WJC: 2025 Team USA Roster Talk

[bobber]

Drew Fortescues family beat the piss out of a canadian fan few other familys hopped in too. right infront of the guys kids, wife was a crying mess

The Canadian was on our B( beer) Team.

 

[AmericanDream]

Eiserman may turn out to be a flash in the pan but you’re downplaying his potential and productivity to date. You wrote “He isn’t the only player people have felt has been underwhelming here.”

He’s tied for 6th most points in the WJC and as a freshman is over 1 PPG at BU.

He didn't even get a regular shift last night. You can stat watch all you like but he is being used for his strengths. Mainly on the power play. Which I am fine with but let's not kid ourselves and say he has been a dominant player. He hasn't. None of the forwards really have. The kid scores goals. You win games by scoring goals. I supported Brett Hull for years despite his zero f***s given play away from the puck. These guys can still help you win but they have to be shielded. I hope this game gave him more confidence moving forward so he can play a more prominent role. We will need him if we get to the gold medal game.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Thought Perrault was disappointing, for a guy that was billed as a finisher. Missed nets, and overall a lot of opportunities.

Look at his EP page. He’s a passer.

Drew Fortescues family beat the piss out of a canadian fan few other familys hopped in too. right infront of the guys kids, wife was a crying mess

Family of Isles fans.

@SI90, you guys are taking the responsibility for this one!

 

[SI90]

Look at his EP page. He’s a passer.


Family of Isles fans.

@SI90, you guys are taking the responsibility for this one!

We’ll happily accept. But they’re definitely all Rangers fans now

 

[SI90]

Eiserman to Cowen

 

[Mattb124]

Eiserman to Cowen

We need a “I f—king love this” emoji under “like”.

 

[William H Bonney]

Eiserman to Cowen

I can already imagine the fabricated Canadian pearl clutching over this like they did when USAH started the 'Oh Momma' post-gold chant.

 

[TheBeastCoast]

I can already imagine the fabricated Canadian pearl clutching over this like they did when USAH started the 'Oh Momma' post-gold chant.

Most of the(all) talk in Canada is about the issues with the Canadian team. You get to talk shit when you win. If Canada gets to a point to answer back and beats the states everything is fair game at that point lol but Canada has a lot more to worry about right now then some shit talk at the end of the game.

 

[William H Bonney]

Most of the(all) talk in Canada is about the issues with the Canadian team. You get to talk shit when you win. If Canada gets to a point to answer back and beats the states everything is fair game at that point lol but Canada has a lot more to worry about right now then some shit talk at the end of the game.

Just giving y'all a hard time. Lots of great Canadian posters on here! Hopefully we get another USA/Canada game. Can't have too many of those at the WJC.

 

[clevelandcane]

I love all the discussion but what I saw was a fun game between two of the best in the world. Neither played perfectly but it was a fun game and I'm thrilled to beat CAN.

 

[yessir29292]

.

 

[Konk]

They all are more one dimensional goal scorers. Liabilities on the ice in many instances. Comparing all three at the same age they are in the same mold. Some played with more jam than others but Eiserman is the 13th forward right now on this team for a reason. If he doesn't score goals what's his use? Same applied to Bellows and Wall E, though Bellows found other ways to contribute during his USNDP and WJC days.

Hoping the best for Eiserman and he rounds his game out more. Hopefully Eiserman's skating stays strong, that might help him stick longer than the others have.

Eiserman was the 13th forward after he took two stupid penalties the game prior. That wasn't a coincidence and this narrative that he was the 13th forward against Canada due to ineffectiveness is funny considering he's been much more impactful than Connelly and Perreault so far this tournament. But they didn't take stupid penalties the previous game, so there's that.

 

[Konk]

I do agree that some players get criticized more than others but criticism is either valid or it is not. He isn't the only player people have felt has been underwhelming here. Connelly takes a lot of heat as well. Both high draft picks that comes with high expectations. The depth here unfortunately not as deep at forward as past few years so these kids are needed to contribute more than they typically would which makes them targets.

I think most of our forwards have been underwhelming overall yet here we are with the top seed and most goals scored by a wide margin in our group. Perrault has been meh. Same with Moore. Leonard all over the place too. Those are the top players here outside Hagens and we have a prime opportunity to get to the gold yet again.

Eiserman and Connelly have bright futures ahead, but there are cautionary tales as well to keep in mind with players of their ilk.

Connelly hasn't been getting criticized nearly as much as Eiserman in the game day threads or even in this thread. He almost never gets mentioned and is largely invisible in most of the games thus far. And aside from you mentioning Connelly to include someone else in your criticism, Eiserman has clearly been the focus.

Despite that, he's directly created and assisted on more goals, and scored more than Connelly. Who hasn't done a whole lot of anything, which is disappointing because I'm a big fan of his.

Eiserman and the way he plays can be polarizing, so he gets more grief than other players, which is understandable but he's been far less disappointing than Connelly, Perreault, and even Leonard at times.

