Rabid Ranger said:
Based on NHL play up to this point here's who I would have on the U.S. squad:
Forwards:
Tkachuk-Modano-Guerin
Malone-Weight-Parrish
Knuble-Gomez-Gionta
Cole-Conroy-Rolston
Defense:
Leetch-Miller
Schneider-Leopold
Mara-Liles
Rafalski-Carney
Goaltenders:
DiPietro
Esche
Miller
I was waiting for an updated list from you Ranger! That last list you did, was pretty rough on the eyes!! anyways. I think that is a better team, but I have some different guys that I would choose. I will say I am tired of reading these fools just completely disregard this US team as crap. This might not be 96' or 02' for that matter, but a 6th place finish? This team is better then the 04' World Cup team, and will surprise a bunch of people and medal. I am not saying we are a gold medal team, but we definitely can take home the silver because outside of Canada, everyone has their flaws.
Forwards
Keith Tkachuk-needs to show desire again and regain best powerforward status
Mike Modano-showing that he is still amazing to watch, few are better then Mod
Bill Guerin-having a solid year, will reach 40 goals by years end, true leader
Jeremy Roenick-cant see him not being on this team, he is American hockey
Dustin Brown- the new blood era begins with this stud, having great rookie year
Mike Knuble-takes over for Deadmarsh, finally gets his chance to shine for US
Doug Weight-very few are better then Weight with playmaking ability, might be C
Erik Cole-again more new blood, earning his spot on this team, future 40 goal PF
Brian Gionta-need his speed and talent, never gives in, Fleury like heart w/out probl
Ryan Malone-having great second year despite numbers, future power forward stud
Scott Gomez-best playmaker in the league, slow start, always finishes strong
Brian Rolston-speedster, plays all-around game, need this energy guy for tourney
Zach Parise-so-so start, will only get better, he will be on this team, new blood
(Craig Conroy-spare, does everything right, very underated, great player to have as emergency)
Defense
Brian Leetch-should be C, still has so much talent, American leader
Mathieu Schneider-just like Leetch, need his leadership, talent, and experience
J-M Liles-stud! has all the tools, making a case for Norris trophy early on
Jordan Leopold-not scoring yet, but has all the tools, future of US team on D
Paul Mara-finally showing talent and why he was a high draft pick, great shot!
Ryan Whitney-kid has it all, will make strong case for Rok of year by years end
Chris Chelios-why not! still battles and doesnt look bad, guy is immortal and leader
Bryan Berard/Tim Gleason-either way both have earned it so far. Berard is so gifted Offensively, he practically gets a point on all of Columbus' goals. Gleason is future captain material, LA loves this kid, plays tough, loves to hit, might make this squad
Goalies
Rick Dipietro-plays for mediocre team, but has all the tools to carry them to playoffs
Robert Esche-has confidence back, Flyers #1 man, should be US #1 man in Feb.
Ryan Miller-got hurt, but is a stud, adds depth to a great young group of US goalies
Lines
Knuble, Modano, Guerin
Tkachuk, Weight, Gionta
Cole, Roenick, Brown
Malone, Gomez, Rolston
Parise
Leetch/Schneider
Liles/Mara
Leopold/Chelios
Whitney/Berard
Esche
Dipietro
Miller
we shall see how it all turns out.