Backstrom Is an Olympian
by J.P. on Dec 27, 2009 9:32 AM EST
49 comments
Per Aftonbladet, here's Sweden's Olympic roster:
Goaltenders: Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers; Jonas Gustavsson, Toronto Maple Leafs; Stefan Liv, HV 71
Defensemen: Tobias Enstrom, Atlanta Thrashers; Magnus Johansson, Linköping; Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings; Niklas Kronwall, Detroit Red Wings; Douglas Murray, San Jose Sharks; Johnny Oduya, New Jersey Devils; Henrik Tallinder, Buffalo Sabres; Mattias Ohlund, Tampa Bay Lightning
Forwards: Daniel Alfredsson, Ottawa Senators; Nicklas Backstrom, Washington Capitals; Loui Eriksson, Dallas Stars; Peter Forsberg, Modo; Tomas Holmstrom, Detroit Red Wings; Patric Hornqvist, Nashville Predators; Fredrik Modin, Columbus Blue Jackets; Samuel Pahlsson, Columbus Blue Jackets; Daniel Sedin, Vancouver Canucks; Henrik Sedin, Vancouver Canucks; Mattias Weinhandl, Dynamo Moskva; Henrik Zetterberg, Detroit Red Wings.
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I had forgotten just how stacked this team is… Very happy for Nickie!
by JustJeff on Dec 27, 2009 9:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Nice! Congrats, Bäckis. Not that we didn’t all see that coming, but still nice.
Unleash the Alex!
by gotsparkly on Dec 27, 2009 9:44 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
How could he NOT be – congrats Nicky! Next up, a sweet multi-year deal with the Caps (pretty please?)!
by Caps_Chick on Dec 27, 2009 9:47 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Congrats Nicky! Be ready to pack your bags and head to the…. Flugplats!
(sorry, no funky "u"on mobile posting)
by WolfPackof1 on Dec 27, 2009 9:53 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
There is no variation of the u in Swedish. The extra letters are: öäå. Also, you meant to say flygplats.
Beware of flying saucers courtesy of Sverige!
by Swedish Sauce on Dec 27, 2009 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Swedish Sauce, why don’t I see you around these parts!
The other night I watched Låt den rätte komma in for probably the 5th time. Such a beautiful film.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Dec 27, 2009 11:49 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Congrats Nicky! (tears for Franzen)
Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.
by RedBirdie on Dec 27, 2009 10:00 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
He won’t be back in time? That really sucks.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 27, 2009 2:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lines
Eriksson – Backstrom – Forsberg
Alfredsson – Zetterburg – Holmstrom
Sedin – Sedin – Hornqvist
Modin – Pahlsson – Weinhandl
Lidstrom – Kronwall
Ohlund – Oduya
Enstrom – Tallinder
King Henrik
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 10:15 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
(in case there’s any question, I just made these up)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Not disagreeing with you, but why Backstrom over Zetterberg for 1C?
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Dec 27, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
To maintain the Zetterburg – Holmstrom pairing. It’s more of a 1a and 1b situation (and really, 1c with the Sedins, and Hornqvist is no slouch either).
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 11:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
And because Backstrom is by far the more durable player.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 27, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
GOD, still on the sweden bandwagon despite the franzen injury? is this the roster that wins gold?
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 27, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I always think that Sweden (and perhaps Finland in a good year) has a special ability to come together as a team and play a system well. I will never count Sweden out as long as they have world-class talent. And this year, they certainly do.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
On paper, they don’t look as strong as Canada or Russia, but this sems to me like a squad that a team dismisses or ignores at its peril.
Unleash the Alex!
by gotsparkly on Dec 27, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
They may not look as strong as Canada, but nobody does. I think their goaltending and D are clearly superior to RUS, and the forwards aren’t as far behind as first blush suggests. RUS has two dominant lines (only 1 if Feds is 1C), but become very pedestrian very quickly after that. All 4 of SWE’s forward lines are going to be tough to handle.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 27, 2009 2:10 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
That team looks scary, though I’m not sure I think Forsberg is going to be able to handle 1W ice time. Maybe drop him down ES and make him a PP specialist. This lineup looks like it could beat any other roster on any given day.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 27, 2009 2:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Any given day, maybe, but I’d still pick Canada over this roster 8 or 9 out of 10 based on the strength of the blueline alone. Lidstrom is still very good, but he’s getting older. After that, I don’t see a single guy that would play on the Canadian blueline or great matchup in the forwards.
If they’re going to kill the Canadian giant, it’s going to be with great chemistry and goaltending.
Only YOU can prevent idiots from commenting!
by Knee high to a duck on Dec 27, 2009 8:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
do you think Eriksson-Backstrom-Hornqvist makes more sense? Forsberg might not be good enough to keep up, and the Sedin twins play well with anyone on their wing… not sure that holds true for Loui and Backs.
by Vinn on Dec 27, 2009 6:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, yeah!
‘a COURSE Nicky’s in. Sheesh! This is a formidable squad. Most formidable! (Is Zetterberg healthy?) And by golly, I guess every team needs an Old Gramps! Kinda like a good luck charm who everyone rubs their head before every game. Feds for Rodina-mat and Foopa for Dessa Vinnare. I am assuming Bondra will suit it up for Slovakia as well. Woop woop!!!
[getting the olympic bug, despite myself!]
by Uncle C on Dec 27, 2009 10:36 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
That’s looking like a scarey good team. These Olympics will be pretty fantastic to watch.
Congrats Nicky!
