the 4th star

The forwards are done. No shortage of players to choose from there. On the blue-line, though, things start to get interesting. Put yourself in Steve Yzerman’s shoes for a second. Do you go with the old guard and hope those guys still have a little gas in the tank, or do you roll the dice on a few young bucks and hope they can mature as the Olympic tournament goes on? Tough decision.

I think Yzerman will play it safe and go with the ones he knows — the guys he played against in the past. I expect the a pretty familiar line-up on the back-end, one that would be hard to argue with — until the Russians start skating around them like they’re a bunch of Grant Ledyards (Todd Marchant reference), that is.

The Defence

Same as before. Point totals rule the day. Why? Because the best defence is keeping the puck in the other teams’ net. Worked for Paul Coffey. I decided to take eight defencemen, the extra guy for suspension concerns. You know what I’m talking about. All points are heading into Wednesday’s action.

Dan Boyle — 12 points in 12 games
Why he’s on the team: The premier offensive defenceman in the game today. The term defenceman is almost a misnomer. He’s like a fourth forward out there at times. Thanks for coming out: The San Jose stench has put a lot of good players in question. Darkhorse factor: There is no factor. He’ll be on the team. His plus-minus will be around zero, but he’ll be on the team.

Michael Del Zotto — 12 points in 12 games
Why he’s on the team: I’m not sure if it’s just lip-service or a media invention, but Hockey Canada seems set on dragging a few young guys with them to Vancouver. Just for the experience. How much experience you can get from the press box is a question for another day. Thanks for coming out: No one has ever heard of this guy. Darkhorse factor: Instant chemistry with Roberto Luongo. A star in the pre-game kick around.

Drew Doughty — 11 points in 12 games
Why he’s on the team: This guy has to be a lock for this club. Strong world championship, strong ‘getting to know you’ camp, and now a strong start to the season. Doughty should be a King for life. Thanks for coming out: Yzerman seems set on older guys on defence. You could say he has his ‘doughts.’ Darkhorse factor: The guy will anchor the Canadian blue-line for the next 20 years.

Mike Green — nine points in 11 games
Why he’s on the team: TSN, MTV. Thanks for coming out: Stupid haircut. Poor playoff performer. Allergic to defensive coverage. What is with that lid, seriously? Darkhorse factor: Option B if Boyle can’t go.

Ed Jovanovski — nine points in 10 games
Why he’s on the team: What year is it? Thanks for coming out: Is he really among the league leaders? Darkhorse factor: Familiar with disappointing the Vancouver crowd.

Dion Phaneuf — nine points in 10 games
Why he’s on the team: Big hitter. Big shot. Big gamble. He’s had a nice start and Pierre McGuire is happy. Thanks for coming out: As amazing as this is to type, Phaneuf is more a defensive liability than Green. Might not be available late in close games. Plus he’s the shittiest interview in the world. Darkhorse factor: Seems to have answered critics with a strong start. No word if guardian Brent Sutter will be in Vancouver, though.

Chris Pronger — eight points in 10 games
Why he’s on the team: Because people are actually scared of him, that’s why. Thanks for coming out: Penalties and/or suspension. Darkhorse factor: Guessing Yzerman has a memory of Pronger doing something to him that hasn’t been forgiven. There’s probably a welt or a bone that didn’t heal right involved.

Duncan Keith — eight points in 11 games
Why he’s on the team: Winnipeg! Falls under the Doughty category. Pencil this guy in for the next three of four Olympics (if the NHL participates). Want to know his value? Let’s just see if the Hawks keep him or Kane or Seabrook, or Barker or anyone else. The cornerstones are Toews and Keith. Thanks for coming out: Yzerman hates Chicago. Darkhorse factor: Of all the guys listed, he might be the most steady in his own end.

So who’s not here?
Before that, it should be noted that players named Kyle Quincey and Jason Demers were tied with Pronger and Keith in the points leaders. I didn’t include them because the young player quotient has been filled with Doughty and Del Zotto and only a handful of people can tell me where Demers plays. Plus, let’s be honest: Who doesn’t want to see Pronger in the middle of an international uproar? Now to the players who aren’t here. Scott Niedermayer, Shea Weber,  Jay Bouwmeester, Robyn Regehr, and Kent Huskins all have to pick up their games. Am I missing anyone?