Since we are at the forefront of international competition with the World Juniors, I've been inspired to look forward to Vancouver in 2010. So, without further delay, the following is my prediction for the 2010 USA Olympic Hockey Roster:
Forwards:
(Player / Position / Height / Weight / Age in 2010 / Current NHL Team / Hometown)
Dustin Brown RW 6-0 205, 25 (LAK, Itacha, NY)
Chris Drury C 5-10 200, 33 (NYR, Trumbull, CT)
Brian Gionta RW 5-7 175, 31 (NJD, Rochester, NY)
Scott Gomez C 5-11 200, 30 (NYR, Anchorage, AK)
Bill Guerin RW 6-2 220, 39 (NYI, Wilbraham, MA)
Patrick Kane RW, 5-10 170, 21 (CHI, Buffalo, NY)
Mike Knuble RW 6-3 230, 37 (PHI, Toronto, ON [Dual Citizen])
Mike Modano C, 6-3 205 39 (DAL, Livonia, MI)
Zach Parise LW 5-11 190, 25 (NJD, Minneapolis, MN).
Brian Rolston LW 6-2 214, 36 (NJD, Flint, MI)
Paul Stastny C 6-0 205, 24 (COL, Quebec, PQ [Dual Citizen])
Keith Tkachuk LW 6-2 232, 37 (STL, Medford, MA)
Doug Weight C 5-11 196, 39 (NYI, Detroit, MI)
Reserves:
Phil Kessel RW 6-0 192, 22 (BOS, Madison, WI)
Jeremy Roenick C 6-1 205, 40 (SJS, Boston, MA)
Defensemen:
Joe Corvo 6-0 204, 32 (CAR, Oak Park, IL)
Erik Johnson 6-4 219, 21 (STL, Bloomington, MN)
Jack Johnson 6-1 212, 23 (LAK, Indianapolis, IN)
John-Michael Liles 5-10 185, 29 (COL, Indiannapolis, IN)
Brian Rafalski 5-10 200, 36 (DET, Dearborn, MI)
Matthieu Schneider 5-10, 185, 40 (ATL, New York, NY)
Ryan Whitney 6-4 219, 26 (PIT, Boston, MA)
Reserves:
Matt Carle 6-0 205, 25 (PHI, Anchorage, AK)
Alex Goligoski 6-0 187, 24 (PIT, Grand Rapids, MN)
Goalies:
Rick DiPietro 6-1 210, 28 (NYI, Winthrop, MA)
Ryan Miller 6-2, 175, 29 (BUF, East Lansing, MI)
Tim Thomas 5-11, 201, 35 (BOS, Flint, MI)
Reserves:
Criag Anderson 6-2 180, 28 (FLA, Park Ridge, IL)
Brian Boucher 6-2 200, 33 (SJS, Woonsocket, RI)
Notes:
The most talented scorer on this roster is Phil Kessel, but I don't see him being favored over any of the other members. It should be pointed out that a large part of his current success is due to the fact that he is currently skating with possibly the best playmaker in the game right now, Marc Savard.
Either Bill Guerin or Mike Modano will replace Chris Chelios as the team Captain.
I could easily see the team implementing a rotating goaltender system, as there is not a clear cut favorite among the three.
Not Returning from 2006 but still currently active in the NHL are:
Chris Chelios—he'll be 47—I'd say at this point he'll be an alternate reserve, if there is such a thing.
Derian Hatcher. He's technically active, though he's on the IR. Speculation that he'll retire.
Jordan Leopold. Simply does not make this team. Replaced by young talent.
Bret Hedican. See above. Also he is past his prime.
Jason Blake. See Leopold, Jordan.
Eric Cole. Ditto.
Craig Conroy. Wow. The U.S. is finally putting together a more respectable roster.
Mark Parrish. Has already been a healthy scratch a few times this year.
Matt Cullen (R). On the fence, but has not been spectacular in Carolina this year.
Paul Martin (R). Also on the bubble, but is most likely replaced by Jack or Erik Johnson.
Possible Line Combinations:
Parise-Gomez-Kane
Rolston-Drury-Knuble
Gionta-Stastny-Brown
Modano-Guerin-Weight
Rafalski-Whitney
Liles-Schneider
Johnson-Johnson
These lines are actually pretty formidable, especially in comparison to recent U.S. International teams. You can bet your sweet tucas that Parise would bury a few skating with Gomez and Kane.
