for your team? Need 6 forwards who are good at that role.
5) Size to speed ratio. Canada has a lot of big forwards, which on the big ice in Torino seemed to be a mistake. Vancouver is using the NHL ice size, so you can go a bit bigger.

Couldnt agree more on that one. I was ashamed of the plaers today. The last thing I want to see is footage of Spezza and co. sulking on the sidelines. You jsut flat out dont give up a two goal lead on home ice in this type of tournament, you just dont. 20 minutes. That's all they needed. They failed. Am I being too hard on them? Probably but if you think I am dont come crying to me if we lose in the Olympics on home ice in 2010 after a h*rse**** effort like that in the final two periods.

Spezza, Staal, St. Louis and others are bubble players for the Olympics. This is not what I wanted to see from them.

I agree, they let the Russians impose a Russian will on them for the last 40 minutes frankly and they looked affraid. The big line looked a little scared and hesitant, they were too affraid of what the Russian might do to them, rather than worrying about what they were capable of doing to the Russians.

I think he means they won 17 in a row and eventually you lose one.

Either that or he's tired of going to the Worlds after the season ends and wants to go to the playoffs really badly.

'Briere, Brad Richards, Spezza, Savard, Staal, Getzlaf are all bubble guys IMO. Thornton Crosby Lecav are locks, with Mike Richards on the 4th line center'

Getzlaf if a lock. Thornton is in but it can't be his team. it has to be Sid and Jerome's team. Iginla or Pronger will probably be the captain.

I agree, they let the Russians impose a Russian will on them for the last 40 minutes frankly and they looked affraid. The big line looked a little scared and hesitant, they were too affraid of what the Russian might do to them, rather than worrying about what they were capable of doing to the Russians.

you guys gotta lighten up. its a consolation tournament. no big deal. probably our 5 best players weren't there (Pronger, Crosby, Iginla, Lacavalier, Luongo)

you guys gotta lighten up. its a consolation tournament. no big deal. probably our 5 best players weren't there (Pronger, Crosby, Iginla, Lacavalier, Luongo)

When you host the tournament for the first time in 100 years and cough up a lead with a coach that goes into a shell for the last 30 minutes that is a problem. We need a winner as a coach. Hitchcock is not anymore that type of coach. He proved it, I'm not just making this up. Look I know what you're thinking, if Canada wins in overtime then we forget it right? Wrong. I wouldnt. I'm glad Craig Hartsburg wont be anywhere near a WJC bench even AFTER a Gold Medal overtime win. He gets completely outcoached no matter where he is.

Canada can not afford to be lax about this. Will we feel this way in 2010 if we lose in Vancouver? I sure hope not. I'm tired of this screwing up when we are SUPPOSED to win. Damn right I judge them, why not. Let's not forget in '06 when Crosby is sitting at home with Phaneuf and Staal isnt even seeing the ice but Bertuzzi, Draper and McCabe are. Another screw up like that in 2010 and the whole world is going to think that Canada is not the best at their own game.

you guys gotta lighten up. its a consolation tournament. no big deal. probably our 5 best players weren't there (Pronger, Crosby, Iginla, Lacavalier, Luongo)

Were without Malkin and Datsyuk up front too and Gonchar at the back end.

Russia was fully deserving of the victory.

What should worry Canadian fans is that the Russians matched up physically to Canada and completed a tonne on stretch passes on the smaller ice surface.

It's still an advantage IMO that the 2010 games are going to be on NHL size ice, but the Russians have proven to themselves that they can beat Canada on NHL size ice.

Canada can not afford to be lax about this. Will we feel this way in 2010 if we lose in Vancouver? I sure hope not. I'm tired of this screwing up when we are SUPPOSED to win. Damn right I judge them, why not. Let's not forget in '06 when Crosby is sitting at home with Phaneuf and Staal isnt even seeing the ice but Bertuzzi, Draper and McCabe are. Another screw up like that in 2010 and the whole world is going to think that Canada is not the best at their own game.

This is an International hockey tournament, which like Soccer, there are several teams that can win it. Russia played better and fully deserved to win. It was disappointing to see Canada lose, especially being up 4-2. Much like the Junior teams of 2002-2004 who blew leads and lost the gold medal games to Russia twice and the USA once.

What Hockey Canada should take from this game is that they need to have their coaching staff be able to draw up a plan to defend the stretch pass. Russia completed way too many in the 2nd and 3rd periods. That shouldn't happen when you're up 2 goals. That and not sitting on a lead.

