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WJC: 2016 — USA Roster Talk (Part II)

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very happy to see this start.

overall, I don't think they could have done any better in such a tough matchup to kick this off. this team has talent, and boy did that second pair and step up. if Borgen and Belpedio can play like this, we will do just fine.

didn't think Eansor belonged on the ice at all, just not a fan and don't see the need for him to be here. Hitchcock was ok nothing special but played his role. I thought Schmaltz was awesome out there, so damn effective and engaged away from the puck as well...kid could be a leader here this time.

DeBrincat got hosed a bit on a stupid play but hopefully he keeps it in check and nets a few against Sweden next.

Matthews was well, a stud, nothing more and nothing less. He is legit.

there was a lot of sloppy play but expected. defense was strong which was all our fear and the goaltending was great. this team could go all the way if they keep trending in the right direction. still a lot to see here as this team has 3 lines that will keep you on your toes.

excellent start and enjoyed Ron Wilson, his approach, and game plan...makes a big difference when you have a legit coach at the helm.
 
I thought it was a deserved ejection. You cant do that. Suspension certainly would be over the top, though.

Carlo and Werenski were wonderfully solid today. Milano too.
 
White-Dvorak-Milano were dominant the entire 2nd and 3rd both offensively and defensively. Dvorak and White were the number one PK unit on the 5 min penalty they killed against Canada. That was the best line in this game and they set the tone for this game. Canada should have scored a goal at least on that 5 min.
 
Lol Garyboy that's great! He would be the guy to try and come to the country's defense when they lose a big game. I remember after all 3 canadian teams had poor showings at the 2014 World U17 Hockey Challenge (Nov) and he had to write up that piece on the TSN website on not to panic. :laugh:

Anyway AD I agree with you're post, the way you feel about Eansor is how I felt about Donato. He had two attempted shots but I don't think he did anything and was sloppy when the puck came to him. Could have been some nerves though, so we'll see how he plays against the Swedes. Thought Bjork had a decent game though, hard on the forecheck and tough on pucks in the D and neutral zone.
 
Great first step. They need to keep getting better as the tournament progresses, that is really what this is all about and something the last two additions failed at. Still a lot to like especially how the bigger mystery pairings played yesterday.

One thing that really jumped out to me, McAvoy has a great stick, really impressive for a draft eligible D-man to break up that many plays and shot attempts with his stick. It was really uncanny as you watched the game just how disruptive that was/is and a huge NHL indicator in terms of that skill level.
 
Thought they played well, with Matthews, White, Werenski were as advertised. McAvoy and Belpedio played much better than I thought they would. Carlo was really solid as well. Nedeljkovic played great and D did a great job limiting 2nd chances. Tons of blocked shots from forwards and Defense were great.

Not to nitpick, but thought Tkachuk played well down low in the offensive zone particularly below the dots but his skating was a glaring weakness in the transition game. Had a hard time keeping up with Matthews and with DeBrincat out, it became more apparent.

Also Milano is great in open ice but his lack of strength in the corners really stood out. Flat out gave up on pucks when things got physical. Happened at least 5 times.

Just not as high on Tkachuk and Milano as other people are. Overall a great game though. Matthews looked like he was just getting more and more comfortable as the game went on. He's going to have some monster games going forward.
 
I thought Belpedio was arguably the best defenseman for the USA last night. He knew exactly when to get into the rush and had great instincts. Everyone said the D would the be the weak link, but man, they looked super solid last night. Belpedio, Carlo, Werenski, all looked great. There were some points in the first two periods where the D had a lot of trouble breaking out of their own zone. I thought Krys and McAvoy looked their age a bit when trying to transition. The transition game needs improvement and the offense was sputtering at times. But when Canada is your opponent it's hard to expect a perfect game. Matthews showed flashes of why he's going to go first overall. i have to say, he also looks really big, much bigger than other guys. I had to watch the game on my computer so maybe things looked a little off.


Also, I've never seen Debrincat play, except for some grainy highlight vids, and holy **** the dude is tiny. It was unfortunate he was ejected because I was really looking forward to seeing him for the first time. For the record that ejection was laughable.
 
magic school bus said:
5 & a game was fair. You absolutely cannot do that stuff - especially internationally. I wouldn't be surprised if he got suspended a game on top of it.
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I have respectfully disagree, vehemently. It was deserving of a penalty, and if they had a double minor in international hockey than I would give it that, but that wasn't ejection worthy. As far as spears go that one was fairly light.
 
I love how for some reason people hold up the IIHF rulebook like its some gospel and you can't argue with it, but when it comes to the NHL everyone wants to "let them play" and can't stand any penalty being called. I guess when your team benefits from these terrible calls you want the book thrown at these kids.

I don't care that this is an international tournament. That "spear" was a two minute penalty. Save the 5 Minute/Game Misconduct penalties for actual spears and head shots.
 
William H Bonney said:
Jimmy Vesey did as well, although it took him some time to acclimate at the tournament.
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Great call. Vesey started out AWFUL! But he ended up being a key addition to the top line. Good coaching, recognizing and not giving up on him. And credit to the player for overcoming whatever was bothering him in Games 1 and 2.
 
How people are questioning the spearing call is beyond me. Coming from a US fan. It was a bonehead play and he got what he deserved.
 
Crazy trivia question hoping someone can answer. Can anyone name the last few draft eligible US players to make the team that were not playing college, NTDP, or CHL in that draft year? Auston Matthews is one, but I can't think of any others. Thinking of guys playing USHL, HS, etc.
 
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