Dustin Penner Offically Announced as a Candidate for Team Canada

Written by Jim Parsons

Thursday, 10 December 2009 04:30

Dustin Penner

Dustin Penner has been nothing short of incredible for the Edmonton Oilers this year. By leaps and bounds, he's been the Oilers most productive player and the results of his play are starting to produce dividends.

Outside of the fact that the Oilers have won four in a row on the road and on the same trip (something they hadn't done since November of 1988), Dustin Penner has been officially added to a list of six players considered for an Olympic roster spot that weren't at the original Olympic invitation camp.

At the expense of Steven Stamkos, who left Wednesdays game vs Edmonton with an upper body injury, that list could be down to five.

What makes this such great news for Oiler fans and for Dustin Penner, is that he absolutely deserves consideration. Moreso than some of the softer forwards who've been invited to camp and started with less than stellar seasons, Penner has been consisently good offensively and defensively for the Oilers and would make a strong forward for that squad in any capacity.

With 32 points in 31 games, Penner is in the top 15 in scoring in the NHL and tied for 6th with 17 goals. He ranks in the top 30 in the NHL in terms of plus/minus and is tied at the 15th spot in terms of powerplay goals. All this, without the help of superstar linemates.

When asked about his thoughts in playing for Team Canada or being invited, Penner stated, "it would be an honor and that he has "no plans that require cancellation insurance" should he be asked.

Ironically, the same day Penner was passed the Olympic news, he tied last seasons goal total mark of 17 goals at the still early 32 game mark of this season. He also put himself on par and at an equal point total so far this season with one Jarome Iginla. Iginla, is being considered possible Team Canada captain material.

If anything smells of a good sign, that might be it.

Comments (5) Add Comment

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written by Jay-, December 10, 2009

Jim, from listening to Kevin Lowe last night, it does sound quite promising for Dustin Penner. It's funny how things work... When the Oilers were on a bad loosing streak and many games got away from them, I would watch just hoping that Penner would get some points. Seeing Penner on Team Canada would be something!

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written by Jim P, December 10, 2009

If I had to guess, I'd say he's still a long shot simply because he doesn't have the proven track record and Team Canada has a history of taking players who've done well for Canada in the past, but Penner brings something they're lacking.

Should be interesting. I think Penner needs to be steady all the way up to the break. 25-30 goals steady.

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written by Jay-, December 10, 2009

I agree--since Penner doesn't have the proven track record (previous seasons), I don't imagine that he will get much latitude if he goes on a slump. Team Canada will make their final roster decision on December 31st.

I think there's about nine games left before Team Canada will make their roster decision (10 if you count the Oilers game on the 31st). I don't think Penner will need 30 goals in 40 games, that's quite the goal scoring clip.

Right now, he's on pace for 21 goals (40 games) which should be more than adequate if he keeps it up.

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written by Jim P, December 11, 2009

You're right, I agree that the 30 goal mark would be high, but it would put him past the point of an afterthought and make him almost impossible to keep off the team.

21 while great for Edmonton and for Dustin Penner I think won't allow him to make the cut.