As for your Crosby, Phaneuf, and Staal comments, it's fine to list Bertuzzi's name, as he didn't play well in 2005-2006 season and should not have been on the team. But, Draper was doing the role that either Morrow/M. Richards will likely be in at the tournament, which is the checking centre. As for McCabe, he was on the taxi squad until someone got injured and was pressed into duty. Phaneuf was a rookie. Crosby and Staal, they would have to play wing on the team behind Sakic, Thornton, and Lecavalier. Their wingers were Gagne, Iginla, Heatley, St. Louis, Nash, Richards, Bertuzzi, Doan, Smyth. You have to play defense in a best on best tournament. So, moving natural centres to wing might not always be the best move.

Bottom line for the 2006 team was that their top scorers didn't score. That was the bottom line.

Were without Malkin and Datsyuk up front too and Gonchar at the back end.

Russia was fully deserving of the victory.

What should worry Canadian fans is that the Russians matched up physically to Canada and completed a tonne on stretch passes on the smaller ice surface.

It's still an advantage IMO that the 2010 games are going to be on NHL size ice, but the Russians have proven to themselves that they can beat Canada on NHL size ice.

If you really want to start this, then I'm ready.....

Crosby, Lecavalier, Thornton, Luongo, Brodeur, Pronger, Phaneuf and Iginla

I'm not saying that we would've won but just listing some names that will play for Canada at Olympics....Wasn't so good in '06 but we did win in '02.

Russia completely deserved the win as they outplayed us but don't try to list Russian players that missed this tourney because in the end you're losing this argument as Canada didn't have those names mentioned above.

If you really want to start this, then I'm ready.....

Crosby, Lecavalier, Thornton, Luongo, Brodeur, Pronger, Phaneuf and Iginla

I'm not saying that we would've won but just listing some names that will play for Canada at Olympics....Wasn't so good in '06 but we did win in '02.

Russia completely deserved the win as they outplayed us but don't try to list Russian players that missed this tourney because in the end you're losing this argument as Canada didn't have those names mentioned above.

I'm not starting anything. I was simply responding to a prior poster who listed 5 Canadian players who didn't play. Russia was missing some key players too. This wasn't the complete rosters for either country, but for the players that were at the Worlds, Russia won the game fair and square.

In the past Canadians could always say that they were the ones with the never say die attitude and the heart to keep going. But, in this game, the Russians displayed those qualities in spades. Overcamea tough start and rallied to beat Canada in Canada, speaks volumes of their heart and attitude.

This group of Russian players is going to be a big challenge in 2010. Not just because of their skill, but they seem to be a very cohesive unit. Most of the time, when Russian players get knocked out of the playoffs they go and play at the Worlds, like the Fins, Swedes, Czechs, and so on. They are able to develop chemistry with other players. Canada's going to have to find a way to build chemistry quickly with their group in 2010. A good start will be to convince guys like Iginla, Crosby, Lecavaliver, Thornton, Phaneuf, Weber, etc. down the line, that if they get knocked out of the 2009 playoffs early, that they should play at the Worlds and try to get used to playing with one another.

I mean, if Crosby is to play with Iginla, when are they going to have time to develop any sort of chemistry?

I don't really like Spezza for the Olympics. If we've learned anything from 1998, it doesn't make sense to carry 8 centers and have them play out of position. I see Crosby, Lecavalier locking up the top two spots, then guys like Thornton, Getzlaf, Staal, Savard, Bergeron, Briere, Richards, Richards and Spezza all battling for 2 spots. I don't think you need Spezza in a checking role and he's a guy I don't trust in any big game situation. Unless he really changes in a year and a half I don't want him on the team.

Why not? He has been Ottawas best big game player since he came on the team. He is over a PPG in the playoffs and is only 24.

I would like to see John Madden get consideration since IMO he is the premier shutdown center Canada has at the moment.

Why not? He has been Ottawas best big game player since he came on the team. He is over a PPG in the playoffs and is only 24.

Unless he gets more points than both Thornton and Lecavalier he shouldn't be there since he's the worst defensively by far. At this point he probably is only 7th on the depth chart for centers.

Why not? He has been Ottawas best big game player since he came on the team. He is over a PPG in the playoffs and is only 24.

He's also somewhat lackadaisical, not physical, not especially clutch, not much of a killer instinct, not someone I would really trust in a game seven or a short tournament. Aside from these flaws with Spezza himself, there are three guys I would play ahead of him at center: Crosby, Lecavalier, Thornton, and I don't think he'd make much of a checker compared to the likes of a Mike Richards or a Ryan Getzlaf.

