Team USA

We've had about 10 million team Canada threads, so let's talk team USA.

Who is going to make the team? I have a general idea of about a dozen players but some of them are up there in age, what young players can we expect?

I think Jed Ortmeyer is somebody who will be a given a look. Waddell admitted he's a candidate. He's not the most skilled player, but this guy is a shotblocking machine and one of the best PKers in the NHL.

I know JR will not be on the team....

I know JR will not be on the team.........and I can't wait for his reaction once he finds out officially!

I know JR will not be on the team....
Maybe he can be an assistant coach..

Roenick, who turns 36 on Jan. 17, said if he isn't chosen, "they better hope that I don't get a job as a commentator on NBC for [the Games], or it'd be 'Go Canada' all the way, and I don't want that." :biglaugh:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/nhl/la-sp-kingrep8dec08,1,795914.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nhl&ctrack=1&cset=true

Maybe he can be an assistant coach..

You need someone with half a brain for that job...

Who (aside from Tortorella) are the assistants anyways?

Who (aside from Tortorella) are the assistants anyways?
Torts isn't one of the assistants.

Anyway, yes there have been a gazillion team Canada threads, and they've all been moved, as this one will be. ;)

Cole-Gionta-Gomez
Weight-Drury-Connoly
Conry-Modano-Blake
Knuble-Rolston-Amonte
Roenick

Leopold-Liles
Rafalski-Schneider
Miller-Leetch
Martin

Dipietro
Esche
Miller

Thats my best guess, probably pretty far off though.

I think Jed Ortmeyer is somebody who will be a given a look. Waddell admitted he's a candidate. He's not the most skilled player, but this guy is a shotblocking machine and one of the best PKers in the NHL.


I wouldn't be surprised at all if Ortmeyer's on the team. I could see a 4th line of him, Blake and perhaps Halpern. I think people need to get used to the idea that these Olympic teams aren't going to be all-star teams. There are going to be some big names on every team left off. Here's who I would have on the U.S. team at this point:


Forwards (x12):

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

Defense (x8):

Leetch-Hedican
Miller-Gleason
Schneider-Liles
Rafalski-Mara

Goaltenders (x3):

DiPietro
Esche
Grahame

i betcha that's pretty much the team that will be named except you can remove Hedican and add Ballard.And if he's healthy i think they'll take Miller and Drop Grahame.

Forwards (x12):

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

Defense (x8):

Leetch-Hedican
Miller-Gleason
Schneider-Liles
Rafalski-Mara

Goaltenders (x3):

DiPietro
Esche
Grahame
I like your list. I'd scratch Leetch or Hedican and add Gleason. Possibly switch Grahame for Miller.

i betcha that's pretty much the team that will be named except you can remove Hedican and add Ballard.And if he's healthy i think they'll take Miller and Drop Grahame.


I can see that, although I'm starting to think Hedican is a lock for the team. He's been very good this year, is a great skater, and plays for Laviolette in Carolina.

I like your list. I'd scratch Leetch or Hedican and add Gleason. Possibly switch Grahame for Miller.

I have Gleason, and I think it's a possibility Miller is on the team if healthy.

Forwards (x12):

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

Defense (x8):

Leetch-Hedican
Miller-Gleason
Schneider-Liles
Rafalski-Mara

Goaltenders (x3):

DiPietro
Esche
Grahame[/QUOTE]

I'd rather have any of Leopold, Ballard, Whitney, or Martin on the team over Hedican. I can also see Mike York making the team over Knuble or Parrish.

If it were up to me...

Forwards

Blake-Gomez-Gianta
Tkachuk-Modano-York
Connolly-Conroy-Rolsten
Cole-Drury-Knuble

Defense

Schneider-Ballard
Rafalski-Berard
Leetch-Mara

Goaltenders

DiPietro
Grahame
Miller

Roenick, who turns 36 on Jan. 17, said if he isn't chosen, "they better hope that I don't get a job as a commentator on NBC for [the Games], or it'd be 'Go Canada' all the way, and I don't want that." :biglaugh:

http://www.latimes.com/sports/hockey/nhl/la-sp-kingrep8dec08,1,795914.story?coll=la-headlines-sports-nhl&ctrack=1&cset=true

Piss on Roenick. I'd rather see him sit in the stands and cry away than play for the U.S. He's a total clown.

