Hockey 2010 OLYMPIC odds....

But the talent level isnt even close. Even last year when Keiths stats where around the 45pt a year range he was a much more impactfull player then AV. If this was a argument about a guy with offence but shaky defence line green, phaneuf etc then it would make sense but Keith is good in every area. He does basically everything you want as a defencemen. Volchenkov is limited and certainly nowhere near a #1 frontline dman.

He's always among league leaders in hits and blocked shots....because he's a BEAST. And not only that but the dood hits HARD.

If I had a powerplay stud on my team which most teams do, I would definitely take him over Keith.

The Devils would be MUCH better with Duncan Keith then Anton Volchenkov. I dont even know why Im arguing this anymore. Go post this on a real hockey site like HFboards and youd get laughed at.

He has no physical game, 40 hits last season jesus christ i think Semin had more than that.  Not even in top 200 in blocked shots.

Volchenkov was #8 last year in hits and 30th in blocked shots and didn't even play 70 games.

Keith is positionally sound and good offensively but you're making him out to be one of the best out there and I don't believe he is.

Yea because the Devils, after losing Oduya have nobody that can move the puck back there.  Before Oduya it was Rafalski.  So I would probably take Keith over Volchenkov in that situation.

But for 80% of other teams, I'd rather have Volchenkov.

What classifies a "real" hockey forum?  One based out of Toronto?

How many hits did Lidstrom have last year?

What about Andrei Markov or Tomas Kaberle?

Ok maybe I shouldnt have said he brings everything. He could be more physical but he's also not soft. He plays defence by simply stripping the puck with a fast stick and quick speed so basically he's never forced to use the body but he isnt soft also. Im not overhyping him. He's one of the leaders for the Norris trophy this season and his play speaks for himself. He is currently one of the top 5-6 dman in the entire league.

Your opinion doesnt mean anything tho. Your a Canada hater and would rather have Volchekov on your team over a guy that could win the Norris trophy this season. Go post this on HFboards where theyre are more knowledgeable hockey fans then here. You would have your ass laughed at.

This is what happens when you try to stretch your argument for one country over the other, you start to say stupid things like taking a limited defencemen who blocks shots and lays out some big hits over a potential #1 defencemen.

Im done here. MLB guru, have fun making tons of money off of Sweden this olympics. We all know you wont put that much on them because in the back of your head you know Canada has a VERY good chance of winning.

Oh ya, youd make a HORRIBLE hockey general manager. Your ability to break down talent is laughable,

Lidstrom is offensively superior to Keith...until Keith puts up 60+ in a season (more like 80) don't compare the two.

Kaberle is TRASH.

Gee you just named three guys, all of which deserve credit for that. 

Lots of guys have Norris worthy seasons....is Mike Green?  Terrible D-man, but because of all those points he was a solid pick of winning.

One season or two even doesn't make you a great player.

And how am I a Canada hater?  Because I say they won't win....correct me if I'm wrong but I predicted the US would beat Canada in juniors and they did...so am I a hater or am I just accurate with my assessments.

I could care less what a bunch of people say behind a computer screen.  They could laugh all they want.

That's the problem with North America...only thing people care about are the big name stats like points.

Blocked shots and huge hits are more important over the course of a season, then 50 points.

I said if "I" were GM on 80% of the teams I'd take him.

I don't speak for great minds like Brian Burke

His highest point total was 44 previous to this season. Tell me how you label him a franchise D with NO history to support it.....especially since he doesn't hit or block shots. Was a complete ghost in the playoffs, (but I'll give him a pass since it was his first)

One good season = franchise player.  Are you sure you're not a Leafs GM?

Of the three guys I named, 2 are on team canada's defense, and will play together like they have for the last 2 years.  I never once mentioned points.  No that is not the problem with North America.  You ask any knowledgeable Canadian.  We care more about character and grit than any hockey country in the world.  All we said is that keith does everything, including contribute offensively.  That means he excels at both ends, and can play both powerplay and pentalty kill, making him extremely versatile, especially for a tournament like this.

How much grit does a guy have when he has 42 hits in a full season and league leaders are around 300.

How gritty and willing is he to defend for his team when he isn't in top 200 last season in blocked shots.

Honestly, people big up these guys for having one amazing season and it needs to stop.

And don't go making judgements on people's character....it's funny as Canadians we always point fingers at the south saying how cocky and ignorant they can be.

Then we take the game of hockey, try to call it ours and claim our players to be the most standup and gritty players out there.

If you think he's grittier than Volchenkov you're nuts!

I said it all depends on my team...

And those stats get no mention and nobody ever talks about those. But they are just as important if not more....after all we are talking about DEFENDING.

Sure he's been solid, I'd take him on my team Im not saying he is garbage.

Canada obviously went with the youthful approach and tried to get a few guys whove played together. Doesn't mean he's actually top 6 in Canada.

Bottom line is if you don't hit or block shots, you're not an elite level D-men in my eyes unless you're producing insane offensive numbers.