can anyone explain these omissions?

[Snap Wilson]

Derian Hatcher? What about 44-year old Chris Chelios?



Without Derian Hatcher, the USA doesn't have any shutdown defensemen to go up against other teams' top lines. Unless you want Chelios (age 44), Aaron Miller (not bad but is currently hurt and status is unsure for the Olympics), or someone not even named to the team (do you REALLY want Hal Gill on the team?)

Hatcher can't "lock down" what he can't catch, which will be 90% of the skaters that we face. Besides, if it comes down to Team USA attempting to match lines and d pairings, we're already finished. The team needs to counterattack, and players like Leetch and Hedican serve us better in that regard.

In regards to Chelios, I nominally agree, although I don't think the selection is entirely unjustified. In addition to his nebulous leadership qualities, he has a history of performing fairly well on international ice, he's a smart player is solid positionally and makes good breakout passes.

 

[Snap Wilson]

And in regards to Elias, if any of you believe that he won't find himself on the main roster come the Olympics (barring injury, of course), you're crazy.

 

[12# Peter Bondra]

And in regards to Elias, if any of you believe that he won't find himself on the main roster come the Olympics (barring injury, of course), you're crazy.

Unless nobody gets injured of the guys nominated, then he wont.

 

[Snap Wilson]

Unless nobody gets injured of the guys nominated, then he wont.

And your point is....?

 

[mja]

Hatcher can't "lock down" what he can't catch, which will be 90% of the skaters that we face. Besides, if it comes down to Team USA attempting to match lines and d pairings, we're already finished. The team needs to counterattack, and players like Leetch and Hedican serve us better in that regard.

In regards to Chelios, I nominally agree, although I don't think the selection is entirely unjustified. In addition to his nebulous leadership qualities, he has a history of performing fairly well on international ice, he's a smart player is solid positionally and makes good breakout passes.

Hatcher is going to surprise a lot of people. Sidney Crosby keeps trying to "scoot around" him and ends up bleeding.

One thing Hatcher does well is move laterally. If he is getting passed he simply spins around to defend one-on-one.

He has plenty of savvy and is very good positionally. He's also exceptionally calm with the puck and never gets rushed into a bad play.

People have said he'd die in the new NHL and all he's done is been the Flyers best defensive dman night in and night out, and it isn't even close.