Team Canada

Building the best line combinations and defense pairings for a team of NHL stars from Canada is no easy task.

Despite the abundance of word-class talent on the roster, determining which players will have the best chemistry and be most productive is a difficult goal for a head coach.

This is the challenge Mike Babcock is facing as he prepares his team for a gold medal defense that Canadians hope is much more successful than its 2006 run when the country didn't even make the medal stand.

Babcock pushed the right buttons and found the lines and defensive pairings that would lead to gold medal success in 2010, but he will have several new faces to fit into the lineup in Sochi.

Let's look at the best possible line combinations and pairings for Team Canada to consider before the ice hockey competition at next year's Olympics begins.

Note: To view this year's Olympic camp roster for Canada, click here.

Line 1

The top priority for Babcock when building the top line is finding the goal scorer who will make the most of Crosby's amazing playmaking skills. The perfect player for this role is Stamkos, who since the start of the 2009-10 season, has scored a league-leading 185 goals.

Nash would compliment these two players with his goal-scoring skill and power-forward style of hockey. The Rangers star played with Crosby on the first line in 2010 and the two combined for 12 points in seven games. His impressive size, strength and ability to drive hard to the net would open up space for Crosby and allow the Penguins star to create high-quality scoring chances.

Even though Nash won't dominate players with his speed, he does have the puck-handling and skating ability needed to be productive offensively on the larger Olympic-sized ice that will be used in Sochi.

Line 2

Giroux is one of the forwards too talented to be left off the roster but not strong enough at both ends of the ice to earn a spot at center over two-way stars like Toews, Ryan Getzlaf and Patrice Bergeron. With that said, his smooth skating and ability to elevate the performance of his teammates make the Flyers captain worthy of a top-six role.

Toews is the most well-rounded center on the team given his ability to score at a point-per-game rate and play Selke Trophy-caliber defense versus the opponents' top scorers.

Even though Sharp isn't the second-best left winger on the team, putting him next to Toews, who he has strong chemistry with, is the best option for Babcock. The Blackhawks winger is a reliable playoff performer at the NHL level and can be trusted to score important goals at the Olympics, especially when two of the world's best playmakers are alongside him.

Line 3

Getzlaf and Perry will play together regardless of which line Babcock puts them on. These two superstars have earned so much success together in Anaheim with a Stanley Cup title in 2006-07 and a combined 986 points in 1,130 career games. They also connected on Team Canada's second goal in the gold medal game in Vancouver for a 2-0 lead.

Tavares is an ideal fit on this line because of his elite playmaking skill, high hockey IQ and ability to be productive on the wing because of his powerful and accurate left-handed shot.

This would be a difficult line to defend because of these players' size, skill and experience in NHL playoff and Olympic competition.

Line 4

The fourth line is going to provide many different skills for Babcock.

Bergeron is the best defensive forward in the NHL and led the league in faceoff percentage during the regular season and playoffs. He will take the majority of the important faceoffs, especially the ones in the defensive zone and on the penalty kill. The Bruins center is a clutch playoff performer and should also be on the ice when Canada is protecting a lead late in the game.

Hall and St. Louis would give Bergeron two wingers who are responsible defensively and provide impressive goal-scoring ability. They also have the speed and quickness required to take advantage of the Olympic-sized ice that is larger than what the NHL uses.

Defensive Pairings

The defense pairings shouldn't be too difficult for Mike Babcock to figure out. Putting his best shutdown defenseman in Weber with an elite two-way player in Doughty makes the most sense as the top pairing. The Los Angeles Kings star made a name for himself and played the best hockey of his career at the 2010 Olympics for Canada.

The Keith and Seabrook combo will be reunited after these two Blackhawks stars played an important role in the team's gold-medal triumph three years ago in Vancouver. Keith is arguably the league's best defenseman, and his chemistry with Seabrook after playing together for so many years in Chicago is quite impressive.

The final pairing will be able to take advantage of the Olympic-sized sheet of ice, which requires speed to be successful. No defenseman in the NHL skates better than Subban, who would be a good fit alongside Pietrangelo because both are elite offensive players who create scoring chances with playmaking, puck-moving and power-play skills.

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Nicholas Goss is an NHL Lead Writer at Bleacher Report. He was also a credentialed writer at the 2011 and 2013 Stanley Cup Final, as well as the 2013 NHL draft.

In a critical Group B matchup, Team Canada survived a furious American comeback attempt to stay undefeated. The 2-1 victory sets Canada atop Group B with a perfect 3-0 record. Meanwhile, Team USA falls to 1-2 and must beat Slovakia tomorrow to advance to the knockout stages. 

Early in the first period, Team USA looked out of sync as they struggled to connect on their passes. 

The tremendously talented Canadian team took advantage, with Ryan Nugent-Hopkins scoring from the slot seven minutes into the game. Nugent-Hopkins leads the tournament in scoring with eight points in three games. 