Look for the next U.S. team to make some waves, whoever ends up on it.
Please weigh in with your opinions!
35 comments Last one added 2 months ago — Leave a Comment
Jim Neveau 6 months ago
You just gave me such a huge injection of hope for the team that I want Vancouver to be here RIGHT NOW! Parise, Gomez and Kane? Can you say: GOLD MEDAL?
Now, I know that other countries like Russia and Canada will have formidable squads, but this would be a great chance for the US to prove itself on the big stage.
Great article Reed. Keep up the good work!
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Reed Kaufman 6 months ago
Thanks Jim, the comments are appreciated as always!
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Brian Waugh 6 months ago
But what about your juniors right now? There is a great tournament going on where some of the names listed here had a great start. Your boys started out in fine form against the Germans....ooooh the Germans. Will it be the US and the Canadians come January 5 for the Gold Medal?
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Roy Steeves 6 months ago
Dosen't matter who you bring Canada is going to Role over everyone
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Reed Kaufman 6 months ago
Sadly, your well thought out comment is probably accurate. I'm working on the list for Canada right now and the only word I can use to describe it is 'scary'.
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Matt Eichel 6 months ago
Good list, but where's Mike Komisarek? Sure the Johnson's can be a good combo on defense, but Komisarek's shut-down, hard-hitting style of hockey is something the US could really use. I think that Komisarek would beat out Goligoski and Matt Carle anyday. I think the US needs a good mix of offensive and defensive defensemen. Having Rafalski, Corvo Schneider, Whitney, and Liles -- all defenders who are offensive -- the US needs the defensive defenders.
Could go after other defensemen such as Ryan Suter, Tim Gleason, Paul Mara, Tom Preissing, or Brian Pothier.
The US team needs more of an influx of youth. There's alot of older names -- Tkachuk, Weight, Roenick, Schneider, Rolston, Guerin, and Knuble. There's great young players like Brown, Gionta, Parise, Johnson & Johnson, Kessel (this kid shouldn't be on the reserve list at all after this season). Just as Team Canada went all out with their last Olympic team, picking players who were always All-Stars and not picking many role players, they failed to be much of a team.
Add role players at forward like Ryan Kesler, Chris Higgins, Patrick Eaves, or RJ Umberger.
Great list though.
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Reed Kaufman 6 months ago
I agree with all of that. In fact most of those guys I had on a larger list that I narrowed down.
First, in regards to Kessel and the youngins vs. Schneider and the veterans- for some reason, it seems as though the U.S. international committee essentially lets these guys decide when to stop playing for their country instead of the converse. Believe me, I would MUCH rather see Kessel in the Red, White, & Blue than Bill Guerin. Hell, I would even rather seen Brandon Dubinsky and Ryan Malone than Roenick and Tkachuk.
I could definitely see Umberger making it, but it would have to be following this trend of replacing veterans, because he is not replacing Parise, Stastny, Kane, or Brown, who is putting the puck in the net more lately but also is among the league leaders in hits.
In regards to Mike Komisarek, my personal opinion is that he is overrated because he is a Hab. Even at this point he is still voted in as an all-star starter? Please. Don't get me wrong, I love his game and definitely respect him as a player, but he does not deserve to be starting in Montreal. I have no problem with him being on the team I guess, but he really isn't all that much better than the Kings' Matt Greene, who is also American. There are many guys who play that hard-hitting, defensive style very well, Brooks Orpik, another American, comes to mind as well.
Thank you for the comment, and indeed, I hope you are right about the young players and the role players making the squad.
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Matt Eichel 6 months ago
I agree that if Komisarek were on another team with more prominent defenders, say on Anaheim, he would only be the fourth or fifth defender. His lack of offensive upside hurts him, but he can hit. I agree, he might be around the level of Matt Greene, but I think his leadership could help him.
Hopefully the US can get the right mix this year, it'd be nice to see the US do well. Cause North America's got to start stepping up and letting the world know that North Americans are the best players in the world.
