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The Canadian Press picks its Team Canada for 2010 Vancouver Olympics

Monday, 03.02.2009 / 6:38 PM / News

The Canadian Press

Three games, three wins, two shutouts.

It's hard to imagine how Martin Brodeur could have made a more emphatic statement in his injury comeback about his status for next year's Canadian Olympic team.

While it's always been assumed that the 36-year-old Brodeur is a lock to be in Vancouver, many wondered how the veteran goaltender might respond to missing nearly four months with a torn biceps.

Even he didn't expect to answer those questions so soon.

"I was surprised at how quickly I felt good in the nets," Brodeur said Monday on a conference call. "I thought it was going to take me a little longer to really feel at ease - not being nervous and not worrying about making decisions and playing the puck and doing different things.

"I thought it was going to take a little longer to get used to it."

Suddenly, Brodeur's assault on the record books is back on.

He's four wins shy of tying Patrick Roy's 551 victories and sits three shutouts behind Terry Sawchuk's 103. Brodeur will almost certainly own both of those marks by next February, when he might also be starting in goal for Canada at the Olympics.

"It's a long ways from now but it's in my mind," said Brodeur. "I'd love to participate at the Olympics, there's no doubt about that. I've been in three of them so far and I've great memories from it and definitely would like to add some more. ...

"I'll welcome the challenge to be part of the Canadian team again."

It's pretty safe to pencil him in. But there are 22 other players to be selected as well.

Executive director Steve Yzerman and his management staff will meet in Calgary later this month to discuss and revise the list of top candidates they're working from.

The Canadian Press has done the same with the roster we put together in February. We've added Martin St. Louis in place of Corey Perry up front and given Duncan Keith a place on the blue-line at the expense of Brent Burns.

We're also placing 19-year-old defenceman Drew Doughty on the bubble after Yzerman singled him out in a recent conference call with reporters.

Goaltenders

Martin Brodeur (New Jersey): His stock is on the rise after the hot return. We'd start him in Canada's first game if it was played tomorrow.

Roberto Luongo (Vancouver): Appears to be rounding back into top form after a groin injury and some struggles.

Steve Mason (Columbus): The kid has helped Columbus stay afloat and ranks first in the NHL with eight shutouts.

Defencemen

Jay Bouwmeester (Florida): He might not be playing in Florida by the end of this week, but he should be wearing a Team Canada uniform next year. Speed and experience are his prime assets.

Mike Green (Washington): A record eight-game goal-scoring streak in February has only improved his stock. Green could score 30 this season.

Dan Boyle (San Jose): Consistently logs more than 25 minutes a game for one of the top teams in the NHL. That won't hurt his chances.

Shea Weber (Nashville): Has been hot after ending a recent offensive drought. One of the main reasons the Predators are still in the playoff hunt.

Chris Pronger (Anaheim): We view his veteran presence as a benefit to the group. He's a workhorse.

Duncan Keith (Chicago): Quietly having another solid season in the Windy City. Brings a nice mix of defensive responsibility and offensive ability.

Dion Phaneuf (Calgary): His minus-8 rating for the division-leading Flames is worrisome. We'll be keeping a close eye on him before picking the team again in April.

Forwards

Jarome Iginla (Calgary): Has been playing some inspired hockey of late. They can start engraving his name on a nameplate for Team Canada's locker-room now.

Vincent Lecavalier (Tampa Bay): Still performing at a high level during another tough season in Tampa.

Sidney Crosby (Pittsburgh): Could be a candidate for a move to the wing. Would look good on a top line with Iginla and Lecavalier.

Rick Nash (Columbus): The big winger's comfort with the international game is a big bonus.

Dany Heatley (Ottawa): Looks to be on the way to another 40-goal season in Ottawa. Heatley will be one of the main guys who'll need to score in Vancouver.

Ryan Getzlaf (Anaheim): Has really come into his own the past two seasons. On the way to another career year.

Jeff Carter (Philadelphia): Still the leading goal-scorer among Canadian-born players this season.

Joe Thornton (San Jose): Skilled in the faceoff circle and creative in the offensive zone. It's hard to imagine him being left off.

Martin St. Louis (Tampa Bay): There's enough size among this forward group to make room for the small - and skilled - St. Louis. He's been great since early January.

Mike Richards (Philadelphia): Will do whatever is asked of him. And he'll do it well.

Shane Doan (Phoenix): A prototype of the kind of player who can fill the necessary checking duty.

Simon Gagne (Philadelphia): The forward with the most tenuous hold on his position with our team. Past experience gives him the edge over some others.

Jonathan Toews (Chicago): We still like his versatility in a 13th forward role. The youngster has 10 goals over his last 10 games with the Blackhawks.

Bubble Players

G Marty Turco, D Robyn Regehr, D Drew Doughty, F Patrick Marleau, F Marc Savard, F Corey Perry.

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