The Washington Capitals will be sending two of their own to the 2014 Winter Olympics. Captain Alex Ovechkin will be representing Russia and linemate Nicklas Backstrom will be representing Sweden. Ovechkin was obviously expected to be representing Russia, as he is arguably the best player from Russia and he’s been a huge supporter of the 2014 Olympics. Backstrom’s selection is not surprising at all, as he’s arguably been the best Swedish forward this season.
Several players were not selected after attending off-season Olympic roster camps. Karl Alzner was left off of Canada’s roster, though he was definitely considered. Mike Green was a huge longshot to make Canada’s roster and he did himself no favors by having a rough start to the season. Braden Holtby was not named to Canada’s roster, though he was considered a longshot. Perhaps the biggest snub from Sweden’s roster was forward Marcus Johansson. I was quite surprised that he was left off their roster.
To see the Capitals prospects that will be going to the Olympics, click here.
Image Credit: M. Janicki
