Personally, if I had a choice, I would take Stamkos because of his speed, one timer, and sense of competitiveness. He would push the older guys for playing time and be safe in his own zone as well.
However, I don't think he'll make it. Crosby didn't get in on the last Olympics because he was too young. I can see that happening to Stamkos as well. Though after what happened last time, who knows.
I have not seen much of him but when I have, damn he has all the tools. I might have seen maybe 5 min. of 5 different games last season and he seemed to rip one of the post on the powerplay each time. This year he looks great. He should get there before Vinny who is not exactly underperforming in my opinion - the guy never puts it together (except for a couple seasons).
Crosby didn't get in on the last Olympics because he was too young.
Crosby didn't make it because the old-boys network picked guys that they knew, or who were around for the previous Olympics (even if they'd slowed down a step or ten). If Yzerman runs the team smartly, then he shouldn't discount Stamkos simply due to age. If Stamkos deserves to be there, I hope to God they don't have a repeat of last time when they left Crosby off the team.
If Stamkos keeps this up heading in to the time where the rosters get released, then definitely he should be on the team. He, as well as St. Louis, have been the best players on the Lightning so far this season.
Personally, if I had a choice, I would take Stamkos because of his speed, one timer, and sense of competitiveness. He would push the older guys for playing time and be safe in his own zone as well.
However, I don't think he'll make it. Crosby didn't get in on the last Olympics because he was too young. I can see that happening to Stamkos as well. Though after what happened last time, who knows.
They left off Sid and Spezza, the team couldn't score, and many of the stars they brought performed like garbage. Smyth, Mccabe, Nash, Bouwmeester, Draper, Thornton, Lecavalier, etc all sucked.
If Crosby didn't make the team , Stamkos won't make the team.
How do you know? It's a different year with different players performing at various levels. Corsby not making the team 4 years ago has no bearing on Stammer this year. They made a mistake and went with too many vets. I'd expect them to be a lot younger this time around. Stamkos would be a perfect fit for the team. Sick shot, speed and vision.
Personally, if I had a choice, I would take Stamkos because of his speed, one timer, and sense of competitiveness. He would push the older guys for playing time and be safe in his own zone as well.
However, I don't think he'll make it. Crosby didn't get in on the last Olympics because he was too young. I can see that happening to Stamkos as well. Though after what happened last time, who knows.
Exactly. Crosby could have made the last team easy but was too young. There's no reason why Stamkos would get in.
Exactly. Crosby could have made the last team easy but was too young. There's no reason why Stamkos would get in.
how did that last team do again??? You don't think they'd be more willing to look at younger guys if they're playing better than some of the older guys knowing what happened last time?
how did that last team do again??? You don't think they'd be more willing to look at younger guys if they're playing better than some of the older guys knowing what happened last time?
Every Olympic tournament is different. Look how long it took for him to adjust in Tampa. Do you really want to risk a roster spot on the young kid maybe working out?
how did that last team do again??? You don't think they'd be more willing to look at younger guys if they're playing better than some of the older guys knowing what happened last time?
I dunno, lets call Stevey.
I'm definitely for youth and speed so if Stamkos is playing THAT good come Olympics then fine throw him on. To be honest I haven't heard much about Stamkos so far, (They don't talk much about Tampa in Calgary) but 11 goals (tied for 2nd in the league behind an injured Ovie) is retardedly impressive.
Every Olympic tournament is different. Look how long it took for him to adjust in Tampa. Do you really want to risk a roster spot on the young kid maybe working out?
Hmm, he ripped up the WC, didn't take long to adjust there and that was also an international tournament. This kids the real deal, people saying "crosby didn't make it in 06 why should stamkos make it now" are seriously re***ded. Last time around they overlooked Crosby, Spezza, Staal due to age and experiance, how'd that turn out? They won't make the same mistake again, if stamkos continues this level of play, Yzerman will definitely need a good reason not to have him on the team.
