Okposo, Ryan, Yandle, and Bishop I would have taken. Martin, Stepan, Wheeler, Howard are who I would drop. There is absolutely no reason for Ryan and Yandle to be kept off this team, other than Bylsma forcing them to take Martin and appearantly management has a personal issue with Ryan.
- GSDIV

Ryan I'd like to see here. I'm not so high on Yandle given the limited amount of time I've actually watched him. I think he's a lot like Kris Letang. And Kris Letang does not fit into this squad.

I do agree that Miller will start. Based on having good numbers and exp. I think Quick will challenge once its time to do so. Hearing how many shots Miller takes gets old though. Miller didnt win Buffalo a championship when they had a competitive team. Just saying.
- poisondhearts37

Agreed 100%. But if you look at the shots on him compared to the score you have to think he's got what it takes. Miller isn't the reason you win a championship it's who you have in front of him. Miller so far has been healthy too. If you are expecting to have a weak defensive core than you want someone like miller who you know can handle an insane amount of shots. On another note why the hell isn't pommenvile not on the team ?

I agree, but can't rule out Finland with Tuukka
- GSDIV

Or lundquvist and enroth for Sweden I believe.

Agreed 100%. But if you look at the shots on him compared to the score you have to think he's got what it takes. Miller isn't the reason you win a championship it's who you have in front of him. Miller so far has been healthy too. If you are expecting to have a weak defensive core than you want someone like miller who you know can handle an insane amount of shots. On another note why the hell isn't pommenvile not on the team ?
- jaumiller

He doesnt play the style that the US is putting together. He doesnt fit in with that group of forwards. Plus he only plays for US in those weird euro tourneys that no one cares about.

Team USA has Quick as the clear cut starter. Miller only recently moved up to the #2 spot ahead of Howard, who almost moved out of the top 3.
- bluecoconuts

I hate to break it to you, but Quick is not the clear cut starter.

My guess is Backes or Callahan for captain.

When does cananda release their roster?
- pensfan024

January 7th

My guess is Backes or Callahan for captain.
- BetterCallSaul

Backes by a Mile in my book.

Look at this guy
- TheSabresTaco

You REALLY think this US team, leaving a slew of their best players off the roster in favor of "grinder" type players.....on the big ice.....is good?

Canada tried it in 2006, with arguably a more talented roster than this team, and got their asses handed to them

Backes by a Mile in my book.
- poisondhearts37

That would be my pick, even though it's an outsider's pick.

I hope Canada picks Toews as captain, but I doubt it.

You REALLY think this US team, leaving a slew of their best players off the roster in favor of "grinder" type players.....on the big ice.....is good?

Canada tried it in 2006, with arguably a more talented roster than this team, and got their asses handed to them
- sensarmy_11

But that isnt Canada's way. Thats how the US plays Hockey.

That would be my pick, even though it's an outsider's pick.

I hope Canada picks Toews as captain, but I doubt it.
- BetterCallSaul

There isnt one player on team USA I would give the C to over Backes.

Okposo, Ryan, Yandle, and Bishop I would have taken. Martin, Stepan, Wheeler, Howard are who I would drop. There is absolutely no reason for Ryan and Yandle to be kept off this team, other than Bylsma forcing them to take Martin and appearantly management has a personal issue with Ryan.
- GSDIV

Agreed. Yandle should be a top 4 d-man. If USA is going to play a tough, defensive style, then Yandle would compliment that very well. He already thrives is a tough, defensive system in Phoenix. He's close to a no brainer upgrade over Martin, Faulk and Orpik. He's also very durable and can play a lot of minutes and skates well. I agree with the Bobby Ryan thing. He's a top 5 talent on team USA. Ryan May be struggling a bit this year on a terrible Ottawa team, but his numbers are as good as anybody's on team USA. Not a fit? He wouldn't be a great fit with Backes and Oshie? Gimme a break. Huge mistake by team USA management leaving out Bobby Ryan!

That would be my pick, even though it's an outsider's pick.

I hope Canada picks Toews as captain, but I doubt it.
- BetterCallSaul

I'm kind of hoping they give it to St. Louis (if he even makes the team).........but we all know it's gonna be Crosby

That would be my pick, even though it's an outsider's pick.

I hope Canada picks Toews as captain, but I doubt it.
- BetterCallSaul

Id go Backes as Captain and then give and A to Cally and one to Suter.

