Sochi Olympic Hockey 2014: Team USA Preview

By Adam Rickert on Friday, February 7th 2014
Sochi Olympic Hockey 2014: Team USA Preview

The United States will be out for revenge in Sochi after winning every game of the 2010 tournament until losing in overtime to Canada in the Gold Medal match. This year, the team looks poised to make a run at a medal again. Here's a look at the full roster and what to expect from Team USA in Sochi.

 

Forwards

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), TJ 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)

While many teams in Sochi will be based on offense, Team USA's forwards show a similar trend: a two-way game. While playeres like Kane, Kessel, Parise and Pavelski are known for putting the puck in the net, other players like Backes, Brown and Callahan are gritty defensive forwards that can cause all sorts of turnovers.

It will be interesting to see how coach Dan Bylsma creates the offensive lines for this team. One line in particular that was deadly in Vancouver in 2010 was the trio of Kane, Kesler and Parise. Expect them to be back together as the team's top scoring line.

 

Defensemen

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)

While Team USA has drawn criticism for taking defensemen like Orpik and Martin over Keith Yandle or Dustin Byfuglien, the roster suggests a more defensive style of play on the blue line as well. Yes, the defensemen are rather young, but fast legs will be key on a larger ice surface in Sochi.

 

Goaltenders

Jimmy Howard (Detroit Red Wings), Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres), Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings)

Miller was the star of the 2010 Olympics, but his play in the NHL has not been like it used to be since then. Quick, on the other hand, has become arguably the best goaltender on the planet since then; however, he has struggled mightily over the past few weeks.

While Howard has been playing well recently, it appears that Miller is the favorite to start. Regardless of who gets the nod, Team USA certainly has one of the deepest goaltending trios going to Sochi.

 

Prediction: Bronze. Team USA is very deep in all facets of the game, and a more defensive style could pay dividends against some of the explosive offenses it will be up against. Heading into the Olympics, it appears that the United States should be ranked third, behind only Canada and Sweden, based on how the teams look on paper.

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