WC: USA at the 2010 World Championship

[v-man]

How can someone playing for the Oilers claim "mental exhaustion" as an excuse? They didn't use their heads all season. As for the rest of the team, it will all depend on how well their questionable goaltending holds up and if they can gel as a team in such a short period, since this seems to really be a "take anyone who doesn't say no" group of guys.

 

[Eye of Ra]

Very physical team.

 

[BigT2002]

If they medal, I'll be happy

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Very physical team.

I agree. This is going to be a very tough team to play against.

 

[Fitzy]

Its a team full of 2nd/3rd liners and 2nd/3rd pairing defensemen.

Im not usually a pessimist about this sort of thing but it will be a surprise if they compete with teams with top end talent like Russia and Canada.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Its a team full of 2nd/3rd liners and 2nd/3rd pairing defensemen.

Im not usually a pessimist about this sort of thing but it will be a surprise if they compete with teams with top end talent like Russia and Canada.

With a good coaching staff and the right system this team will be fine. I'm not expecting a gold medal or anything, but I think we can compete for a medal.

 

[NotABadPeriod]

Its a team full of 2nd/3rd liners and 2nd/3rd pairing defensemen.

Im not usually a pessimist about this sort of thing but it will be a surprise if they compete with teams with top end talent like Russia and Canada.

This team won bronze in 2004:

Erik Westrum
Dustin Brown
Jeff Hamilton
Jeff Halpern
Ryan Malone
Bates Battaglia
Andy Hilbert
Matt Cullen
Richard Park
Chris Drury
Mike Grier
Adam Hall

Brett Hauer
Aaron Miller
Eric Weinrich
Andy Roach
Hal Gill
Paul Mara
Keith Ballard
Blake Sloan
Jeff Jillson

Ty Conklin
Mike Dunham
Alex Westlund

And remember this is 2004 versions of Brown, Malone, etc.

Now, I'm not saying that this team will medal, but if that collection of (mostly) mediocre players could, it just shows than even a team of mostly average players has a shot in the WCs. I think it's likely the US finishes in the 4-6 range, but if the stars align they may surprise.

 

[Canadian91]

I'm sorry, but POTULNY??? TIM KENNEDY???

Good luck, States. Seriously.

 

[Other Little Mikey]

This team won bronze in 2004:

That was the year Conklin stood on his head a couple times and ... I want to say Roach? Some random d-man anyway, suddenly turned into a shoot-out specialist, right? I remember them beating a pretty stacked Czech team, who were the hosts.

You never really know until you start playing the games.

 

[GAGLine]

I think the biggest reason for Kreider is his elite level skating. He can at least keep up with the play and will probably provide a little more consistent offensive pressure with his speed on the big ice, more so than Wilson did last year. He also has good size and doesn't shy away from the physical play.

From Massachusetts HS hockey to the World Championships in a year. Crazy.

6 goals to help US win WJC gold
Awesome goal to help BC win Beanpot
Goal in NCAA championship win

Kreider has won everything this year. If the US wins gold at the WCs, then I'm starting the campaign to get him out of BC and into the Rangers' lineup ASAP.

 

[CDeeps]

I agree. This is going to be a very tough team to play against.

I agree. Every forward line will be gritty and sound defensively. My concern is a blueline with some offensive proficiency but no defensive stalwarts save Matt Greene. I would pair Greene with JJ so the latter can join the rush worrying less about his own end.

 

[ColonialsHockey10]

If they medal, I'll be happy

Same thing was said about the WJC team, and the olympic team.

 

[SPG]

Colin Wilson?

 

[usahockey22flyers]

Colin Wilson?

is he hurt?

 

[Brodie]

This team can bronze. People are overrating the quality of other WCh teams

 

[Backstrom #19]

John Carlson probably won't get invited because they are ready have 8 defenceman, but I'd love it if Carlson was invited.

 

[William H Bonney]

John Carlson probably won't get invited because they are ready have 8 defenceman, but I'd love it if Carlson was invited.

Carlson is in the AHL playoffs now with Hershey but it would have been great to see him get the opportunity.

 

[William H Bonney]

This team can bronze. People are overrating the quality of other WCh teams

Yep. Other than Canada and Russia, every other team so far seems to be struggling with declined invitations as well. And really, this isn't a big surprise for USA Hockey. They've always struggled to put together quality "paper" rosters for this tournament. It just doesn't hold much esteem with American players and we don't have the depth to overcome that like Canada does.

 

[Capagonia]

John Carlson probably won't get invited because they are ready have 8 defenceman, but I'd love it if Carlson was invited.

Definitely. GMGM said he would rather see JC play for Hershey than in WCs though.

 

[QuietContrarian]

Hey Guys,

Im from Denmark and im relly looking forward to a good game,

Now, there is no doubt, that USA are favourites to win the group, and I love your team, I REALLY wanted you to beat Canada in the final of the olympics,

BUT, I really would not underestimate Germany and Denmark,

Germany, cuz the fact that you are playing the opening game against them infront of what 76.000 people, MOSTLY germans, will BOOST them somewhat!

Denmark, because, we have NEVER been able to play such a strong team before, ALL our NHL'ers exept Jannik Hansen are on, and ALL our "swedes" are fit to fight!
We also have a descent goaltender this year!

Now, I am not saying we will beat you, or even draw and loose, heck we might even loose this group!!

But just saying, do not underestimate anyone

Heres to a great tournament,

Daniel

 

[mattihp]

Wow. When was the last time the US fielded a team like this in the champs? Latest years they've really tried to field a good team with a shot to win.

