2 Devils . . . Maybe 3 on Team USA

Brian Gionta and Paul Martin are already on the roster (which honestly looks like the USA will finish out of the medal round). Scott Gomez might be added later. Here's the article (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story.asp?ID=120617).

gomer will really help you guys out, It is tough to say whether you guys will come home without some hardware, I think you have a great chance. What do you think about your goaltending. There isn't a whole lot of experience, but lot's of talent.

Hopefully Gomez decides to go. PM and Little G are going to be playing for the USA for awhile, and it's good to see them get started early on in their careers.

Don't count out the USA in the WCs. Last I checked, they took bronze last year.

Hopefully Gomez decides to go. PM and Little G are going to be playing for the USA for awhile, and it's good to see them get started early on in their careers.

Don't count out the USA in the WCs. Last I checked, they took bronze last year.What does that have to do with this year? Totally different team. What Team USA has done this year would be like Lou cutting everybody over 32 years old and playing all our top prospects. In other words, it would be like rebuilding . . . or the New York Rangers.

If it makes you feel any better I think Canada will be much weaker than previous years as well. Alot of big names have passed. No money in it guess.

What does that have to do with this year? Totally different team. What Team USA has done this year would be like Lou cutting everybody over 32 years old and playing all our top prospects. In other words, it would be like rebuilding . . . or the New York Rangers.

Seven players are returning from that team; one of them being Ty Conklin who, if I recall correctly, was a "ball of fire" that tournament. Moreover, no one really expected team USA to medal last year; and they did. Hence, I think it's entirely possible for them to win a medal with a squad that may not look as good on paper; just like last year's squad didn't look that good on paper.

What does that have to do with this year? Totally different team. What Team USA has done this year would be like Lou cutting everybody over 32 years old and playing all our top prospects. In other words, it would be like rebuilding . . . or the New York Rangers.

Are you thinking about the World Cup or the World Championships? The World Championships team that has been put together is a nice blend that is superior to the one that won a bronze medal last year. I think the U.S. has a good chance at at least repeating last year's performance.

Are you thinking about the World Cup or the World Championships? The World Championships team that has been put together is a nice blend that is superior to the one that won a bronze medal last year. I think the U.S. has a good chance at at least repeating last year's performance.I was thinking WCS. I understand the desire to get some youth in there, but I think there were a few players who should have been on the team that were left off.

I was thinking WCS. I understand the desire to get some youth in there, but I think there were a few players who should have been on the team that were left off.


Like who? If you read the NHL.com article on the U.S. World Championships team that was put together this year, 70 American players were considered. The only guys that haven't played at a relatively high level of hockey are: Mike Modano, Rick DiPietro, and Aaron Miller. Everyone else has been excelling, typically in Europe. This team is in great shape, has youth and enthusiasm, and is ready to play. There is also a nice blend of size, speed, and skill, with able goaltending. ALL of the World Cup holdoversthat weren't named to the team are either out of shape or unavailable. I think Don Waddell did an ice job crafting this team.

Honestly, how is Gomez left off this roster? I mean its a joke. I know there is a GOOD chance he will be added, but give me a break. Get him on the roster!

It is my understanding that Gomez is not on the roster in part because the team he is playing on is still active and has made the playoffs. If Gomez sticks with his commitment to the Alaska Aces and the team wins it first round series (against Bakersfield or Fresno), he might not be available for the training camp and the World Championships. The USA team can only hold a spot for him for so long, if that is what they are doing. Also, there were some issues with Gomez from last year when he said yes and then changed his mind and did not play in the 2004 World Championships. He would be a good addition to the team, but I do not believe it to be as simple as Team USA not naming him simply to not name him.

FYI: article about Gionta with some Gomez info.

http://www.nj.com/devils/ledger/index.ssf?/base/sports-1/11128518349830.xml