Team USA's Olympic roster?

i think this is a very important year for team usa in olympic competition as they pass the baton sort of speak with the older players; i.e. tkachuk, chelios, roenick, amonte et al and give it to some of the younger ones...

what does your team usa roster look like?

While I agree with the basic premise that it's time to pass the torch to the younger generation of American talent, it's clear that the U.S. brass feels that many of the younger players (such as Suter, Parise, Higgins, etc) aren't quite ready for so big a stage. As a result, you'll continue to see a veteran-heavy roster, although that might not be such a bad thing this year. Here's my current roster:

Forwards (x12)

Cole-Modano-Knuble
Brown-Weight-Guerin
Rolston-Gomez-Gionta
Blake-Conroy-Konowalchuk

Defense (x8)

Miller-Gleason
Martin-Rafalski
Leetch-Leopold
Schneider-Liles

Goaltenders (x3)

DiPietro
Esche
Miller

Is this the most talented team in the tournament? Not by a long-shot, but it's full of guys who are playing very well, particularly on defense and up the middle, and DiPietro has shown enough that he can step it up. These guys will play hard, can skate, and have just enough talent to put the puck in the net.

Tkachuk - Weight - Roenick
Arnason - Gomez - Guerin
Konolwalchuk - Modano - York
Rolson - Conroy - Amonte
13th: Gionta

Leetch - Martin
Liles - Leopold
Schneider - Rafalski
7th: Berard

DiPietro
Esche
3rd: Dunham

Haha, boy I hope we (Canada) play you guys in the quarterfinals or something. I dont think Canada's third roster would look that weak.

But seriously though the USA is going to have to majorly overacheive just to get a bronze.

Haha, boy I hope we (Canada) play you guys in the quarterfinals or something. I dont think Canada's third roster would look that weak.

But seriously though the USA is going to have to majorly overacheive just to get a bronze.
What's the purose of this?

What's the purose of this?

He is right, the US isnt looking particularly scary, at least for me. Gentler ways to say it though.

Tkachuk - Weight - Roenick
Arnason - Gomez - Guerin
Konolwalchuk - Modano - York
Rolson - Conroy - Amonte
13th: Gionta

Leetch - Martin
Liles - Leopold
Schneider - Rafalski
7th: Berard

DiPietro
Esche
3rd: Dunham
based on this the usa roster overall is not big in general

why is hatcher and komisarek off the list

the people demand Ken Klee!

Haha, boy I hope we (Canada) play you guys in the quarterfinals or something. I dont think Canada's third roster would look that weak.

But seriously though the USA is going to have to majorly overacheive just to get a bronze.


I hope Canada shares the same presumptuous attitude as you. Seriously, "Phil" what's the point of your continued lame efforts to discredit American hockey? A girl turn you down at the border or what?

based on this the usa roster overall is not big in general

why is hatcher and komisarek off the list



big ice surface... and hatcher was left off of the last olympic team and he's struggling in philly to date...

based on this the usa roster overall is not big in general

why is hatcher and komisarek off the list

They aren't as slick skaters as Leetch, Leopold, Liles, Schneider, Rafalski, etc...

did higgins have a chance ?

I hope Canada shares the same presumptuous attitude as you. Seriously, "Phil" what's the point of your continued lame efforts to discredit American hockey? A girl turn you down at the border or what?

:biglaugh:

This team isn't nearly as bad as some maintain. It's got speed, skill and leadership. Above all, it looks majorly rejuvenated compared to the 'old geezer squad' that we saw in the WCH2004. They could be playing for medals if they get decent goaltending.

This team isn't nearly as bad as some maintain. It's got speed, skill and leadership. Above all, it looks majorly rejuvenated compared to the 'old geezer squad' that we saw in the WCH2004. They could be playing for medals if they get decent goaltending.
That's what i would say.Gold's a stretch but a medal ain't.

I hope Canada shares the same presumptuous attitude as you. Seriously, "Phil" what's the point of your continued lame efforts to discredit American hockey? A girl turn you down at the border or what?

Hey look I'm only being honest. Wait till 2010. You'll be bette rthan. But dont rest on your laurels this time. With guys like Weight and Tkachuk playing rotten this wont be a very good team to say the least

Hey look I'm only being honest. Wait till 2010. You'll be bette rthan. But dont rest on your laurels this time. With guys like Weight and Tkachuk playing rotten this wont be a very good team to say the least


Doug Weight isn't playing "rotten" and I doubt Tkachuk will be on the team.

Doug Weight isn't playing "rotten" and I doubt Tkachuk will be on the team.

Well okay but if you havent noticed this isnt the 1996 Weight anymore. The best USA player in the league is probably Modano, and he's never played well against Canada at the top level internationally. Even Guerin looks like a shadow of his former self.

Well okay but if you havent noticed this isnt the 1996 Weight anymore. The best USA player in the league is probably Modano, and he's never played well against Canada at the top level internationally. Even Guerin looks like a shadow of his former self.

In case you haven't noticed, there's a few other teams beside Canada. Perhaps Modano can do something against them, if not against allmighty Canada.

Well okay but if you havent noticed this isnt the 1996 Weight anymore. The best USA player in the league is probably Modano, and he's never played well against Canada at the top level internationally. Even Guerin looks like a shadow of his former self.


I live in St. Louis, I know very well what Doug Weight is and isn't capable of. The Blues have done a horrible job maximizing his talents, yet he's still one of the best playmakers in the NHL and has proven himself in the playoffs. He'll be on the U.S. team and he'll play well. Modano has bounced back and is playing great, no complaints there. As for Guerin, he's picked up his game lately and will be fine. Why don't you pick on some other players you know nothing about like Erik Cole, Brian Gionta, and Craig Conroy? Scrubs eh?

I live in St. Louis, I know very well what Doug Weight is and isn't capable of. The Blues have done a horrible job maximizing his talents, yet he's still one of the best playmakers in the NHL and has proven himself in the playoffs. He'll be on the U.S. team and he'll play well. Modano has bounced back and is playing great, no complaints there. As for Guerin, he's picked up his game lately and will be fine. Why don't you pick on some other players you know nothing about like Erik Cole, Brian Gionta, and Craig Conroy? Scrubs eh?

Weight proven in the playoffs? Hardly. Weight has never done anything in the playoffs, and I remember him playing in Edmonton, he would take stupid penalties, I know he got suspended for hitting from behind. And one of the best playmakers in the NHL? Starting the season with an impressive 8 assists, I think a guy like Spezza, Gomez, or Foresberg might be just a little bit better.

We don't need the grammar police, people. No one is perfect.

I live in St. Louis, I know very well what Doug Weight is and isn't capable of. The Blues have done a horrible job maximizing his talents, yet he's still one of the best playmakers in the NHL and has proven himself in the playoffs. He'll be on the U.S. team and he'll play well. Modano has bounced back and is playing great, no complaints there. As for Guerin, he's picked up his game lately and will be fine. Why don't you pick on some other players you know nothing about like Erik Cole, Brian Gionta, and Craig Conroy? Scrubs eh?

Scrubs? Well not for Team USA I guess. Hey I'll admit I'd take Cole, Gionta and Conroy over Lecavalier, Thornton, Spezza, Crosby any day of the week (snicker). Face it Rabid, your old guys aren't the same anymore and your young guys arent good enough, at least not yet. And if those three you mentioned are your best then you'd better worry!

Any chance Gordon Bombay makes the team? His triple deke would be lethal in the event of a shootout.

Also, what are the chances A.C. Slater makes the team? He was State Champion in every single sport that he played, and never lost a game or a competition. He would make a great addition to Team U.S.A.

Will these guys be on Team U.S.A.? Or has the IIHF and NHL banned them from participating, due to the fact that these guys would give the U.S.A. too much of an advantage and it would not even be worth playing the games?

total homer picks but I'd love to see Malone and Arnason in the Olympics some day

Tim Connolly is really playing like he wants to be on this team.

Tim Connolly is really playing like he wants to be on this team.


Where would you put him though, on the wing? The one area at forward the U.S. is deep at is center and I don't see Connolly displacing Modano, Weight, Gomez, or Conroy. By the way, here's my latest roster (I hear the team will be named 12/19/05 http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/news/main/home/news_menoly_120105/):


Forwards (x12)

Tkachuk-Modano-Guerin
Knuble-Weight-Amonte
Cole-Gomez-Gionta
Rolston-Conroy-Blake

Defense (x8)

Leetch-Leopold
Schneider-Liles
Gleason-Miller
Rafalski-Martin

Goaltenders (x3)

DiPietro
Esche
Grahame


I actually think this team (at this present time) would do very well. A few vets that I had questions about, such as Tkachuk and Amonte are actually looking pretty good.

I would hope that Gionta would not be stuck with 3rd line minutes considering he is the leading scoring american in the NHL this year and probably would be their best player on big ice.

I would hope that Gionta would not be stuck with 3rd line minutes considering he is the leading scoring american in the NHL this year and probably would be their best player on big ice.

That's just the way I formatted the lines. I have no idea what would be considered the 1, 2, & 3 lines. Gionta will get considerable ice time I'm sure. He's been great this year.

Where would you put him though, on the wing? The one area at forward the U.S. is deep at is center and I don't see Connolly displacing Modano, Weight, Gomez, or Conroy. By the way, here's my latest roster (I hear the team will be named 12/19/05 http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/news/main/home/news_menoly_120105/):


Maybe on the wing, I'm not sure if he's comfortable over there. If he is, I'd prefer him to Knuble but that's just me. From what I've heard, Connolly has been the Sabres best overall forward this year, getting top minutes, playing the PK and PP, and he's starting to heat up as their go-to center.

Chelios isn't getting on any of these teams, which is kind of surprising.

Not saying that he will be on the team, and not saying that he deserves to be on the team, but he has been a big face of U.S.A. Hockey for so long that I will believe him getting left off of the 2006 team when I see it.

I think it is highly likely that Chelios will be taken for leadership and experience purposes.

