If this happens, can we still root against Canada?
When Todd McLellan recently elevated Patrick Marleau to play on the Sharks’ top line with Dany Heatley and Joe Thornton, he did two things: 1) He exploded the Sharks’ world offensively and 2) He exploded Canada.
The Canadians are just all excited about the prospect of Marleau-Heatley-Thornton staying together as a line for Team Canada in the upcoming Olympics. Even Don Cherry, King of Canada, thinks the Sharks line should be transported untouched to Vancouver. As Rob Blake pointed out, the team practices together maybe twice, so preexisting chemistry is at a premium. And San Jose’s big line clearly has that: They’ve scored 13 points in two games playing together and will remain intact tonight to counteract the return of Marian Hossa to the Chicago Blackhawks’ lineup.
But while Joe Thornton is happy, Joe Shark Fan is perplexed. To root for Canada in the Olympics? Or to root for the good old US of Awesomeness? Our loathing for everything Canadian Hockey Establishment is documented, and if you don’t think you’re going to have Canadian hockey slammed down your gullet at the Olympics in Vancouver, you’re seriously eh-ed up, eh.
But there is that Super Sharks line. So here’s a list of pros and cons to sort through before making any decisions.
Team Canada – Pros
- Marleau-Thornton-Heatley
- Other notable Canadians on the Sharks, like Todd McLellan and Drew Remenda
- Even-money favorites to win, like rooting for the Yankees!
Team Canada – Cons
- Coverage could reach Phelpsian-like levels, inducing nausea
- Steve Yzerman and his retired number, 19. Yes, a national team retired a number. Gag me with a hockey stick.
- Mar-tan Bro-door.
Team USA – Pros
- Joe Pavelski, maybe.
- Badass gear that will make you wish you were a woman.
- The Miracle on Ice.
Team USA – Cons
- American hockey movies, including the one where the Mighty Ducks use the “knucklepuck” to take out “The Dentist” and Team Finland. Shudder.
- If another Miracle on Ice looks like it might happen, coverage could reach Phelpsian-like levels, inducing nausea.
The winner: Team USA. Go Pavs go.
or 
or
By Peter on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 9:47 am.
Tags: San Jose Sharks