 

[SI90]

Eiserman was the 13th forward after he took two stupid penalties the game prior. That wasn't a coincidence and this narrative that he was the 13th forward against Canada due to ineffectiveness is funny considering he's been much more impactful than Connelly and Perreault so far this tournament. But they didn't take stupid penalties the previous game, so there's that.

Fun fact. Eiserman is currently 2nd on USA in points for the tournament. Tied with Hagens for 1st among forwards. Not bad for a “13th”forward.

I like that Carle sent a message to him after taking some penalties. But he’s proving that he produces even with less ice time than many of the other guys.

He’s an intense kid and needs to be a bit more disciplined during shifts but when he on he’s engaged physically at both ends and doesn’t quit on shifts. He plays fast.

I’d like him to pick his shots a little better on the PP but I’m certainly not gonna complain about him shooting because that’s a positive thing. Just have to get it through if he’s going to look to one time the puck that much.

His shot is absolutely ridiculous though when he uses his wrister and snap shots.

I’d like to see him and Nelson with a different winger other than Connelly. Maybe Ziemer?

The BC line has been underwhelming after the 1st game. I don’t think they will break that line up but if they did I would swap Nelson and Hagens. Hagens and Eiserman have familiarity and Nelson has chemistry with Leonard and Perreault.

 

[Konk]

Fun fact. Eiserman is currently 2nd on USA in points for the tournament. Tied with Hagens for 1st among forwards. Not bad for a “13th”forward.

I like that Carle sent a message to him after taking some penalties. But he’s proving that he produces even with less ice time than many of the other guys.

He’s an intense kid and needs to be a bit more disciplined during shifts but when he on he’s engaged physically at both ends and doesn’t quit on shifts. He plays fast.

I’d like him to pick his shots a little better on the PP but I’m certainly not gonna complain about him shooting because that’s a positive thing. Just have to get it through if he’s going to look to one time the puck that much.

His shot is absolutely ridiculous though when he uses his wrister and snap shots.

I’d like to see him and Nelson with a different winger other than Connelly. Maybe Ziemer?

The BC line has been underwhelming after the 1st game. I don’t think they will break that line up but if they did I would swap Nelson and Hagens. Hagens and Eiserman have familiarity and Nelson has chemistry with Leonard and Perreault.

Agreed, Eiserman played with Hagens night in and night out all of last year, so they would match up even better than the BC line, IMO.

Nelson seems like he can play with anyone, so slotting him between tiny eyes and selfish prick could give them a boost too.

 

[cagney]

Finishing first in the group while not having the best overall record definitely sets them up for a favorable path. Assuming they get by Switzerland (they should), then they get either the Czechs, Finns or Slovaks (Swedes will beat Latvia). That's still preferable to me than either of Sweden or Canada in a semi.

I do feel the first line need to get going the next few games to have the best chance at gold. Perreault is the biggest concern as he seems like he's been pressing all tournament. The more frustrated he gets, the more he doubles down on doing things the hard way to find results (trying to snipe corners, forcing behind-the-back passes). Him simplifying things and being less selfish in approach could really do a lot in helping that line work towards some higher percentage plays and goals.

It seems folks are mostly aligned with moving Burnevik off the 1st PP. Besides that, if things don't click, it could be worth considering bumping Perreault off as well, moving Hagens to the opposite side and adding Eiserman. Hagens had a knack for getting passes to Eiserman in a good spot with the NTDP, though that might also work best with Cole at the point.

I'll admit to not having seen Kleber play much at all but I figure since I called him out as someone I was quite nervous about after some earlier games, he played well enough against Canada for me to not notice him in any negative way. That's a good thing for someone paired with Cole, who's always going to be taking risks. It also allows them to leave Hensler alongside Ralph, which works well since he would have more freedom as a mobile option next to the stay-at-home Ralph. Given Minnetian's continuted sturggles I might just ride the top six a bit more in that configuration (Fischer is still out of the lineup for me).

Finally it was good to see Augstine have a pretty solid outing. I think they have to ride him from here out and hope he can build some confidence and comfort after this win.

I was frustrated at points during the game but bottom line is it's great to get a win against Canada in Canada, and they are in a good position to get a shot at gold.

 

[BS45]

Agreed, Eiserman played with Hagens night in and night out all of last year, so they would match up even better than the BC line, IMO.

Nelson seems like he can play with anyone, so slotting him between tiny eyes and selfish prick could give them a boost too.

tiny eyes and selfish prick? I figure your referencing Perreault and Leonard but which is which? I have never heard that before

 

[SecretaryofDefense5]

Leonards shot is being wasted with their current PP setup. They have him sitting at the side of the net when he IMHO should be in the bumper spot.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

Most of the(all) talk in Canada is about the issues with the Canadian team. You get to talk shit when you win. If Canada gets to a point to answer back and beats the states everything is fair game at that point lol but Canada has a lot more to worry about right now then some shit talk at the end of the game.

Yeah, like becoming the 51st state and taking the mantle of "The State of Hockey", from Minnesota forever...lol.

