With the 2014 Olympics now in sight, the 8 core hockey countries have some decisions to make, and not the least of which is between the pipes. Here’s an early breakdown, featuring eligible NHL goaltenders and a few keepers who have played at a high level domestically and/or internationally for their country. Read critically and comment below!
Finland: (Bronze in 2010)
Starting Race: A. Niemi, T. Rask
Contenders: K. Lehtonen, N. Backstrom, P. Rinne, A. Raanta
Other: M. Kiprusoff
The Finns have a very good problem, as 25 years of developing an intensive goaltender training program in the Finnish hockey system is now paying off. Choosing between the hottest goaltender in the 2013 playoffs and a Vezina finalist will be a tough task. Couple that with Rinne, Backstrom, Lehtonen, and this year’s World Championship starter Antii Raanta all a good start to the season away from making noise for the spot in the Finnish crease. Kiprusoff is likely set to retire in the off-season, so he appears a non-factor after splitting duties with Backstrom in Vancouver.
Sweden: (5th in 2010)
Starting Race: H. Lundqvist, V. Fasth, J. Enroth, R. Lehner
Contenders: A. Lindback, J. Markstrom, J. Gustavsson
Other: E. Lack, J. Hedberg, H. Karlsson, A. Nilsson
Lundqvist looks poised to reprise his starting role for the Swedes after tallying 2 shutouts in 2010 and recording another Vezina nomination in 2013. The emergence of Lehner and Fasth will provide pressure along with the Sabres’ Jhonas Enroth who led the Swedes to a Gold Medal at the 2013 World Championships.
USA: (Silver in 2010)
Starting Race: J. Gibson, J. Quick, J. Howard, C. Anderson, R. Miller
Contenders: C. Schneider, B. Bishop, A. Montoya
Other: B. Boucher, A. Montoya, R. Bachman
The Americans likely won’t put Miller back between the pipes unless he can bounce back this season. There is simply too much talent to fall back on experience. Youngster John Gibson led the US at the recent World Juniors and World Championships with great success. While established and elite NHL starters Jonathan Quick, Jimmy Howard, and Craig Anderson are all capable of starting. This job will no doubt come down to the wire and likely depend on who catches fire at the right time.
Canada: (Gold in 2010)
Starting Race: M. Smith, R. Luongo, C. Crawford, C. Price, C. Ward, M. Fleury
Contenders: D. Dubnyk, J. Bernier, J. Allen, J. Harding, J. Reimer, M. Brodeur, B. Holtby
Other: J. MacDonald, L. Irving, J. Labarbera, R. Emery, J. Giguere, C. Mason, B. Elliot, J. Theodore, D. Tokarski, M. Garon, J. Peters, B. Scrivens, D. Ellis, M. Leighton, K. Poulin, S. Mason, M. Biron
Team Canada’s decision will be, and has already been, under the most scrutiny. The job is wide open with Martin Brodeur’s now advanced age (although he may remain a solid backup option to provide experience), and Luongo’s inconsistency and poor play under pressure. Crawford’s solid run to the cup threw his hat in the ring, while Price, Fleury, and Ward are proven (generally) as starters. Dubnyk and especially Smith will get consideration after their decent performances at this year’s world championships.
Russia: (6th in 2010)
Starting Race: S. Bobrovsky, I. Bryzgalov, E. Nabokov
Contenders: S. Varlamov, A. Khudobin, N. Khabibulin
Other: A. Makarov, A. Vasilevski
This is Bobrovsky’s position to lose after his Vezina victory. If he comes out poorly in 2013-14, however, 2010 starter Ilya Bryzgalov and a resurgent Evgeni Nabokov wait in the wings.
Slovakia: (4th in 2010)
Starting Race: J. Halak, P. Budaj, Rastislav Stana
Contenders: Robert Kristan, Jaroslav Janus
Slovakia’s will likely keep the tandem that led them to a surprising 4th place finish in 2010. Halak and Budaj will be pushed by Stana and Janus, who both play in Europe and have represented the country admirable in non-Olympic situations.
Switzerland:
Starting Race: J. Hiller, M. Gerber
Contenders: Reto Berra
Jonas Hiller is the only active NHLer (and he’s a good one), but the ageless Gerber backstopped the Swiss into the 2013 World Championship final which earns some serious consideration. Watch out for the youngster Berra who turned heads at the World Juniors not long ago and may burst on to the scene if injuries arise.
Czech Republic:
Starting Race: O. Pavelec, T. Vokoun
Contenders: M.Neuvirth
Other: R. Mayer, A. Salak
Gone are the days of the Dominator, but the Czechs have a solid pair in Vokoun and Pavelec, especially with Vokoun’s performance in the 2013 playoffs. Look for Pavelec to start and Vokoun (if he stays healthy) to backup.
Norway, Slovenia, Austria and Latvia will also compete in Sochi, but will be hard pressed to escape the group stages.
-Alex
STATs Never Lie 