Chelios isn't getting on any of these teams, which is kind of surprising.

Not saying that he will be on the team, and not saying that he deserves to be on the team, but he has been a big face of U.S.A. Hockey for so long that I will believe him getting left off of the 2006 team when I see it.

I think it is highly likely that Chelios will be taken for leadership and experience purposes.
Chelios should step aside and let the next generation have their glory. For vet leadership & experience, we've got Schneider, Miller, Conroy.

jed ortmeyer should make the team , that kid works so hard and can produce offenseively

jed ortmeyer should make the team , that kid works so hard and can produce offenseively

yeah, id take Orts over a lot of the other names alredy mentioned in this thread.

And no, im not being a Ranger homer. If i was, i'd be pushing for Ryan "Hollywood" Hollweg, too.
:D

Leetch - Martin
Liles - Leopold
Schneider - Rafalski
7th: Berard



Which one of those 7 are gonna be playing defense? :biglaugh:

Any chance Gordon Bombay makes the team? His triple deke would be lethal in the event of a shootout.

Also, what are the chances A.C. Slater makes the team? He was State Champion in every single sport that he played, and never lost a game or a competition. He would make a great addition to Team U.S.A.

Will these guys be on Team U.S.A.? Or has the IIHF and NHL banned them from participating, due to the fact that these guys would give the U.S.A. too much of an advantage and it would not even be worth playing the games?

AHAH!! LOL gordon bombay, aka mike babcock !! :amazed: :D

In all seriousness, kieth tkachuk probably should be left off the usa team, and IMO doug weight should be on cause straight up theres not that much american depth up the middle and the americans need him, along with scott gomez whos under achieveing in jersey.

I hope that Marty Reasoner really gets a look from the usa coach or scouts, hes under rated on the PK he can kill, and you can put him out there 5on4 or 4on4 and you know what your gonna get from him, hes gritty, speedy and has the hands to finish in tight around the net, and If mike York keeps playing like he had last few games then hes gotta be a lock to make usa roster IMO, Yorkie had 5 point game this week, they have snubbed mike york for long enough allready.

AHAH!! LOL gordon bombay, aka mike babcock !! :amazed: :D

In all seriousness, kieth tkachuk probably should be left off the usa team, and IMO doug weight should be on cause straight up theres not that much american depth up the middle and the americans need him, along with scott gomez whos under achieveing in jersey.

I hope that Marty Reasoner really gets a look from the usa coach or scouts, hes under rated on the PK he can kill, and you can put him out there 5on4 or 4on4 and you know what your gonna get from him, hes gritty, speedy and has the hands to finish in tight around the net, and If mike York keeps playing like he had last few games then hes gotta be a lock to make usa roster IMO, Yorkie had 5 point game this week, they have snubbed mike york for long enough allready.

Keith Tkachuk has been dominant in the games he's played...He'll be on the team.

judging by their play, conroy deserves a spot on the olympic team more than roenick...

i'd also like to put in solid defensemen in carney and miller in there...

Connolly deserves a huge look to be on this roster. Stop going on names and reputations and go by the player's recent game....guys like Tkachuk and Roenick arent that good anymore and certainly not good enuff to be top liners

Connolly deserves a huge look to be on this roster. Stop going on names and reputations and go by the player's recent game....guys like Tkachuk and Roenick arent that good anymore and certainly not good enuff to be top liners

Tkachuk "isn't that good anymore"? What do you base this on?

It certainly can't be his statistics from this season:

Games = 9
Goals = 8
Assists = 7
Points = 15

He has almost 1 goal per game, and over 1.5 points per game.

How is he "not that good anymore"?

Keith Tkachuk showed up at the start of training camp grossly overweight and unprepared from what I heard, and that contributed to his injuries probably. Since coming back he has been awesome though, I am very surprised at that. I dont see how you can leave him off the team no matter how bad the feel around him at the start of the fall may have been.

Tkachuk "isn't that good anymore"? What do you base this on?

It certainly can't be his statistics from this season:

Games = 9
Goals = 8
Assists = 7
Points = 15

He has almost 1 goal per game, and over 1.5 points per game.

How is he "not that good anymore"?

9 games, exactly, he cant stay healthy, why would u want that kind of guy on the team? He goes down, and its a waste of a spot. Connonlly has 23 pts in 31 games plus he has been playing exceptional defense...i believe youth is always a better way to go, you cant teach an old dog new tricks, connolly will just get better tho

Tkachuk-Modano-Guerin
Cole-Weight-Parrish
Knuble-Conroy-Blake
Rolston-Gomez-Gionta

Leetch-Liles
Schneider-Leopold
Martin-Miller
Gleason

DiPietro
Esche
Grahame

LOL,ever hear of Chris Drury?

Tkachuk out again, this time broken knuckles, per TSN. I think he was on the team before this injury, perhaps with the new IIHF ruling about the 3 man taxi squad (3 guys in case of injury), they will still name him to the team. He has been playing well when in the lineup and from what I heard, did well at the orientation camp this fall. Before this injury, IMO, he was on the team, I still think they will name him since he should be able to skate with this injury (to stay in shape) and he should be back in time for the Olympics. If he is injured they can replace him.

3 addl slots (in case of injury) (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=147239&hubname=nhl)

Tkachuk update (http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=147247&hubname=nhl)

G: Esche, DiPietro, Miller. Graheme comes up just short, despite his recent fantastic play in TBay. Esche gets on based on his play in the World Cup. DiPietro is there based on Worlds (Even though I haven't been that impressed with either this year). Miller will be better than either by the time 2010 rolls around, but it's not his job yet.
D: Leetch, Schneider, Rafalski, Martin, Liles, Mara, Leopold, Miller. Waddell said they'll go with 8 D, so this line-up is based on that. Last blast for Leetch, Schneider and maybe even Rafalski. Martin gets on based on World Cup play. Mara is dynamite on the PP. Liles and Leopold represent the future. Miller is strong, sturdy and steady.
F: Weight, Tkachuk, Modano, York, Gomez, Conroy, Gionta, Rolston, Cole, Blake, Knuble and Langenbrunner. Nothing to lose in selecting Tkachuk. If he's still hurt when the Olys roll around, sub in a replacement. Gionta is quietly leading Americans in scoring. Knuble's from Ontario, but plays for the U.S. Langenbrunner has a history of clutch play. Durry won't be there. He has played to potential for several years and was a non-factor at the 2002 Olys. Arnason and Malone would have had to play their way onto the team. They have played their way out of consideration. Konowalchuk is out for the year and won't be there.

Taxi squad: Gleason, Brown, Connoly. Gleason's the most polished and ready of the other young defencemen. Brown's a solid player who can play in any situation. Connoly has really turned his career around, after several years of underachieving and injuries.

Keep in mind that the old guard American team was only one goal from advancing to the final of the World Cup. The transition to the next generation begins at the Olys, but there is still a lot of talent. They'll make the playoffs, and from there, it's a series of best-of-ones, where anything can happen.

Knuble's from Ontario, but plays for the U.S.

Why is that? Are his parents American?

I think Tkachuk will be on the team. As as has been said, if he can't go, they'll add one of the replacement players. I'm also of the opinion that Drury is a definate. He's been fantastic of late. I'd also like to find a spot for Connolly.

G: Esche, DiPietro, Miller. Graheme comes up just short, despite his recent fantastic play in TBay. Esche gets on based on his play in the World Cup. DiPietro is there based on Worlds (Even though I haven't been that impressed with either this year). Miller will be better than either by the time 2010 rolls around, but it's not his job yet.

Have you watched DiPietro at all this season? His stats aren't impressive but he has stolen a good 5 or 6 games for the Islanders single handedly and considering that he is better right now and younger than Miller I doubt that by the time Miller is 30 he will have surpassed Ricky.

i doubt DiPietro is ganster trash

I'm pretty sure Paul Mara makes this squad.

Why is he forgotten?
:dunno:

According to Saturday's St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Keith Tkachuk and Doug Weight will both be named to the team. Tkachuk seems pretty confident he'll be back in time for the Olympics.

I'm also of the opinion that Drury is a definate. He's been fantastic of late.

You also have to factor in that Drury is super-clutch. He would be one the guys most likely to score a clutch goal for the U.S.A. in a tight game.

I'm pretty sure Paul Mara makes this squad.

good call, i'd definitely play him above miller, gleason, and martin

Look for the USA to take on some younger defensemen. Ryan Suter, I won't guarentee will be on the team, but I'd bet on it.



The fact of the matter is the team will be younger than we think. This team will not be good enough to win the gold, so they should take some younger guys to get valuable experience. They will also take 8 defensemen.


Here are my top d-men (in no order)

Hatcher
Mara
Schnieder
Leetch
Leopold
Suter
Miller
Gleason
Rafalski

I listed 9, one of them will be on the taxi squad.

Look for the USA to take on some younger defensemen. Ryan Suter, I won't guarentee will be on the team, but I'd bet on it.



The fact of the matter is the team will be younger than we think. This team will not be good enough to win the gold, so they should take some younger guys to get valuable experience. They will also take 8 defensemen.


Here are my top d-men (in no order)

Hatcher
Mara
Schnieder
Leetch
Leopold
Suter
Miller
Gleason
Rafalski

I listed 9, one of them will be on the taxi squad.

Kevin Allen of USAtoday just called in to a local radio show and said Chelios will be on the team and most likely wear the C for Team USA

Kevin Allen of USAtoday just called in to a local radio show and said Chelios will be on the team and most likely wear the C for Team USA

I thought Chelios wasn't even on the short list? :dunno:

McEachern-Roenick-Tkachunk
Hatcher-Gill
Mike Richter in nets

Give us the gold now!

