Hockey

Canada's 2010 men's Olympic hockey team won't be named until late December, but CTVOlympics.ca has a weekly evaluation of many of the players under consideration for roster spots. Each Tuesday, we will consider the statistics of each player in their NHL games up to the previous Sunday and consult our Olympic hockey experts. These are our observations for this week:

Stock Up - Forwards

false

John Tavares - 3GP, 3G, 2A

Much like Sidney Crosby nearly forced his way on to Canada's Olympic squad in 2006, ‘John the Phenom' is undoubtedly giving Stevie Y and co. reason for pause. The kid has been simply awesome for the Isles this season and it makes you wonder how good he could be if he had a little more offensive support. The rookie might have an outside shot at a taxi squad spot, but is probably too far down the depth chart to make the roster. Should the NHL decide to continue to send players to the Sochi games in 2014, then Tavares will be a virtual lock.

Ryan Getzlaf - 3GP, 1G, 6A +1

Smack in the middle of an 11 game point streak, Getzlaf is as hot as they come right now. He is throwing a lot of crooked numbers up in the scoring column, but unfortunately for the Ducks, that's not translating into wins. Regardless, Getzlaf is a lock to be centering one of Canada's scoring lines in Vancouver. It's hard to believe that not that long ago people were wondering what was wrong with him.

Dan Cleary - 3GP, 2G, 3A +7

Believe it or not there has been few players in the league as hot as Cleary over the past seven days. Much like the rest of his Red Wing compatriots, it has taken the Newfoundlander a little bit of time to kick it into gear, however it appears as the sleeping giant has awoken and the Winged Wheel are rocketing up the Western Conference standings. Cleary will likely remain on the outside looking in for a roster spot, but he has certainly given Mike Babcock a reason to give him all the ice-time he can handle in Motown.

Other forwards on the upswing: Jeff Carter, Andy McDonald, Steve Stamkos

Stock Down - Forwards

false

Jason Spezza - 3GP, 0G, 0A, -3

A late add to orientation camp, Spezza should have saved himself the trouble and declined the invite because he has done nothing this season to prove he deserves to be among the elite Canadian-born players in the game. He has been held without a point in five of his last six games, and if Spezza is not scoring, he is not contributing.

Jordan Staal - 3GP, 0G, 1A, -3

Riddle me this: How is a player who is considered a defensive specialist a minus player on more occasions than not when playing on one of the best teams in the league? With one goal in his past 14 games you can't say that Staal has suddenly decided to focus on the offensive side of his game either. It's really starting to appear as though his rookie campaign was a bit of a fluke.

Vincent Lecavalier - 2GP, 0G, 0A

While Lightning head coach Rick Tocchet has employed every trick in the book in an attempt to jumpstart Lecavalier's offence, nothing has worked. He seems sluggish on the ice and does not appear to have the same drive or explosiveness that he is known for. You would almost hope at this point he has been hiding an injury because he looks like a shell of his former self.

Other forwards trending downwards: Brad Richards, Brendan Morrow, Shane Doan

Stock Up - Defence

false

Duncan Keith - 4GP, 1G, 5A, +2

The rugged Keith has developed into one of the top all-around defencemen in the game today and seems intent on displaying his recently added offensive punch. He is on pace to shatter virtually every one of his statistical career bests and has forced his way on to the Olympic team along with definite Norris trophy consideration. A lock to be one of Canada's top six defenders.

Chris Pronger - 2GP, 1G, 2A, +2

And speaking of virtual locks, Pronger continues to cement his credentials with his intimidating brand of take no prisoners hockey. He is among the leaders for defencemen in goals, assists, points, plus/minus, ice time and penalty minutes and is playing some of the best hockey of his career. A shoe-in for Vancouver on the top defensive pairing.

Robyn Regehr - 3GP, 0G, 0A, +4

While Regehr is never going to 'wow' anyone with his offensive numbers, he is on pace for his best statistical season. However Regehr's game isn't based on offense, it is based on shutting down his opponent's top forwards every night. Fortunately for the Flames and Canada, it's a role that he thrives in. If he does not make the final roster, he will be among the most difficult cuts.

Other defencemen on the upswing: Dan Boyle, Mike Green, Dan Hamhuis

Stock Down - Defence

false

Francois Beauchemin - 3GP, 1G, 1A, -2

Sadly this might have been Beauchemin's best week of the season, however the ship has likely sailed on his potential inclusion on Canada's Olympic team. The ‘defensive specialist' is on pace for a minus-40 rating when the smoke clears on the season. Part of that is due to the woeful play of the Maple Leafs, but a great deal of the blame can be placed squarely on Beauchemin's shoulders as he has yet to resemble the player the Leafs thought they were getting when they signed him.

Marc Staal - 2GP, 0G, 0A

This has not been a particularly good season for the Staal boys. While Marc has enjoyed a bit more success on the ice than his siblings, his original inclusion at orientation camp appeared to be a way that Hockey Canada could hedge their bets for the future and reward a kid who had always been a 'good soldier' for Canada on the International stage. A future shutdown stud for Canada who will have to wait his turn.

Scott Niedermayer - 3GP, 0G, 0A, -1

We are not saying that Niedermayer is not going to be there when the final roster is announced, we are simply saying he is not currently living up to his own lofty standards. Scoreless in four of his last five games and his team languishing in the basement of the Western Conference, it is no wonder that trade winds have started to swirl around this future Hall of Famer. Even if he fails to register a point in his remaining games leading up to the Olympics, it would still be a safe wager to bet upon his inclusion on the final roster.

Other defencemen trending downward: None

Stock Up - Goalies

false

Martin Brodeur - 3GP, 3W, 1.33GAA, .954SP

An eight game winning streak and a shot at one of the most prestigious records in hockey history is a good way to cement your place on the Olympic squad. Simply put Brodeur might be the leading Hart trophy candidate at this moment and is not ready to relinquish his crown as Canada's number one keeper. If you want to go ahead and pre-order your Brodeur Team Canada jerseys you should be safe to do so.

Roberto Luongo - 2GP, 1W, 2.25GAA, .924SP

While the Canucks continue their injury plagued, roller coaster season, none of the blame can be placed on the shoulders of 'Bobby Lu.' He has sufficiently recovered from a rib injury and is doing his best to challenge for the top spot between the pipes for Canada. Unfortunately for Luongo, one of the greatest goaltenders in the history of the game is standing in the way.

Other goalies on the upswing: Marty Turco

Stock Down - Goalies

false

Steve Mason - 1GP, 10.00GAA, .704SP

Allowing eight goals on 27 shots is not the best way to impress your boss. The reigning Calder Trophy winner has been nothing short of dreadful this season, hitting a new low in a 9-1 blowout at the hands of the Red Wings. He is now apparently also dealing with back spasms as well.

Cam Ward - Placed on IR

The former Conn Smythe trophy winner's nightmare season has gone from bad-to-worse as he was placed on injured reserve after sustaining a nasty cut on his left leg during the ‘Canes record 12th straight loss last week. A one-month stay in the sick bay will has eliminated any chance he may have had to make the squad.

Other goalies trending downward: Marc-Andre Fleury