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2010 Olympic Performance: 2nd (L) 3-2, Canada - Silver Medal
Winnipeg Jets' representation: Blake Wheeler (RW)
Players to Watch: Patrick Kane (RW), Phil Kessel (RW), Ryan Miller (G), Zach Parise (LW)
Tournament Dark Horse: T.J. Oshie (RW)
Schedule
DATE | TIME | EVENT |
February 13, 2014 | 6:30AM | SVK vs. USA |
February 15, 2014 | 6:30AM | USA vs. RUS |
February 16, 2014 | 6:30AM | SLO vs. USA |
Roster
Goalies | NHL Club |
Jimmy Howard | Detroit Red Wings |
Ryan Miller | Buffalo Sabres |
Jonathan Quick | Los Angeles Kings |
Defensemen | NHL Club |
John Carlson | Washington Capitals |
Justin Faulk | Carolina Hurricanes |
Cam Fowler | Anaheim Ducks |
Paul Martin | Pittsburgh Penguins |
Ryan McDonagh | New York Rangers |
Brooks Orpik | Pittsburgh Penguins |
Kevin Shattenkirk | St. Louis Blues |
Ryan Suter | Minnesota Wild |
Forwards | NHL Club |
David Backes | St. Louis Blues |
Dustin Brown | Los Angeles Kings |
Ryan Callahan | New York Rangers |
Patrick Kane | Chicago Blackhawks |
Ryan Kesler | Vancouver Canucks |
Phil Kessel | Toronto Maple Leafs |
T.J. Oshie | St. Louis Blues |
Max Pacioretty | Montreal Canadiens |
Zach Parise | Minnesota Wild |
Joe Pavelski | San Jose Sharks |
Paul Stastny | Colorado Avalanche |
Derek Stepan | New York Rangers |
James van Riemsdyk | Toronto Maple Leafs |
Blake Wheeler | Winnipeg Jets |
Injuries
none
Strengths
An abundance of wingers: Just by taking a cursory glance at their roster, you can tell that the American's boast the best talent on the wing of any country in this tournament. Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel and Zach Parise headline a list of players who are more than capable of filling the net for USA Hockey. The program has come a long way from where it was even looking back ten years ago.
Decent goaltending: While perhaps not the most elite, there's no reason to scoff at any of the three goaltenders that the USA will showcase at these games. Ryan Miller was a tournament all-star in 2010 and had his teammates one golden goal away from wining the whole thing. He's also put up consistent numbers despite playing for the dumpster fire that is the Buffalo Sabres. Jonathan Quick has risen the ranks of the NHL over the past few years, winning a Stanley Cup in 2012 with the Los Angeles Kings. Though he has been spotty in 2013-14 when healthy, his acumen is still strong. Jimmy Howard rounds out the trio but will likely be used sparingly if at all as he has battled most of this season with a knee injury.
Weaknesses
Dump and chase: This American roster does have plenty of skill, to be sure. But David Poile and his team of General Managers made some interesting roster decisions such as taking Ryan Callahan, Derek Stepan and Brooks Orpik over more offensively minded players in Bobby Ryan, Kyle Okposo, Dustin Byfuglien or Keith Yandle. Given this tournament is being played on international ice, there might not be enough speed and skill to carry the American's to the podium.