2010 Olympics: Picking Team USA

by James Mirtle on Dec 31, 2009 9:42 AM CST Comment 58 comments

Kate Humphrey - AP

I'm afraid I didn't have the time to run the full Behind The Net treatment for the American squad today, but here are the basic totals along with my picks (highlighted in yellow):

	Goaltenders	Team	GP	W	L	OT	GAA	Sv%
1	Ryan Miller	BUF	33	21	8	3	2.05	0.933
2	Jonathan Quick	LAK	36	20	13	3	2.63	0.903
3	Craig Anderson	COL	34	19	9	5	2.68	0.916
4	Jimmy Howard	DET	23	12	8	2	2.26	0.921
5	Tim Thomas	BOS	24	10	9	5	2.42	0.918
6	Ty Conklin	STL	13	6	5	1	2.49	0.924

Miller's the starter, no matter what, and I think you've got to take Thomas given he won the Vezina last season. Whether Anderson or one of the youngsters goes is up for debate, but if there's an injury, I'd rather have the guy who's carried the mail for the Avs this season.

	Defencemen	Team	GP	G	A	P	+/-	TOI/G
1	Andy Greene	NJD	35	5	18	23	10	23:59
2	Ryan Whitney	ANA	39	3	19	22	4	25:35
3	Erik Johnson	STL	38	4	17	21	0	21:42
4	Ryan Suter	NSH	40	2	18	20	5	24:07
5	Keith Yandle	PHX	41	6	13	19	4	20:08
6	Matt Carle	PHI	39	2	17	19	13	23:27
7	Alex Goligoski	PIT	31	6	12	18	9	22:14
8	Zach Bogosian	ATL	39	8	8	16	-10	22:36
9	James Wisniewski	ANA	34	1	15	16	0	23:46
10	Jack Johnson	LAK	39	4	11	15	-13	22:54
11	Brian Rafalski	DET	35	2	13	15	7	24:03
12	John-Michael Liles	COL	28	3	11	14	-3	18:31
13	Brooks Orpik	PIT	37	0	14	14	5	19:57
14	Jordan Leopold	FLA	40	5	8	13	-6	22:23
15	Tim Gleason	CAR	31	5	7	12	-3	21:46
16	Joe Corvo	CAR	27	4	8	12	-10	25:33
17	Keith Ballard	FLA	40	2	10	12	-3	21:30
18	Ron Hainsey	ATL	37	3	8	11	-10	21:28
19	Chris Butler	BUF	27	0	10	10	-10	20:36
20	Tom Gilbert	EDM	40	2	7	9	-2	21:00
21	Mike Komisarek	TOR	33	0	4	4	-9	19:55
22	Paul Martin	NJD	9	0	2	2	1	23:57

Mostly the usual suspects here, although Martin is still nursing a broken arm and may not be ready to go. Greene, meanwhile, has been phenomenal for the Devils and is my "out there" pick. There have been some strong hints that Komisarek is going to be a part of this team, and my guess is he'd replace Greene. Johnson is also on the bubble given his recent struggles, and someone like Yandle or Goligoski would be a good choice in the youth department.

