Some Team Canada Thoughts, When Predators Attack, Score One for the Little Guy

As we march closer to decision time for Steve Yzerman and Hockey Canada, here are a few thoughts that are on my mind.

- Is Mike Richards playing himself off of the squad? I never thought in my wildest dreams that I'd be asking this question, but it's one that needs to be asked. Richards is pressing as the Flyers continue to struggle, and his play should be worrisome for Hockey Canada. He's forcing passes, is being scrutinized by the Philadelphia media, and there are rumors abroad about a possible schism in the Flyers' locker room. As the team captain, that doesn't project well for Richards. Guys like Brad Richards and Patrice Bergeron are playing excellently, and would fit into the role Richards would assume nicely. I still think going head-to-head against Alexander Ovechkin will help Richards get going, but it's always hard to tell...

- Speaking of Patrice Bergeron - this guy finally looks healthy again, and its really showing in his play. He leads the Bruins in scoring while also playing against the other team's top line, night in and night out. I don't think he has a very good shot at Team Canada, but it's great to see a healthy Bergeron thriving in Beantown.

- I originally had Duncan Keith as Team Canada's seventh defenseman on my original roster. Scratch that. Keith continues to get better, and has made great strides in the offensive zone this year, as well. His gap control is other worldly, and the overall fashion in which he is able to utilize his speed and quickness is something special. Smarts and speed, when combined...good for Chicago, bad for everyone else...

How 'bout them Predators?

Nashville is 11-3-1 in their last fifteen games, and have climbed to within three points of the Blackhawks in the Central Division.

Barry Trotz's uncanny ability to keep this team in the thick of things in the Western Conference is truly mind blowing when you compare the talent of the Predators to the other teams out West.

Martin Erat, a player I have always felt is underrated due in large part to playing for the Predators, as well as often playing with, for lack of a better phrase, a bunch of stiffs, has been on an absolute tear of late. Nine points in his last five games, including six goals, with at least one goal in each of his past four contests. The one year the Preds actually had some talent up front, Erat connected for 57 points in 68 games. Usually left with the daunting task of providing secondary support with linemates that could hardly be considered top-sixers in the NHL, Erat has played with Jason Arnott and Steve Sullivan over the past three games. I'd liken his game to that of his fellow countryman, Ales Hemsky...

Nathan Gerbe, the last forward cut out of Sabres' Camp, finally got his first call-up of the season on Wednesday.

He didn't disappoint.

Playing on a line with Derek Roy and Drew Stafford, Gerbe stepped right into the lineup and gave the Sabres the emotional spark Sabres' management had hoped for.

Gerbe helped set up the first Buffalo tally, knocking the puck into the corner, and then going to the front of the net and setting a screen, allowing Steve Montador's shot from the point to beat an unsuspecting Jose Theodore.

But Gerbe's night got a whole lot better in the second period, when the little guy was able to bank a shot off of Theodore's skate and into the back of the net for his first career NHL goal. His ability to find ways to score (he was standing on the goal-line when he scored) has been what has propelled him into the NHL. Gerbe is generously listed at 5'6'', but he he is really closer to 5'4.5''

His passion and desire is visible to everyone - including his teammates. When Gerbe got his first call-up last season, the entire Sabres' team stopped skating and began to tap their sticks on the ice.

How can you not root for a guy that makes a 5'9'' Derek Roy look like Yao Ming?