Nash, Hagelin goign to Sochi with five other Rangers

Some Olympian roster thoughts:

As suspected and projected here and in the paper, the Canadian Olympic brass went with Nash, despite the concussion and soft start this season. He played very well in 2010 and has plenty of big ice experience (including Switzerland during two lockouts)...

Over to Sweden, Hagelin's speed helps him as a first-timer who will be a fourth liner...

It was easy to figure that Marc Staal, hampered by injuries, wouldn't make it...Have you seen the d-men who weren't picked for clubhouse leader Canada?

Wonder if Lundqvist's game will come around by Feb? 

Still like Team USA's medal chances...Not impressed with Russian D

In my mind, the Bobby Ryan U.S. snub was equalled by Canada's passing over Claude Giroux.

Oldest team in the tourney has to be the Czechs, no?

Remember: Some guys on taxi squads will replace some injured guys. Still a month to go before NHL takes a hiatus. But I wouldn't worry about injuries on the larger surface, or post-Olympic fatigue, only two teams will go distance.

As AV said the other day, from his experience, the hangover/residue may be more mental. Lundqvist noted yesterday that he would be excited to be back in the NHL with teammates and return to a regular routine...

BTW, the Rangers' seven picks aren't the most:

Montreal has 8; Canucks, Pens, Ducks also have 7.

The most? Blackhawks, Wings and Blues each have 10 players going to Russia..

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On the Rangers front, I'm here in Chicago for tomorrow's game, which will have Lundqvist vs. Corey Crawford in goal.  AV told reporters at practice he hasn't made up mind about rest of lineup...

More when I know it...