	Forwards	Team	GP	G	A	P	+/-	TOI/G
1	Patrick Kane	CHI	39	17	27	44	13	19:01
2	Zach Parise	NJD	38	17	25	42	21	19:47
3	Paul Stastny	COL	41	9	30	39	9	21:33
4	Ryan Malone	TBL	40	19	16	35	8	19:30
5	Bobby Ryan	ANA	39	19	14	33	4	19:19
6	Ryan Kesler	VAN	40	10	23	33	-1	19:29
7	Jamie Langenbrunner	NJD	38	9	22	31	10	20:01
8	Tim Connolly	BUF	39	9	20	29	2	18:35
9	Bill Guerin	PIT	41	12	16	28	6	17:43
10	Dustin Brown	LAK	40	9	19	28	-4	19:12
11	R.J. Umberger	CBJ	41	13	14	27	-13	18:58
12	Kyle Okposo	NYI	40	6	21	27	-4	20:22
13	Jason Pominville	BUF	39	10	17	27	4	18:48
14	Scott Gomez	MTL	38	5	20	25	2	19:47
15	Jason Blake	TOR	41	9	15	24	1	15:36
16	David Legwand	NSH	40	8	16	24	-2	19:32
17	Phil Kessel	TOR	29	14	8	22	0	20:05
18	Brian Rolston	NJD	37	13	9	22	3	17:42
19	Matt Cullen	CAR	39	8	14	22	-2	18:38
20	Keith Tkachuk	STL	37	8	14	22	-2	14:14
21	Lee Stempniak	TOR	41	10	11	21	-4	18:07
22	James van Riemsdyk	PHI	36	7	13	20	2	13:20
23	Ryan Callahan	NYR	39	9	10	19	-11	19:37
24	Drew Stafford	BUF	36	9	10	19	1	14:50
25	T.J. Oshie	STL	35	7	12	19	-4	17:40
26	David Backes	STL	39	9	9	18	-3	17:53
27	Joe Pavelski	SJS	24	7	11	18	9	19:14
28	Mike Knuble	WSH	27	6	12	18	6	16:10
29	Dustin Byfuglien	CHI	39	11	5	16	-2	16:06
30	Brandon Dubinsky	NYR	26	6	10	16	8	19:09
31	Mike Modano	DAL	26	6	8	14	0	14:27
32	Chris Drury	NYR	34	5	9	14	-7	17:09

I didn't go with any defensive specialists like Paul Gaustad, etc., but it's certainly possible the Americans go that route. Personally, I think they've got enough talent to simply pick the best 23 players — including more firepower than people think up front.

Rafalski or Langenbrunner would make good captains, or potentially even Guerin if he gets the call.

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I think Backes is a lock to make the team

He’s the sort of player Burke loves.

by briandunne on Dec 31, 2009 9:45 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Additionally...

He has been out doing press for USA Hockey and Team USA: NHL.com and the Today Show on NBC. IIRC, he was also a part of the 2004 WJC gold medal team.

That is not to say that he is a 100% lock, but I doubt he will be left at home.

Let's Go Wild!

by redheadzeb on Dec 31, 2009 11:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Backes is going to be on team USA as well.

by Eric B on Dec 31, 2009 5:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Even as a Sabres fan

There’s no chance in hell that both Connolly and Pominville make the team. One is possible, I would think.

Honestly, I think there’s a better chance that Gaustad does over either player. Not to mention I’d want the leadership of Guerin just as you said.

And I agree with the Backes comment above.

So Guerin over Connolly, Backes over Pominville, and I still think Gaustad would get left out in the cold because I don’t know who I’d take out out of the guys that would make it.

by Afino on Dec 31, 2009 10:18 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I’ve lobbied for Gaustad. He’s good at faceoffs and what surprised and impressed me is he played like 20 minutes against the Penguins a couple weeks ago (16:30 is his season average). I’d include him over Pominville, if only because he’s been so good at faceoffs and that would give the US an edge, and we can use any advantage out there.

I’ve seen Guerin up close and he’s done well. Selfishly for Pittsburgh’s sake, I almost hope he gets a 2 week vacation to rest the old bones. But he’s played well this season keeping up with Crosby and is leadership would be a big boost. I don’t think he’s a slam dunk that he should be on the team, but he’s got a lot to offer still.

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by Hooks Orpik on Dec 31, 2009 10:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

This team does need a fourth center after Stastny, Pavelski, and Kesler. Gomez, Drury, Modano…none of them have played that well this year. I think it really depends if the team decides to go with more of a checking line or more of another scoring line to choose someone like Connolly over Gaustad.

by c0nquistad0rian on Dec 31, 2009 10:59 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Paul Gaustad is the type of player that the States could really use on their team as an excellent face-off and PK that would be as low-maintenance as they come. In fact I would be suprised if he didn’t make the team given that Burke is the one running the show.

Suprised to see James and others leave off Modano and Guerin. Guerin has somewhat had a rebirth (if you call it) since joining the Penguins at the deadline last season. I agree Hooks that his veteran leadership could be needed for this very youthful team and the same goes for Modano who has been the face of U.S. hockey for a very long time. To leave off the leading scorer amongst American-born players would be a shame as he could provide some much needed leadership as a 13th forward.

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by hawks61 on Dec 31, 2009 12:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

There’s a fine line between providing leadership and just getting in the way.

I think at this point, he’s not going to help the US much.

by Afino on Dec 31, 2009 6:11 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I just didn’t see either being on the team (and as it turns out, neither were). They’ve got leadership there from Rafalski, Langenbrunner, etc.

