Will Eric Staal Make Team Canada's Roster?

Bob McKenzie is picking Staal

TSNBobMcKenzie
  
Up front, I say: Nash-Crosby-Iginla/EStaal-Getzlaf-Perry/Morrow-Toews-Bergeron/Marleau-Thornton-Heatley.13? 1 of Carter, MRichards, Fisher.

staal needs to be on the team

They may pick him….. but I really really wish he would stay home in Raleigh and heal….

Not that it matters….

on second thought…. maybe he should play for his country and not worry about being 100% for the Hurricanes…. it’s not like the ’Canes are going anywhere…. and team Canada has a legitimate shot to win the gold….

I say go for it…..

Past years of exceptional play alone should have him in the line up. This year has been some what disapointing for Staal and his TRUE fans but again and again he’s proved to be a top player. Even though he is injuried right now it really doesn’t matter if he prolongs his injury in the olympics because we all know this season is done anyway. If your a true CANIAC how can you not want Staal there or even think he doesn’t deserve it. I could right a book about why he should be picked but I’ll leave that to A.Dog.

Staal’s been working very hard since returning from injury and if people couldn’t see vs. Philly they’re not going to.

Honestly, after Thorton and Sid, there isn’t a Canadian center significantly more skilled than Staal. There definately aren’t many as experienced and well-rounded, IMO. I would definately pick him ahead of Richards and Lecav. The only center after Thor and Sid I might pick ahead of Staal is perhaps Getzlaf.

But the way the Canes have been performing as a team could bring his value down. He’s considered a team leader and our team blows chunks.

   I think in the end if I were responsible for picking the Canadian Olympic team, I’d pick Staal. He has shown himself to be a winner at every level. He is experienced in playoffs and excels under pressure. He’s obviously not 100% now; but in the end, I think one bets on the horse and not the race track. Winners have one thing in common, they know how to win big games.

   I can make another compelling argument that given how poorly Staal started out and his nagging injuries, he has not been one of the top ten forwards over the course of the NHL season to date. We are not seeing Staal at his best right now.

  All in all, I would select Staal because he has proven himself when everything is on the line. I would also feel that Staal is competitive enough that he will bring out his best when he is playing with the best players and when he is playing for a Gold Medal. He has a history of being a warrior in the biggest games. I’d say, Staal, go get your Country and your team a gold medal.

I think he’s earned a spot on the roster, and he’s exactly the kind of player Team Canada ought to want on their team for all the reasons listed above.

For him personally, I hope he gets the chance to represent his country.

And I think he’ll come back here better for the experience.

I’m assuming these votes come from people who do not watch hockey or understand it. The olympics come around every four years, this team should be based on years past and present play. Take away this year (because of injuries) what more can you ask of a player in the last few years. I lose respect from fans (so they call themselves) that would think this way about Staal.

Thank you Staal for beating the Devils last year in game seven, I’m truly sorry for fans thinking you are not worthy, because you are.

 I would want Staal on my roster…if he were 100%. This close to the games, and with so many talented players to choose from, can they take a chance with someone who is being hampered by injury?

LOL and I only voted once, about the same amount of games Staal has shown up for, go figure!

A

I’m one of the votes that doesn’t think he deserves it, but also thinks he will squeak onto the team.

This is, bottom line, a Canadian thing. Best sample of Canadian second-guessing hockey-think can be found on HNIC, which I watch each and every week. Hype can carry a player a long way there, and the “golden boy” aura that’s beginning to wear a bit thin in Raleigh is still glowing in Canada.

However, even there, opinions are split on him. He didn’t make every talking head’s list. Interestingly, Jordan made more lists than Eric did.

It’s not an All-Star game. There’s NO recognition for the past, other than in the “experience” column. It’s ALL about winning the gold medal for this bunch, and nothing less.

And, although Staal’s season has been unspectacular and he’s iffy physically for the games, I think his hype may make him impossible to not pick and they’ll just let the coaching staff figure out how to use him.

If I were picking, I know too much about him, so think it’s “undeserved”. But, on the other hand, my money says he will be picked.