Pandolfo\Langenbrunner for Team USA?

Anybody think our guys would get any consideration. Seems like a forgone conclusion that Gretzky will take one of Peca/Madden to be the 4th line shutdown center. Last time around, the US team went with the conventional best all around players approach.

I don't think the US has named anybody that will head up the rosters. I remember Lou was in charge for the '98 Olympics, and Larry Pleau was in charge for the '02 games.

Here's a list of American NHLers:

http://www.usahockey.com/usa_hockey/professional/us_stats_0304/0304_nhlamerlead//

Conroy would be a top choice to be a 4th line center, but other intriguing names for a shutdown line would be Todd Marchant, Steve Konowalchuk, Jason Blake, Erik Cole, Richard Park, Jeff Halpern, and Mike Grier. Other names in general: Mike Knuble, David Legwand, Bryan Smolinski, Mark Parrish, Brian Gionta (!).

On defense, some new possibilities: Paul Mara, Ken Klee, Jeff Jillson, Jordan Leopold, Sean Hill, Bret Hedican, Bryan Berard.

Players likely to be retained from the 2002 Olympics:

C: Modano, Roenick, Weight, Rolston
L: Tkachuk, Drury
R: Guerin, Hull, Amonte
D: Leetch, Chelios, Rafalski
G: Dunham

On the bubble: LeClair, S. Young, York, Poti, A. Miller

Definitely won't: Deadmarsh, Housley, Suter, Richter, Barrasso.

I'd personally go with: Conroy, Konowalchuk, York, Langenbrunner Schneider, Hatcher, Klee, Mara, DiPietro, and Esche (slim pickings in net).

Lines could look like:

Drury-Modano-Guerin
Tkachuk-Roenick-Amonte
Rolston-Weight-Hull
Konowalchuk-Conroy-Langenbrunner

Hatcher-Rafalski
Leetch-Chelios
Schneider-Klee

Dunham
DiPietro

PP1: Tkachuk-Modano-Guerin-Leetch-Rafalski
PP2: Hull-Roenick-Weight-Schneider-Rolston

PK1: Langenbrunner-Conroy-Hatcher-Chelios
PK2: Rolston-Konowalchuk-Leetch-Klee

HS: York, Mara, Esche

Your thoughts? Seems like it's 20 skaters and 3 goalies for international games. Also.........I think Bobby Holik is eligible to play for Team USA......

Why no Chris Drury? He is as clutch of players as they come.

I think Langs would definitly get a sniff. I mean, were talking about a guy who can score, play good in his own end, get in the corners, and just flat out play. At the same time, I think he would still probley be considered a "bubble" player for team USA.

Holik cannot play at all for anybody. He played for the Czech team as a junior, but is now a US citizen and by doing so is inelidgeable for international play.

I'd love to see Jay Pandolfo get a chance to play for his home country, but I don't think Wayne Gretzky would even consider it. Pandolfo doesn't get much notice or credit outside of the NJ market.

Why would Gretz have an impact on whether or not Pando plays? Jay wouldnt be playing for Canada.

Why would Gretz have an impact on whether or not Pando plays? Jay wouldnt be playing for Canada.

You're correct. Still doesn't change the fact that I doubt he'll get much consideration for Team USA though much as I'd love to see it.

Why no Chris Drury? He is as clutch of players as they come.

He's on my first line, unless you were thinking I meant Ted :p

Totally forgot Keith Carney was American. Replace Ken Klee with him......

If both Madden and Pandolfo make their respective teams, that would be something. It would show it's not just about the "stars", but the guys who will grind it out and really sacrifice their bodies (like block a shot) to get the job done.

:bow:

He's on my first line, unless you were thinking I meant Ted :p
Whoops sorry :dunno:

I don't think that is right about Holik, Shanny played his junior hockey for Canada and is now an American citizen and he still played for team Canada.

Holik apparently played for Czech Republic in the World Cup '96, so you're right on that. But basically as long as a player is a citizen and hasn't played for another country in international competition, you can play for another country other than your birth country. This is why like half the Swiss team is Canadian.

This is why Canadian born Brett Hull and Adam Deadmarsh are on Team USA.

Indeed... if Holik isn't playing internationally, it's personal politics and not IIHF rule preventing him.

As opposed to that other Rangers Czech center, Nedved, who not only got Canadian citizenship but also played international contests with Team Canada. *HE* is now ineligible to play for the CZE team.

Lagenbrunner certainly has a chance to make team USA.

Pandolfo has no chance.

Lagenbrunner certainly has a chance to make team USA.

Pandolfo has no chance.

I agree with this.

Pando just isn't an impact player and isn't in the spotlight enough to get a good look. He's played well in key games but there are too many other players that are more effective than he is.

Langs should easily make the team after his last year and a half of steady success. I'd say that a 3rd line role is not out of the question but he'd probably end up playing on the 4th line.

Langs should easily make the team after his last year and a half of steady success. I'd say that a 3rd line role is not out of the question but he'd probably end up playing on the 4th line.

I wouldn't say easily, but if he continues his play the rest of this seaon and has a good playoffs he should get a spot.

He can't afford to have a so-so year like some other US players could.

Gomez. I'm not sure what type of ice surface they'll be playing on, but if it's Olympic size, I want Gomer on my team!

Gomez. I'm not sure what type of ice surface they'll be playing on, but if it's Olympic size, I want Gomer on my team!

NHL ice surfaces will be used for team USA & Canada.

It would be tough for Gomez to crack the lineup. USA already has Modano, Roenick, and Weight down the middle. I'd expect a more defensive minded 4th line center this time around, but I'm not Larry Pleau.