Kevin Allen of USAtoday just called in to a local radio show and said Chelios will be on the team and most likely wear the C for Team USA

are you ******* kidding me? ... jesus christ our defense is still gonna be old and slow as molasses ... with him and hatcher :cry: ... that's it, I'm cheering for Canada ... GD Politics

are you ******* kidding me? ... jesus christ our defense is still gonna be old and slow as molasses ... with him and hatcher :cry: ... that's it, I'm cheering for Canada ... GD Politics

Come on, the team will feature guys like Liles, Leopold, and probably Martin. Hardly slow as molasses and old. Also, guys like Chelios, Leetch, and Schneider are playing at a high level, and Hatcher's been great. The defense will be just fine.

are you ******* kidding me? ... jesus christ our defense is still gonna be old and slow as molasses ... with him and hatcher :cry: ... that's it, I'm cheering for Canada ... GD Politics


Sorry that America doesn't have a super race of 6-4 defensemen with lightning speed and can check forwards through the boards like the Canadians do...you've got to make due with what you've got. Frankly, I'd go into battle with that old coot Chelios...he's a throwback and the American defense is very soft. You don't put Chelios, Miller, and/or Hatcher on the team, the defense will get bullied the entire tournament.

think phil kessel might make it?

Suter, Whitney Liles & Ballard are all playing like **** aren't they?

think phil kessel might make it?


No shot

Kevin Allen of USAtoday just called in to a local radio show and said Chelios will be on the team and most likely wear the C for Team USA

That makes me ANGRY and NASEUOUS. :rant:

Where would you put him though, on the wing? The one area at forward the U.S. is deep at is center and I don't see Connolly displacing Modano, Weight, Gomez, or Conroy. By the way, here's my latest roster (I hear the team will be named 12/19/05 http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/news/main/home/news_menoly_120105/):


Forwards (x12)

Tkachuk-Modano-Guerin
Knuble-Weight-Amonte
Cole-Gomez-Gionta
Rolston-Conroy-Blake

Defense (x8)

Leetch-Leopold
Schneider-Liles
Gleason-Miller
Rafalski-Martin

Goaltenders (x3)

DiPietro
Esche
Grahame


I actually think this team (at this present time) would do very well. A few vets that I had questions about, such as Tkachuk and Amonte are actually looking pretty good.

A team can carry a max of 7 dman, they must have 13 forwards.

This is the team i would probably pick:

Tkachuk----------Modano-----------Amonte
Drury-------------Weight------------Gionta
Rolston-----------Gomez------------Guerin
Cole--------------Conroy------------Blake
York

Leetch------------Leopold
Schneider---------Liles
Rafalski-----------Martin
Mara

DiPietro
Esche
Grahame

reserves: Roenick, Berard, Aaron Miller

A team can carry a max of 7 dman, they must have 13 forwards.

I don't think it is a rule that teams must have 13 forwards. Canada has talked for a long time about possibly naming 12 forwards and 8 defensemen to the team.

Plus, teams like U.S.A. and Russia have named teams with 12 forwards and 8 defensemen in past Olympics.

That makes me ANGRY and NASEUOUS. :rant:
I'm right there with you. Chelios making the team would be a crock of crap.

This team will be announced within the next half hour or so.

DP, Parrish, Blake make it from Isles per newsday.com about 10 minutes ago. York did not make the team.

:handclap:

Come on, the team will feature guys like Liles, Leopold, and probably Martin. Hardly slow as molasses and old. Also, guys like Chelios, Leetch, and Schneider are playing at a high level, and Hatcher's been great. The defense will be just fine.

Chelios, I think I heard something about him being a good player once about 15 years ago :dunno:

Goalies:
Robert Esche
Rick DiPietro
John Grahame

Defensemen:
Jean-Michael Liles
Aaron Miller
Derian Hatcher
Brian Rafalski
Jordan Leopold
Mathieu Schneider
Chris Chelios

Forwards:
Brian Gionta
Craig Conroy
Jason Blake
Scott Gomez
Mike Knuble
Mike Modano
Erik Cole
Bill Guerin
Doug Weight
Keith Tkachuk
Chris Drury
Mark Parrish
Brian Rolston

Wow. I am livid that Chelios is on this team. LIVID. :rant: :rant: :rant:

Goalies:
Robert Esche
Rick DiPietro
John Grahame

Defensemen:
Jean-Michael Liles
Aaron Miller
Derian Hatcher
Brian Rafalski
Jordan Leopold
Mathieu Schneider
Chris Chelios

Forwards:
Brian Gionta
Craig Conroy
Jason Blake
Scott Gomez
Mike Knuble
Mike Modano
Erik Cole
Bill Guerin
Doug Weight
Keith Tkachuk
Chris Drury
Mark Parrish
Brian Rolston

No Leetch? Leetch didn't make the team?

Is this a joke?

I am watching the flyers game right now and as a flyers fan, having Esche on the team and not Miller is a joke. Miller has been flat out solid tonight, while Esche has been swiss cheese all season.

Go Canada Go!!! **** You Waddell and **** you Chelios

No Leetch?

Is this a joke?
Did you watch the World Cup?
Leetch may put up some points, but he got burned so many times in his own zone I wanted him to retire right then and there.

Wow. I am livid that Chelios is on this team. LIVID. :rant: :rant: :rant:

Chlios >>>> Schneider ;)

but no Leetch, no Roenick and no Amonte...wow

No Leetch?

Is this a joke?

And they send god awful Hatcher?

He better be the press box guy.

I feel bad for my country. They are going to get smoked.

I am watching the flyers game right now and as a flyers fan, having Esche on the team and not Miller is a joke. Miller has been flat out solid tonight, while Esche has been swiss cheese all season.
Yeah, it's pretty crappy for Miller. But he got that broken thumb at the complete wrong time. Plus he didn't get back in right away because Biron is on fire. He's a young kid, and we'll definitely see him battling DiPietro for the job in 2010.

From day one I've said that this U.S. team won't be the best that's put out on the ice... I'm not expecting a great showing in Torino and I wouldn't be surprised if they're not in the medal round.

2010 is the time for the U.S. to shine once the youngsters come into their own.

No Leetch? Leetch didn't make the team?

Is this a joke?

That's what I'm wondering. People call him old, yet Chelios is on it. K.

I feel bad for my country. They are going to get smoked.

I do too. It's kind of sad.

2010 is the time for the U.S. to shine once the youngsters come into their own.

I am so looking forward to those games, I can't wait.

Paul Mara SHOULD Have made the team... the defense is a Joke

a lot of jokes around here. :sarcasm:

Chelios gets one last ride in the USA hockey sweater.

The D looks suspect(Hatcher, Schnieder, AND Chelios is a bit old) but I like the F selection. If the team is going to make any noise, it will have to have superb efforts from the vets on the blueline.

Mara is the one person I might have added as well.

Thats a pretty bad team, they will do well to get anywhere near a medal.

Gonna get smoked?

I think this is still a really solid team, would have liked to have seen them make room for Dustin Brown and Ryan Suter, probably over Jason Blake and Hatcher. But its still a solid team.


Tkachuk- Modano- Gionta
Knuble- Weight- Guerin
Cole- Conroy- Drury
Rolston- Gomez- Parrish

Schneider- Miller
Rafalski- Leopold
Chelios- Liles

DiPietro

What a joke Leetch isn't there. Seriously.

Rafalski over Martin.

No Pothier?

anyone gonna make a petition for Chelios on NBC Olympic broadcast team?

Roenick is going to be mad.

LEETCH NOT THERE! whats the world coming to!!!

Why are people complaining about Chelios being there?

Derian Hatcher is by far the most underrated player on HF boards, it's pretty sad actually. The guy has been playing really good hockey the past month and has been a defensive force (and his offensive game hasn't been too bad). My biggest concern with him would be the bigger ice because he clearly is a poor skater, but based on the beginning of the season, he's earned his spot on this team.

Why are people complaining about Chelios being there?

Probably because he hasn't been drafted in one of the more recent drafts.

I hope I'm not the only one who is glad that Leetch isn't on the team. He is a defensive liability whenever he touches the ice. Why aren't people crying that Andy Delmore isn't going to be picked for Canada? He can put up points and not play defense too.

Roenick is going to be mad.
I guess JR will be sporting a Team Canada jersey.

Probably because he hasn't been drafted in one of the more recent drafts.

no it has nothing to do with that ... he's about as useful as a poopie flavored lollipop on the Olympic Ice, where speed is required

total homer picks but I'd love to see Malone and Arnason in the Olympics some day

Would Arnason even play for the Americans? Has he ever said anything about this? I don't think he's ever played in a World Championship or World Junior for any team, but I would have thought he would received an invite for at least the last 2 American WC teams who didn't have a lot of depth up front.

Chris Chelios has no place on this team!

I dispise this a-hole. Makes me wanna root for Belerus.

Canada's 4th team would look better on paper than this one.

No Pothier?

Pothier? Are you serious, there are probably 15 d-man they'd bring before him.

Chris Chelios has no place on this team!

I dispise this a-hole. Makes me wanna root for Belerus.


And cheer for Belarus you should, they will probably do better. :sarcasm:

DiPietro? I love giving up 50 goals a game!

too bad dustin brown didn't make it...

Chris Chelios has no place on this team!

Chelios and Tk-up-chuck both have no place on this team. I can't believe there isn't better players available for the Olympics than this roster journeymen.


Oh well, here's a nother Olympic Tournament where I'm cheering for Canada.

the selection process is a joke, Guerin, Chelios and Esche? Hatcher is even questionable. Our blueline has 3 snails.

I want the US team to be the best it can..and I don't think that's the case.

I honestly don't think it's that bad, personally :dunno:

Chelios and Tk-up-chuck both have no place on this team. I can't believe there isn't better players available for the Olympics than this roster journeymen.


Oh well, here's a nother Olympic Tournament where I'm cheering for Canada.
Do you have any clue as to how well Tkachuk has played this year?

I was wrong. Roenick is bitter, not mad.

Chelios and Tk-up-chuck both have no place on this team. I can't believe there isn't better players available for the Olympics than this roster journeymen.

Chelios, sure. But Tkachuk? Make all the fat jokes you want, but USA needs him badly. He has been phenomenal this season even if he has only played 10 games. Three points in four straight games, 15 in 10 overall. Not quite a journeyman if you ask me.

