Couch Potato GMs and pundits across the land are scribbling down their choices for Canada's final roster for the 2010 Olympic Men's hockey team.

No one seems to have a definitive, confident list; it's coming down to "these are the guys I'd pick" or "the guys I like". No one is really sure what the powers-that-bean will do. One pundit opined that Boston Bruin Milan Lukic, despite his ongoing injuries and lack of games this year, is still an intriguing possibility. The Brass seem to like what he brings to the table: size, grit, and scoring touch. I would NOT be surprised if he makes the team on that basis , but like many candidates realize, the competition, like Tiger Woods' willie, is extremely stiff.

If I was looking at players returning from the injury list and not, therefore, relying on their recent performance, I'd be considering someone like Simon Gagne. I doubt he'll be chosen and will not even consider that possibility, but don't be surprised if he gets picked. He has a worthy track record and is a terrific two way player, when healthy. I certainly would think the Brass are watching his last few games. At best, however, he may be on the B List - if someone gets injured before the Games start. I would have had him on my team in a heart-beat, but he has missed most of the year and, as a Canuck fan, I have first-hand experience of watching some older dude, missing most of the season, then trying to keep up with younger players who are in tip-top shape.

Let's face it, everyone has their likes and dislikes as players and even the teams they play for. While there is a lot of common ground (see goalies), some choices do come down to whom one likes. Don Cherry picked Stephane Robidas on defence knowing full-well that Stephane is a long-shot, well, probably already shot and off the short list.

Thankfully, while Stevie Y probably has the last word, TC will be chosen with a lot of input from a lot of people. I suspect even Scotty Bowman has Steve's ear.

I'm also sure TC Brass have stats that would make Major League Baseball envious!

Is it important that so-and-so scored 20 plus goals? Absolutely. But, it is equally or more important which goalies and teams that player had success against. We have no idea how Marleau, Thornton, and Heater will do against the Russians if Nabobkov is between the pipes. How have they fared against the other Olympians? Heater has a huge reputation on the International scene but which teams does he score against? Will he be able to pop a winner in a semi-final game against Ryan Miller, for example? Which defencemen have a good record, the best record, of shutting down Ovie and Semin? Who has been good in shoot-outs?

In keeping with the above, it may be hard to make those assessments. Going in, it appears that a huge percentage of TC's make-up, especially on Defence, will be players from the Western Conference.

I reiterate from my previous Olympic report that this will not be a team of stars but a team constructed like any successful play-off team: age and experience mixed with youth; lines designed as the usual NHL teams: two scoring lines, one checking line, and a fourth energy type line; penalty killers who can score; two-way players more than one-dimensional ones; guys used to or are comfortable with

playing only 8 -9 minutes a game, as specialists.

Well, enough pitter-patter, let's get at'er!

Clobber'S Pick

Goalies

This is one area where most pundits agree, except maybe the order. Here is my order.

Martin Brodeur

Roberto Luongo

Marc

Andre Fleury

Keep Warm and Your Phone Bill Paid:

Cam Ward (Carolina)

Chris Mason (St. Louis Blues)

Defence

There is a lot of agreement here as well; it seems that the following are locks and I endorse their likely selection:

Scott Niedermayer (Anaheim)

Chris Pronger (Philadelphia)

Neither are playing well, especially Scotty, but he's a lock as Captain. Prongman embarrassed himself at Turin. I can't stand the putz but I have to concur that he will be a necessary cog in the wheel but he will have to leave his Ego at the door. Message to Chris: if you're injured, please stay home!

To play with the above, we'll likely have:

Shea Weber (Nashville)

Dan Boyle (San Jose)

That leaves 3 positions left and the possibilities are:

Duncan Keith (Chicago)

Brent Seabrook (Chicago)

Dion Phaneuf (Calgary)

Robyn Regehr (Calgary)

Dan Hamhuis, who plays with Weber in Nashville.

Mike Green (Washington)

Jay Boumeester (Calgary)

Drew Doughty (LA)

Brian Campbell (Chicago)

The last four above are somewhat competing for the seventh position - all rushing defencemen, with Doughty maybe having an edge on the defensive-side of Centre Ice.

Since we're picking who we like, remove Dion Phaneuf!

Regehr is a long shot in my opinion. He is defensively strong but doesn't bring enough offensively and is a little slow of foot. See ya!

Duncan Keith and Brent Seabrook have the edge as a known tandem, but are a risk due to lack of experience, but I like'em!