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by James Mirtle on Jan 1, 2010 3:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Will Martin be ready? He recently had to have another surgery and was said to be out until late January, going off the timetable. That doesn’t leave much time to get back into game-shape and be strong enough to compete at such a high level. Gotta have doubts on his readiness.

I’d bump him. I bet they’ll take Komisarek, but I might add Bogosian or Ballard.

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by Hooks Orpik on Dec 31, 2009 10:34 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I could take Bogosian and Ballard over Greene/Whitney/Johnson.

In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.

by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 31, 2009 3:55 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Drury makes this team, it will be comical testament to the strength of his “legend”. He’s had a horrible, horrible year, and last year wasn’t much better.

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by poploser on Dec 31, 2009 11:33 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

BUT HE SCORES BIG GOALS.
/announcer treatment

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by Dominik on Dec 31, 2009 11:58 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think that font needs to be louder to be truly authentic.

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by Baroque on Dec 31, 2009 4:28 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But he won the Little League World Series back in ’87! The man is clutch!

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by Doogie2K on Dec 31, 2009 12:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

But there’s no salary cap in the Olympics!

In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.

by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 31, 2009 3:56 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s great, cause Sather probably thinks Drury is due for a raise.

Glen Sather is a Hockey Genius.

http://glensathersucks.com/
http://twitter.com/ThGeneralissimo

by poploser on Dec 31, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well your thought was correct.

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by twoeightnine on Jan 1, 2010 3:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Incredibly so.

I thought of it and laughed when I heard Burke say this:

“A player who might not have had a great start this year but his body of work in the last 16 months has been impressive, that carried a lot of weight with us.”

Huh.

Lighthouse Hockey: Eyes on Tavares, mug full of Moulson.

by Dominik on Jan 1, 2010 4:13 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

He spent his offseason tearing up the golf course I guess.

All your tshirt needs.

by twoeightnine on Jan 1, 2010 5:38 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs

Byfuglien?

The make-up of this squad should be interesting with Burke running the show. It wouldn’t be suprising to see Byfuglien make this team with his size and willingness to use it not to mention his shot. He also is very good at screening the opposition’s netminder (Luongo still has nightmares) and would be a load to move out in front of the net especially given Canada’s undersized defence corps. He may turn out to be one of those unsung heroes in a tournament like this.

by hawks61 on Dec 31, 2009 11:53 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

Take Quick

he very well could be the guy in 2014, and I don’t think who the 3rd goalie is is going to make much of a difference in terms of this year.

Id like to see Guerin on the team to be the veteran leader, and maybe a guy like Oshie who can throw his weight around a bit.

by fetch9 on Dec 31, 2009 11:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

agreed on Quick. Anderson is having a great year so far, but I think he’s a bit redundant with Thomas and Miller.

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by bigonetimer on Dec 31, 2009 12:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I think Anderson, thomas and Miller as the starter. Quick will get his chance in 2014.

by Eric B on Dec 31, 2009 5:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

so take him now

Anderson isn’t going to get a game anyways, so what is the point?

by fetch9 on Dec 31, 2009 5:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

You get to the tourney and Miller goes down with an injury. Now you’re looking at Quick playing meaningful games and Anderson sitting at home.

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by James Mirtle on Jan 1, 2010 4:01 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas will play second if Miller goes down… But Anderson is better than Quick. That is a head scratcher.

by Eric B on Jan 1, 2010 4:05 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Thomas is always all over the place… I mean, he’s generally a great goalie, but what if he’s in a down swing at the Games?

It’s definitely not unforeseeable that the third goalie gets into action.

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by James Mirtle on Jan 1, 2010 4:07 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

If Miller gets hurt

the US is going down in flames anyways. Doesn’t matter if it’s with Quick or with Anderson

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by fetch9 on Jan 1, 2010 4:37 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Anderson’s stolen his share of games this season.

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by James Mirtle on Jan 1, 2010 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

It will be an absolute crime if Tim Gleason does not make team USA.

I may pull for team Finland if he gets snubbed….

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Dec 31, 2009 1:12 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If Gleason makes team USA then I will be pulling for the canes to win the cup

by pat91 on Dec 31, 2009 8:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The ’Canes goose is cooked this year…. But for Tim Gleason not to be picked… when punchlines like Jack Johnson were chosen…. that is a joke!