'I'm tired of this screwing up when we are SUPPOSED to win.'

we supposed to win? Canada makes the most world class players, the best all-round players, the most great defensemen, the most great goalies, but other countries produce enough of there own to field a great lineup (and Russia make the most great scoring forwards). We are always highest rated to win any tourney going in, we are usually in the finals (definitely the most often), and we probably win the most tourney.. but we are not so great the we are 'supposed to win'.

get off your high horse, buddy. Russia has a great team, with great players. They won, not because we screwed up, but because they were good.

St. Louis is more of a lock likely then Spezza, Staal are. Not as many great scoring wingers as Centermen who are great.
Briere, Brad Richards, Spezza, Savard, Staal, Getzlaf are all bubble guys IMO. Thornton Crosby Lecav are locks, with Mike Richards on the 4th line center I think. Could be that a cple of centers play the wings though so who knows.

Can we hold off on Mike Richards for at least a couple more seasons, he's not in the league of these other names mentioned...hell of a player but this is the Olympic team.

Can we hold off on Mike Richards for at least a couple more seasons, he's not in the league of these other names mentioned...hell of a player but this is the Olympic team.

Of course he is. He's more than "in the league of these other names". You think he's not in the league of Danny Briere?

Can we hold off on Mike Richards for at least a couple more seasons, he's not in the league of these other names mentioned...hell of a player but this is the Olympic team.

It's about what M. Richard's role would be on the team. Someone has to check the likes of Ovechkin, Malkin, Datsyuk, Kovalchuk, etc. for Russia.

Canada will have a line much like they did in 2006 with Draper, Smyth, and Doan and in 2002 when it was Peca as the centre.

So, Richards is competing for the checking line spot with the likes of Morrow, Fischer, J. Staal, Doan, etc. This isn't an all-star game. Canada will need forwards who can play some defense.

It's about what M. Richard's role would be on the team. Someone has to check the likes of Ovechkin, Malkin, Datsyuk, Kovalchuk, etc. for Russia.

Canada will have a line much like they did in 2006 with Draper, Smyth, and Doan and in 2002 when it was Peca as the centre.

So, Richards is competing for the checking line spot with the likes of Morrow, Fischer, J. Staal, Doan, etc. This isn't an all-star game. Canada will need forwards who can play some defense.

I like M Richards and what he can do on the checking line. He was good against Ovechkin and gave Malkin a pretty hard time too. I can imagine he would do well against the other elite forwards as well. If you threw a Jason Spezza on the 4th line, it just wouldn't work.

you guys gotta lighten up. its a consolation tournament. no big deal. probably our 5 best players weren't there (Pronger, Crosby, Iginla, Lacavalier, Luongo)

Thats no excuse, everytime players don the jersey we expect them to win, not choke in the finals with 20 minutes to go. This was a failure, and it should never be taken lightly.

Offensive Centres: Crosby, Lecavalier, Thornton, Spezza, Getzlaf
Checking/Shut Down Centres: Horcoff, Fisher, Richards, Getzlaf

In my opinion if you have 2-3 of the top line and 1 and maybe 2 (if Getzlaf is one of them) of the second line.

So, Richards is competing for the checking line spot with the likes of Morrow, Fischer, J. Staal, Doan, etc. This isn't an all-star game. Canada will need forwards who can play some defense.

And equally imporantly some guys who are good at, and want to bust some heads. Canada was physically intimidated in this game for some reason, we were getting hit and not returning anything. Doan-Morrow-Richards would be a nasty line to play against.

Can we hold off on Mike Richards for at least a couple more seasons, he's not in the league of these other names mentioned...hell of a player but this is the Olympic team.

For a player on the 4th line checking role. He will absolutely go through a wall. Ill be pretty surprised if he's not in that role for the team. Madden is going to be fairly old, unless Mike Fisher takes the spot I think its Richards.

I Also am not 100% sold on him, but its his offense im not sold on. He does everything and isnt going to lose the defensive end of things, even if he does lose some points.

For a player on the 4th line checking role. He will absolutely go through a wall. Ill be pretty surprised if he's not in that role for the team. Madden is going to be fairly old, unless Mike Fisher takes the spot I think its Richards.

I Also am not 100% sold on him, but its his offense im not sold on. He does everything and isnt going to lose the defensive end of things, even if he does lose some points.


Richards is also not only a good pk, but a threat on it as well.

Would you be sold a little more if he had Malkin or Hossa on his wing? Might pad his stats a bit more, no? Remember too, Richards went through the 1,2,3 seeds in the east playoffs at almost a ppg, where the Pens went through the 7,5,6. Just sayin'.