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Alex Langill 6 months ago
I find Komisarek would be better then any of the Johnsons, but by next year who knows, I also prefer Paul Martin over the johnsons, I've never been a fan of Joe Corvo personally. But He could probably make the team. It's a pretty damn good prediction I think though, I bet Thomas get's the start.
I hope Leopold makes it too, he can do way better than what hes doing now, especially in the less physical olympic hockey,
maybe we could even see Ryan Suter, Peter Mueller, Jason Blake
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Reed Kaufman 6 months ago
I could see Leopold making it since he was a member before, but I could seem him being replaced just as easily.
Komisarek seems better than the Johnsons because neither of them are playing right now. Erik hurt himself getting out of a golf cart, and Jack has a bum shoulder. They are both much more effective with the puck than the K-Man and can also throw their weight around. Just ask Ryan Smyth. Thanks for the comment.
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Alex Langill 6 months ago
lol ahh good call,
those are good points, here's a question though, outta the johnsons, who do you think is better?
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Reed Kaufman 6 months ago
Erik is a better offensive defenseman, and is more intimidating at 6'4", but I think Jack is the complete package. In no more than 3 years, he could be considered the best all-around defenseman in the NHL if you encompass the following: skating abillity, vision, puck handling, offensive ability, defensive ability, and checking ability. If I had to pick one to be on my team, it's a question of need- Power Play QB? Erik. Shut down D-Man who can also stickhandle- Jack.
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corey kneeshaw 6 months ago
I've combine a list myself and I don't see Pomminville on the list. He played on the world team last year so he is eligible to play with us in 2010. No Ron Hainsey one of the better offensive defensmen there is, no Tom Gilbert, no Peter Mueller, no Ryan Malone, no Blake Wheeler, no Patrick O'Sullivan. Remember Brian Burke is in charge of putting this ream together and he is not going to take some of the older players just to take them. I thin this roster is going to combine speed with grit and role players, and thats why i think a guy like Joe Pavelski can make the roster. I think from the older guys only Modano has a shot to make this team, no Guerin, Tkachuk, Roenick is retiring after this year, no Weight, Rolston and Knuble are maybes, Schneider; Burke couldn't get him out of Anaheim fast enough so i don't think so for him.
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Reed Kaufman 4 months ago
Corey I hope you are right about the young guys, but I don't think I've been too impressed with Pomminville lately. Same with Ron Hainsey- one of the better offensive defensemen? I respectfully disagree. Your other guys are definite maybes- I think if any of them can make a contribution on their team in the playoffs this year, that would give them a very helpful push. I had Mueller, Malone, and O'Sullivan on my longer list, and Wheeler has definitely put himself on the map since I wrote this in December. Can't wait to see what happens.
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USA Duff-E 6 months ago
Kessel is a lock for 2010. Not only is he having a breakout NHL season, he always performs at a high level for USA. USA will move forward with the youth movement and with guys with international achievement under their belts.
Kane, Kessel, and Parise will be the offensive leaders but USA will be wise to add some grit and size to this team. Players like Backes, Byfuglien, and Brown can add some muscle that has been missing on past Olympic teams. 2010 will bring more guys like this into play considering the games will be played on an NHL sheet. Komisarek and Whitney are good choices on defense to compete with the big strong forwards from nations like canada and Russia. In the end, you need to build a team with all components like penalty killers, strong faceoff men, veteran leaders, and muckers.
Here are my 13 forwards, 7 defensemen, and 3 goalies if I had to pick the team today:
Kane, Parise, Kessel, Stastny, Drury, Ryan, Brown, Booth, Kesler, Backes, Stafford, Pominville, O'Sullivan.
Komisarek, Whitney, Suter, Rafalski, E. Johnson, Martin, Wisniewski
Miller, DiPietro, Thomas
Ready to jump in: Pavelski, Wheeler, Higgins, Mueller, Gionta, Byfuglien, Steckel, Jack Johnson, Mark Stuart, Gilbert, Matt Greene, Carle, Ballard, Corvo, Hainsey
Young guns but too ripe? Bogosian, Okposo, Oshie, vanRiemsdyk, Colin Wilson, Brian Lee, Nathan Gerbe
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Reed Kaufman 4 months ago
Bobby Ryan is certainly impressing- I was considering him on my longer list, and about a week and a half after I wrote this was his stellar hat trick against the Kings. I think he has to be strongly considered. I like Ryan Kesler, but he hasn't really made enough of a name for himself yet. I think the Buffalo boys are on the fence. Backes provides some nice grit, but I don't know if I wouldn't rather have Knuble in that role, even at 37. As an LA fan, I like Sully, but I still think he has some work to do to get where he needs to be to be considered for this team. I'd love for him to be able to get there in a year, but I'm skeptical. And on that note, I have to say I'd include Jack before Wisniewski or Martin. Great list of young guys though, looks like the U.S. should be able to compete internationally for many years to come.