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 27, 2009 10:40 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Where’s Viktor Hedman? Better GAON/60 than Johnny Oduya while playing for a much worse team…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 10:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Interesting call. I figured it’s the age thing but why not just bring him as the 7th guy. I haven’t watched enough of him this year but he’s seemed fine from what I have seen. Oduya just has a longer track record I guess and they want a veteran line up to compete against CAN and RUS.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 27, 2009 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I was wondering the same about VikHed. Not just from a “what can you do now” perspective, but teams that see a spot or two as an investment in the future (see Varly on RUS) are wise, IMO.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 27, 2009 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it’s a case of “he got to pay he’s dues”. I would have picked Hedman before Magnus Johansson for sure but Bengt -Åke said he made the squad to play pp I can kind of understand that he’s good offensively and the only right shot. About Oduya the d coach for Sweden is Tommy Albelin and he’s Oduyas coach in New Jersey so he has an advantage from the get go.
by Ice Warrior on Dec 27, 2009 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I wasn’t intending to suggest that Oduya would be the guy to cut — I’d drop Enstrom or Tallinder or Murray before Oduya. I was just using him as the comparison point to show that Hedman is playing well. He’s huge, he contributes on offense, he’ll likely anchor the blue line in 4 and 8 years — what’s not to like?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 4:40 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
My bad. I agree completely about everything you said about Hedman and why not give him the experience when he’s gonna be a key player for Sweden for many years to come. And why not give the third goaltender spot to Markström instead of Liv as an investment in the future like Bykov did with Varlamov.
by Ice Warrior on Dec 27, 2009 4:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Doug Murray played his Junior hockey at Apple Core. Plus, he’s extremely good in his own end, physical, and used to playing against top line opposition. Can’t cut him.
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 27, 2009 7:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Also, Sweden carrying 8D, so Magnus wasn’t a bad choice in that sense, as he is the specialist… but also wondering about VikHed…. although if Edler didn’t make the team, I don’t see how VikHed does, really.
I wouldn’t not pick Oduya, like GOD says. For Heds I’d drop Murray (although he does very well for a youngster), a similarly young player. Tallinder’s experience I like, and Enstrom has played very well even when Atlanta was very poor.
by Vinn on Dec 27, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
This isn’t a surprise at all, but still, I’m proud of Nicky.
Sweden isn’t as stacked as Russia in the offensive department, but they look more well-rounded.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Dec 27, 2009 11:13 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
no michael nylander for sweden? they dont know what they’re missing…..
by twistedlogic on Dec 27, 2009 12:09 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
surprising that hedberg isn’t on the list, yes? he’s back, healthy and has better #’s on the year than the monster.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 27, 2009 12:30 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Politics. If Lundquist is expected to play all the games, then putting the Goalie Monster Of The Future and someone from the SEL is a good way to fill out the roster. You just have to hope that the King’s backups don’t have to play any meaningful games.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
an injury to lundqvist shouldn’t derail a team with so many star skaters, but with the way gustavsson’s been playing, it might. i’d been thinking it would be hedberg’s injury that kept him out, not politics. but you’re almost certainly right.
…
This is what my friend said to me; he said, “Guess who I like? Henrik Lundqvist.” It’s like,“Dude. you gotta give me time to guess. If you’re gonna quiz me, you must insert a pause in there.”
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 27, 2009 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, the reason behind this is that he wasn’t on the team’s pre-preliminary list for WADA, so he wasn’t/isn’t even eligible. Tough break.
by sixsevenfiftysix on Dec 27, 2009 1:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
ouch. still seems like a pretty big oversight, since hedberg didn’t just appear on the scene this year. the WADA list certainly was subject to the same political considerations.
lebrun’s article from caps clips talks about the omission of zubov from the russian roster, made stranger because zubov is having a great year in the KHL. that’s one that totally baffles, since presumably the russians would want as many KHL players as possible.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 27, 2009 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
agree on the zubie. It can’t be because he’s too old and can’t keep up either, if Feds made it… I wonder if Zubov (and the additional KHL-er spot) is why Bykov has been talking about all that non-injury-replacement stuff. Also Frolov was a pretty big omission I thought, though not a KHL-er.
by Vinn on Dec 27, 2009 6:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Hedberg isn't healthy, he's dead :(
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Dec 27, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I miss Mitch…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Dec 27, 2009 4:41 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Me too. He left a void in stand up that is pretty much impossible to fill.
"And next year it will be ours."
by Ovechwin on Dec 27, 2009 5:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
did no one get my hedberg dialog above? i’ll say i was late to the mitch hedberg party, and it’s been fun catching up with the cool kids.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 27, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
can i just say
i HATE the “team nike logo” phenomenon. (it plagues my gators as well.) check out this pic from puck daddy today:
what do we have here? we have two patches that ought to be on lidstrom’s jersey…the swedish hockey federation patch and the assistant captain patch. by any logic, they should be on opposite shoulders. but because of logo creep, lidstrom’s A is smushed all the way up against his sleeve. a classy jersey defiled. they might as well allow banner advertisements.
by Natty Bumppo on Dec 27, 2009 2:28 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
But how else will you know who made the jersey?
In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.
by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 27, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I agree. The RBK Edge jerseys are clearly Reebok jerseys, but still stay classy, with the logo on the back below the collar.
"My face is my mask."
by jakeshapiro on Dec 27, 2009 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Lines already set, per Aftonbladet.
Backis on the top scoring line with Foppa to the left and “Ovechkin Lite” Patric Hornqvist to the right
The Sedins pair up with their old lockout linemate Mattias Weinhandl on the second scoring line. They amassed 115 and 116 points playing for Modo and were known as Route 19. But now they will be Route 29 because…well, they’re all ten years older.
Zetterberg will get Alfredsson and Eriksson on his wings and a offensive/defensive responsibility.
The checking/grinding line is three big men: Holmstrom, Pahlsson, Modin.
ALEX, FЯEE
by Your Nation's Capital on Dec 28, 2009 4:52 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
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