Piss on Roenick. I'd rather see him sit in the stands and cry away than play for the U.S. He's a total clown.


The sad thing is that Roenick might be considered for the team. Honestly look at those lists, they arent that impressive.

I think Jed Ortmeyer is somebody who will be a given a look. Waddell admitted he's a candidate. He's not the most skilled player, but this guy is a shotblocking machine and one of the best PKers in the NHL.

And its not as if he has any "weak" attributes that would hold him back. Things like skating are not a liability. Hell, hes even made a few impressive stick moves with the puck.


I'd also wouldnt object to Ryan "Hollywood" Hollweg on the team, if for no other reason than to see him go after players like Lemieux. :D

Cole-Modano-Blake
Tkachuk-Gomez-Gionta
York-Weight-Parrish
Knuble-Conroy-Guerin
ex. Rolston, Drury

Leopold-Leetch
Mara-Rafalski
Chelios-Schneider
ex: Miller, Liles

Dipietro
Miller
ex. Esche

First line are all great skaters, two of them with good size. Cole can drive hard to the net and Modano setting him up. Blake gives the line some nice 2way play, as well as contributing on the offensive side of things. Second line has Gomez passing to two snipers, one of whom he already has chemistry with. The third line is based largely on past chemistry, Weight and Parrish were excellent at the WC's during the lockout, and York has shown some good chemistry with Parrish for NYI. The fourth line is pretty crash and bang, but has plenty of scoring to go with it. It can change momentum in any number of ways. Rolston and Drury's versatility give them the extra slots. All four lines are good offensively and defensively and should be rolled out pretty evenly.

On defense, Leetch and Leopold are both very good 2way players that know what it takes to win and can skate well enough to keep up with just about anyone. On the third pairing, Chelios is still one of the best defensive defenseman in the league, and he and Schneider know each other's games pretty well. On the second, Mara provides good size to Rafalski's dimuitive stature. Rafalski has a wealth of international experience, which will help Mara's lack of it, and both move the puck extremely well. Miller and Liles get the extras, as they bring very different aspects and can fill in depending on need.

Goalies just listed in order of preference at this particular moment. Dipietro's play at the WC's IMO gets him the nod as starter, but all three will likely battle it out.

I wouldn't be surprised at all if Ortmeyer's on the team. I could see a 4th line of him, Blake and perhaps Halpern. I think people need to get used to the idea that these Olympic teams aren't going to be all-star teams. There are going to be some big names on every team left off.


I would agree. Its of no good to have a player like Tony Amonte on your 4th line.

You need players who are gonna play tough, gritty, and dirty if needed.

Forwards (x12):

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

Defense (x8):

Leetch-Hedican
Miller-Gleason
Schneider-Liles
Rafalski-Mara

Goaltenders (x3):

DiPietro
Esche
Grahame

I'd rather have any of Leopold, Ballard, Whitney, or Martin on the team over Hedican. I can also see Mike York making the team over Knuble or Parrish.[/QUOTE]
What about Keith Carney? I think he's better than Leopold and Whitney right now by a fair margin..

The sad thing is that Roenick might be considered for the team. Honestly look at those lists, they arent that impressive.


Again, are these the only threads you post in? Why do you feel the need to constantly piss on USA Hockey? As for the lists mentioned, I don't think anyone is expecting the U.S. to have the most talented team in the tourney, but if you've been paying attention to the play of virtually all of these players this year (and I don't believe you have) then you'd notice that to a man they are playing well. Who cares how many "name" players are on the team?

Who does everyone see as getting the letters this time around???

Last time Leetch was "C", we won the world cup. ;)

Again, are these the only threads you post in? Why do you feel the need to constantly piss on USA Hockey? As for the lists mentioned, I don't think anyone is expecting the U.S. to have the most talented team in the tourney, but if you've been paying attention to the play of virtually all of these players this year (and I don't believe you have) then you'd notice that to a man they are playing well. Who cares how many "name" players are on the team?

