Updated: Mar 22
Line 1- Draisaitl ( C ), Stutzle (LW), Pastrnak (RW)
For me Draisaitl, Pastrnak, and Stutzle is the best possible top line trio for a potential team Europe, with excellent goalscoring and playmaking ability across the ice. Draisaitl and Pasta, both proven goalscorers at the highest level, paired with a playmaker like Stutlze could without a doubt compete with some of the best lines in the world, and would be a frightening sight for defenses. With the heavy, and tight checking playstyle of Draisaitl, and the silky clean skating by Stutzle, the German pair would work excellently with each other on this line.
Line 2- Hischier ( C ), Fiala (LW), Necas (RW)
The second line for this team has another international pairing, with Hischier and Fiala representing the Swiss, two proven goalscorers in the NHL, once again paired with an exceptional elite level playmaker in Martin Necas on the right wing. Necas would not only be an assisting machine on this line, but is an exceptional offensive nightmare for defenses with his crisp edges and speed, giving him the ability to cut in and out of tight spaces and get the puck into dangerous areas. Hischier and Fiala offer a leadership and defensive presence to this line, with a good complement of two way offense and crease invasion.
Line 3- Kopitar ( C ), Ehlers (LW), Meier (RW)
Its essential for every team to have a physical, checking line, a system I've aimed to fulfill in my third line. Kopitar who not only has amazing offensive prowess also has the ability to be an annoying and clingy player defensively, and has the ability to frustrate offenses with his physical style. Meier and Ehlers on both sides also offer decent two way ability, and offers this team some physicality, and dirty workers amongst the tricky, silky stars on the team. A true blue collar line on line three.
Line 4- Hertl ( C ), Slafkovsky (LW), Peterka (RW)
For me, this is one of the most perfectly complimenting lines on the rooster. A perfect mix of veteran and young players on the offense, gives the team the opportunity to play a number of ways, and a chance for the youngsters to gain some veteran knowledge whilst representing their nations. Slafkovsky and Peterka, both players of great playmaking ability and two way ability, both not afraid to get their hands dirty and play a tight checking game, paired with the veteran Hertl gives the team a perfect pairing of physical, and smooth play on the ice, and could be a little bit of trouble for defenses to read.
Pair 1- Josi (LD), Seider (RD)
The first defensive pairing on the roster would 100% be argued to be one of the best defensive pairings amongst the big four nations in hockey. Josi and Seider not only offers an even helping of offense and defense, but also creates a difficult defensive structure to break down. Compared to the other pairings on the team, Josi and Seider are two big framed D-Men you would not want to run into, and aren't afraid to throw their weight around, while at the same time creating and scoring goals from the blue line.
Pair 2- Siegenthaler (LD), Hronek (RD)
Much like the third offensive line, it's extremely important to have a defensive pairing who thrives on pure blue line defense. That's why for me Siegenthaler and Hronek offer a defensive presence, and amazing defensive maturity to this lineup. Unlike Josi and Seider who have the ability to put the puck to the net, and open up seams, Siegenthaler and Hronek are two players who thrive on their defensive duties, and are two who are willing to do the blue collar dirty work in their own defensive zone.
Pair 3- Moser (LD), Cernak (RD)
Finishing off the defensive pairings, I've chosen Tampa Bay teammates Moser and Cernak as another very solid defensive pairing for team Europe. I believe the teammate chemistry will play a massive factor in their ability to keep pucks out of their zone in this team, and once again will make it difficult for teams to break them down with their solid checking ability, and extremely mature discipline to check.
Goaltender- Andersen
In Between the sticks it was a no brainer. Freddie Andersen was the only option. Mrazek as his backup came nowhere close to being the starter in this team, and Andersen has the ability, the skill, and the knowledge in the net to be the perfect stopper in net for team Europe.
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