World Cup: 4 Nations Tournament- Team USA (2025)

[WarriorofTime]

The U.S. brass clearly wanted to have a defined top six (maybe nine) and then "role" players for the balance of the lineup. Guys like Caufield and Keller just didn't have a spot on this team. I probably would have made room for Thompson, but it was clear Guerin and co really wanted Nelson, Kreider, and Trocheck. Players that were at risk were actually guys like Connor.

It’s a no brainer. Not like they brought NHL bottom six players to do the same thing. Everyone they brought can score/produce, the latter just bring a bit more as the depth player roles and duties as well.

 

[Deep Blue Metallic]

It’s a no brainer. Not like they brought NHL bottom six players to do the same thing. Everyone they brought can score/produce, the latter just bring a bit more as the depth player roles and duties as well.

In a best-on-best at the highest level, you have the luxury of star team players being "grinders". I'm happy they're exploiting that reality.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

I've got no problem with role players like Nelson, Kreider, and Trochek, each of whom is offensively skilled in his own way. Not an Abdelkader to provide "toughness" among them.

Nelson's selection in particular is being questioned, but he's the all-round, plug-and-play insurance policy in case of injury at forward that Tage is not. With a larger roster, Tage has a spot.

As fans of American hockey we should be pleased that the wealth of talent available means a player as valuable as Thompson *doesn't* make the team.

Agreed. Guys like Trocheck and Nelson can "do it all" and are ideal for a bottom six role. It doesn't hurt they are great at faceoffs also.

 

[William H Bonney]

Be thankful we're not getting harangued about Hutson. (Big fan of his, btw.)

I'm honestly shocked. I fully expected posts angry that Quinn made the team over Lane.

 

[mphmiles]

Hughes is the center that moves to wing, with Matthews, Eichel, Miller and Larkin staying in the middle?

Hughes to wing, yes, but they wouldn't have brought Trocheck if he wasn't playing C IMO. Him being the 4th line C to eat PK minutes, play on a checking line, and be a 200 foot defensive presence is most of his value on this team, which is wasted on the wing. I'd bet heavily on:

Matthews
Eichel
Larkin
Trocheck

 

[WarriorofTime]

Hughes is 100% playing wing at this. I'd bet a lot on that.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Hughes is 100% playing wing at this. I'd bet a lot on that.

Yeah, it sounds like they may play him with Matthews which would be sick. Maybe add Matthew Tkachuk!

 

[PanniniClaus]

The dichotomy that is Swayman vs Stolarz is hard to ignore. I am sure Stolarz is using it as fuel.

Guy looked like Hasek tonight.

 

[TheDoldrums]

The dichotomy that is Swayman vs Stolarz is hard to ignore. I am sure Stolarz is using it as fuel.

Guy looked like Hasek tonight.

Realistically the 3rd goalie shouldn’t matter in such a short tournament. But it does make things interesting for the future if Stolarz continues to outplay him in the lead up to the Olympics. With a longer tournament and higher stakes, it’s more important to get it right.

 

[Regal]

Hughes to wing, yes, but they wouldn't have brought Trocheck if he wasn't playing C IMO. Him being the 4th line C to eat PK minutes, play on a checking line, and be a 200 foot defensive presence is most of his value on this team, which is wasted on the wing. I'd bet heavily on:

Matthews
Eichel
Larkin
Trocheck

Yea, talking Nelson as the likely 13th forward suggests Trocheck is the 4C. Hughes to Matthews’ wing makes sense and Miller is also an easy move to wing as he’s played a lot there.

 

[FinRanger]

Kreider and Fox should be playing on the same powerplay unit. Fox looking for Kreider tip-ins is a cheat code and should be used in a short tournament like this.


First unit should be this:

Kreider​

Eichel Matthews J Hughes

Fox​

Second unit:

M Tkachuk​

Miller B Tkachuk Connor

Q Hughes​