I was wrong. Roenick is bitter, not mad.

eh?

I think sometimes we tend to be hard on Team USA. There is always going to be controversial moves. The problem is that people keep on comparing the USA team to the Canadians on paper. This just isn't fair to USA at this given point.

I think the USA is going into the tournament, as world hockey power, around the 3-6 spot. Look at this team as 3-6 team.

eh?
Just heard a sound byte from him.
He said something along the lines of
"Whatever. I know I've got more points than anyone on that team so if that's the way they want to go then whatever."

To all the Canadian fans, ever hear the saying those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

You have plenty of your own problems.

- Martin Brodeur has had a marginal season with a GAA over 3 and a save% below 90

- 3 of your best d-man from past tournaments (Pronger, Niedermayer and Blake) are not playing like former Norris Trophy winners. Especially Blake who has been awful defensively this season.

- Shane Doan has fewer goals than Superstars like Jamal Mayers, Sean Avery, Jon Sim and Jonathan Hedstrom.

- Politics may prevent some of the best Canadian scorers in the NHL this year from making the team. Players like McCabe, Staal, Spezza and Savard.

Just something to think about, everyteam has issues going into this tourney.

This is basically the same team as the one they sent for the World Cup.

To all the Canadian fans, ever hear the saying those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

You have plenty of your own problems.

- Martin Brodeur has had a marginal season with a GAA over 3 and a save% below 90

- 3 of your best d-man from past tournaments (Pronger, Niedermayer and Blake) are not playing like former Norris Trophy winners. Especially Blake who has been awful defensively this season.

- Shane Doan has fewer goals than Superstars like Jamal Mayers, Sean Avery, Jon Sim and Jonathan Hedstrom.

- Politics may prevent some of the best Canadian scorers in the NHL this year from making the team. Players like McCabe, Staal, Spezza and Savard.

Just something to think about, everyteam has issues going into this tourney.


But...but... Canada's C team could beat the United State's A team!

Do you have any clue as to how well Tkachuk has played this year?


No but I know how little he's played this year and I know what type of player he is. Weight is a great choice for the team but Tkachuk overrated for what he's getting paid this year. I can't believe a better TEAM could be but together for the Olympics a-la Herb Brooks.

I'd like to see why Tkachuk was picked for the team and what his role will be for the Olympics.

I base this on what it takes to shut him down a coupled with the talent on the other teams in the Tournament. It's My Personal opinion. He's not going to be a factor in the tournament.

- Shane Doan has fewer goals than Superstars like Jamal Mayers, Sean Avery, Jon Sim and Jonathan Hedstrom.

Shane Doan would be a 4th liner.

If he even gets selected.

No but I know how little he's played this year and I know what type of player he is. Weight is a great choice for the team but Tkachuk overrated for what he's getting paid this year. I can't believe a better TEAM could be but together for the Olympics a-la Herb Brooks.

I'd like to see why Tkachuk was picked for the team and what his role will be for the Olympics.

I base this on what it takes to shut him down a coupled with the talent on the other teams in the Tournament. It's My Personal opinion. He's not going to be a factor in the tournament.


Tkachuk has been great this year all things considering. He usually has pretty good chemistry with Modano and Guerin. That's why he's going. If that top line gets going they can be unstoppable.

everyteam has issues going into this tourney.

Our issue: Need more mantle space.

too bad dustin brown didn't make it...
We'll wait and see what the taxi squad brings. Expect to see three of Gleason, Mara, Martin, Brown, Parise or Connolly on that team. (Brown is a lock. Just a question of if they have two forwards and a defencemen or two defencemen and a forward).

Goalies were as expected. I think Miller would be a better candidate for goalie than Graheme, but Graheme's still a better pick.

Chelios is one of the top 10 defencemen in the history of the game. But he shouldn't be on this team. Hatcher's still a strong physical defenceman, but he could be a train wreck on international ice if the obstruction is called. Leetch's best days are behind him, but I'd rather have him over these two. Hatcher's selection came as a big surprise.

Guerin has struggled this year. In a transition year, he should have been left off the team. Drury was pretty much a non-factor in the World Cup and the 2002 Olys. But I would have had him on the U.S. as a 13th forward. I would have picked the speedy Mike York ahead of Guerin and a tried, true winner in Langenbrunner ahead of Parrish. But not many surprises up front.

It's a younger team, but not that young. A lot of guys in their late 20s who are in their first Olympics. The defence, with five guys in their mid-to-late 30s, isn't that young. Up front, Blake and Knuble are 32, Conroy and Rolston are in their 30s, Parrish turns 29 before the tournament. It truly is a transition team, as the U.S. starts to shed the players who were born in the mid-to-late 1980s that were part of so many strong teams; and moves to the next generation of players who were drafted starting in 2002. This team is mostly made up of players who were part of the gap in the pipeline from 1991 to 2001.

Our issue: Need more mantle space.


I'm pretty sure Canada has plenty of space after going 50 years witout one.

Our issue: Need more mantle space.

Sounds like something they probably said about 26 years ago in Moscow.

To all the Canadian fans, ever hear the saying those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

You have plenty of your own problems.

- Martin Brodeur has had a marginal season with a GAA over 3 and a save% below 90

- 3 of your best d-man from past tournaments (Pronger, Niedermayer and Blake) are not playing like former Norris Trophy winners. Especially Blake who has been awful defensively this season.

- Shane Doan has fewer goals than Superstars like Jamal Mayers, Sean Avery, Jon Sim and Jonathan Hedstrom.

- Politics may prevent some of the best Canadian scorers in the NHL this year from making the team. Players like McCabe, Staal, Spezza and Savard.

Just something to think about, everyteam has issues going into this tourney.
Not to go offtopic but what's wrong with Scott Niedermayer?

To all the Canadian fans, ever hear the saying those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

You have plenty of your own problems.

- Martin Brodeur has had a marginal season with a GAA over 3 and a save% below 90

- 3 of your best d-man from past tournaments (Pronger, Niedermayer and Blake) are not playing like former Norris Trophy winners. Especially Blake who has been awful defensively this season.

- Shane Doan has fewer goals than Superstars like Jamal Mayers, Sean Avery, Jon Sim and Jonathan Hedstrom.

- Politics may prevent some of the best Canadian scorers in the NHL this year from making the team. Players like McCabe, Staal, Spezza and Savard.

Just something to think about, everyteam has issues going into this tourney.
If our biggest issue is having Brodeur in nets then I think we are in pretty good shape. Thanks for the concern though.

Derian Hatcher is by far the most underrated player on HF boards, it's pretty sad actually. The guy has been playing really good hockey the past month and has been a defensive force (and his offensive game hasn't been too bad). My biggest concern with him would be the bigger ice because he clearly is a poor skater, but based on the beginning of the season, he's earned his spot on this team.

I don't know if he's the most underrated player, but he's certainly up there. He's been excellent for the last month or so after he got back in to to game shape. Based on the way he's played, there's absolutely no reason for him to have no been selected.

I don't know if he's the most underrated player, but he's certainly up there. He's been excellent for the last month or so after he got back in to to game shape. Based on the way he's played, there's absolutely no reason for him to have no been selected.
Yeah, people think of Hatcher as being totally imobile based on his play after returning from a serious knee injury with the Wings.

Our issue: Need more mantle space.
Oh geez, get over yourselves. :rolleyes:

Not to go offtopic but what's wrong with Scott Niedermayer?

I am a huge Niedermayer fan, anyone who has posted here awhile knows I think he has been the best d-man in the NHL the last 10 years and should have won many more Norris Trophies than the one he has.

That being said, he has not been the dominant game changing d-man so far this season, he has still been good, but just not superstar good. Although I don't think his play has dropped off as much as Blake and Pronger's.

Coming into tonight Dipietro 3.18 GAA .899 save% He got shelled tonight 6 goals on 17 shots against TO. When does he start getting evaluated on his play and not on potential and how high he was drafted. :shakehead Esche 3.14GAA .890% Grahame 2.86GAA .890% Miller 2.77GAA .910 save % and that was before tonights game 1 goal on 32 shots. I hope Grahame gets the start but I am sure politics will ensure Ricky boy getting the nod :cry:

Yeah, people think of Hatcher as being totally imobile based on his play after returning from a serious knee injury with the Wings.
I think Hatcher will struggle with the rink size but we need his size if we match up with Canada. Thats what killed us in the last Olympics with Phylis Housley :sarcasm: chosen over him

I hope I'm not the only one who is glad that Leetch isn't on the team. He is a defensive liability whenever he touches the ice. Why aren't people crying that Andy Delmore isn't going to be picked for Canada? He can put up points and not play defense too.

So you are suggesting that Brian Leetch, quite possibly the greatest American born defenseman in the history of hockey, equals Andy Delmore? I'll take the fact that I'm the first one to respond to this idiocy that people just laughed and moved on after reading your post.

To those questioning Tkachuk on the team, of the older guys, I think it is more appropriate to question Guerin's selection given his season; he is really the only surprise to me regarding the forwards

On D, I am surprised they named both Hatcher and Chelios, I expected one or the other and once both were named, I would have expected them to name 8 D-men; Gleason most likely, so I expect him to be on the "taxi squad"

Regarding goalies, Miller was hurt by his injury; he played well tonight in his return, but he was hurt by the early date that the men's hockey teams are required to submit the rosters; If Esche's injury is a sports hernia and not a "simple" groin injury, Miller could still find himself on this team.