 

[KillerMillerTime]

So much negativity. We beat a really good team. Thought Hensler and Kleber were both good in limited minutes. Minnetian was solid as well.
Buium continues to embrace a new role and did it very well. Story of the game for me was our questionable blueline holding it down in a big game.

I think the narrative that Canada dominated us 5v5 is cute. They are sore losers and always have been. Soon as game was over: “not a real tournament without Russia” or “Sweden will crush both these teams”. They threw every puck they had on the net for an inflated shot count

Canada is still top dog in hockey, but the gap has closed to the point it should not be an upset at all if Canada is w\o their top 4 best players and losses. In fact, I would say US is even money to slight favorite and Finland, Sweden even money to one goal dog. Czechs will be 2 goal dog.

 

[saintunspecified]

They all are more one dimensional goal scorers. Liabilities on the ice in many instances. Comparing all three at the same age they are in the same mold. Some played with more jam than others but Eiserman is the 13th forward right now on this team for a reason. If he doesn't score goals what's his use? Same applied to Bellows and Wall E, though Bellows found other ways to contribute during his USNDP and WJC days.

Hoping the best for Eiserman and he rounds his game out more. Hopefully Eiserman's skating stays strong, that might help him stick longer than the others have.

This focus is entirely on the mental aspect of the game. I agree that there's a decent amount of similarity in terms of mental flaws, and habits. But here's what you go wrong: the reason Bellows and Wahlstrom failed has more to do with their below average pro athleticism than with bad habits. It's obvious with Bellows who has the turning radius of a cement mixer. But it's also there with Wahlstrom who has gotten hurt because of poor balance or agility. He often looks like a blundering oaf, but a lot of it is because he's physically out of control.

Eiserman isn't going to be a blazer, but he's got far more agility than both. And imo his balance/body control is head and shoulders better than Wahlstrom and Bellows. He's also far better all-around goal scorer than those guys - he sniffs for pucks around the crease, and has hands there.

He's also only 2 months older than James Hagens. Some GMs are kicking themselves.

 

[AmericanDream]

Eiserman was the 13th forward after he took two stupid penalties the game prior. That wasn't a coincidence and this narrative that he was the 13th forward against Canada due to ineffectiveness is funny considering he's been much more impactful than Connelly and Perreault so far this tournament. But they didn't take stupid penalties the previous game, so there's that.

Perrault has struggled. People have been calling him out.

Connelly has struggled people have been calling him out.

Eiserman has struggled and people have been calling him out. Just because he is an Isles prospect doesn't mean some get to disregard his flaws.

"Much more impactful" is a massive stretch. His play outside of the power play has been pretty poor. Expected for a younger offensively skilled player. But please let's reel this in and take off the homer glasses.

I am a fan of the kid. I hope this sparks him and returns to a regular role where we will need him if we want to win gold.

 

[Kevin27NYI]

Connelly hasn't been getting criticized nearly as much as Eiserman in the game day threads or even in this thread. He almost never gets mentioned and is largely invisible in most of the games thus far. And aside from you mentioning Connelly to include someone else in your criticism, Eiserman has clearly been the focus.

Despite that, he's directly created and assisted on more goals, and scored more than Connelly. Who hasn't done a whole lot of anything, which is disappointing because I'm a big fan of his.

Eiserman and the way he plays can be polarizing, so he gets more grief than other players, which is understandable but he's been far less disappointing than Connelly, Perreault, and even Leonard at times.

Fun fact. Eiserman is currently 2nd on USA in points for the tournament. Tied with Hagens for 1st among forwards. Not bad for a “13th”forward.

I like that Carle sent a message to him after taking some penalties. But he’s proving that he produces even with less ice time than many of the other guys.

He’s an intense kid and needs to be a bit more disciplined during shifts but when he on he’s engaged physically at both ends and doesn’t quit on shifts. He plays fast.

I’d like him to pick his shots a little better on the PP but I’m certainly not gonna complain about him shooting because that’s a positive thing. Just have to get it through if he’s going to look to one time the puck that much.

His shot is absolutely ridiculous though when he uses his wrister and snap shots.

I’d like to see him and Nelson with a different winger other than Connelly. Maybe Ziemer?

The BC line has been underwhelming after the 1st game. I don’t think they will break that line up but if they did I would swap Nelson and Hagens. Hagens and Eiserman have familiarity and Nelson has chemistry with Leonard and Perreault.

I do like that despite the criticism Eiserman has at least produced. Idc if it’s PP only. He went down to 9 minutes and came up big when we needed him.

 

[AmericanDream]

I guess Eiserman is 13th forward again because of penalties from 2 games ago lol...

let's go boys, don't take this lightly!

 

[William H Bonney]

I guess Eiserman is 13th forward again because of penalties from 2 games ago lol...

let's go boys, don't take this lightly!
View attachment 954829

I think they liked spotting in Eiserman in opportunistic shifts versus having a regular line. If Connelly continues to be a boat anchors though, Eiserman should take his spot.