the 4th star

A discussion on who should be wearing the Maple Leaf for the Canadian Olympic team in Vancouver broke out online in my neck of the woods this week. While it might still be a tad too early to discuss where Jonathan Toews fits or whether Shane Doan does or does not deserve to be included (he doesn’t), an interesting question was raised by the full-time Manitoba Bisons offensive coordinator and part time stay at home defenceman:

“Should Marc Andre Fleury be considered for the third goaltending spot?”

After I was done laughing (just joking) I thought about who should be the third guy, after Roberto Luongo and Martin Brodeur. The early talk in the season was that the Hockey Canada braintrust (led by Steve Yzerman) would go with a young goaltender, say like a Carey Price or a Steve Mason. The thinking, get a young kid some experience in the intense environment so that when the time comes, they’ll expect most of the unexpected if the chance to play down the line occurs.

A good theory, but there’s a better choice.

I’ve been hard on this guy in the past but why not ask Chris Osgood to take the third spot? Yes, the same Chris Osgood that burned me so bad in the hockey draft this year. First round pick. Jerk. But before you call me crazy, consider what Ozzie would bring to the Canadian squad:

1. After enduring a career where no one thinks he’s any good, I think he would jump at the chance to be a part of the Canadian squad. He won’t't see a minute of action, but just being at the event would probably cool off the hater rhetoric he’s had to endure since skating into the NHL.

2. He’s won two Stanley Cups. Three, if you include his back-up duty. Consider these numbers: He has a 0.67 GAA and .974 save percentage in three post season games this spring. Quite a turnaround from the regular season, when he posted a career-worst 3.09 GAA and .887 save percentage. Say what you want about his physical gifts for stopping the puck, he’s a winner and plays when it counts.

3. The Yzerman Factor. Hockey, like everything else in life, is full of nepotism. Friends and former teammates look out for each other. Think Yzerman, who is still employed by the Red Wings, has forgot about Osgood’s contributions to the Detroit Hockeytown tradition? This would be a big thank you.

4. Apparently, Osgood is an exceptional teammate. Players love him and his unselfishness. The third-string goaltender role is one that requires some humility and character. If he does possess these qualities (which teammates say he does), then he would fit perfectly.

5. His pads are red and white. Enough said.