Washington defenceman Mike Green, a regular-season sensation and some say the favourite to take the Norris Trophy as the league’s best defenceman, may have played himself off the Canadian Olympic team with his performance in this series. His play in his own end has been horrific; his play at the other end far below his regular-season standard.

B-b-b-but, he scored teh 3o goalz!!1 He’s better then Lindstrom!!1!

Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 05/10/09 at 09:10 PM ET

B-b-b-but, he scored teh 3o goalz!!1 He’s better then Lindstrom!!1!

I will never understand how people can do that (write in internet-ese) on purpose.  When I try I can almost hear my cerebral cortex screaming in protest. 

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/10/09 at 09:35 PM ET

I will never understand how people can do that (write in internet-ese) on purpose.

I maintain a consistent pharmaceutical regimen that allows me to do such things.

Posted by Mandingo from The Garage on 05/10/09 at 09:50 PM ET

• Pittsburgh’s Sidney Crosby never takes a shift off. Though observers have often criticized him for being a “whiner,” he plays with a passion and determination that should make him captain of the Canadian Olympic hockey team.

I cannot agree with this one. I’m not arguing his skill or passion or determination, all of which he has in buckets. But the simple fact is, you go with an experienced guy. A guy who has been around and won the respect of the hockey community. Crosby may have the Penguins dressing room, but he’s still got a lot of critics across the rest of the league.

Fine, make Crosby an alternate if you insist, but the captaincy likely belongs to Iginla. Regardless, a letter on your chest is not a prerequisite to inspire and set a good example. If he does this in Vancouver, many people will begin to lose the negative attitude about him.

Posted by Nate A from Detroit-ish on 05/10/09 at 10:07 PM ET

It is quite obvious to me that the unemployment rate in Michigan must be around 50%, because it’s mind-boggling that losers sit around actually arguing, on the internet no less, about asinine like I see above.  Of course the real reason why this “debate” is going on is because a Red Wing is not the center of this ridiculous discussion.  Get a job, get a hobby, and enjoy the excellent hockey being played on the TV.  Nothing that is written on here has any bearing in the real world of what actually happens on the ice.  You guys really need to move out of the basement of your mom’s house.  Unbelievable!

Posted by Pens Fan in DC on 05/10/09 at 11:10 PM ET

Unbelievable!

Posted by Pens Fan in DC on 05/11/09 at 12:10 AM ET

I know!  It’s amazing how YOU got sucked into it.

Posted by Jeebus on 05/10/09 at 11:53 PM ET

LOL..fine, let Crosby be captain of Canada..let there be muted disorder and chaos amongst the players during the olympics

Posted by UMFan from Colorado on 05/11/09 at 05:24 AM ET

What about Iginla as Canada’s captain?  I think it would be a better choice than Crosby.

Posted by Baroque from Michigan on 05/11/09 at 05:57 AM ET

... but the captaincy likely belongs to Iginla.

My gut tells me Sakic will be around.  If so, he’s the C, easily.

Posted by shanetx on 05/11/09 at 08:48 AM ET

B-b-b-but, he scored teh 3o goalz!!1 He’s better then Lindstrom!!1!

That’s Dick Lindstrom, get it right.

It is quite obvious to me that the unemployment rate in Michigan must be around 50%, because it’s mind-boggling that losers sit around actually arguing, on the internet no less, about asinine like I see above.  Of course the real reason why this “debate” is going on is because a Red Wing is not the center of this ridiculous discussion.  Get a job, get a hobby, and enjoy the excellent hockey being played on the TV.  Nothing that is written on here has any bearing in the real world of what actually happens on the ice.  You guys really need to move out of the basement of your mom’s house.  Unbelievable!

Wrong, got a job, do it well, take a little time throughout the day to clear my head and read about one of my hobbies—hockey. Go figure. Also have a wife, a dog, a few guitars and amps, and all those things consume my time as well.

If you have a problem with how active Red Wings fans are on this community (or any), perhaps you should try mobilizing your fanbase a little better so you can match our enthusiasm and passion for the sport and our team.

Last time I checked, Pittsburgh was about to lose their hockey team to Kansas City or Vegas, then Gary saved them with little Thid and the fans decided to pay attention again.

Posted by Nathan from the scoresheet! on 05/11/09 at 08:59 AM ET

Regardless, a letter on your chest is not a prerequisite to inspire and set a good example. If he does this in Vancouver, many people will begin to lose the negative attitude about him.

well said Nate.. 

huge Crosby & Pens fan but have to agree that making him captain in his first ever Olympics is ridiculous, especially when you consider the how deep and experienced a roster Canada puts together.  Iginla, Pronger, Niedermayer, Sakic (if) all would be better choices.

Posted by puckeye from ohio on 05/11/09 at 09:28 AM ET

  Iginla, Pronger, Niedermayer, Sakic (if) all would be better choices.

Weeeell, I’m with you for 3 out of 4. 

But your point is valid:  Team Canada is deep in leaders.  There’s no reason to go with a galvanizing player that a majority of the league sees as a whiner (remember, he was voted the biggest winer to a tune of 50% earlier this season in a SI Poll of players) and a lot of others probably object to as having a large sense of entitlement whenever you’ve got hardened, classy veterans to carry the load.

Make no mistake, if he develops, Crosby will captain Team Canada someday.  It just really doesn’t have to be this year.

Posted by shanetx on 05/11/09 at 09:38 AM ET