To the person (Claypool) that said this is the 26 man World Cup roster; plenty of changes. No Conklin, Weinrich, Klee, Leetch, Martin (who replaced Leopold on the World Cup roster), Gill (who was replaced by Liles due to injury), Hull, Amonte, Halpern, Konowalchuk (IMO, he would be on the Olympic team if he was not injured), Langenbrunner, Smolinski

I agree that the 3 player taxi squad will be younger guys: Gleason, Connolly, Brown, York (not as young, but only 27), Suter, Mara, Martin

By the way, if this was posted I missed it, here are the specifics no the "taxi squad": "Any injury, upon which a request for a replacement player is filed, must be certified by the IIHF Chief Medical Officer and the Chairman of the IOC Medical Commission. Any replacement player must have been listed on the October 24th Team Entry Long List. The replacement players do not need to be named on or before the December 22 team announcement deadline"

http://www.iihf.com/news/iihfpr0306.htm

Coming into tonight Dipietro 3.18 GAA .899 save% He got shelled tonight 6 goals on 17 shots against TO. When does he start getting evaluated on his play and not on potential and how high he was drafted. :shakehead Esche 3.14GAA .890% Grahame 2.86GAA .890% Miller 2.77GAA .910 save % and that was before tonights game 1 goal on 32 shots. I hope Grahame gets the start but I am sure politics will ensure Ricky boy getting the nod :cry:

Have you seen the defense that plays in front of Rick? Yes, he lets a few softies in, but in his defense...the defense sort of below par. Stats don't say everything.

If Miller didn't just spend six weeks on the d/l, he would definitely be going.

Miller was hurt by his injury but he was cleared to play over 10 days ago and played two games in Rochester on a conditioning stint. Well before the rosters had to be named. I think they do't officially have to be named until the 21st. I still stand by the numbers.

Have you seen the defense that plays in front of Rick? Yes, he lets a few softies in, but in his defense...the defense sort of below par. Stats don't say everything.

If Miller didn't just spend six weeks on the d/l, he would definitely be going.
That is the point. The USA is going to need above average goaltending to bail them out. Ricky D isn't a goalie that can carry a team.

If our biggest issue is having Brodeur in nets then I think we are in pretty good shape. Thanks for the concern though.

:sarcasm:
Think again, that's what everyone said at the Worlds and who won:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/ForsbergFlyerfan/3837c368.jpg

Miller was hurt by his injury but he was cleared to play over 10 days ago and played two games in Rochester on a conditioning stint. Well before the rosters had to be named. I think they do't officially have to be named until the 21st. I still stand by the numbers.

my point was that the men's teams have to be named early, generally speaking; the deadline is earlier than for the women's teams, for example; also, the USA team chose to name the team a few days earlier than they had to, I believe because of the OLN broadcast in Minny

Miller was hurt by his injury, hard to dispute that given his play earlier this season; yes, he played well in his second game in Rochester and he played well tonight, but 2 AHL games was not enough when compared to the other 3 guys season of play and history; being the youngest of those being considered probably hurt him as well; honestly, he may still be on the team, depending on injuries, etc.

my point was that the men's teams have to be named early, generally speaking; the deadline is earlier than for the women's teams, for example; also, the USA team chose to name the team a few days earlier than they had to, I believe because of the OLN broadcast in Minny

Miller was hurt by his injury, hard to dispute that given his play earlier this season; yes, he played well in his second game in Rochester and he played well tonight, but 2 AHL games was not enough when compared to the other 3 guys season of play and history; being the youngest of those being considered probably hurt him as well; honestly, he may still be on the team, depending on injuries, etc.

Miller was not the youngest being considered. The youngest one that was considered made the team.

It really is a shame about Miller though. I saw him play a couple games before he went down with the injury and he played very well.

I first want to say I am from Canada. There isn't a lot of things that piss me off more, then cocky Canadien fans. "lmao well canad'sds c team could beat your A team!!!1". Very good! And my first could beat your face.

Infact, I wouldn't mind seeing Canada not win the gold, just to see all the cocky ******* ones, eat a big plate of OWNED.

America isn't the hockey hotbed Canada is. Yet the are still producing quality players. Sure Canada's team may be better, but look at the number of kids who go to play hockey in Canada and the programs.

Meh, I'm finished with this post.

Think again, that's what everyone said at the Worlds and who won:
I guess you must have missed the World Championships because Canada played without the majority of their top players.

[QUOTE not enough when compared to the other 3 guys season of play and history;[/QUOTE] :shakehead

Did you even look at their numbers? you can seriously make that statement: Dipietro 3.18GAA (31st in NHL) save %.899 (21st) , Esche 3.14 (28th) .890(29th), and Grahame 2.86 (17th) .890 (30th)
As for history, what championships or titles did these guys win? :dunno:

I'm telling you, if we even make the quarterfinals it'd be a bigger upset than Eruzione and co. in '80.

:shakehead

Did you even look at their numbers? you can seriously make that statement: Dipietro 3.18GAA (31st in NHL) save %.899 (21st) , Esche 3.14 (28th) .890(29th), and Grahame 2.86 (17th) .890 (30th)
As for history, what championships or titles did these guys win? :dunno:

I meant history for Esche and DiPietro in terms of Team USA and the World Cup, World Championships, etc., not stats; and if you want to make it about stats, history would mean performance and stats over time not just this season, that is not an invitation to post those stats as personally, I would have taken Miller (I am a fan) and I am disappointed they did not name him to the team; also, as someone else noted, stats do not tell the whole story, Kolzig's 3.36 GAA does not tell the story of how well he has played this season (and I know he is not an American, just an example); if Miller kept putting up the performances from earlier this season (and tonight's), he may have forced them to name him to the team, but the injury gave them reason/excuse to consider/name others; my bad on the age thing, to me regardless of DiPietro's numbers this season they were going to name him unless he was horrendous, I thought the age might factor in because of the possibility of not wanting 2 young guys; still I would have named DiPietro and Miller, poor wording on my part if I implied otherwise

I'm especially glad to see Gionta make the team. He's a guy who plays a lot larger than he is and can put up points. Seriously, I look at the line up and I think if everyone works hard, plays with energy, and fights for every opportunity, this squad can make a lot of noise. Just like Gionta, in other words :).

Re: Chelios, Personally, I think Chelios would be the 7th d-man but that's just my gut feeling.

I guess you must have missed the World Championships because Canada played without the majority of their top players.

Well, Canada is supposed the country for hockey. I've already seen comments in threads elsewhere saying that Canada's "3rd" team could win. Canada isn't as great as they think anymore. Sweden will have a good squad. Finland gave them a good run at the World Cup, Russia will have a good squad.

What a bad night to name the Olympic team. Because DiPietro had his worst game of the season tonight people are going crazy thinking that the tournament is over before it began.

To judge DiPietro you have to watch the games. I'm really sick of people talking about how awful and overrated he is because they just read his stat sheet. He is playing behind one of the worst defenses in the NHL and has stolen at least 5 games for the Isles, probably more.

I really don't think that our problems are going to be in goal. Just watch DiPietro's next few outings and you'll see that he is an inconsistent 25 year old, not a terrible goalie.

:sarcasm:
Think again, that's what everyone said at the Worlds and who won:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b79/ForsbergFlyerfan/3837c368.jpg

Incase you haven't noticed, Canadians put absolutely no stock into the World Championships. The reason being our best players are nicely divided out among the 30 franchises and this tournament overlaps with the Stanley Cup playoffs so our superstars are all still playing in the NHL.
Even still, we won 2 of the last 3 so that illustrates we can win no matter who we send.

To address some of the things I read above..

- Andy Delmore would fall somewhere between the 50th and 60th - defensemen on Canada's depth chart. Ridiculous notion.
- Doan will make the team only because of management's strategy to build a team, rather than assemble the top stats guys (examples - McCabe, Staal, Spezza etc.)
- Brodeur is playing behind a defense that has been decimated by the loss of two future hall-of-fame defencemen in Scott Niedermayer and Scott Stevens (both Canadians by the way) and good ol' American boys Rafalski and Martin can't hold do it without them. When he starts in goal behind a defense of captains, Norris trophy winners, Stanley Cup winners he will lead us to gold once again.
- The 50 years joke is one Americans like to use.. But the reality is our guys throughout those 50 years populated the NHL by over 70% and they weren't allowed to play in the Olympics.
- There is a possibility that guys like Luongo, Theodore, Turco, Joseph, McCabe, Staal, Spezza, Crosby, Bertuzzi, St. Louis, Smyth, Doan, Marleau and Nash might not make this team. I repeat, some of these guys will not make this team. The cuts out of that group should be smuggled into the US to start in goal (DiPietro is horrendous), anchor the PP (Chelios could be a grandpa to some of these guys) and make up the 1st line (as much as I love Craig Conroy - he really was born in the wrong country!)

But I digress. If you want any closer to home reality to Canadian hockey player's dominance, check out your local NHL team. Odds are the captains and/or superstars are citizens of the Great White North.

FYI: 38 of the 40 Conn Smythe winners are Canadian (Brian Leetch the only American in 94) Point being, Canadians deliver championships. Look no further than 2004 - Lecavalier, Richards and St. Louis led the Lightning to the Cup. All Canadian.

sk84fun_dc I get a little carried away because Dipietro is always a lock. What is this based on? He hasn't won an olympics or a World Cup.This isn't to say I think he is terrible but in my opinion the team should be chosen on current play and situations. Esche if I am not mistaken is out injuried and was playing poorly before the injury. Yet because he has previously played for the US he makes the team :shakehead

[To judge DiPietro you have to watch the games. I'm really sick of people talking about how awful and overrated he is because they just read his stat sheet. He is playing behind one of the worst defenses in the NHL and has stolen at least 5 games for the Isles, probably more.

So if you watch him play inconsistant that makes him look better. The sabres lit him up twice this year. i guess he was just being inconsistant :sarcasm:

All my rantings asside I will be cheering hard for Ricky D and the Boys. Go USA :clap:

How in the world do you take Chelios over Leetch?!?!?

Listen, I was exaggerating when I compared Leetch to Delmore.

If anyone wants to see why Leetch didn't make this team, watch the game from the World Cup when Finland eliminated us. On the game winning goal Leetch is on the wrong side of the ice at the top of the circle while Jokinen, or whoever scored it, is taking a pass where Leetch SHOULD be and stashing it in the net.