Burke for king donkey…..

by Mateos_Canes_Lamp on Jan 2, 2010 11:39 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

The Caps fan part of me secretly hopes that Mike Knuble makes the team. Goaltending will be great—Anderson over Quick as 3G for sure.

"My face is my mask."

by jakeshapiro on Dec 31, 2009 1:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think Knuble would be out of place at all. He’s shown he’s got a lot in the tank.

It’s probably come down to guys like Pominville, Callahan, Knuble, Guerin and Backes fighting over maybe 1-2 spots. There’s pluses for all of them.

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by Hooks Orpik on Dec 31, 2009 2:19 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree that Knuble is probably in that same category as Guerin, but I personally don’t want either on the team. Knuble still looks like he’s struggling with his timing after the hand injury but he’s been getting better and I think he’ll be rounded back into form by February. I’d still prefer some of the younger guys, and if we are going with one of the tough Blues, I’m taking Oshie.

In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.

by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 31, 2009 3:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

The only way Team America wins is if Miller shuts the door every single game. Because there isn’t a name mentioned thus far – with the possible exception of Stastny – who’d make the Team Canada C team.

by garth the hoser on Dec 31, 2009 1:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Patrick Kane? Zach Parise?

"My face is my mask."

by jakeshapiro on Dec 31, 2009 1:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

They’d make TC B Team at worst ;).

by Vinn on Dec 31, 2009 5:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t think USA has the pure top-end skill of a Canada, but there’s a very deep second tier of players. Guys like Okposo, Oshie, Umberger and Byfuglien probably won’t make the national team but are players that any NHL fan would love to have in a key role on their teams.

The USA has a ton of good, good players; probably not as many great ones by relative comparison. Games though aren’t played on paper, we’ll see how it shakes out. As deep and as great as Canada is, 7th place last time out. Just sayin

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by Hooks Orpik on Dec 31, 2009 2:22 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I’d also take Umberger over either of Mirtle’s picked BUF forwards. Big Buf intrigues me but I’m not sure I have him on my team yet. I also think Roslton should be getting more attention.

In an ideal world all ten fingers would be on my left hand so my right hand could just be a fist for punching.

by Fehr and Balanced on Dec 31, 2009 4:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t know. I like Goose there for FO and PK… considering how good (overall) Canada’s FO% should be, they could use someone with Gaustad’s skillset, even as a 13th specialist type. Without that kind of deep top-end elite talent of CAN/RUS/SWE, USA needs an edge anywhere they can get it. I also don’t think USA takes both Connolly and Pominville either.

by Vinn on Dec 31, 2009 5:25 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Parise

makes Canada’s “A” team. probably Kane too.

by disposablehero on Dec 31, 2009 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Stastny

Would be no worse than Canada B (and I’d rather have him on the A team than Staal). Kesler, Kessel and Langenbrunner are also more than good enough for Canada B.

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by Back In Black on Jan 1, 2010 1:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i thought pominville was from canada?

by manic hispanic on Dec 31, 2009 1:55 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Pominville is from Canada, but his mother is American so he has dual citizenship (a Brett Hull situation, kinda).

Unsurprisingly, he wanted to play internationally. Obviously he’s got a much better chance for the US and elected to compete for America.

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by Hooks Orpik on Dec 31, 2009 2:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't overlook Bogosian....

sure he plays for the Thrashers, but he has the most goals out of all the defensemen and he is only 19. We need at least 1 scoring d-man on the roster. Also, I would pick Oshie for a 4th line center. His stats might not impress, but he has remarkable skill and heart. He can make a big play when you need it.

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by stonewall jackson on Dec 31, 2009 3:30 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

He is a minus 10 on a team that is over .500. It would be quite a risk to match him up against some of the worlds best.

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by pat91 on Dec 31, 2009 8:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Gaustad or Modano

probably make the team in the win faceoffs/checking line role. I would think Modano has a good chance because of his history and the fact that he’s still an effective player.

I take Quick over Andersen simply for the “grooming for the future” thing… Quick will likely be Team USA’s no. 2 in four years (assuming NHL participation).

by disposablehero on Dec 31, 2009 4:51 PM CST reply actions 0 recs