Seven minutes later, Brett Ritchie wrapped around the American net, setting up Ryan Strome for Canada's second goal. The New York Islanders prospect now leads the tournament in goals scored with four. 

Down by two goals headed into the first intermission, America risked falling out of the game entirely. However, goaltender John Gibson came up with a number of timely saves to keep his team in it. 

Team USA improved in the second period as they dominated possession, but they struggled to control the dirty areas of the ice. Despite power play opportunities, the Americans settled for long perimeter shots that yielded little success. 

The third period was much of the same, with Canadian goaltender Malcolm Subban constantly frustrating opposing shooters with his best performance of the tournament. 

The game turned on a Ryan Strome delay-of-game penalty midway through the third period. The shorthanded Canadians managed a dangerous 2-on-0 rush that was thwarted by a spectacular Gibson save. The Americans picked up the rebound and sprinted up ice, where Jacob Trouba was finally able to solve Subban. 

Trouba's goal extended his scoring streak to three games and rejuvenated Team USA as it drew them within one. The next minute would see a number of quality American scoring chances, requiring some highlight-reel saves from Subban. 

Unfortunately, the Americans' most positive stretch of the game was followed by a puzzling mental collapse. The U.S. skaters completely lost their composure, taking five penalties in the last ten minutes. 

The plucky Americans somehow fought off a pair of two-man advantages on behalf of the favorites. The result of their courageous penalty killing was just two minutes remaining on the clock to tie the game. 

It was déjà vu for Team USA as Ryan Nugent-Hopkins was sent to the box for boarding, giving them a power-play chance to tie it. On Friday, the Americans found themselves in the exact same situation, down 2-1 on the man-advantage with time running out against Russia. In that scenario, they failed to beat Russian goalie Andrey Makarov. 

With Gibson pulled, Team USA created a number of excellent 6-on-4 opportunities, but Malcolm Subban was the hero for Canada. The heavily scrutinized goaltender, who had surrendered six goals in his first two games of the tournament, was unbeatable for nearly the entire game. 

Subban likely ended cries from Canadian fans to see backup Jordan Binnington in net with his 36-save effort. 

At 3-0 Canada, can now lock up a quarterfinal bye with a victory over Russia in their final group game on Monday. Regardless of the outcome, the Canadians have guaranteed themselves a place in the knockout stages. 

The United States, on the other hand, must beat Slovakia on Monday if they wish to survive. After two nail-biting losses against the tournament favorites, Team USA will feel confident of their medal chances if only they can snatch a place in the knockout stage. 

Following one of the most exciting games of the tournament, the final day of group play will surely be riveting throughout. 

For the second time in three days, Slovakia threatened to topple a medal favorite, and for the second time Goliath got the last laugh. Despite trailing until late in the second period, Canada persevered to earn a 6-3 win. 

The Canadian's second win was far from encouraging, as the team was expected to display a marked improvement from their first game against Germany. Although they scored nine goals against a woeful German squad, Team Canada was haphazard defensively surrendering three goals. Despite owing Slovakia a greater level of respect, Canada was burdened with the standard expectation of perfection. 

At the opposite end of the spectrum, Slovakia entered the game having already exceeded expectations. The Slovakians took a heavily favored Team Russia to overtime with a last minute goal on Wednesday, earning them a surprise point in Group B. Once again projected to be on the losing side of a blowout, the unheralded team took the ice looking loose and fearless. 

The Slovakians courageously refused to hang back and wait for their opportunities early on. They grabbed the game by the jugular with Marko Dano giving them an early lead less than three minutes into the game. 

A game misconduct penalty to JC Lipon gave Slovakia an opportunity to expand the lead late in the first period. Tomas Mikus took advantage of the five minute power play with help from Martin Reway to give Slovakia a 2-0 edge at the intermission. 

As the entire nation of Canada entered panic mode, Coach Steve Spott was tasked with fixing the myriad problems that saw his so-called "dream team" outshot 11 to five in the opening period. His changes were immediately effective as Ryan Strome put Canada on the board just two minutes after the break. 

Canada looked far more positive in the second period as they settled down defensively and started to produce plenty of scoring chances. However, Slovakia's challenge was not yet over. 

Midway through the period, Canada bruiser Anthony Camara leveled Slovakia's Patrik Luza. No penalty was initially called on what looked like a clean hit, but when Luza was carted off and taken to the hospital, officials made the controversial decision to eject Camara from the game and award Slovakia a second five minute power play. 

Joining the previously ejected Lipon and the suspended Boone Jenner in the stands, Camara left Team Canada with just 11 forwards. Camara and Lipon's hits will likely be reviewed by the IIHF before Sunday's game against the U.S., with suspensions possible. 