The U.S.A. is going to be under-rated going into the 2006 Olympics, just like they were going into both the 2002 Olympics and 2004 World Cup. Thing is, they were a top 2-4 team in both of those other tournaments.

They are going to have some players on their team who are an absolute annoyance to play against (Conroy, Blake, Rolston, Knuble, etc.). Tight-checking players like these are very tough to play against. It is because of players like these that makes me want Canada to pick guys like Smyth and Doan, so that Canada has the grit to fight through tight-checking teams.

The U.S.A. won't be as good as Canada on paper. And the Czech Republic are also superior. But I think that the U.S.A., if they play as a team, would give any other team in the tournament a good fight.

The U.S.A. is going to be under-rated going into the 2006 Olympics, just like they were going into both the 2002 Olympics and 2004 World Cup. Thing is, they were a top 2-4 team in both of those other tournaments.

They are going to have some players on their team who are an absolute annoyance to play against (Conroy, Blake, Conroy, Rolston, Knuble, etc.). Tight-checking players like these are very tough to play against. It is because of players like these that makes me want Canada to pick guys like Smyth and Doan, so that Canada has the grit to fight through tight-checking teams.

The U.S.A. won't be as good as Canada on paper. And the Czech Republic are also superior. But I think that the U.S.A., if they play as a team, would give any other team in the tournament a good fight.


My points exactly.

Any chance of Carney making the team?

I can see that, although I'm starting to think Hedican is a lock for the team. He's been very good this year, is a great skater, and plays for Laviolette in Carolina.
You may be right.I betcha they like Ballards edge in his game though.They'll duke it out for that spot.

it was on HNIC tonight that indeed Roenick won't get named They have a list of only 30 guys whittled down now and will make their team announcement DEC 19th.

it was on HNIC tonight that indeed Roenick won't get named They have a list of only 30 guys whittled down now and will make their team announcement DEC 19th.

I heard that.

I guess we can expect Roenick to cheer for Canada then eh? He said that if he wasn't picked for the U.S.A. Olympic Team that he would go on NBC during the Olympics and cheer for Canada.

I heard that.

I guess we can expect Roenick to cheer for Canada then eh? He said that if he wasn't picked for the U.S.A. Olympic Team that he would go on NBC during the Olympics and cheer for Canada.
i heard that,lol.

Something tells me he's not really serious there about that.It would be pretty funny.

it was on HNIC tonight that indeed Roenick won't get named They have a list of only 30 guys whittled down now and will make their team announcement DEC 19th.
Looks like team canada has 1 more fan!

realistically...what is this teams chances of getting a medal? I think Canada, Czech Republic, Russia, and Sweden have more talent, I'm probably missing a team...hope these guys work on their teamwork.

Best to wait until the final roster is announced to determine exactly how well they will do. But my early guess is that they will place out of the semi-finals. I just think that the other teams have more talent. I would probably rank them between Finland and Slovakia.

Of course anything can happen when the puck is dropped. ;)

The U.S.A. is going to be under-rated going into the 2006 Olympics, just like they were going into both the 2002 Olympics and 2004 World Cup. Thing is, they were a top 2-4 team in both of those other tournaments.

They are going to have some players on their team who are an absolute annoyance to play against (Conroy, Blake, Rolston, Knuble, etc.). Tight-checking players like these are very tough to play against. It is because of players like these that makes me want Canada to pick guys like Smyth and Doan, so that Canada has the grit to fight through tight-checking teams.

The U.S.A. won't be as good as Canada on paper. And the Czech Republic are also superior. But I think that the U.S.A., if they play as a team, would give any other team in the tournament a good fight.
U.S. wasnt Underrated for the 2002 Olympic at all. Everybody knew they could win it all with the home crowd behind them.

Looks like team canada has 1 more fan!

realistically...what is this teams chances of getting a medal? I think Canada, Czech Republic, Russia, and Sweden have more talent, I'm probably missing a team...hope these guys work on their teamwork.
I think they could win a medal,some people are underestimating them,they'll have a solid team.Good talent on the forward lines,defense can move and not nearly as weak comparative to other teams as some people make it out to be,goaltending could be stellar.Bronze is definately a possibility and with a bit of luck silver is not out of the question.Gold seems a stretch,not that they can't beat any team on any given day but to win three medal round games in a row against the quality of opponents at this competition will be difficult for this team.To do that they'd pretty much have to get out of this world goaltending right through the medal round games and it's a lot to ask for.I can see this team getting a bronze realistically,don't know if they will but i can see them getting it.

