Stepan, Callahan, and McDonagh on Team USA (Continued U.S. Roster Discussion)

[SingnBluesOnBroadway]

I definitely have no problems with Stepan and MacTruck getting onto the roster. Cally, though..

Yeah, he's been there before. He knows what it demands from a player, but still, the guy has been battling the injury bug this season. They should have went with someone else.

He was also part of the player leadership committee. So he was a lock and obviously someone feels he's earned it.

 

[Tomas Sandstrom 28]

It's stunning to see a GM actually build a team, not a roster comprised of names and all stars.

Just to add:
It's also important to consider that a team can dress more players in international hockey. This allows for more flexibility in dressing players who may be more one-dimensional, or only fit a specific role. ie PP or PK specialists, 5 minute per game "energy" guys.

I would expect players like Fowler will only see PP time, if that. And we'll see Callahan on the PK.

 

[Lime]

If McDonaugh is chasing down Kessel then something has gone terribly wrong in the game.

Haha! I was talking about a couple weeks ago when Kessel had a step on everyone and looked to be by himself before McDonagh flew back and lifted his stick. I'm pretty sure he took the puck and set the Rangers up for a scoring chance the other way all in one motion too, unless I'm thinking of another game.

 

[Bardof425*]

That espn article doesn't explain that reasoning but it does offer this nugget:

"The locks are identified; Ryan Suter, Paul Martin, Ryan McDonagh and Brooks Orpik, whom the coaches are emphatic they want on the team."

Bylsma is the coach, he wanted his players. Orpik and Martin were locks from the beginning while Yandle had to battle against the Johnsons, Seth Jones and Byf.

Reading that article is just so damn frustrating. They say they want the best players but leave out Ryan and Yandle, two of the highest scoring Americans at their position. And Okposo, the 2nd highest scoring american this season. They seem to be all over the place with their reasons, and I can't stomach their quick dismissal of Bishop for Howard. They claim they looked at more than this season for players and that helped Howard get selected, but it is obvious they didn't apply that same reasoning to some of the other ones they left off like Erik Johnson (who played well in Vancouver) or Ryan. They claim that they wanted to focus on Dmen who could move the puck up to the Offense well, but leave Yandle off the roster, they said Ryan doesn't have enough PP points this year to justify a roster spot, I mean forget the fact he is on that Ottawa team...

The way they bash players, who will no doubt read that article, is mind boggling. It be very interesting to see how they do this year and if they don't do well it will be interesting to see where the US is in four years.

It appears that the experts focused on more than just stats. For instance, maybe Okposo was left off and never really considered because in his six years in the league he has been very inconsistent and unproductive until this year. And maybe they determined that his production is largely a product of playing with John Tavares. Regarding Yandle, they made it very clear that they are not comfortable with his defensive skills. Offense from the backline will not be a weakness.

Your post focuses heavily on points; they focused on getting the best team with the best hockey players which is based on performance with and without the puck.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

It appears that the experts focused on more than just stats. For instance, maybe Okposo was left off and never really considered because in his six years in the league he has been very inconsistent and unproductive until this year. And maybe they determined that his production is largely a product of playing with John Tavares. Regarding Yandle, they made it very clear that they are not comfortable with his defensive skills. Offense from the backline will not be a weakness.

Your post focuses heavily on points; they focused on getting the best team with the best hockey players which is based on performance with and without the puck.

Good post. Although I find it hard to believe you could be so clueless re: Brian Boyle when making points like this.

 

[Ail]

This will be a nasty team (if healthy which is a big??) to meet on the big ice

Sedin - Sedin - Eriksson
Franzen - Zetterberg - Alfredsson
Mojo - Bäckström - Hagelin
Steen - Berglund - Landeskog

Hörnqvist, Zinbajed/Silfverberg

Karlsson - Kronwall
OEL - Hjalmarsson
Hedman - Brodin

Oduya, Edler/Ericsson

Hank
Whatever

The Ryan & Yandle omissions are very hard to understand IMO. You ice the best players in a short tournament. Not fill presumptive holes with role players that do not have time to gel anyways.

Sweden is my quiet favorite to be honest. I think that's a strong roster.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

The Ryan & Yandle omissions are very hard to understand IMO. You ice the best players in a short tournament. Not fill presumptive holes with role players that do not have time to gel anyways.

Seems to me that it'd take a collection of 20 purely skill guys longer to gel than a roster consisting of players that specialize in specific roles.