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Paul Shindelus 5 months ago
I'm American and I'm hopeful for a medal in 2010, and we'll have a good young roster with lots of promise, but on paper we won't be good enough to compete with Canada, Russia, and Sweden (although in a single-elimination tournament, anything can happen). While we may not be good enough for gold in 2010, look out for the USA in 2014 when this young team matures and reach its prime. Credit the USA developmental program for the job they've done developing young talent the last 5-6 years. We will be awesome in 2014.
To answer your question, Paul Stastny will play for Team USA in 2010 and did play for them in the 2007 Worlds. His brother Yan Stastny also played for the USA but has almost no chance of making our 2010 roster.
Here's my projected team:
1st line: Patrick Kane/Paul Stastny/Zach Parise
(To me this one’s a no brainer. You can make the case for Phil Kessel on the top line in place of Kane, but as Kane is the face of American hockey right now, he needs to be on the ice when the game starts. Stastny is our best C and Parise our best LW. This is a pretty scary line!)
2nd line: Phil Kessel/Chris Drury/David Booth
(Kessel needs no introduction. Booth is an emerging superstar who will be something special by 2010. He's at the same place in his career right now that Kessel and Parise were a year ago, and we saw what a year has done for those two. Wish we could do better than Drury as a second-line C but he's a good player and a good leader with international experience.)
3rd line: Dustin Brown/Patrick O’Sullivan/Brian Rolston
(O’Sullivan’s game will probably have progressed in the next year to the point where he’ll belong on this team, plus he’s already familiar with Brown since they play together on the Kings. Rolston is getting up there in years and I can see him being left off this team but he sure would be nice to have on the power play.)
4th line: Bobby Ryan/Scott Gomez/Ryan Malone
(Ryan has really come on of late and will only get better from here. Gomez better pick up his game or he may get left off the roster entirely. Wish we could do better than Ryan Malone at LW but he is a good young player with promise. You can pick Erik Cole ahead of him, but is that really any better?)
It’s a shame, the USA is really deep at RW but surprisingly shallow at C and LW. I had to leave off good RW’s like David Backes, Mike Knuble, Jamie Langenbrunner, and Brian Gionta to make way for lesser players at C and LW. Wonder if we can leave Malone at home and bring Backes instead and play him on the left. I'm avoiding picking any of the "old guard" players like Keith Tkachuk, Mike Modano, and Doug Weight. They've served their country well but they're all past their prime and none of them played like they cared in 2006. Tkachuk went pointless in 2006, and picking him in 2010 would be just that- pointless. I'm leaving Jason Pominville off the roster as well, we have enough homegrown talent to not have to import Canadians who don't have any family ties to the USA the way Adam Deadmarsh had.
Here's what I'd pick on D:
1st line: Brian Rafalski/Mike Komisarek
(Rafalski's a no-brainer, best all-around defenseman the USA has right now. Komisarek is a terrific stay-at-home defenseman and when you're going up against a line like Ovechkin-Malkin-Kovalchuk, you really need that.)
2nd line: Ryan Whitney/Joe Corvo
(Whitney is a young Al MacInnis, although he'll never get quite reach that level. Corvo has a lot of promise and played really well last year after being traded, but this year he has been a disappointment. Hopefully he'll pick up his game soon.)
3rd line: Ron Hainsey/Ryan Suter
(Hansey is a good emerging offensive defenseman having a good year on a bad team, and Suter is a good up-and-coming player whose father won gold on the 1980 team, so he's got a legacy to live up to.)