He HAS been good for team USA, just hasn't been good lately. I'm sure many would agree with me that it's time we stopped picking guys who are past their prime on D and start giving younger dmen a shot.

Guerin and Chelios?



:biglaugh:




The new Miracle on Ice: The Americans medalling.

sk84fun_dc I get a little carried away because Dipietro is always a lock. What is this based on? He hasn't won an olympics or a World Cup.This isn't to say I think he is terrible but in my opinion the team should be chosen on current play and situations. Esche if I am not mistaken is out injuried and was playing poorly before the injury. Yet because he has previously played for the US he makes the team :shakehead

Have you seen DiPietro play this season other than the Sabres games? I understand some of your comments, but not all. Also, look back to the World Championships in May and the World Cup game he played in Sep 04 to understand why DiPietro is on this team; he had to play his way off of the team this season and someone else had to play their way on and that did not happen, he was not the one who Miller would have replaced if he made the team, IMO; Esche is an interesting issue, especially after the comments when he was not named to the World Championships, I question his naming in terms of his injury, too, but right now that is a 2 week injury, not sure the Flyers are being honest, but he is not supposed to be out long term as of right now; again, 1 of the 3 goalies is hurt and Miller plays like tonight and is healthy, he may still end up on the team

and regarding your other comment: "All my rantings aside I will be cheering hard for Ricky D and the Boys. Go USA" - good to hear!

I'm not really sure how people can argue with most of the selections. I watch a ton of NHL hockey and I think many people are operating on misconceptions or phantom reps more than anything where several of these players are concerned. Here's how I see the team:

Goaltenders:

DiPietro
Esche
Grahame

I would have liked to see Ryan Miller make the team, but his inuury hurt him, no doubt about. In reality, the U.S. brass doesn't want either Esche or Grahame to see any action in this tournament. The expectation is DiPietro will have to be the man for the U.S. to medal. If he falters, it's all over. That doesn't mean Esche or Grahame are incapable, but they are meant to be veteran safety cogs, not the go to guys. I see plenty of Islander games, and while Ricky's stats aren't the greatest, neither is the Isle's defense. Don't be mistaken he's played very well, and has been stellar in international play. Miller will likely be on the taxi squad.

Defense:

Miller
Chelios
Rafalski
Liles
Schneider
Leopold
Hatcher

A couple of surprises. I thought Leetch was a gimme, but let's be honest, he's not a defensive stalwart these days. Schneider's had a great year, Rafalski is an exceptional puck mover, as is Liles who has more points (and a better plus/minus) than Rob Blake, Aaron Miller is a rock, Leopold hasn't produced much offensively, but he's been great in his own zone, and Hatcher has played exceptionally well of late and brings needed size and toughness. Chelios is a bit of a stretch, but he's not going to get top pairing minutes. He'll likely be the 7th guy and play the PK. He'll be fine in that role and bring needed leadership. Some guys that were possibilities had some question marks this year: Martin has been inconsistent, Mara is the U.S. version of Bryan McCabe, Gleason, Ballard, and Suter are too green, and Hedican is perhaps too one dimensional. The defense on this team will be more than adequete. Basically, each stay-at-home guy can be paired with a younger, faster, offensive defensemen. Seems balanced to me.

Forwards:

IMO, the only "reach" is Guerin, as he's been pretty average this year. However, he plays well with Modano and Tkachuk, and can get hot. This is the part of the team where I think people are underestimating the U.S. Several of the players (Modano, Weight, Gionta, Rolston, etc) lead their teams in scoring and several more are in the top three. You have excellent depth up the middle (Modano, Weight, Gomez, and Conroy), several great two-way players (Cole, Rolston, Drury), and some sparkplugs (like Blake). I don't think the U.S. will blow anyone out of the water with their scoring, but they can't be underestimated. I think this team will play very much like the Carolina Hurricanes, which the U.S. coach also coaches. A very effective forecheck with scoring opportunities capitalized.

Conclusion:

I agree with whoever said that the U.S. roster whould be compared, not with Canada, but with the other countries in the tourney. Yes, the U.S. could finish out of the medals, but with discipline, timely scoring, and good goaltending, the U.S. could easily medal. We'll soon see.

Have you seen DiPietro play this season other than the Sabres games?

I caught some of the Leafs game tonight :sarcasm: As I said earlier, my ranting is over, Go Ricky D and team USA!!! :handclap: :yo:

How in the world do you take Chelios over Leetch?!?!?


1) Chelios is better defensively than Leetch at this point.

2) I woudn't be surprised if Leetch declined to be named to the team. He's said all along that there should be some transition, which is why he didn't play at the World Championships last year.

Rabid Ranger - read my posts, I think we agree :)

and I know you were just citing examples, but please put Conroy on your next list of solid two-way players

Have you seen DiPietro play this season other than the Sabres games?

I caught some of the Leafs game tonight :sarcasm: As I said earlier, my ranting is over, Go Ricky D and team USA!!! :handclap: :yo:

In fairness, very few goalies can withstand the onslaught of Stajan, Klee, Czerkawski, etc...

Rabid Ranger - read my posts, I think we agree :)

and I know you were just citing examples, but please put Conroy on your next list of solid two-way players

Absolutely. Craig Conroy has been great this year. I'm watching him score a SH goal and almost win the game for the Kings tonight (he hit the post). Few players work harder, which is another trademark of this U.S. team. The results aren't always there, but it wears teams down when guys like Cole, Conroy, Tkachuk, Blake, etc keep driving to the net and creating chances.

In fairness, very few goalies can withstand the onslaught of Stajan, Klee, Czerkawski, etc...


DiPietro had an off night, but the Isles defense is HORRIFIC. Anyone who denies that is blind.

Incase you haven't noticed, Canadians put absolutely no stock into the World Championships. The reason being our best players are nicely divided out among the 30 franchises and this tournament overlaps with the Stanley Cup playoffs so our superstars are all still playing in the NHL.
Even still, we won 2 of the last 3 so that illustrates we can win no matter who we send.

To address some of the things I read above..

- Andy Delmore would fall somewhere between the 50th and 60th - defensemen on Canada's depth chart. Ridiculous notion.
- Doan will make the team only because of management's strategy to build a team, rather than assemble the top stats guys (examples - McCabe, Staal, Spezza etc.)
- Brodeur is playing behind a defense that has been decimated by the loss of two future hall-of-fame defencemen in Scott Niedermayer and Scott Stevens (both Canadians by the way) and good ol' American boys Rafalski and Martin can't hold do it without them. When he starts in goal behind a defense of captains, Norris trophy winners, Stanley Cup winners he will lead us to gold once again.
- The 50 years joke is one Americans like to use.. But the reality is our guys throughout those 50 years populated the NHL by over 70% and they weren't allowed to play in the Olympics.
- There is a possibility that guys like Luongo, Theodore, Turco, Joseph, McCabe, Staal, Spezza, Crosby, Bertuzzi, St. Louis, Smyth, Doan, Marleau and Nash might not make this team. I repeat, some of these guys will not make this team. The cuts out of that group should be smuggled into the US to start in goal (DiPietro is horrendous), anchor the PP (Chelios could be a grandpa to some of these guys) and make up the 1st line (as much as I love Craig Conroy - he really was born in the wrong country!)

But I digress. If you want any closer to home reality to Canadian hockey player's dominance, check out your local NHL team. Odds are the captains and/or superstars are citizens of the Great White North.

FYI: 38 of the 40 Conn Smythe winners are Canadian (Brian Leetch the only American in 94) Point being, Canadians deliver championships. Look no further than 2004 - Lecavalier, Richards and St. Louis led the Lightning to the Cup. All Canadian.
This was probably one of the most pointless posts I've ever read. Way to start off with a bang. :shakehead

Absolutely. Craig Conroy has been great this year. I'm watching him score a SH goal and almost win the game for the Kings tonight (he hit the post). Few players work harder, which is another trademark of this U.S. team. The results aren't always there, but it wears teams down when guys like Cole, Conroy, Tkachuk, Blake, etc keep driving to the net and creating chances.

Well, I would have said that about Conroy anyway, but the SH goal tonight, did not hurt my case; he played a solid game tonight.

Solid group of forwards, questionable defense and goaltending.

How on earth did Ryan Miller not make that team? Interesting to see Miller have an excellent game tonight, while DiPietro couldn't stop a basketball. I wonder if Waddell is having second thoughts.

Yes, the U.S. could finish out of the medals, but with discipline, timely scoring, and good goaltending, the U.S. could easily medal. We'll soon see.
I know it's almost cheesy to say. Like, we'll win if we can outscore our opponent, but what you said really is key. These tournaments are won by whichever team can gel the quickest and ride a hot goalie.

If the US can find some instant chemistry, they have a good assortment of players that can play a variety of roles.

Solid group of forwards, questionable defense and goaltending.

How on earth did Ryan Miller not make that team? Interesting to see Miller have an excellent game tonight, while DiPietro couldn't stop a basketball. I wonder if Waddell is having second thoughts.


Because of one game? Yeah, Waddell's that fickle...... DiPietro will be fine.

I know it's almost cheesy to say. Like, we'll win if we can outscore our opponent, but what you said really is key. These tournaments are won by whichever team can gel the quickest and ride a hot goalie.

If the US can find some instant chemistry, they have a good assortment of players that can play a variety of roles.


I really do think people are operating on misconceptions about several of the U.S. players. How many people realize how good a year a guy like Brian Rolston is having? Do people only look at the numbers when thinking about a guy like Aaron Miller? Do people realize that DiPietro's defense in front of him is non-existant? This is going to be a well-coached, hard-working team, that has alot of chemistry, and that means a lot in such a short tournament.

Anyone know if the trapazoid areas behind the net are going to be there? If not, DiPietro will have a field day handling the puck.

No trapezoid.

ok almost six hours after the announcement and i'm still thinking *** just happened? What the hell are Guerin and Chelios doing on this team? Might as well have brought Roenick, and Pat LaFontaine out of retirement..

Did they not bother to name the injury taxi guys?