 

[HatTrick Swayze]

This will be a nasty team (if healthy which is a big??) to meet on the big ice

Sedin - Sedin - Eriksson
Franzen - Zetterberg - Alfredsson
Mojo - Bäckström - Hagelin
Steen - Berglund - Landeskog

Hörnqvist, Zinbajed/Silfverberg

Karlsson - Kronwall
OEL - Hjalmarsson
Hedman - Brodin

Oduya, Edler/Ericsson

Hank
Whatever

The Ryan & Yandle omissions are very hard to understand IMO. You ice the best players in a short tournament. Not fill presumptive holes with role players that do not have time to gel anyways.

That's a tremendous roster.

 

[Ail]

It's stunning to see a GM actually build a team, not a roster comprised of names and all stars.

I agree. It is clear they had a plan with this team, and I like that, but the two major things I question. First is the translation to big ice. I think it could easily become a weakness for this team. People keep talking about the bottom-six hemming in opponents and being brutal to play against, however the skill players with great vision will have an advantage on these guys with more time and space. They also lack speed to close gaps. We'll have to see, but I'm not sure this one plays out as hoped.

The second is Bobby Ryan. Dead horse already I know, but that article is screaming scrambling to make excuses why he shouldn't go. I think there is a vendetta there. Burke ckaims the reason they cannot bring Yandle is due to the worst case scenario where a top-4 defensemen goes down. He doesn't trust Yandle. However on the other hand why doesn't he make the same argument for having someone they can trust to slot in that top-6 role if a winger goes down? It would have to be Ryan. He's the next best offensive forward. They also couldn't consider not taking Stepan because they wanted 5 natural centers without question. So they have back-up plans for the D, Centers, and even goalies, but nothing for the top-6 offensive scoring role. It's a complete double standard. I can almost hear and see Burke in the room with his body language and tone saying, "Bobby Ryan is not going. End of discussion."

It doesn't make sense to me the way they presented it.

 

[Bleed Ranger Blue]

I agree. It is clear they had a plan with this team, and I like that, but the two major things I question. First is the translation to big ice. I think it could easily become a weakness for this team. People keep talking about the bottom-six hemming in opponents and being brutal to play against, however the skill players with great vision will have an advantage on these guys with more time and space. They also lack speed to close gaps. We'll have to see, but I'm not sure this one plays out as hoped.

The second is Bobby Ryan. Dead horse already I know, but that article is screaming scrambling to make excuses why he shouldn't go. I think there is a vendetta there. Burke ckaims the reason they cannot bring Yandle is due to the worst case scenario where a top-4 defensemen goes down. He doesn't trust Yandle. However on the other hand why doesn't he make the same argument for having someone they can trust to slot in that top-6 role if a winger goes down? It would have to be Ryan. He's the next best offensive forward. They also couldn't consider not taking Stepan because they wanted 5 natural centers without question. So they have back-up plans for the D, Centers, and even goalies, but nothing for the top-6 offensive scoring role. It's a complete double standard. I can almost hear and see Burke in the room with his body language and tone saying, "Bobby Ryan is not going. End of discussion."

It doesn't make sense to me the way they presented it.

There seems to be a consensus that Bobby Ryan doesn't possess much of a compete level (see: Rick Nash).

Whether true or not, Brian Burke just rubs me the wrong way. Some of his quotes from the article are just shoot from the hip/gut feeling BS. Theres no doubt he is a buddy of Sather.

 

[The Gloaming]

Haha! I was talking about a couple weeks ago when Kessel had a step on everyone and looked to be by himself before McDonagh flew back and lifted his stick. I'm pretty sure he took the puck and set the Rangers up for a scoring chance the other way all in one motion too, unless I'm thinking of another game.

Of course he did. He's Ryan McDonagh.

 

[Ail]

There seems to be a consensus that Bobby Ryan doesn't possess much of a compete level (see: Rick Nash).

Whether true or not, Brian Burke just rubs me the wrong way. Some of his quotes from the article are just shoot from the hip/gut feeling BS. Theres no doubt he is a buddy of Sather.

Yeah, I get the same feeling. I dislike him highly. He'll be replacing Sather soon no doubt.

He's smug too.

 

[pld459666]

Parise-Backes-Kane
JVR-Kesler-Kessel
Pacioretty-Pavelski-Oshie
Brown-Stepan-Callahan
Extras

Suter-Carlson
McDonagh-Faulk/Shattenkirk
Martin/Fowler-Orpik/Shattenkirk/Faulk

Miller
Quick

D is hard to figure out

Flip Flop Backes and Pavelski and we have a team.

Pavs is a better offensive player than Backes and will be better able to feed Parise and Kane.

Backes is more of a brute and knows Oshie so playing him with Patches and Oshie makes a bit more sense.