If my math is right that leaves a seventh position. Boumeester may have the edge due to his experience in Turin. Campbell is a bit too much of a defensive liability but has that Chicago connection with Keith and Seabrook; Mike Green would be a good choice as PP specialist Neidermeyer and Pronger are not as much of a threat from the point as some of these other candidates; Doughty is hard to keep off this team. Inexperience may doom him to 'dark horse' status. He will definitely be on the 'wait by the phone in case of injury' list. If you're worried about too many inexperienced tandems, Hamhuis hasn't got a chance BUT maybe Weber/Hamhuis is a better fit than Keith or Seabrook? Drop Seabrook and add Hamhuis is another possibility.

Spin the wheel, throw the darts, here we go!

Neidermeyer (Anaheim)

Pronger (Philadelphia)

Weber (Nashville)

Boyle (San Jose)

Seabrook (Chicago)

Keith (Chicago)

Green (Washington)

Keep Your Skates Sharp: Boumeester, Doughty, Campbell and Phaneuf.

Forwards

The most controversial choices will be here. But more than other positions discussed, these choices will come down more to recent performance in most cases. In that regard, while LeCavalier has been playing better lately I think he's watching on his couch. He's not even on my 'possibles' list.

Okay, this may be hard for Ottawa fans but let's face it the following line will be on the ice in February and not just in San Jose.

Marleau-Thornton-Heatley

Some think Marleau is the odd man out here. I don't. He's a perfect replica almost of Stevie Y. He can play centre or wing and kills penalties. Speed to burn.

Rick Nash, Iggy, and Sid the Kid are locks.

Based on chemistry, here are some intriguing combo possibilities:

Getzlaf-Perry

Toews-Sharp

Carter-Richards

Definitely still in the mix, in no particular order:

Brad Richards - C/W - back to his old pre-injury form. Big heart. Was one of the few Canadians who played well, consistently, in Turin.

Martin St. Louis - RW - had a good camp, has played fairly well, has experience, speed, and heart. If TC has a 'weakness", it may be on RW. Why take a risk, go with someone who won't disappoint or take stupid penalties.

Eric Staal C/LW - terrible start and was injured but has street creds. Again, the ability to play two positions has to give him an edge on some others. Plus, he usually gets it up for big games. Alas, a current minus 9 rating is problematic. Like Vinnie, has almost abdicated his chance at playing for his country. Strange.

Mike Fisher C/RW - great year, two-way player, plays wing and centre, kills penalties - downside: little or no experience in International play.

Patrick Sharp - RW - seemed to be a contender for many awhile back. Seems to be a long shot at this point but might sneak in and play with Toews on a 3rd or 4th Line.

Milan Lucic - LW - Big body, can score, but not much experience; likely a case of "next time" but might squeeze onto the 4th line.

Patrice Bergeron C - a late entry by many pundits. Speed and scoring ability. Not sure if he can switch to a wing position. Doubtful. But, perhaps Marty St. Louis and Corey Perry are looking over their shoulder.

Jordan Staal C - a perfect 4th liner who kills penalties and can pop goals. Started poorly but has found his grove.

Ryan Smythe LW - Captain Canada was having a banner year but an injury put him out for a month; still, might be perfect fit with Getzlaf and Perry.

Brendon Morrow LW - good numbers but slowed by injury. Big heart. Great leader. Experience. That last pencil scratch by Stevie Y may cut the deepest.

Shane Doan - RW - been there before but having an off year. Is experience enough? The Wayner is NOT involved this time. Too many other good players; still, like Brad Richards, was one of our best at Turin and another captain.

Steve Stamkos - Don Cherry picked him. I'm not convinced he's ready to play at this level of competition. We didn't lose at Turn cause we didn't take STK. We lost at Turin cause we took too many 'new to the deal' players (13). Back to Defence - this is the one factor that may push Green out and insertBoumeester.

John Tavares - let's hope there are NHLers in 2014 Johnny.

As a long shot, Mike Cammalleri LW, never seems to be discussed! A helluva shot and plays with heart... who cares how small he is! Liability is lack of experience and an unknown as defensive force.

Derek Roy - C - leads Buffalo in scoring; impressed at last year's Worlds; his coach is behind the bench..... a long shot but may squeeze in, on the wing. Too many Centres put him at a very low chance of making it.

Okay, where does that leave me! Drum Roll, please!

Marleau (San Jose)

Thornton (San Jose)

Heatley (San Jose)

Iggy (Calgary)

Crosby (Pittsburgh)

St. Louis* (Tampa Bay)

Nash (Columbus)

Getzlaf (Anaheim)

Perry* (Anaheim)

M. Richards* (Philadelphia)

B. Richards* (Dallas)

Fisher *(Ottawa)

Toews (Chicago)

*Not locks.

On the phone dial List - J. Staal, E. Staal, Morrow, Smythe and Doan.

The real team was chosen Wednesday, December 30th, at Noon EST (9:00 AM PST).<>

Happy New Year!