Did they not bother to name the injury taxi guys?
I'm hoping they name Roenick so he just tells them to **** off.

Some people have mentioned that Hatcher has looked "great of late". I can't completely disregard that statement. However he looked terrible against the Canucks a week ago. Like I said, I don't watch him lots, but he looked very bad. Pronger looked bad against the Canucks as well.

Miller's injury was very unfortunate. It's also unfortunate they named the team so early (did they have to??). Ryan probably would have worked his way past Esche in a week or 2.

Miller's injury was very unfortunate. It's also unfortunate they named the team so early (did they have to??). Ryan probably would have worked his way past Esche in a week or 2.

All of the men's hockey rosters need to be in by the 22nd.

I want the US to do well because of this thread...

This team will be competing with Slovakia for the 6th-7th place finishes. I can't honestly see them making the semifinals.

Rabid Ranger, your post is OK and I believe you because you get to see much more NHL than me, but there are still too many ifs, buts, maybes...

OK, I did a little maths and calculated what's the average age of the team. That's what I always do. While other teams are expected to name the team with the average age around 27, team USA has 31.5! Where is that mix of youth and experience that Waddell is talking about? OK experience, but I see no youth... Two 24 year olds (and one of them goalie)? Ha, ha! I was really hoping to see Parise and Sutter...

10 of those guys were in Austria this year and I was amazed how slow that team was. And I expect the same thing in Turin. They will get badly outskated by their opponents. Can you imagine what Russians are gonna do to them? Rolling three wind-lines...

Go Canada Go!!!
Get a grip on yourself man!! :shakehead

Too bad Leetch won't get one more go, but congrats to Grahame! Him making the team was the only thing I cared about.

Damn Cocky Canadian fans :madfire:

As a Canadian, the scariest things to me about Team USA are: Rick Dipietro (sp?) and after the initial talent coming from the forward lines, they've got a checking line with Jason Blake and Craig Conroy, which could pop in the odd back-breaking goal.

I feel pretty confident in Canada this year though, as we seem to have a big problem with who we should leave off. And if Brodeur isn't up to snuff in this first game, maybe he'll have a role reversal with Joseph (ala, Salt Lake City 2002).

Went with Chelios over Leetch because they need some toughness back there as they are rather small, just an average height a tad over 6'0 without Chelly who isn't all that big either. Schneider, Rafalski, Liles, and Leapold are all good puck movers but aren't physical.

Teams like Canada will try to take advantage of the size and grind them, so it will be key to play to their strengths and move the puck quickly. If they can they will be alright.

Rabid Ranger, your post is OK and I believe you because you get to see much more NHL than me, but there are still too many ifs, buts, maybes...

OK, I did a little maths and calculated what's the average age of the team. That's what I always do. While other teams are expected to name the team with the average age around 27, team USA has 31.5! Where is that mix of youth and experience that Waddell is talking about? OK experience, but I see no youth... Two 24 year olds (and one of them goalie)? Ha, ha! I was really hoping to see Parise and Sutter...

10 of those guys were in Austria this year and I was amazed how slow that team was. And I expect the same thing in Turin. They will get badly outskated by their opponents. Can you imagine what Russians are gonna do to them? Rolling three wind-lines...


Right, and how close was the U.S. from beating the Czechs (the eventual champions) and making the semis? How close was the U.S. from beating Finland and making the finals of the World Cup? The fact is, the U.S. will feature an experienced squad of players that know each other very well. That accounts for alot in a short tournament. As for team spped, how many plodders are on this team? Hatcher on the defense and Mike Knuble at forward? That's about it IMO. Up front especially this is a very good skating team. As for the Russians, yeah they'll certainly press most defenses, but who on that team is going to defend the eventual counter-attack? Sergei Gonchar? :biglaugh:

This team will be competing with Slovakia for the 6th-7th place finishes. I can't honestly see them making the semifinals.


You could be right, although one thing that helps is the fact that virtually all of the teams have their own share of question marks. As a matter-of-fact, aside from Canada and perhaps the Czechs, this tourney is WIDE OPEN.

I actually like the makeup of this team, especially the forwards. Hopefully Tkachuk can get healthy in time to make an impact.

Well it's always the same ranting over how poor the US team is..well it does lack talent, speed and youth but it's a hard working team, with good morale and im sure they will go far as they usually does, cause it'a a TEAM.

I hope Grahame gets the chance :handclap:

I'm not really sure how people can argue with most of the selections. I watch a ton of NHL hockey and I think many people are operating on misconceptions or phantom reps more than anything where several of these players are concerned. Here's how I see the team:

Goaltenders:



Defense:

Miller
Chelios
Rafalski
Liles
Schneider
Leopold
Hatcher

A couple of surprises. I thought Leetch was a gimme, but let's be honest, he's not a defensive stalwart these days. Schneider's had a great year, Rafalski is an exceptional puck mover, as is Liles who has more points (and a better plus/minus) than Rob Blake, Aaron Miller is a rock, Leopold hasn't produced much offensively, but he's been great in his own zone, and Hatcher has played exceptionally well of late and brings needed size and toughness. Chelios is a bit of a stretch, but he's not going to get top pairing minutes. He'll likely be the 7th guy and play the PK. He'll be fine in that role and bring needed leadership. Some guys that were possibilities had some question marks this year: Martin has been inconsistent, Mara is the U.S. version of Bryan McCabe, Gleason, Ballard, and Suter are too green, and Hedican is perhaps too one dimensional. The defense on this team will be more than adequete. Basically, each stay-at-home guy can be paired with a younger, faster, offensive defensemen. Seems balanced to me.


Conclusion:

I agree with whoever said that the U.S. roster whould be compared, not with Canada, but with the other countries in the tourney. Yes, the U.S. could finish out of the medals, but with discipline, timely scoring, and good goaltending, the U.S. could easily medal. We'll soon see.

Mara is not the US version of McCabe for the simple reason that the US doesn't have the depth on D to keep him off like Canada does.

I too watch alot of hockey and I can honestly say Mara is a better d'man than most of the players named to that team, IMO. Him not making it is an absolute joke. :madfire:

Did they not bother to name the injury taxi guys?

No need to as that squad does not need to be named until on or about Feb 10th. Why would you lock yourself in now.

By the way, Miller is handling this well (and as I said before if the Esche injury is more serious, he will still find himself on this team):

"I look forward to playing for the USA down the line," Miller said. "I really respect the organization. I've played for them before, and it's done nothing but benefit my career. I'm not mad. I'm not going to hold it against them. I was injured." Source: Buffalo News

Yay! Congrats to Grahame! :D Now let's hope he gets to play.

Chelios, Hatcher, ugh.

Hello? Herb? 1980?

These fools are going to get smoked.

This roster looks like crap. Ryan Miller should be the starter, and he didn't even make the team.

To all the Canadian fans, ever hear the saying those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

You have plenty of your own problems.

- Martin Brodeur has had a marginal season with a GAA over 3 and a save% below 90

- 3 of your best d-man from past tournaments (Pronger, Niedermayer and Blake) are not playing like former Norris Trophy winners. Especially Blake who has been awful defensively this season.

- Shane Doan has fewer goals than Superstars like Jamal Mayers, Sean Avery, Jon Sim and Jonathan Hedstrom.

- Politics may prevent some of the best Canadian scorers in the NHL this year from making the team. Players like McCabe, Staal, Spezza and Savard.

Just something to think about, everyteam has issues going into this tourney.

Canada doesnt have the issue that they're going to suck though. :sarcasm:

I'll be rooting for Blake, Parrish and especially DiPi to do well though. :)

Paul Mara SHOULD Have made the team... the defense is a Joke

i agree completely

some very questionable choices on defense

Mara is not the US version of McCabe for the simple reason that the US doesn't have the depth on D to keep him off like Canada does.

I too watch alot of hockey and I can honestly say Mara is a better d'man than most of the players named to that team, IMO. Him not making it is an absolute joke. :madfire:

No it isn't an absolute joke. I like Mara too, but let's be honest, he makes his paycheck in the offensive zone and in the transition game. In his own zone he is very average. That's why he didn't make this team. Stats don't tell the whole story.

I'm pretty sure Canada has plenty of space after going 50 years witout one.
We were too busy winning everything else,know what i mean?you know,something your team has'nt been doing for the history of their hockey program.Seriousely,Lake Placid was a long time ago and it's still your watershed,isn't it time to put up results consistently,finally? You've been playing this game for a long time,you'd think you would be THE preeminent power by now,but nope.It's still cooing about Lake Placid...........................get with it.No-one thinks you're great because of some fluke 25 years ago.only your fans do.

i agree completely

some very questionable choices on defense

The only "questionable" choices I see are Chelios and Hatcher. If you ask Wing or Flyer fans about those two then it's a non-issue.

I will say this team is being under-rated right off the bat around here just as i knew it would be.The team has a good mix and i especially like the energy line they'll be able to throw out there against the opposition,it's an eneregy unit that can score too.

This team won't be a favourite.........................but it should be a lot better then people are saying it will be.

We were too busy winning everything else,know what i mean?you know,something your team has'nt been doing for the history of their hockey program.Seriousely,Lake Placid was a long time ago and it's still your watershed,isn't it time to put up results consistently,finally? You've been playing this game for a long time,you'd think you would be THE preeminent power by now,but nope.It's still cooing about Lake Placid...........................get with it.No-one thinks you're great because of some fluke 25 years ago.only your fans do.


Why should the U.S. be the "preeminent" power in ice hockey now? It's a fringe sport in all but a few pockets of the country (at least's that's how things are perceived). Given that fact, the U.S. has done pretty well, especially of late. Don't worry, no one's going to steal Canada's crown just yet.

Why should the U.S. be the "preeminent" power in ice hockey now? It's a fringe sport in all but a few pockets of the country (at least's that's how things are perceived). Given that fact, the U.S. has done pretty well, especially of late. Don't worry, no one's going to steal Canada's crown just yet.
I'm not worried,you're right.Just letting him now we're here to keep guys like him on his toes.You would'nt expect less from me now would you Range?

