At the time of his injury, in mid-November, Ryan Smyth probably had an inside track on securing a spot on Team Canada for the Olympics. He was off to a fantastic start, he has represented Canada in the last two Olympics and, after all, the guy’s nickname is “Captain Canada.” Well, now he has been off the ice for more than a month, and by the time Smyth comes back, Team Canada’s braintrust only has four days before it will name its roster.
Certainly, Smyth’s name has to be in consideration still, but given Canada’s incredible depth at center, and the fact that Smyth is coming off an injury, Smyth said today that selection day, Dec. 30, is making him a little nervous…
SMYTH: “I have to say, it’s been playing a little bit in my mind. I haven’t heard from anybody. It’s disappointing, being injured, with how things were going for myself personally. I would love to play on that team, but that’s not my choice to make. I just want to give myself every opportunity in the next two games.
“I believe they’re announcing the team on the 30th, so I’ve got a couple games to make my stand, if there is one. I just want to give myself every opportunity to be a part of it. I know how exciting it was back in ’02 and ’06. We lost in ’06, but any time you represent your country, it’s an honor.”
Good luck Smitty!We all know what you’ve meant to us this season.I’ll be pulling for you.
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i think all kings fans wish you the best of luck!! you have definitely earned it with your play so far this year and helping kopi atop the league’s best with you in the line up!!
cant wait for your return to the kings and of course…
GO KINGS GO!!!!
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Good luck Smyth. I know you can make the team.
In other news, Brodeur just got shutout #104 to break the record (and was against the same team Sawchuk got #103). Congrats to him but here’s hoping a Kings goalie beets it someday (I can dream).
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This is the problem with team canada…and probably why they lost in ’06. statistically, penner deserves a spot on team canada, and sure he is a good player. but the role a 4th line winger on team canada is way different from penner’s role on edmonton. smyth provides team canada with exactly what it needs: grit and leadership. thats not to say penner wouldnt do a good job, but the whole selection process seems a bit formulaic.
doughty belongs on this team. so does smyth, and shane doan. team canada will have the most talent no matter who they pick.
personally, i like the US as a contender this year. i dont know why exactly, but they feel scary for some reason.
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oh, and the fool on NHL.com who posted his idea for the US roster believed Jimmy Howard, previously on the AHL affiliate for the Red Wings since he graduated from Maine 10 years ago, to be the 3rd best American goalie, not Quick who has 20 wins, 3rd in the NHL.
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Congrats to Broduer.I hope we still kick your a** in January.
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He’s still Captain Canada whether he makes the team or not!
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8 poits in 2 games and u in . Good luck . Go Kings .
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do you have a link to that stop the puck
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http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=510224&navid=DL|NHL|NHLNetwork
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Good luck Smytty! Saw JMFJ at CPK in Manhattan Beach tonight. Eat Jack Eat!
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I like Smyth, more than say Getzlaf, who has had a pretty disappointing start. But most every commentator includes Getzlaf as a probable. Leclavier has been disappointing as well. Hang in there and start where you left of!
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Blake,
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=510245#&navid=nhl-search
there it is.
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No reason for him not to get in! GO Captain CANADA!!
BTW Per NHL.com, Ziggy Palffy said to be on team Slovakia? IF so then GREAT! Rich you got any news on Ziggy? Probably not but oh well.
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There are so many good Canadians, it will be tough for him to make it.Without the injury, his odds were much better and it really depends on what style of team they want. Team Canada has a much tougher decision than Team USA, and I’m sure more than a few players will be upset when they’re left off.
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First off Smytty, they are announcing the team on New Years eve, january 31st. Second, StopThePuck, don’t count on it…Put Canada, Russia & Sweeden ahead of the USA..
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I’d love for Smyth to make the Olympic team and he’d totally deserve it. But honestly I think he’s going to come back too late. For him to be considered again he’d have to be absolutely spectacular in these next couple of games.
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thanks stp
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@tantrum, unless you’re celebrating Chinese New Year, the Canadian team is announced New Years Eve, DECEMBER 31st..
(just teasing)
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tantrum i know they will be underdogs but maybe its that ryan miller can stop anyone when hes on. 30 years since lake placid, too…
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I just don’t see Smyth being on the team. I can also see Richards and Carter not on there right now too. Getzlaf isn’t having a great year but is still putting up points with assists and plays big.
I’d be very disappointed if Doughty isn’t on the team. Future captain and leader at only 20. 7th Defenseman for sure.
U.S. will be in it if Miller continues to play the way he has.
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I’ll always be rooting for Team USA over any others, but of course hope for the best for all Kings players. I love his dedication to his home countries team, partly why I love the olympics. Although I do wish they would go back to amateurs only to be honest. IN all sports.
Always have respect for a guy like Ryan that wants so badly to represent his country.
Looking forward to the World Juniors this time as well. I have never watched any of that, but with NHL Network showing all the US games and the medal rounds I will be watching for sure. Especially will be keeping an eye on the Kings prospects that made their teams. Only saw the Canadian roster so far so not sure if anyone else made a team.
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Actually, Rich, he said that it’s an “honour” to represent his country.
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
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