After receiving a silver medal in the Vancouver 2010 Olympics, the United States will try to go one step further in Sochi 2014. While the offensive talent may not match that of Sweden, Russia, or especially Canada, Team USA's major strength is goaltending. All five goalies invited to camp are some of the best in the NHL, and the United States will use them as an advantage against all other teams.
Any of the five goalies invited to camp are good enough to be the starter, but here is how they stack up overall.
1. Jonathan Quick
The 2012 Conn Smythe Trophy winner who led his Los Angeles Kings to a Stanley Cup just over a year ago is one of the best goalies in the world and will likely be the starter for Team USA. He has an ability to take over a game unlike anyone else, and is the man you would want in net against the best goal scorers on the planet.
Quick was part of Team USA in 2010, but did not get to play much as he was overshadowed by Tim Thomas and Ryan Miller.
2. Craig Anderson
Before an injury that caused him to miss a lot of time last season, Anderson was considered a favorite to not only win the Vezina Trophy as the NHL's best goalie, but the Hart Trophy as league MVP.
The Ottawa Senators' goalie is one of the best in the league, and is used to facing lots of shots as he is always among the league leaders in total saves. Like Quick, he can take over a game if his defense crumbles, keeping Team USA within reach of its opponent regardless of who it is.
3. Jimmy Howard
Howard has been known to give up soft goals at times, but he is still one of the most talented goaltenders in the NHL. He was a huge part of the Detroit Red Wings' Cinderella run this past spring, stealing games from the Anaheim Ducks and mighty Chicago Blackhawks.
The native of Maine seems to improve every year, and 2014 will be his fifth season in the NHL. If the trend continues, he could challenge Quick and Anderson and even become the starter for the Americans.
4. Cory Schneider
After months and months of controversy in Vancouver, the Canucks decided to keep Roberto Luongo as their starting goaltender and shipped off Schneider to New Jersey. 2013-14 will be his first year as a full-time starter, and he has a lot to prove.
Just because Schneider is ranked fourth on this list does not mean he isn't a great goaltender. He has shown that, at times, he can be one of the best there is; however, he never had the opportunity to be a starter day in and day out. That may change in 2014, and he could be a diamond in the rough for Team USA.
5. Ryan Miller
Buffalo Sabres goalie Ryan Miller was the star of the 2010 Olympics, as he became a household name all around the world. Since then, however, his play has declined and he is even being challenged for a starting spot in Buffalo by Jhonas Enroth.
If Miller can return to the same level he was at in 2010, it would be great for Team USA as well as the Sabres. It doesn't appear likely, but stranger things have happened.
Miller is still a decent goaltender, but he probably will not compete with Quick, Anderson, or Howard for the starting job on Team USA.