This roster looks like crap. Ryan Miller should be the starter, and he didn't even make the team.


Any other Sabres you'd like to squeeze in there?

Any other Sabres you'd like to squeeze in there?

If you don't think Ryan Miller is a better goalie then DiPietro,Grahame,Esche (lol) then that haterade you drink must be pretty good.I don't think you have said anything but negative things about Buffalo players,since the off-season.Your bias is hardly noticeable.

And they send god awful Hatcher?

He better be the press box guy.

Watch a Flyers game or two this year .. Hatcher looks like he did in Dallas again.

How in the world do you take Chelios over Leetch?!?!?

I wouldn't have had Chelios on the team, but Leetch has become an absolute nightmare in his own end. The US has enough puck movers.

If you don't think Ryan Miller is a better goalie then DiPietro,Grahame,Esche (lol) then that haterade you drink must be pretty good.I don't think you have said anything but negative things about Buffalo players,since the off-season.Your bias is hardly noticeable.
In fairness to Esche, who admittedly has not been good this year, he has done a heck of a lot more in the NHL and in international competition that DiPiertro, Grahame, or Miller. He was really good at the world championships and was very close to winning the cup last season.

Euro size rink, with new NHL rules, and USA brings up this team with some D-men who turn slower than titanic? Weird weird choises some of them, but I guess that's pretty much the best they can do right now.

On paper, that is the 7th best team of the tournament. :dunno:

Euro size rink, with new NHL rules, and USA brings up this team with some D-men who turn slower than titanic? Weird weird choises some of them, but I guess that's pretty much the best they can do right now.

On paper, that is the 7th best team of the tournament. :dunno:

I'd be more excited about watching an all amateur team; Phil Kessel, Jack Johnson, Matt Carle, TJ O'Shie, etc, than this bunch.

In fairness to Esche, who admittedly has not been good this year, he has done a heck of a lot more in the NHL and in international competition that DiPiertro, Grahame, or Miller. He was really good at the world championships and was very close to winning the cup last season.

Esche wasn't at the World Championships this year. Are you thinking of the World Cup?

If you don't think Ryan Miller is a better goalie then DiPietro,Grahame,Esche (lol) then that haterade you drink must be pretty good.I don't think you have said anything but negative things about Buffalo players,since the off-season.Your bias is hardly noticeable.

Ryan Miller is his own team's backup goalie and when he plays it's behind one of the better defenses in the league. DiPietro plays behind one of the worst and has looked every bit as impressive as Miller at every level, NHL or otherwise. Grahame has been one of the best goalies in hockey over the last month of the season. Esche...meh.

If you don't think Ryan Miller is a better goalie then DiPietro,Grahame,Esche (lol) then that haterade you drink must be pretty good.I don't think you have said anything but negative things about Buffalo players,since the off-season.Your bias is hardly noticeable.

No, in truth, Buffalo has far too little significance to me, as a Predators fan, to care enough to be "biased." I'm just saying, open outrage that Miller(a goaltender scant amounts of NHL experience) wasn't named to the team over 3 guys with experience, two of which saw significant NHL playoff time, the other has been mostly exceptional in international play...is a little silly.

Goals are for Eurosissies.

Esche wasn't at the World Championships this year. Are you thinking of the World Cup?

That must be what he's referring to. Ryan Miller actually has a lot of international experience having started for Team USA in two World Championships.
http://hockeygoalies.org/bio/millerr.html

NTERNATIONAL GAME DIRECTORY:

* Played for United States in 2002 IIHF World Championships (Sweden).
* 04/29/02: W (60m, 30/32) 3-2 victory vs. Latvia (Naumovs).
* 05/02/02: W (60m, 34/34) 3-0 victory vs. Switzerland (Gerber).
* 05/05/02: T (60m, 26/28) 2-2 tie vs. Germany (Muller).
* 05/07/02: L (58m13s, 42/45) 1-3 defeat vs. Finland (Markkanen) [Quarterfinals].
* Played for United States in 2003 IIHF World Championships (Finland).
* 04/26/03: L (14m12s, 1/4) 2-5 defeat vs. Denmark (Hirsch) [Replaced by Rogles].
* 04/27/03: L (58m44s, 20/21) 0-1 defeat vs. Switzerland (Buhrer).
* 05/02/03: W (60m, 23/25) 7-2 victory vs. Slovenia (Kristan).
* 05/03/03: W (60m, 20/22) 4-2 victory vs. Belarus (Shabanov).
Led all goaltenders at the 2002 world championships with a .950 save percentage and was second in GAA with a 1.76 for the US National Team.


DiPietro has played in 6 World Championship games (2004 and 2005). Esche's international competion consists of 4 World Cup games in 2004 and 6 World Championship games (2000 and 2001). All 3 have been great when they've gotten the call. Grahame has one World Championship game under his belt in 1996 where he got shelled, but its so long ago, it's meaningless.

Euro size rink, with new NHL rules, and USA brings up this team with some D-men who turn slower than titanic? Weird weird choises some of them, but I guess that's pretty much the best they can do right now.

On paper, that is the 7th best team of the tournament. :dunno:

Again, I will ask: Who are the bad skaters on this team? Derian Hatcher? That's about it. As for he being named to the team, watch some Flyer games and you'll see how well he's playing. Hatcher has to be the most misunderstood player in the league. As for how good the U.S. team on paper, I'd suggest you do some homework before making that statement. Every team with the exception of Canada and perhaps the Czechs has it's fair share of question marks. The U.S. squad isn't the "sexiest," but that's not going to matter with the work ethic and underrated skill-level of the team.

Again, I will ask: Who are the bad skaters on this team? Derian Hatcher? That's about it. As for he being named to the team, watch some Flyer games and you'll see how well he's playing. Hatcher has to be the most misunderstood player in the league. As for how good the U.S. team on paper, I'd suggest you do some homework before making that statement. Every team with the exception of Canada and perhaps the Czechs has it's fair share of question marks. The U.S. squad isn't the "sexiest," but that's not going to matter with the work ethic and underrated skill-level of the team.

Hatcher yes. If we are talking about defense. Chelios is not the fastest guy on skates anymore either. I have been watching flyers games, probably about 15 of them this season. Hatcher is playing well, but he is not playing on big ice surface. That will be different for a defenseman, I promise you.

Hatcher yes. If we are talking about defense. Chelios is not the fastest guy on skates anymore either. I have been watching flyers games, probably about 15 of them this season. Hatcher is playing well, but he is not playing on big ice surface. That will be different for a defenseman, I promise you.

People were saying Hatcher would fall on his face because of the new NHL rules and he's been just fine. Like I said, Hatcher has a rep for being a mindless goon, but he's a very smart hockey player and plays within his limitations. He wouldn't have been chosen if the U.S. brass felt otherwise.

Ryan Miller is his own team's backup goalie and when he plays it's behind one of the better defenses in the league. DiPietro plays behind one of the worst and has looked every bit as impressive as Miller at every level, NHL or otherwise. Grahame has been one of the best goalies in hockey over the last month of the season. Esche...meh.

Esche would be the only American born goalie with any playoff success.

People were saying Hatcher would fall on his face because of the new NHL rules and he's been just fine. Like I said, Hatcher has a rep for being a mindless goon, but he's a very smart hockey player and plays within his limitations. He wouldn't have been chosen if the U.S. brass felt otherwise.

Yeah, add those rules to bigger ice and you have yourself a situation that strongly favours faster and more agile players. Hatcher is a good d-man for sure, but his speed will bring some penalties that a guy like Leetch would have been able to prevent with his speed. More ice, more room to go around.

Yeah, add those rules to bigger ice and you have yourself a situation that strongly favours faster and more agile players. Hatcher is a good d-man for sure, but his speed will bring some penalties that a guy like Leetch would have been able to prevent with his speed. More ice, more room to go around.

and Leetch will be able to control the size of Bertuzzi, Iginla, Nash, Doan, Thornton, etc. by doing what ???

and Leetch will be able to control the size of Bertuzzi, Iginla, Nash, Doan, Thornton, etc. by doing what ???


I think people forget that once the transistion game is through teams go in the cycle along the boards, especially bigger and stronger players. That's where guys like Hatcher and Miller come in.

and Leetch will be able to control the size of Bertuzzi, Iginla, Nash, Doan, Thornton, etc. by doing what ???

Iginla is big these days? Yeah I get your point, but Leetch has done fine against big guys in the NHL...of course he has more problems with them than Hatcher has, but at least he can skate with the opponent. Imagine guys like Kovalchuk, Ovechkin, Gaborik, Selänne, Koivu, Modano, Gagne, St.Louis etc against Hatcher in big ice where they have more room to challenge him by skating...speed kills.

Naturally if you think that the U.S are good enough to worry only about the big strong forwards of Canada, then the point is quite valid.

Well, Canada is supposed the country for hockey. I've already seen comments in threads elsewhere saying that Canada's "3rd" team could win. Canada isn't as great as they think anymore. Sweden will have a good squad. Finland gave them a good run at the World Cup, Russia will have a good squad.
I never thought that Canada's third team could beat Russia's, Czech Republic's, Sweden's nor Finland's first team but it could beat Slovakia's and the US'.

I never thought that Canada's third team could beat Russia's, Czech Republic's, Sweden's nor Finland's first team but it could beat Slovakia's and the US'.


Sure..... :biglaugh:

Here's some interesting comments on some of the players who didn't make the squad. Not very classy the way Leetch was handled I must say:

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/shownews.jsp?content=h122115A

Any team with players of NHL skill level could beat any team full of player's with NHL skill level. USA's B team could beat Canada's A team if they just flat out played better. Likely? No. Impossible? Hardly.

Not very classy the way Leetch was handled I must say:



Yeah, no kidding. :madfire:

Anyone take a look at the "behind the mask" photos in the U.S. Olympic Team section at the usahockey website? Hilarious: http://www.usahockey.com

Derian Hatcher is a hoot.