With Slovakia, Russia and the Czech Republic releasing their Olympic summer camp rosters today, all major hockey powers have released their lists of Olympic hopefuls. On Friday, I took a look at which Bruins I thought had a shot. While I didn't bat 1.000, most of the names included on the initial list ended up getting the call.
Again, these are all being compared against the initial list of speculative names that was published on Friday.
Made it, on the initial list
Zdeno Chara, Slovakia As it turns out, Slovakia already had their Olympic camp at the beginning of July. Oops. No surprise here, however, as the big man was invited and will likely captain Slovakia's squad again. Chara didn't attend the camp, held from July 1st - 4th, as he was probably still recuperating from the Bruins' loss in the Stanley Cup Final. It's a shame, as he and Miro Satan could've mended their friendship while playing in the doubles tennis tournament held at the camp. Ace!
David Krejci, Czech Republic The Czech Republic actually released its initial roster last week as well, proving that my ability to Google things could use some work. Krejci is obviously on the list, and is arguably the best player on the roster. Another note: former Bruin and winner of the Greatest Most Heroic Bruin of All-Time bracket Vladimir Sobotka got an invitation as well.
Patrice Bergeron, Canada Bergeron will get a shot at skating in his second-straight Olympic games for Team Canada, hoping to play for Claude Julien, who will be an assistant coach for the national team.
Tuukka Rask, Finland Rask will be part of an impressive Finnish goalie corps, as Antti Niemi, Pekka Rinne, Kari Lehtonen, and Niklas Backstrom all received invitations. Rask and Rinne are probably the front-runners, and the decision will likely depend on who plays better in the first few months of the 2013-2014 NHL season.
Loui Eriksson, Sweden Loui received an invitation to Sweden's camp, and the new Bruin is essentially a lock to represent Tre Kronor in his second Olympic appearance. The biggest news out of Sweden's list, however, is the lack of Daniel Alfredsson, though the Swedish legend could still be added to the roster if he has a strong season.
Milan Lucic, Canada It appears that the Canadian brain trust thinks Lucic's big-body style of play could prove valuable when Sochi rolls around, as the big winger was invited to the Olympic camp. Lucic was invited to Canada's camp in 2009 but didn't end up making the squad, so he'll be hoping for a better result this time around.
Made it, not on the initial list
Brad Marchand, Canada This selection was a bit surprising, as Marchand's irritating style of play isn't really well-suited for international hockey. However, he's a high-grade offensive talent, and giving him a chance to earn a spot won't hurt Canada. He also has a history of success in international hockey, bringing home a gold medal for Canada in two-straight World Junior Championships (2007 and 2008).
On the initial list, didn't make it
Jarome Iginla, Canada Iginla was initially listed as "iffy," and it appears that Canada has decided his international playing days are over. The 36-year-old forward didn't receive an invitation to Canada's camp, and while a strong first half in 2013-2014 may cause them to rethink his inclusion, Iginla will probably get the Olympic break off in favor of a new generation of Canadian stars.
Carl Soderberg, Sweden This one is a bit of a head-scratcher, and fodder for conspiracy theorists. Soderberg wasn't included on Sweden's list of invitees, despite being the second-leading scorer in the Swedish Elite League last season. Instead, he was passed over in favor of names like Carl Hagelin, Gustav Nyquist, Marcus Johansson, and Marcus Kruger. Does his less-than-amicable split from the Swedish Ice Hockey Federation have anything to do with it? Hmmmm...
Torey Krug, United States Hey, he was a wild card inclusion to begin with. The United States went with a number of young skaters, but Krug didn't make the cut.