I like what the USA has on defense, but no one can touch Canada's back line. Canada will end up cutting several guys who would be the #1 defenseman on any team other than Sweden or Slovakia (and even then they'd be the #2). I see Canada as a runaway for best blue liners, followed by Sweden and the USA. Don't be surprised to see guys like Keith Ballard or Dustin Buyflugen on this team in place of anyone but Rafalski and Komisarek. I'd prefer they not pick John-Michael Liles as I think he's overrated. Too bad Jordan Leopold can't stay healthy, he had great potential a few years ago. I still remember how well he almost single-handedly shut down the Sharks the year Calgary made it to the finals. It's also a shame that neither of the Johnson boys (Jack and Erik) are ready for this level of play. Look for them to make up the #1 line in 2014, though.
As for goalies, I’d pick Ryan Miller, Tim Thomas, and if healthy, Rick DiPietro. DP still has a long way to go just to prove he could make it through the tournament without getting injured. If he doesn't get selected, take Ty Conklin. I'm hopeful Jon Quick can establish himself as Los Angeles' #1 and possibly secure that third spot if DP can't go, but it might be too early for Quick, who's only now breaking into the league. There's always Craig Anderson but he strikes me as a guy who can't handle pressure. It was obvious in last year's Worlds that he wasn't comfortable and every time he needs to put together one solid start to secure the Florida #1 job he caves under the weight of expectation and gives up five in two periods before getting yanked. I'd say based on their level of current play Thomas should be the starter, although I expect by next year he'll come back down to Earth and Miller will be the starter.
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Reed Kaufman 4 months ago
The goaltending situation is tough. It seems from the comments here that everyone is fairly unanimous in the top 3. Who emerges as starter from there is anyone's guess really, probably whoever is hot at the time. It seems as though for the rest of the roster, it is really anyone's guess. I think the only guys everyone agrees upon for sure making the cut are: Parise, Kane, Stastny, Brown, Rafalski, and Whitney. I was skeptical about Kessel - just from the standpoint of allowing younger guys to step in, but considering his story and scoring ability it would be nothing short of a tragedy to not send him to Vancouver donning the red, white, and blue.
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Christopher Yates 5 months ago
You gotta have Tim Connolly in there somewhere (if he is healthy)... especially the uninspiring way Chris Drury is playing. My $.02
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Reed Kaufman 4 months ago
Good point there- I'd like to see him in the cut as well.
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Claire Appleby 5 months ago
You have not considered how some of these players can play on the smaller sheet rather than what should have been international sized ice, and how they will play with international rules and against international competition. The teams will need to be quick and fast passing teams with some size interspersed. Chemistry will be biggest component directing success so look for Burke to put together character linemates and groupings along with talent. Some of the Older players who may have automatically have received consideration in the past may not make the team this year.
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Reed Kaufman 4 months ago
Claire- I agree, and I do hope that you are correct. Thanks for the comment.
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Luke Mohamed 4 months ago
How do you not have Ty Conklin in your top 5? He's definitely better than Craig Anderson and Brian Boucher and arguably better than Miller and DP. (Personally I feel he's better than Thomas too, but stats can't justify that this year).
And you have to stay away from Guerin, and Doug Weight. They're good players but they are NOT good enough to beat Canada, Sweden, or Russia. They can only be beaten with young talent that is going to outwork them (see Malone).
I know checking isn't as big in the Olympics, but how about Brooks Orpik?
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Reed Kaufman 4 months ago
I definitely had Orpik on my long list, and he is right up there were Komisarek and Matt Greene in terms of hard-nosed defensive abilities. I loved him in the playoffs last year. As for Conklin- 1) I wrote this a month and a half ago and since then he has been shining tremendously- 2) He plays for the most effective puck possession team in the NHL. Granted, he was great for Pittsburgh last year as well, but I have to credit most of his recent success to the system he is in. He is definitely solid, but I don't see him making the team. As far as Guerin and Weight, I agree, and I hope this comes true.
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Paul Shindelus 4 months ago
I would already make about a half-dozen changes to the list I generated. And there's still a year to go before the Olympics. So you can imagine how many more changes there will eventually be!
-In hindsight, I'd leave Malone, O'Sullivan, Rolston and Corvo off my roster. Malone and O'Sullivan just aren't good enough (yet) and Rolston and Corvo have value only on the power play. I heard a commentator on NHL Radio last week say the Senators traded Corvo after seeing Ryan Geltzaf physically manhandle him throughout the Ducks/Sens series a couple years back. No need to bring a who get manhandled to Vancouver, especially since he's been an offensive disappointment this year.
