The expectations could not be higher for the Canadian Olympic hockey team. In 2010, playing in Vancouver, Team Canada played with the weight of a (home) nation on their collective shoulders. Anything short of gold would have been a colossal disaster.

The expectations are still the same for the defending gold medalists. They won’t feel as much of the heat over in Russia, but the team knows that returning home with anything less than gold could bring shame and despair to their proud homeland.

The biggest issue heading towards the February Olympics was team selection. With such an abundance of talent to choose from, the bigger headlines were sure to be about who didn’t make the team. As expected the 25-man roster had some significant omissions, but with limited space available, it was bound to happen. Here is how the Canadians line up.

Goaltending

Roberto Luongo, Vancouver Canucks; Mike Smith, Phoenix Coyotes; Carey Price, Montreal Canadiens

Possibly the most pressure packed position because of the singular ability to affect the outcome of the game, goaltending is about who is in the best form. Roberto Luongo is the incumbent, who managed to out last Ryan Miller for the gold in 2010. He’ll be pushed by Price and Mike Smith, who lack the international pedigree of the Canuck starter. Price seems to be playing the best of the three, but Luongo seems like the smart choice to start for coach Mike Babcock.

Defense

Jay Bouwmeester St. Louis Blues; Drew Doughty Los Angeles Kings; Dan Hamhuis Vancouver Canucks; Duncan Keith Chicago Blackhawks; Alex Pietrangelo St. Louis Blues; P.K Subban Montreal Canadiens; Marc-Édouard Vlasic San Jose Sharks; Shea Weber Nashville Predators

The biggest question will be who gets the start on the Canadian blue line. The reigning Norris Trophy winner, Subban, could be the odd man out when minutes are doled out, which speaks to the incredible depth among Canada’s defensemen.

Forwards

Jamie Benn, Dallas Stars; Patrice Bergeron, Boston Bruins; Jeff Carter, Los Angeles Kings; Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins; Matt Duchene, Colorado Avalanche; Ryan Getzlaf, Anaheim Ducks; Chris Kunitz, Pittsburgh Penguins; Patrick Marleau San Jose Sharks; Rick Nash, New York Rangers; Corey Perry, Anaheim Ducks; Patrick Sharp, Chicago Blackhawks; Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning; John Tavares, New York Islanders; Jonathan Toews, Chicago Blackhawks

The area that Canada is probably the most impressive is with their forward depth. Obviously there will be a few centers playing out of position considering that there are four lines and nine center men. The potential line combinations are the lurid dreams of even the most optimistic general manager. The most important factor among all of these world-class players will be chemistry. The ability of theses forwards to align themselves with one another will be a key to the Canadian’s success. With all of the firepower here, the round robin portion of the Olympic tournament could showcase the skills of this group. Once the medal rounds begin, the grit and mettle of this crew will be put to the test.

Predicted Finish: Silver. The Canadians will play for the gold but lack the depth that they will need in goal. But Luongo won the gold in 2010…. He was good enough in 2010, but four years later/older he won’t be good enough to hold off the rest of the world. Chances are Carey Price takes over the goaltending gig before the end of the tournament and the lack of big game experience could hurt. Let’s be clear, Canada has enough talent to blow the doors off of everyone, but it just won’t happen.

There are too many other teams that are just as talented and one in particular that I feel is better top to bottom. It shouldn’t matter that the games aren’t being played in North America, but there is a reason that the U.S. and Canada don’t win the gold overseas. Even with trained grown men, the psychology of playing so far from home always seems to be a factor.