Again, are these the only threads you post in? Why do you feel the need to constantly piss on USA Hockey?
I'm wondering the same thing, because it's very noticeable and very obnoxious.

I'm wondering the same thing, because it's very noticeable and very obnoxious.


On a positive (and Lightning related) note, John Grahame has set a new team record with his ninth straight win and seems to be in a good position to be one of the three U.S. goaltenders.

For roughly four years, every time Jeff Halpern has been available for international play he has made Team USA, and he has played for them each time. Provided he is healthy, I can't see him missing the team this year either. He plays all three forward positions in a two-way role.

The U.S goaltending situation is pretty much :help: . DiPietro is a decent #1 goalie in the NHL, and that will be enough to easily make him the starter probably. As for the forwards I doubt if any more than 1 out of 4 of Tchachuk, Weight, Amonte, or LeClair will make the team. They will probably go with alot more younger players this time.

The U.S goaltending situation is pretty much :help: . DiPietro is a decent #1 goalie in the NHL, and that will be enough to easily make him the starter probably.

Color me biased but if DiPietro wasn't playing behind the Isles defense (unquestionaly one of the worst in hockey) he would be one of the top 5 goalies in hockey this season. You can point to him directly for about half of the Islanders wins.

I feel very comfortable with Team USA's goaltending. Esche and Graham are both good backups. I would be more worried about generating offense considering that the team is built on streaky players like Modano, Tkachuk, Parrish and the like.

I think they could win a medal,some people are underestimating them,they'll have a solid team.Good talent on the forward lines,defense can move and not nearly as weak comparative to other teams as some people make it out to be,goaltending could be stellar.Bronze is definately a possibility and with a bit of luck silver is not out of the question.Gold seems a stretch,not that they can't beat any team on any given day but to win three medal round games in a row against the quality of opponents at this competition will be difficult for this team.To do that they'd pretty much have to get out of this world goaltending right through the medal round games and it's a lot to ask for.I can see this team getting a bronze realistically,don't know if they will but i can see them getting it.
The miracle on ice...circa 2006!

BELIEVE IT!

On a positive (and Lightning related) note, John Grahame has set a new team record with his ninth straight win and seems to be in a good position to be one of the three U.S. goaltenders.
I think he has a great case to be #1 right now.

I think he has a great case to be #1 right now.


Perhaps, although I think DiPietro will get the nod. He's been very good this year and has been exceptional on the international level.

Color me biased but if DiPietro wasn't playing behind the Isles defense (unquestionaly one of the worst in hockey) he would be one of the top 5 goalies in hockey this season. You can point to him directly for about half of the Islanders wins.

I feel very comfortable with Team USA's goaltending. Esche and Graham are both good backups. I would be more worried about generating offense considering that the team is built on streaky players like Modano, Tkachuk, Parrish and the like.


I agree about the goaltending. I think we'll be fine. If there's one tendancy about U.S. international teams, it's that we usually get good to great goaltending. I also share your concerns about scoring, although out of the players you named, the only one I'd categorize as "streaky" is Parrish. Modano is his old self this year and Tkachuk is playing like a man possessed right now.

Goalie Ryan Miller (if he comes back strong) could make the team. His play in the early season was stellar.

And Tom Poti has Olympic experience so while it may apall some, I would not be shocked to see him picked for the team.

The miracle on ice...circa 2006!

BELIEVE IT!
Well i don't want to believe it because they're not my team,lol.However,if they won it would hardly be a miracle,these are all world class nhl players,no reason they can't win if things go real well.Having said that i think bronze is more probable,this team will be in tough with the caliber of competition they'll meet.Like i said,they can beat any team on any given day but putting THREE wins in a row against this competition will be tough for any team and tougher still for this squad.On paper,they are not(admittedly only means so much) one of the real favourites........they'll have to overachieve a bit to take home the top spot. it's doable but they sure have their work cut out for them.