-In their places I'd bring Ryan Kesler, Jamie Langenbruener, David Backes, and Keith Ballard or Brooks Orpik (I'm really torn). Put Ballard/Orpik in place of Corvo and you have a good offensive D and a good defensive D on each line. I like that- a defensive D who can take the puck away and an offensive D that can transition that puck to the offense. I'd make Langenbruener-Kesler-Backes my fourth line, a good solid checking line with three guys that have all the non-statistical intangibles a GM loves, and have talent to boot! I'd make Backes play LW, he's played all three front-line positions with St. Louis so it won't be a hard transition.
-Make Bobby Ryan play LW on the third line. We are so deep at RW and so shallow at LW that I'd rather take some of our RW's and make them play on the left than bring some of our LW's.
-Move Gomez to second line center and Drury to third line. Yes, Tim Connolly would make a good addition to this team, but there's just no room. We need Stastny's and Gomez's playmaking abilities, Drury's international experience and leadership, and Kesler's defensive/checking presence. Plus, whether Connolly is healthy is a huge "if." Rotowire reports Buffalo is looking to trade him. If Buffalo is ready to sever ties, why should Team USA be prepared to establish them? Maybe Connolly can be the taxi squad offensive player.
So I guess my revised roster looks like this:
Kane-Stastny-Parise
Kessel-Gomez-Booth
Brown-Drury-Ryan
Langenbruener-Kesler-Backes
Rafalski-Komisarek
Whitney-Ballard or Orpik
Hainsey-Suter
Miller
Thomas
DiPietro (if not healthy, then Ty Conklin)
I can say this, Brian Burke was on NHL Radio this morning and said he's only planning on inviting 26-32 players to Team USA training camp in August (you only get to bring 23 to Vancouver). So the list of potential candidates will be significantly wittled down by then.
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Alex Dickson 4 months ago
I'm thinking we're going to see 2 skill lines, 3rd line will be multi-purpose veterans and a young guy, and 4th line will be energy guys who can hit and draw penalties. Here we go:
Parise Kessel Brown
Booth Connely Kane
Tkachuk Langenbrunner Backes
Callahan Umberger Boll
Still tinkering with Guerin at left wing, Gomez& Dubinsky in the middle, and Malone at right wing.
Defense:
Whitney Komisarek
Orpik Hainsey
J. Johnson Rafalski
Ballard, Gilbert, or Scuderi will likely figure in too.
The first two lines are pretty sweet because you got tons of speed and skill. Booth and Brown provide some size and power for crashing the net. Parise isn't afraid to get his nose dirty in front of the net either.
On the 3rd line, Tkachuk brings excellent leadership and an all round game. He can still handle the puck with the best of them and will find ways to get pucks on net. Langenbrunner brings speed, hockey sense, and defensive responsibilty. He's good on faceoffs too. Backes is a big tough kid who will run guys over and add energy. He can also score goals too.
I really like the 4th line. Callahan will hit anything that moves and get shots on goal. Good penalty killer too. Umberger brings another big body to the table. He's a well rounded player and a powerful skater. It will be particularly fun to watch Jared Boll run loose putting people through the boards. I think he'll draw some penalties and have fun bruising guys up without having to answer to some 240lb goon.
My defense lines provide plenty of skill and toughness mixed in for good measure.
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corey kneeshaw 4 months ago
I have to completely disagree with your picks; there is no way that Paul Statsny and Chris Drury are not on the team. Statsny will most likely be the number one center and Drury is rumored to be the captain of Team USA. Callahan, Umberger, Boll there is no way these guys make the team, if they do Team USA is in serious trouble next year. Scott Gomez another left off the list has a lot of international experience and has played with different guys and has good chemistry with them. There will not be any fighting in the Olympics, so having goon type players doesn’t make sense, having checking type players who can score does.
Here is my list taking into account the last couple of years as well not just this year.
