Crosby, Fleury named to Canadian Olympic roster - 12-30-09

While the 29,243 presenters for Canada talk about how awesome they are, the Penguins' Web site revealed Sidney Crosby and Marc-Andre Fleury will be going to Vancouver. More to come.

Update: Ducks defenseman Scott Niedermayer will serve as the team's captain. Crosby, Flames forward Jarome Iginla and Flyers defenseman Chris Pronger will serve as alternate captains.

Roster:

 

EN Says: There are a quite a few surprises there. First and foremost, on defense. The selections of guys like Doughty and Weber over the likes of Dion Phaneuf or Mike Green are surprising, but we like them. Steve Yzerman and company chose players who can produce over big names. Doughty and Weber are two of the most underrated players in the league. But the folks running Team Canada know how good these guys are.

We're really surprised at the selections of Morrow and Staal over the likes of Martin St. Louis or Brad Richards, a proven player at a championship level.

Jordan Staal was a popular suggestion as a third- or four-liner who could kill penalties. Mike Richards and Patrice Bergeron will fill that role and can offer a lot in other aspects of the game, particularly in the faceoff circle, than Staal.

(Photo: Keith Srakocic/Associated Press)