Team Canada’s Goalie Situation Isn’t Cut and Dry
It seems everyone has decided Martin Brodeur will be the starting goalie for Team Canada at the upcoming 2010 Vancouver Olympics. He is after all the leader in NHL history for games won by a netminder, so naturally this choice is reasonable, right?
You may want to ask Roberto Luongo and 2008-09 Stanley Cup winner Marc-Andre Fleury if they think it’s reasonable.
Brodeur 37, hasn’t brought his New Jersey Devils past the second round of playoff action since winning the cup in 2003. Brodeur has been average during the past few seasons, and certainly looked far below average in the last couple minutes of play against the Carolina Hurricanes in game seven of the playoffs this past season. So why is he a lock for starter or even a guarantee for the team at all?
Cam Ward and Steve Mason are both young star goalies who could easily play well for Canada. Ward won a cup in 2006 with Carolina and was very good with the team this past season, leading them back to the Eastern Conference finals. Mason won the Calder Trophy last year being the most proficient rookie. Marty Turco can still hold his own, but he wasn’t even invited to camp.
Roberto Luongo hasn’t exactly been flawless during his career, so I don’t necessarily think he should be guaranteed the starting position either. Luongo has been in the NHL for nine seasons and has only been to the playoffs twice. He hasn’t made it past the second round yet either, but his reputation is equal to someone who has actually been a cup winner. Until Roberto wins something, he’s not in the company of Roy, Hasek, and other former Stanley Cup champions.
I think the goaltending battle is the most hotly contested debate at Team Canada’s camp; it will certainly be interesting to see which three will be chosen to don Canada’s jersey. Who do you think we will see between the pipes for Team Canada during the Olympics?
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How about we let ole’ Stevie Mason plat more then 80 NHL games before we call him a star. A year ago I remember idiots hyping up Carey Price, and look at him today. Put Mason in a real hockey market, and the pressure will get to him quicker then a black guy attacking his girlfriend.
The job should be Luongo’s. Marty is well past his prime.
Luongo has proved year after year he is an elite goalie, despite some of the terribad teams in front of him. He is in his prime and proven. Plus it is his home rink and all.