Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Weekly Power Rankings

I come bearing good news.

This Wednesday, the 2009-10 NHL season begins in earnest as Maple Leaf nation settles in for another long and disappointing winter, full of self-deceit. "Well Gus, it looks as though this year won't pan out...but things are looking up for next year." Some of these people actually cheer for the Blue Jays all summer as well. But I digress.

With the season set to commence, we here at Canada Twenty Ten feel it our duty to provide our twentyteners with a pre-season power rankings of our boys.

By position, we have identified the players in the order of their relative security in gaining a roster spot this February.

You can count on this blog to provide a weekly Power Ranking bracket, in addition to our usual shenanigans, up until the team is announced this winter.

The Forwards:
  1. Crosby - He is the STAR of this team and could very well wear the "C".
  2. Iginla - Respected as the best leader; revered as one of the best players.
  3. Nash - This BIG guy can score BIG goals and we expect BIG things.
  4. Richards - "Mr. Everything" in Philly and Babcock's endorsement means he's a LOCK.
  5. Getzlaf - Smooth hands make him a force and possible #2 centreman.
  6. E. Staal - Strong playoff performance and can play any forward position.
  7. Carter - A goal machine last year, he's also versatile up front.
  8. Lecavalier - If healthy, he can dominate, but needs a strong start.
  9. Toews - Played every position at camp and would be a perfect fit as 13th forward.
  10. Heatley - If he can overcome this summer's drama, he will be leaned on for goals.
  11. Morrow - A warrior, if healthy he can be a shutdown guy with Richards.
  12. Doan - So much international experience, but the Phoenix situation may hurt him.
  13. Thornton - Fate very much tied to a strong start and chemistry with Heatley.

On the outside looking in:
  1. St. Louis - Little guy has a ton of heart but still may not be enough.
  2. Perry - Ripe to steal a "role" position should someone ahead of him falter.
  3. Gagne - Despite past international glory, he will need a strong start to season.
The Defense:
  1. NiedermayerA LOCK as backbone of the blueline and possible captain.
  2. ProngerNobody wants to play against this guy.
  3. BoumeesterSteady as she goes with good wheels and smart hockey head.
  4. WeberUnderrated by the casual fan, he’s big and mean with a great shot.
  5. Boyle Little guy will be counted on to lead the rush.
  6. PhaneufA return to form is necessary, but just ask Okposo about Dion.
  7. GreenGreat offensive talent but defensive ability may keep him off squad.
On the outside looking in:
  1. RegherCan replace any of the defensive-minded players in front of him.
  2. Keith A Strong start will make it hard to keep him off the team.

The Goalies:
  1. BrodeurWinningest goalie of all time just needs to stay healthy.
  2. LuongoCould be the #1 come February and would feel at home in Vancouver.
  3. Ward’09 playoffs and past Conn Smythe performance bolster his resume.
On the outside looking in:
  1. FleuryHe has a Cup and shed many of his past spastic tendencies in the crease.
  2. Mason Young guy is a viable option if those in front of him go down.

Let the festivities begin!

WHAMMO!!

4 comments:

  1. I like the Leafs jab... not a fan of the Jays jab though...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just to remind you dummies, here is my post from last month on who will be on the team in 2010

    "Here is the official line up for the 2010 Olympic Team, in no particular order.

    You guys can stop wasting your time now as there is not one player on this roster that can be debated with....

    Forwards
    Jeff Carter (PHI)
    Sidney Crosby (PIT)
    Shane Doan (PHX)
    Ryan Getzlaf (ANA)
    Dany Heatley (OTT)
    Jarome Iginla (CGY)
    Vincent Lecavalier (TB)
    Rick Nash (CBJ)
    Mike Richards (PHI)
    Eric Staal (CAR)
    Joe Thornton (SJ)
    Brenden Morrow (DAL)
    Jonathan Toews (CHI)

    Defence
    Jay Bouwmeester (CGY)
    Dan Boyle (SJ)
    Scott Niedermayer (ANA)
    Dion Phaneuf (CGY)
    Chris Pronger (PHI)
    Shea Weber (NSH)
    Mike Green (WSH)

    Goalies
    Martin Brodeur (NJD)
    Roberto Luongo (VAN)
    Cam Ward (CAR)

    Captain
    Jarome Iginla (CGY)

    Assistant Captains
    Scott Niedermayer (ANA)
    Sidney Crosby (PIT)
    Chris Pronger (PHI)"

    Does it look a little familiar to your guys power rankings....?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Whale,

    We here at canadatwentyten thank you for your continued support as one of the true twentyteners amongst us. Our goal is for you and other like-minded hockey fans to have a forum where this pivotal matter (the Team Canada roster) can be discussed.

    Your pre-season roster insight has not gone unnoticed, let us assure you. We do however, anticipate several changes to these rankings, and in fact, changes to the roster spots as the season goes on.

    Again thanks for your support, and as I posted above, "Let the festivities begin!"

    WHAMMO!!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think Keith will make it over webber and I think Doan will have to have an amazing season to make it. I like him but not sure if he can crack this roster. I like Lucic instead.

    JR

    ReplyDelete