On the ensuing man advantage, Marko Dano beat goaltender Malcolm Subban high to the blocker side to restore Slovakia's two goal advantage. Subban has faced mountains of criticism since a pre-tournament nightmare against the University of Alberta. 

Despite Spott's hope that Subban will go wire to wire in net, the calls for backup Jordan Binnington are ubiquitous and growing in intensity. Though Subban has been fairly strong in net, making spectacular saves at times, he has failed to meet unreasonable standards. It seems that if he cannot be the tournament's best goaltender by a fair margin than critics will continue to hound him. 

Despite giving up three goals in the first half of the game, Subban was unbeatable for the remainder. He has yet to allow a third period goal in the tournament.

It remains to be seen which Canadian goaltender will start against the United States but the smart money remains on Subban, although his critics will likely increase in numbers following a second imperfect effort. 

After Slovakia's third goal, Canada finally found their legs. Their unstoppable offense kicked into gear and the ice tilted distinctly in their favor for the remainder of the contest. 

Toronto Maple Leafs prospect Morgan Rielly got the rally going with a power play goal around the 12 minute mark. The defenseman finished the day with three huge points. 

Just over three minutes later, defenseman Xavier Ouellet set up Ty Rattie for an easy tap in to tie the game at three. At the end of the second, Ouellet launched a shot that would be tipped in by Mark Scheifele to give Canada the lead. 

Scheifele was spectacular throughout the evening, as he earned player of the game honors for his two points. The Winnipeg Jets first rounder physically battled for everything he got and played a vital role in the comeback. 

After the second intermission, the game ceased to be a contest. Tournament points leader Ryan Nugent-Hopkins gave his team some insurance, with his second goal in as many games assisted by Jonathan Huberdeau. The captain now has seven points through two games. 

Seven minutes into the third, Ryan Strome scored his second goal of the day, tying himself with Scheifele for the tournament goal-scoring lead with three. 

By the time of Strome's goal it was clear that the Slovakian challenge had ended. Slovakian goalie Adam Nagy failed to produce the same breathtaking performance that earned his team a point against Russia. 

Despite the loss, Slovakia looks very dangerous and should continue to be an upset threat for the remainder of the tournament. They will face Germany on Dec. 30. 

The Canadians will regroup and prepare for a crucial group B game against Team USA. The strong American team is likely to be Canada's toughest test to date and they will need to erase the many mistakes that have so far been overcome by their pure offensive talent. 

Team Canada exploded offensively in its World Junior Championship opener in Russia. The gold medal favorites clobbered Germany 9-3 at Ufa Arena to take the first three points available in Group B. 

Captain Ryan Nugent-Hopkins, the first overall pick in the 2011 NHL draft, was spectacular throughout, producing a goal and four assists to earn player of the game honors. Nugent-Hopkins centered Canada's lethal top line, which also features 2011 first-rounders Jonathan Huberdeau and Mark Scheifele. 

Huberdeau, who exhibited superb chemistry with Nugent-Hopkins, had a three-point night, while Scheifele scored two goals. The trio was a constant nightmare for Germany and should continue to dominate throughout the tournament. 

Eight different players scored goals for Canada, with five players registering multi-point nights. 

The scoring started early for Canada, with Xavier Ouellet scoring a power-play goal on a deflected pass intended for Ty Rattie three minutes into the first period. Seven minutes later, Nugent-Hopkins put the puck home following a slicing pass from Jonathan Huberdeau. 

Tobias Rieder pulled one back for Germany on the power play to make it 2-1 just before the intermission, giving Canadian goaltender Malcolm Subban no chance on a deadly one-timer. 

Canada came out flying in the second frame with four unanswered goals before letting off the gas with a 6-1 lead. Defensive meltdowns allowed Leonhard Pfoderl and Nickolas Latta to score within two minutes of each other. 

Canadian fans will hope that spots of sloppy play resulted purely from the big lead rather than major defensive problems. A few more breakdowns in the third period required spectacular saves from Subban to maintain the big lead. 

Despite the series of momentary lapses, Canada slammed the door decisively in the third with goals from Jonathan Drouin, who raised his 2013 draft stock with an exceptional performance, and Tyler Wotherspoon. 

Head coach Steve Spott surprised many when he opted to start Malcolm Subban in net over Jordan Binnington, who was far more productive in pre-tournament games. However, Spott's decision seemingly paid off, as Subban made a number of incredible saves.

He was quick in the crease and showed plenty of poise. The Boston Bruins' 2012 first-round pick made 28 saves and was hardly at fault on the three German goals. His performance should earn him another start against Slovakia on Friday. 

Though its first game of the 2013 World Junior Championship may have been a glorified tune-up against a German team that would be ecstatic simply to avoid relegation, Canada should be pleased with its scorching-hot offensive start. 