Everything else I am OK with

 

[OverTheCap]

Don't think Stepan will be starting over any of the other 4 centers. According to the Burnside's article, he almost missed making the team due to his inconsistency and sounds like he was selected because they wanted a fifth center otherwise Saad may have made the team instead. Stepan could dress as the 13th forward and get some PP time but I also wouldn't be surprised if he was scratched for a few games as well.

It was interesting to gain some insight into the selection process but some of the stuff was downright bizarre, like the serious discussion of Poile's dream about not naming Jack Johnson to the squad. And I had to laugh when at one point they considered Callahan to play on the 2nd line when he barely looked capable of playing in the top 6 for the Rangers this season.

 

[Mikos87]

Parise-Kesler-Kane
JVR-Pavelski-Kessel
Brown-Backes-Oshie
Pacioretty-Stepan-Callahan
Wheeler-Stasny

Suter-Carlson
McDonagh-Faulk
Fowler-Shattenkirk
Orpik-Martin

Quick
Miller

Absolutely shocked at Yandle being left off. Team USA left off a 19 yearold Bobby Ryan at the WJC after having him on as an 18 year old. There must be some history of bad blood there.

Orpik on big ice is a concern, but I guess he's the guy they took in case they end up playing Canada. Plus Martin and Orpik have been an excellent pair this season.

I think the Backes and Oshie chemistry is too hard to ignore to not have them together. Faulk is a dominant big ice player, I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up in the top pair, but I think a McD and Faulk pair will be filthy out there.

Glad Step got named, didn't think he was going to after the poor start to his season, but hopefully it helps him lift his game for the Rangers now and later.

Wheeler's been solid and serves as a utility guy, but I think his skating ability is what got him on the team over Ryan. Still, for a 13th forward... I would have taken a do it all type of player, or an x-factor scorer. Wheeler is neither.

 

[The Gloaming]

Ken Warren ‏@Citizenkwarren 2m

Ryan called Burke's comments of his play "gutless"

 

[Samuel Culper III]

Surprised no Okposo, Ryan or Yandle. Also not sure why Pominville wasn't considered. I know he's not technically American, but I believe he plays for us internationally. Also very surprised they chose Orpik over EJ. With the season EJ is having he would be the better choice.

 

[Fitzy]

Ken Warren ‏@Citizenkwarren 2m

Ryan called Burke's comments of his play "gutless"

I wouldn't be thrilled either, were I in his shoes. But he does have to try to take things with class. Start attending world championships would be a good start.

 

[The Gloaming]

I wouldn't be thrilled either, were I in his shoes. But he does have to try to take things with class. Start attending world championships would be a good start.

Yeah, but he's also second in US goal scoring ever since he's been in the league. I'd be pretty pissed if I were him.

 

[Ail]

I wouldn't be thrilled either, were I in his shoes. But he does have to try to take things with class. Start attending world championships would be a good start.

After that? I would never play for USA hockey again. Burke certainly didn't act classy at all. Ryan is right.

 

[Cassano]

Vhfyhvygydjvy McIlrath hhfhhjgrdhbgdfh

Which is why you should take BPA every time when drafting 18-19 year old players. Fowler would easily be at least the team's 2nd best defender this season with the dynamic season he's having with the best team in the NHL. Oh well.

I'm sure McIlrath is a very tough guy though.

 

[Cassano]

I wouldn't be thrilled either, were I in his shoes. But he does have to try to take things with class. Start attending world championships would be a good start.

Ryan attended the WCs the last time the Ducks were out of the playoffs (2011-12). Phil Kessel for example, hasn't been involved in one since 2008.

Pretty ballsy to call out Ryan having no intensity considering some of the other players on the roster. His skating isn't that good yeah, but neither is Corey Perry's, Dany Heatley and they've dominated international ice hockey.

 

[Chaels Arms]

Weren't there rumors that Burke was trying to trade for Ryan when he was GM in Toronto?

I don't agree with the decision but in Burke's defense it's not as if he called a press conference with the purpose of ripping Bobby Ryan.

 

[OverTheCap]

Ryan attended the WCs the last time the Ducks were out of the playoffs (2011-12). Phil Kessel for example, hasn't been involved in one since 2008.

Pretty ballsy to call out Ryan having no intensity considering some of the other players on the roster. His skating isn't that good yeah, but neither is Corey Perry's, Dany Heatley and they've dominated international ice hockey.

If he wasn't pleased with Ryan's intensity, then Burke may be in for a rude awakening if Callahan and Stepan continue their uninspired play into the Olympics. Kessel's another player whose had his intensity level questioned in the past.

 

[Callagraves]

I'm glad to see team USA looked at the last 4 years of play, and not the last 30 games.