But it never hurts to ease in some younger names and give a couple of guys a shot at gaining some more interest.

The big difference between this teams and european teams with similar talent is that the european teams have more chemistry through more games played together. That's what a worse depth does.

That being said, younger US hockeyplayers seem very good at adjusting to the bigger ice, I think that the hockey philosophy in College and high school leagues is not all that different from the "european" brand of hockey.

 

[Martyros]

Jack Johnson played really well for us in the playoffs, He'll bring the same energy in these games.

 

[CaptBrannigan]

I agree. Every forward line will be gritty and sound defensively. My concern is a blueline with some offensive proficiency but no defensive stalwarts save Matt Greene. I would pair Greene with JJ so the latter can join the rush worrying less about his own end.

Mike Lundin fits that bill as well. He's not a huge hitter or a nasty crease clearer but is very good positionally and with his stick. He was routinely sticking players such as Ovechkin and Kovalchuk this year and did very well, even made them disappear in some instances.

 

[AmericanDream]

I enjoy giving you a hard time about Corvo as you did with me in regards to Martin. I knew that comment would drag you back to the thread. You've been a stranger here for awhile so I threw out the bait and you came back immediately!

I'm sure this Corvo/Martin banter will continue long into the future.

I could take that as Baiting or Trolling...not sure which violation I will complain with....

didnt think I was missed, but I am always up for shooting the **** for anything US hockey. I am still on here fighting the good fight, and in the prospect section talking out my ass...but it is all in good fun...

Unfortunately my computer took a massive dump on me and went bye bye, and now I work a wonderful 13 hours a night, so my HF life has sadly gone down..which I am sure brings a tear to your eye...

but in all honesty I am still here with you guys continually laughing at every ignorant non US poster who wants to say their Z team will smoke our A team for every tourney...

I like what I see in certain areas for this team...especially on D, and our #1 line...Is there any US player that you can have more respect for then Jack Mother ****ing Johnson??? The only man to answer the call from the Olympic squad, and I am very thankful he has because he should be our Captain...

Scoring will be an issue, but if we can somehow manage to land two very solid forwards with our final picks; say Pavelski and Wheeler perhaps???? we might be able to score enough to fight for a gold..but Clemmenson would have to play lights out, and our d would have to stand on its head.

At this point with the U17, U18, and U20 Gold medals...and 2010 Olympic Silver medal, I am just hoping for a bronze to end what has been an amazing run of tourneys for this country.

Still keeping my fingers crossed that Kessel decides to join the fun, but if not, as long as the final two forward spots are filled with top 6 players, I think we can challenge just enough to medal again...

....and we still need more Corvo.....and yes Martin would be a Godsend on this team, but I guess being a UFA is much more important then representing your country....

as for Kreider, well I am just floored about his selection. what an honor for the young man, and if he can somehow produce at an above level pace, dare we say he might turn pro next year? Kid already has NHL size, speed, and shot....it really isn't that far fetched...

go get em boys..

 

[Jesus Christ Horburn]

****There are still 2 Roster Spots Available****

Accepted Invitations:
F - Kyle Okposo (NYI)
F - Eric Nystrom (CAL)
F - David Moss (CAL)
F - Ryan Potulny (EDM)
F - Christian Hanson (TOR)
F - Brandon Dubinsky (NYR)
F - Ryan Carter (ANA)
F - T.J. Oshie (STL)
F - Nick Foligno (OTT)
F - T.J. Galiardi (COL)
F - Tim Kennedy (BUF)
F - Chris Kreider (NYR/NCAA)

D - Jack Johnson (LAK)
D - Andy Greene (NJD)
D - Keith Yandle (PHX)
D - Matt Greene (LAK)
D - Jack Hillen (NYI)
D - Mike Lundin (TBL)
D - Taylor Chorney (EDM)
D - Matt Gilroy (NYR)

G - Scott Clemmensen (FLA)
G - Ben Bishop (AHL)
G - David Leggio (Finland)

Declined Invitations:
F - David Backes (STL) --- Fatigue
F - Ryan Malone (TBL) --- Wife giving birth
F - Bobby Ryan (ANA) --- Contract
F - Ryan Callahan (NYR) --- Knee injury
F - Patrick O'Sullivan (EDM) --- Wedding
F - R.J. Umberger (CBJ) --- College Degree
F - Dustin Brown (LAK) --- Injury
F - Zach Parise (NJD) --- Fatigue

D - Keith Ballard (FLA) --- Wife giving birth
D - Zach Bogosian (ATL) --- Injury
D - Erik Johnson (STL) --- Contract
D - Ryan Whitney (EDM) --- Foot surgery
D - Tom Gilbert (EDM) --- Mental Exhaustion
D - Paul Martin (NJD) --- Contract
D - Ryan Suter (NAS) --- Injury

G - Ty Conklin (STL) --- No reason
G - Ryan Miller (BUF) --- Fatigue
G - Craig Anderson (COL) --- Fatigue
G - Jon Quick (LAK) --- Fatigue/New baby
G - Robert Esche (KHL) --- Free Agent

Mulling Invitations:
F - Phil Kessel (TOR) --- Abdominal tear
F - Chris Drury (NYR) --- No reason

Staff:
Head Coach: Scott Gordon (NYI)
Assistant Coaches: Todd Richards (MIN), Joe Sacco (COL),Ron Rolston (NTDP)
General Managers: Brian Burke (TOR); David Poile (NAS)

Any idea why Cory Schneider wasn't asked? His record in the AHL over the last few years has been great and he put up better numbers than Ben Bishop did this season. He also has experience in the playoffs, leading his club to the AHL finals last year.