Team USA 2014: As selected by HF Boards!
 

I want to thank everyone who voted. I put together a mock lineup. Reserve players are in parentheses

Forwards

Parise - Kesler - Kane
Ryan - Pavelski - Kessel
Pominville - Stastny - Pacioretty
Brown - Backes - Callahan

(T.J. Oshie, Blake Wheeler)

Defense

Ryan Suter - Keith Yandle
Ryan McDonagh - John Carlson
Jack Johnson - Erik Johnson

(Kevin Shattenkirk )

Goalies:

Johnathan Quick

(Ryan Miller)
(Cory Schneider)

So what's everyone think of the roster?

Until Schneider can prove himself as a legit #1, I'd put Howard in his place.

They have a very good 4th line.
3 Captains.

That 4th line is legit deadly.

That's a really solid team right there with wing, goal, and the top 4 being the obvious strengths.

Damn that team looks awesome, can't wait for 2014!

Looks decent, but don't think quite on par with Canada/Sweden/Russia.

It's been said, but holy hell - that fourth line would give opposing teams nightmares.

Its not all about the best players, but the right players (loosely taken from Miracle/Herb)

I don't really like the second or third d-pairing TBH.

Not bad, though probably still struggling for a bronze. I want a 2010 repeat! I know everyone on HFBoards has a short memory, but that finals OT game against Canada had to be one of the best ever. I lost my **** when Parise tied the game with seconds left, then lost it again when the Kid won it for CAN in OT.

I let out the longest most audible sigh ever when Parise tied it up.

I won't derail the thread anymore, but this video is so awesome haha. The US reactions to Crosby scoring are sadface though.

Heard that in 2010 as well, and I actually think this U.S. team is better on paper.

Agree still being behind Canada - but I think they'd be in real solid shape compared to Sweden/Russia. Big ice surface will obviosly be an impact - but I think the USA would be more solid overall than Sweden or Russia.

Can a more informed international poster give projected roster for Team Sweden & Russia? Seems like gaps in net for Russia, and the blueline for both rosters, but maybe there are players I'm overlooking.

Kesler as the number 1 centre? Didn't Stastny prove to have chemistry with Parise in 2010? Or was that another centerman?

Forwards look good, not terribly impressed though by the defence.

I'm not too worried. This projected team is better on paper than the 2010 team. Last time there were a lot old players and young players. A lot of the players on this team will be in their late twenties or early thirties.

It would be interesting to see if there is season this year and if Galchenyuk can establish himself and make the team.

Yeah. He's clearly the US's best playmaking center, and one of our best playmaking forwards in general. He'll be in the top 6 for sure.

I feel like USA's defense might not be all that intimidating now, but it could be by the time the Olympics are actually here. Lots of young players there who've got more room to improve.

Such a young team. The defense looks alittle weak to me. I think they will struggle against the powerhouse Canada and Russian teams.

I think we all looked at that 4th line and said, "Holy pancakes!" Or the like.

That fourth line :amazed:


I'd switch the lines up a bit (mostly the C position)


Parise - Stastny - Kessel
Ryan - Kesler - Kane
Pominville - Pavelski - Pacioretty
Brown - Backes - Callahan

As great as that fourth line is, think of
Brown-Oshie-Callahan

Needs more Buff

Not a big fan of Jack Johnson. I would move Shattenkirk into the top 6 and make Bogosian the #7.