Canada
Outlook: Canada was perhaps the biggest disappointment in the 1998 Winter Games, failing to earn a medal for the country and for Wayne Gretzky, who was not selected to take a penalty shot in a shootout loss to the Czech Republic, the eventual champs. The goalie for Canada in that game—Colorado’s Patrick Roy—has pulled himself from the team this time around and whoever gets the nod as starter—Martin Brodeur or Curtis Joseph are the logical choices—will play behind the biggest and most skilled defense in the tournament, including Al MacInnis, Rob Blake and Chris Pronger. The resurgence of oft-injured Eric Lindros and Mario Lemieux’s return from a 3½-year retirement last season should bolster the chances of earning a gold medal in February.
Key Player: Lemieux has the ability to dominant the Winter Games, and vows to play despite hip surgery. He could return to Pittsburgh’s lineup after Christmas, though he may not be 100 percent. Lemieux is coming under fire in Pittsburgh for his strong desire to participate in the Olympics rather than get some much needed rest. As a player/owner, however, Lemieux will clearly get the final say.
Hometown Heroes: None. Hard-hitting defenseman Brendan Witt was not invited to a preseason evaluation camp, stuck behind a deep pool of defensemen, and center Adam Oates, again among league leaders in assists at age 39, has no chance with Lemieux, Lindros, Joe Sakic, Keith Primeau and Mike Peca among some of the top Canadian centers in the game.
Olympic medal count: 6 gold, 4 silver, 2 bronze.
In 1998: Fourth, 4-2 record.
Selection deadline: Dec. 22.
Preliminary schedule:
• Feb. 15, vs. Sweden
• Feb. 17, vs. Qualifier 2
• Feb. 18, vs. Czech Republic
• Quarterfinals begin Feb. 20.
Olympics