But that isnt Canada's way. Thats how the US plays Hockey.
- poisondhearts37

I think it's a great strategy on small ice, where the speed and skill is easier to neutralize.......but I think the US team MIGHT get exposed on bigger ice, especially their D

Agreed. Yandle should be a top 4 d-man. If USA is going to play a tough, defensive style, then Yandle would compliment that very well. He already thrives is a tough, defensive system in Phoenix. He's close to a no brainer upgrade over Martin, Faulk and Orpik. He's also very durable and can play a lot of minutes and skates well. I agree with the Bobby Ryan thing. He's a top 5 talent on team USA. Ryan May be struggling a bit this year on a terrible Ottawa team, but his numbers are as good as anybody's on that team. Not a fit? He wouldn't be a great fit with Backes and Oshie? Gimme a break. Huge mistake by team USA management leaving out Bobby Ryan!
- TonyBazz

Plz stop comparing Yandle with Orpik. It isnt even the same thing. Also on a side note. People keep saying Ryan is struggling. I believe hes on pace for his best season yet.

Agreed. Yandle should be a top 4 d-man. If USA is going to play a tough, defensive style, then Yandle would compliment that very well. He already thrives is a tough, defensive system in Phoenix. He's close to a no brainer upgrade over Martin, Faulk and Orpik. He's also very durable and can play a lot of minutes and skates well. I agree with the Bobby Ryan thing. He's a top 5 talent on team USA. Ryan May be struggling a bit this year on a terrible Ottawa team, but his numbers are as good as anybody's on that team. Not a fit? He wouldn't be a great fit with Backes and Oshie? Gimme a break. Huge mistake by team USA management leaving out Bobby Ryan!
- TonyBazz

I agree Yandle probably should have made it over Martin, but I don't think he is an upgrade at all over Faulk. As for Orpik, he plays an entirely different role than Yandle. They might as well play different positions, so discussing replacing one with the other makes no sense at all. Just out of curiosity, who would you take out for Ryan and why?

I think it's a great strategy on small ice, where the speed and skill is easier to neutralize.......but I think the US team MIGHT get exposed on bigger ice, especially their D
- sensarmy_11

USA did it last time around and did just fine. Not to mention with huge defensive liability guys like Jack Johnson out there.

I agree Yandle probably should have made it over Martin, but I don't think he is an upgrade at all over Faulk. As for Orpik, he plays an entirely different role than Yandle. Just out of curiosity, who would you take out for Ryan and why?
- dallas717

Id swap Ryan for Wheeler and or Stepan. Stepan is mostly a Center and we have 4 that are better than he is. And one in Oshie would plays RW but is capable at C. I think Ryan might bring more to the table. But I think most of the fans in the east prolly have more hate for Stepan because hes a Ranger. I think Ryan is a better player than Wheeler. But there is something about Wheeler that always draws people to him. Not sure what it is. But its obvious Team USA wants his size.

Agreed. Yandle should be a top 4 d-man. If USA is going to play a tough, defensive style, then Yandle would compliment that very well. He already thrives is a tough, defensive system in Phoenix. He's close to a no brainer upgrade over Martin, Faulk and Orpik. He's also very durable and can play a lot of minutes and skates well. I agree with the Bobby Ryan thing. He's a top 5 talent on team USA. Ryan May be struggling a bit this year on a terrible Ottawa team, but his numbers are as good as anybody's on team USA. Not a fit? He wouldn't be a great fit with Backes and Oshie? Gimme a break. Huge mistake by team USA management leaving out Bobby Ryan!
- TonyBazz

Do you even watch hockey......he has 18 goals and 36 pts.

USA did it last time around and did just fine. Not to mention with huge defensive liability guys like Jack Johnson out there.
- poisondhearts37

Are you talking about 2010.....on small ice

Id go Backes as Captain and then give and A to Cally and one to Suter.
- poisondhearts37

Patrick Kane for Captian! Screw Backes...Hes a jerkoff

Id swap Ryan for Wheeler and or Stepan. Stepan is mostly a Center and we have 4 that are better than he is. And one in Oshie would plays RW but is capable at C. I think Ryan might bring more to the table. But I think most of the fans in the east prolly have more hate for Stepan because hes a Ranger. I think Ryan is a better player than Wheeler. But there is something about Wheeler that always draws people to him. Not sure what it is. But its obvious Team USA wants his size.
- poisondhearts37

I agree that Bobby Ryan is a more skilled player, I guess team USA management thought Blake Wheeler would be better suited for a bottom 6 role with the team.

Id go Backes as Captain and then give and A to Cally and one to Suter.
- poisondhearts37

Exactly how I'd place it.

But you get 3 A's. So give the 3rd to Parise or Kane. Someone who's a staple of US hockey.