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Just when you think the world is catching up to the Canadians in hockey, they make a statement like they did in winning gold in Sochi. Dominating performances against Team USA and Sweden earned Team Canada its second consecutive Olympic men’s hockey gold medal. If NHL players return for the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea, Canada would be the favorite for a three-peat (even despite the improvements on the way for Team USA, as we explored Saturday). An early look at a projected 2018 Team Canada shows why:
Forwards (14)Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars: Cemented his place as one of the game’s best players with a big-time performance against the Americans. Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins: A warrior whose versatility and penchant for playing big in big moments earns him a spot even as he climbs into his 30s. Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins: Who are we going to gripe about early on in the tournament without Crosby? With his goal in the gold-medal game against the Swedes, Crosby proves again that his Olympic timing is impeccable. Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche: Really grabbed the attention of Hockey Canada during an impressive World Championship last spring. Got valuable experience in Olympics this year, earning time following John Tavares’ knee injury.
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