I have seen a lot of people put Parrish on their teams.

Is he really that strong of a candidate? He only has 17 points in 25 games. Plus, he has never gotten much consideration in the past.

I think you will see Tkachuk, Guerin, Gionta, Cole, Blake, Knuble, York, Drury, and Langenbrunner all taken as wingers before you will see Parrish.

I have seen a lot of people put Parrish on their teams.

Is he really that strong of a candidate? He only has 17 points in 25 games. Plus, he has never gotten much consideration in the past.

I think you will see Tkachuk, Guerin, Gionta, Cole, Blake, Knuble, York, Drury, and Langenbrunner all taken as wingers before you will see Parrish.

I think Tkachuk, Guerin, Gionta, Cole, Blake, Knuble, and Rolston are all locks at forward. The last winger spot will be decided amongst York, Drury, Parrish, Langenbrunner, Amonte and Halpern. IMO, Parrish has a good shot because he can finish, is hard-nosed, and can play on both special teams.

The U.S.A. is going to be under-rated going into the 2006 Olympics, just like they were going into both the 2002 Olympics and 2004 World Cup. Thing is, they were a top 2-4 team in both of those other tournaments.

.


USA was definetly not underrated in '02. In fact although Canada outplayed USA in the gold Medal game, it was actually a 3-2 game until about 4 minutes left in the game. In '91, '96, '98 and '02 the USA had team that no one raised an eyebrow at if they had won. I wouldnt say that they were great in '04 though that's when they werent favourites by anybody to win even though they lost in the semis and came close. And '04 was very much a watered down tournament compared to '02 when every country had their best. So now with every country most likely having their best again and the '06 US not any better than the '04 US team it looks bleak for you guys.

USA was definetly not underrated in '02. In fact although Canada outplayed USA in the gold Medal game, it was actually a 3-2 game until about 4 minutes left in the game. In '91, '96, '98 and '02 the USA had team that no one raised an eyebrow at if they had won. I wouldnt say that they were great in '04 though that's when they werent favourites by anybody to win even though they lost in the semis and came close. And '04 was very much a watered down tournament compared to '02 when every country had their best. So now with every country most likely having their best again and the '06 US not any better than the '04 US team it looks bleak for you guys.

Why does it look bleak Phil? Explain it to me.

I have seen a lot of people put Parrish on their teams.

Is he really that strong of a candidate? He only has 17 points in 25 games. Plus, he has never gotten much consideration in the past.

I think you will see Tkachuk, Guerin, Gionta, Cole, Blake, Knuble, York, Drury, and Langenbrunner all taken as wingers before you will see Parrish.
I think it has a lot to do with his strong play centered by Weight at the WC's last year. IIRC, he had something like 5 goals in 6 games.

Goalie Ryan Miller (if he comes back strong) could make the team. His play in the early season was stellar.

And Tom Poti has Olympic experience so while it may apall some, I would not be shocked to see him picked for the team.


Miller is a possibility, Tom Poti is not.

I have seen a lot of people put Parrish on their teams.

Is he really that strong of a candidate? He only has 17 points in 25 games. Plus, he has never gotten much consideration in the past.

I think you will see Tkachuk, Guerin, Gionta, Cole, Blake, Knuble, York, Drury, and Langenbrunner all taken as wingers before you will see Parrish.

When you look at Parrish's numbers you have to consider the fact that much more valuable than the goals and assists that he racks up is his work in front of the net. Having gotten a chance to watch him every night for the last few years there is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Mark Parrish is the best player in the NHL at screening the goaltender. He is always in the right place and he can get credited with phantom assists on almost all of the Islanders powerplay goals.

Plus he has international experience with the US which should definately work in his favor.

When do the Americans name thier team?

December 19th

December 19th

On OLN

The Kings' Craig Conroy and Aaron Miller have secured spots on the United States' Olympic hockey team, a source familiar with the Team USA program said

Jeremy Roenick, who played in the last two Olympics, is no longer on the short list to make the team

Guess this means J.R. will be rooting for Canada.A-hole ;)

http://www.latimes.com/sports/printedition/la-sp-kingrep13dec13,1,4439553.story?coll=la-headlines-pe-sports