Who Will Start in Net for Team Canada?

In the days leading up to December 31st, Steve Yzerman, Hockey Canada Executive Director, is going to have a number of tough decisions to make regarding the personnel on the Olympic roster. One big decision that he will leave on head coach Mike Babcock’s shoulders will be choosing the number one goaltender.

Clearly, both Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo will be on the squad, and whoever fills the third spot will be there just for insurance purposes.

Here’s the scenario: on February 16th Luongo will play in Canada’s first game against Norway. On the 18th, Brodeur will start the second against Switzerland. And unless Luongo was a disaster in game 1, he will start again in the third game on the 21st against USA. This might be the other way around, but essentially, whoever plays better in the round robin matches will be the starter for the elimination rounds.

The question is, who will Mike Babcock favor?

The Case for Brodeur:

His history speaks for itself:
- 3 Stanley Cups
- 2002 Olympic Gold Medal
- 2004 World Cup Championship
- 4 Vezina Trophies as NHL’s best goaltender

And he is not slowing down: he already has a 12-6-1 record in the 2009-2010 season.

The Case for Luongo:

Ok, so Luongo’s got nothing on Brodeur’s list of accomplishments, but he has been stuck with the New York Islanders and Florida Panthers for most of his career. So why should Mike Babcock give him the job over the incumbent Brodeur?

It’s his city, it’s his arena, and it’s finally his turn. At 30, he’s in his prime and he has certainly paid his dues, playing backup to Brodeur at the 2004 World Cup and 2006 Olympics.

If there are any nuances to know about the ice rink known as “Canada Hockey Place”, Luongo knows them better than anyone in the world, because to him, it is GM Place, his home arena, year round.

And, wouldn’t it be amazing to hear the Arena masses chanting “LOU” every time he makes a save? Coach Babcock, in the words of Russel Peters: "Be a man, do the right thing."

If you have an opinion on who should start for Canada, let it be heard by voting in the poll question on the right!