One of the more interesting storylines surrounding the Chicago Blackhawks in recent weeks has been the discussion over which members of the team would end up making Olympic rosters. With so many guys right on the cusp of making it, Tuesday's flurry of announcements was sure to make waves either way.
Team Sweden was a good example of this, as both Johnny Oduya and Marcus Kruger were considered to be on the bubble. As it turns out, both players ended up making the list, which was announced Tuesday morning.
Oduya, who also played for Sweden in 2010, has two goals and eight assists in 45 games for the Hawks this season, but he likely made the roster because of his chemistry with Niklas Hjalmarsson, who was the only Blackhawk to be a slam dunk to make the team.
Joining the defensemen in Sochi will be Kruger, making his first ever Olympic roster this year. He has four goals and 13 assists this season, and it's his versatility that made him such an attractive candidate.
He has played both the top and bottom six minutes for the Blackhawks this season, and his defensive ability and skill on the penalty kill are both traits that the Swedes will need. Even though he isn't guaranteed a starting spot with the team, it's likely he will be one of the team's starting centers.
Sweden will kick off their Olympic tournament on Feb. 12 when they begin Group C play against Michal Rozsival and the Czech Republic. They are also joined in Group C by Switzerland and Latvia.
