US Olympic Team

[Mr. Colby]

I love where the committee's heads were - focus was on speed and versatility. After reading through the thought process, i can understand why Ryan was left off. 5 centers was a must. I don't like Stastny, but I can understand why they need him - if one of the centers goes down he can step into a top-6 role, whereas Dubinsky would not fit with those type of guys.

Lineup is looking something like this:

Parise-Kesler-Kane
JVR-Backes-Kessel
Brown-Pavelski-Callahan
Pacioretty-Stepan-Wheeler
Stastny, Oshie

Suter-Martin
McDonagh-Faulk
Orpik-Shattenkirk
Fowler-Carlson

I can certainly see Callahan bumping back down with MaxPac and Stepan, Pavelski moving up with the Leafs, and Brown-Backes-Oshie forming an unbelievable third line.

[Idoit40fans]

Yeah i like those alternative lines you have at the bottom there

[Mr. Colby]

With the mix of skill and grit of the forwards, you really don't need a game-breaking defenseman. You need eight guys that can play solid hockey in both ends, be calm with the puck, and make a crisp outlet pass.

I believe they have exactly that with this group of eight. The only one that makes me nervous defensively is Shattenkirk, but he's definitely visibly better than Yandle defensively, and the Lefty/Righty thing made him an easy choice.

[Mr. Colby]

Yeah i like those alternative lines you have at the bottom there

Me too, top lines were based on what i read in the Burnside article.

[MRandall25]

I definitely think Oshie is going to get regular time, because he's a pretty good player. Question is (given the roster Colby put up), do you take out Callahan? Wheeler? Stepan (because Oshie can play center or wing)?

Also, keep in mind that Bylsma likes to mix lines a little. Would be interesting to see if Kane takes a few faceoffs every now.

[Idoit40fans]

Lookin at the roster, wheeler and stastny jump out at me as the extras.

[Mr. Colby]

Agreed. My guess is the healthy scratches would be Stastny and either Carlson or Fowler.

[mikey287]

Do not scratch Cam Fowler.

[MRandall25]

From the Burnside article:

"He is not intense. That word is not in his vocabulary," Burke says (about Bobby Ryan). "It's never going to be in his vocabulary. He can't spell intense."

I chuckled.

[Mr. Colby]

I loved Fowler his rookie year. His last 2 were less than stellar. I've seen him play probably 4 or 5 times this year and have been thoroughly impressed. He was the best player on the ice against the Pens.

[Lt. Dish]

Nothing like the Olympic spirit to make us forget our petty internet squabbles and come together to support our national program and its players, right?

U

LOL. Yes. You've got most of the American posters on HF practically willing to defect to North Korea over Orpik's selection.

S

Burnside's article on the team selection was probably the best thing I've ever read by him. I found it fascinating.

[MRandall25]

The butt-hurt over Yandle's "snub" is quite hilarious.

[Beveridge]

Though very little noted involvement from Shero...

Considering Shero learned under Poile, I doubt they had too many clashing thoughts on the roster build. I would say the involvement of either was equal to the other but Poile is the "head" GM.

[Big Easy Pens Fan]

Nothing like the Olympic spirit to make us forget our petty internet squabbles and come together to support our national program and its players, right?

U

LOL. Yes. You've got most of the American posters on HF practically willing to defect to North Korea over Orpik's selection.

S

Burnside's article on the team selection was probably the best thing I've ever read by him. I found it fascinating.

I guess I'll take on the responsibility/honor of finishing what was started.


A

[mbowman14]

Forgive the ignorance, but how many can dress for a game at the Olympics and is that the same # for all international competitions?

[Big Easy Pens Fan]

The real crime is Crosby's snub;

When did Nova Scotia secede from Canada and be granted USA statehood?

BEPF

[Big Easy Pens Fan]

People who think that this team is going to be a pushover, are losing their minds. This team is actually really gritty. They are going to be a pain in the ass to play against. They might not have the finesse, but they are going to be very good. They should medal.

This!

BEPF

[penny lane]

Congrats to Brooks & Paul Martin!

U S A

[brwi]

I like the roster. Any forward injuries between now and then and you bring in Saad, who I would have liked to see go ahead of Wheeler, but hard to argue with what the US brain-trust is doing here. The Burnside piece was excellent and a rare look at how these decisions are made from start to finish. There are going to be a few players with a case of butt-hurt after reading this too

[KG]

Saw an article where Poille said that they didn't take the 25 best players, but they took the 25 they thought would be the best team. We'll see how this plays out...

Surprised Stephan made the team. Okposo and his 40 points would have fit nicely on this team.

[Shakes]

Forgive the ignorance, but how many can dress for a game at the Olympics and is that the same # for all international competitions?

I think you can dress 20 for each Olympic game.

Not sure about other comps.

[Shakes]

Saw an article where Poille said that they didn't take the 25 best players, but they took the 25 they thought would be the best team. We'll see how this plays out...

Surprised Stephan made the team. Okposo and his 40 points would have fit nicely on this team.

Okposo's play has improved significantly in the last 12-18 months. Still not surprised he didn't make it but surprised that it doesn't sound (from the Burnside piece) like he was even considered much, if at all.

[ExPatriatePen]

Would anyone like to speculate on PP and PK?

[Shakes]

PP:

Parise, Kessel, Kane
Suter, Shattenkirk

JVR-Pavelski-Backes
Fowler, Carlson/Faulk

PK:

Kesler, Backes
Suter, Martin

Brown, Oshie
Orpik, McDonagh

[mikey287]

2nd PP...Pavelski at right point, Faulk - RHS - at the left for his shot. 1st unit needs a center to take the faceoff.