Nugent-Hopkins, Huberdeau, Scheifele and Ryan Strome have begun their assault on the tournament's scoring charts and they aren't likely to let up any time soon. 

Canada will take on a slightly more challenging Slovakian team on December 27 before facing medal contenders Russia and USA in its final two group games. 

Tournament host Russia will begin its gold medal pursuit against Slovakia today, while the United States will open its campaign against the Germans tomorrow. 

Phoenix Suns point guard Steve Nash has been named the general manager for his home country's national team as they gear up for the Olympics, as Eric Koreen of the National Post reported yesterday.

With Nash taking to the role in the front office for Team Canada rather than playing for them, the team will certainly look different, but not necessarily in a bad way.

Nash has accomplished so much throughout his career, including winning the Most Valuable Player award and multiple seasons of leading the NBA in assists. The only thing Nash hasn't done is win an NBA championship. Throughout much of this season, those around the NBA, and fans as well, have been calling for Nash to be traded to a title-contending team so the veteran could have at least one last shot at winning the title before he finally decides to call it a career.

Nash wasn't traded, but he did help the young Suns team push for the final spot in the Western Conference playoffs before the Utah Jazz crept up and took the spot, only to be swept right back into obscurity after losing in four straight games to the San Antonio Spurs.

Nash's future in the NBA is murky at best right now, especially with his free agency coming into play this offseason, but considering his new role with Team Canada, it is not beyond the realm of possibility that this is Nash preparing for a potential new career once his playing days are officially behind him.

If we look at the current landscape of NBA team general managers over the past decade or so, many of them are former players. This list includes Larry Bird (Pacers), Steve Kerr (Suns) and Danny Ainge (Celtics), all of whom have seen their fair share of success running teams from an office after no longer running them from the court.

All things considered, maybe Nash will be the next former player in line for a front office gig.

Actually, becoming some sort of office presence might be Nash's greatest option after his playing career is over. That is, of course, if the man who is known more for his simple living preferences than his swanky dressing style doesn't decide to just settle down and live a life away from basketball. 

One reason why Nash would be a great fit for a general manager's position is that he is one of the most highly respected men in all of basketball. His teammates love him and even his opposition doesn't mind playing against him because of his professionalism. 

Another reason why it would be great for Nash to become a front office presence is that because he is well-liked, more players would love to come play for him. Nash is one of the most established point guards in NBA history, and not only would all players want to play for him, point guards would want to come and learn from one of the greats.

Of course, this is all just speculation and nothing is certain, but given that Nash is running Team Canada, this could just be a stepping stone to something bigger and better.

Would you like to see Nash suit up with pants and a tie once he's done suiting up in shorts and a tank top?

Team Canada's men's hockey team would seem to have a motto: "if it ain't broken, don't "fix" it."

So by that motto, bringing Steve Yzerman back as general director would be a seemingly no brainer move.

Yzerman was appointed as the Executive Director of Hockey Canada on March 5th, and frankly speaking, there is no better choice to fill the position.

Yzerman held the same title in the last Winter Olympics when Team Canada won the gold medal, defeating the Americans 3-2 in overtime on Sidney Crosby's memorable (or if you're an American, forgettable) overtime winner.

The Olympics is the big "hurrah" as far as NHL players are concerned. Looking at the lineups for World Championships (which some of the better NHL players choose not to take part in for personal reasons) it's truly a small wonder why Canada hasn't won at these events.

Although Team Canada has since fallen to fourth in the world rankings of men's hockey (through World Championship exits), Yzerman insists he can bring the team back to the top.

When asked about the task at hand (repeating at the Olympics) Yzerman said:

"As a nation we have to recognize that these other countries are getting better and it’s difficult to win...we’re not going to win every time and we should appreciate the times we do win. That’s the reality. We’re expected to win and our goal is to win. I want to go over there and win too. I’m not going for any other reason.”

But the reason Yzerman is such a perfect candidate for this job is that he is a proven winner.

Canada produces the best hockey players in the world by and large—it's just a matter of assembling the best (and best fitting for a team) to defeat other countries in the world on a regular basis.

Yzerman will be given the best talent in the world to work with, and with his time spent as a player, as an assistant GM with the Detroit Red Wings and current role as GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Yzerman has the experience and the Stanley Cup rings to prove that he is the right fit for position of Executive Director of Hockey Canada.

Yzerman's first season as GM of the Lightning saw the Lightning make the Conference Finals before bowing out to the eventual Stanley Cup champion Boston Bruins in game seven.

As a dual citizen (United States and Canada) born in the United States, I have always rooted for Team USA in the Olympics in hockey.

But if Steve Yzerman has anything to say about the Sochi 2014 Olympics (and if the players from the NHL are allowed to participate again), I have a sneaking suspicion that Yzerman will bring Team Canada back to the gold medal once again.

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