One is American, the other is Canadian. One stands 5' 10" in height while his counterpart is 6' 4". One plays supporting defense with the aptitude of plugging in points and the second uses his size advantage tremendously. One is clutch, one is not. Got the picture firm in your mind?

Chris Drury's inclusion onto the American Olympic roster was met with skepticism. The former Quebec Nordiques draft pick's career has taken a turn for the worse after a career-year in Buffalo with 37 goals and 69 points. Three years on, Drury's stock is shrinking in value to the point where he's scored 10 times in 57 games this season. In his defense, the New York Rangers aren't exactly holding a Washington-type of offense but he's earning over $8 million dollars.

The 33-year-old's assertion was decided for his leadership qualities and timely scoring. General Manager Brian Burke has a knowledge of role players (he acquired Brad May for Anaheim's 2007 Stanley Cup run). A winner at every level he's performed in, Drury's 47 NHL postseason goals include 17 game-winners. For all of the abysmal abuse he receives for accepting a large contract and not living up to it, nobody can steal his annal of heroics.

Jeremy Roenick voiced his opinion loud and clear on Drury's worthiness to represent the United States:

"Not to take anything away from the guy, because he's had such a great career, but for Chris Drury to be on the team, it baffles me," Roenick told Toronto radio station AM640.

"I know he's a great leader, and if he's captain of the team, he'll be a great captain. But I just don't see him being as good for the team as a guy like Gomez would be or T.J. Oshie. Oshie would bring so much energy to this team, and this type of format in an international event, that I don't understand how those two guys aren't on the team."

Two goals later, including a typical timely Drury moment where he beat Martin Brodeur to a rebound breaking a 2-2 tie against Canada heading into the third period, Roenick admitted the error of his judgement.

"I think being in New York, I owe a huge apology, both in the New York area or across the country, to Chris Drury, who I said probably should not have been there, here in the Olympics. [He's] been a monster for Team USA. He's been one of their best players. I'll eat crow when crow needs to be eaten. This is my national apology to Chris Drury. He's just been a great, great hockey player."

Indeed, Drury has been a critical penalty-killer diving in front of shots adamantly and keeping an active stick. Perhaps it's returning to a pressure situation or competing with former teammate Ryan Miller, but he has resembled the captain who spent three years in Buffalo.

While Drury has answered his critics, Joe Thornton has poured gasoline onto an already-existing fire suggesting he cannot handle the critical junctures of tournaments. Steve Yzerman's selection of the San Jose center wasn't met with nearly as much anger and disappointment which is surprising given his playoff track record. 

Thornton does have 53 points in 76 career postseason matches, however, he doesn't seem to be available when the team needs him in a series. The aplomb he exhibits during the regular season turns into fear in the playoffs where he hasn't advanced past the second round.

The 30-year-old has produced one assist in these Olympics, which came in an 8-0 win over Norway, for Canada and is fading from the spotlight again. Yzerman would have been better suited to choose someone like Brad Richards who has won a Conn Smythe Trophy and Stanley Cup. In other words, a person who has proven himself beyond 82 games.

A choice of Thornton or Drury in the regular season is simple because the latter isn't as consistent if recent struggles are an indication. But a decision between the two for a roster spot in playoff or tournament play is easier with Drury's achievements. This is how Burke created a fantastic decision and Yzerman produced a mistake for his roster.

One has an Art Ross Trophy, the other has a Stanley Cup ring. American head coach Ron Wilson put it in precise terms:

"Throughout his career and actually his whole life, the bigger the moment, the better Chris Drury plays," Wilson said. "Everybody knows that. At some point in this tournament, I think he's going to be a hero for us in one of these games. I know this is going to be corny, but he reminds me of a Mike Eruzione-type player."

As opposed to Joe Thornton where the bigger moment, the heavier the collapse.