Forwards
Parise-Statsny-Kane
Booth(Vanek)-Gomez -Kessel
Brown-Drury -Pomminville
Malone-Modano/Connolly- (Ryan/Kessler/Backes/Langenbrunner)
Also there is a rumor out there that Thomas Vanek of Buffalo might be eligible to play for Team USA next year, that would make things even more interesting if that were to be the case.
Defensemen
Rafalski- Whitney
Komisarek- Suter
Leopold/Liles/Gleason/Corvo/E. Johmson/Orpik/Ballard
Goalies
T-Thomas
R-Miller
T-Conklin
Head Coach- Ron Wilson
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xgvxc xvxc 4 months ago
The best lines are, and this is for sure, hands down
parise-kane-pominville Subs: Rolston, Brown, Tkaczuk, Weight, Legwand, Cole
blake-modano-langenbrunner
gionta-stastny-gomez
connolly-kessel-drury
E.Johnson- Ralalski Subs: Preissing, Orpik, Carle, Komisarek
lilles-corvo
whitney-schneider
Thomas, Miller, Dipietro Subs: Conklin, Boucher maybe Clemenson
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quentin raffensperger 4 months ago
you guys, me being canadian, need to go with a "youth squad" it will serve you quite well in 2014, get rid of the old guard, keep Knuble at 37 but no need for guerin and doug weight....also i'd definatley have Korvo 7 komisarek......Thomas,Miller & Clemenson should be the goalies..... good luck my american friends, it's gonna be a wicked tourney.........GO CANADA GO
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quentin raffensperger 4 months ago
one more thing, i checked the schedule, Canada & U>S. are in the same pool and should come out... we got lucky with a weak pool....Russia, Sweden, Finland are lumped together.
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Paul Shindelus 4 months ago
Russia's in a group with the Slovakia and the Czechs, not Sweden and Finland. Still a tough group. In fact, none of the groups are really easy. Each group has two teams in each that should advance (Canada/USA, Russia/Czechs, Sweden/Finland), one team that could play spoiler (Slovakia, Switzerland, Germany), and one throw-away team (Norway, Latvia, Belarus). Although I don't consider Slovakia a "spoiler" team anymore. If they could just get a goalie, they'd be contenders.
I'm starting to think Ryan Whitney should possibly be left off of Team USA. He's not that good defensively, and lately his offensive play has been poor too. We'll see how he progresses in the next year but if he doesn't pick it up, he should be left behind for Ballard or Orpik or someone like that.
Maybe Chris Drury ought to be left off too. What has he done since he left Buffalo to deserve a spot? If we're going to bring a veteran center other than Gomez, maybe it should be Modano. He's actually playing well this year. Or maybe we should forget about a veteran center and bring Tim Connolly, who's awesome when healthy.
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Reed Kaufman 4 months ago
With new information coming to light, I have written a new and more in depth article. Enjoy: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/132309-lets-speculate-again-predictions-for-the-2010-us-olympic-ice-hockey-team
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dj johnson 2 months ago
what about Anaheim's Bobby Ryan ?
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Reed Kaufman 2 months ago
Please read my updated article, which is linked in the comment right above yours. Thanks for reading.
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Claire Appleby 2 months ago
To leave Paul Martin off an Olympic blueline would be a major mistake, pair him with Rafalski and that would be a line to match against most team's top scorers. And forget about any mention of Thomas Vanek playing for any country other than Austria in any international competition, that would be complete heresy for him.
Again you must look at pairings, linemates, chemistry and not just look at who the players are. That is what has been missing in teams past. The closest the US came was when they paid attention to that and earned the Silver. Complementary players, existing relationships, that is how the Russians, the Swedes and Finns have done it in the last few years, the Canadians too. If the US is to compete against these teams, that is how this team will be built, so just looking at the who's who of the best players isn't the right way of assembling a roster.
Martin & Rafalski played together in Jersey, when Rafalski jumps up and plays offense, Martin stays back, they compliment each other, both skate well, both play brilliantly on power play, that is what you need to look for, complimentary pairings, linemates. Martin and Ballard skated together for Minnesota and skate together with Mark Stuart in the summer so know each other, there is a familiarity there. And that is just the blueline. There isn't time to learn timing and chemistry on everything so Burke will be looking for every advantage he can get. Looking at timing, style, chemistry, etc all of that will be important as well as speed, physicality and scoring.
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