Reading that ESPN article, there really in no reason given why certain players were locks before the roster was being rounded out. Lots of the locks have not had great seasons. I'm just confused as to why they seem free from scrutiny vs the remaining selections.
I understand Canada naming an injured Stamkos in hope he can get close to game shape by the start of the tournament, but what makes Callahan a lock given both his injuries and performance this year. Brown puzzles me too. He's been dropped down the depth chart in LA this year. Is he really an effective big ice player?
The worst exclusion is Yandle. He isn't just a good offensive player. Over the past 4 years, he's been exceptional and until this season, I wouldn't call Phoenix an offense driven team. Tippett is a pretty demanding coach and expects his players to play both ends of the rink. It's hard to imagine that at a minimum Yandle couldn't play third pairing and top PP. Citing Pavelski as a PP QB on the point as a reason for exclusion is bizarre. I like Joe, but he isn't exactly the main cog of San Jose's powerplay and the penalty killers he will face coming in on him short handed as a D are among the best players in the world.
I do like how the brain trust identified their strengths and weaknesses and attempted to build around them. The whole reasoning behind the D selection seems focussed strongly on moving the puck to the forwards as quick as possible.
The biggest concern for USA is going to be coaching. I've watched enough Penguins games to know and agree with many Pens fans that Bylsma is a terribly overrated coach. He loves his grinders, is very stubborn with playing his favorites, and cannot make adjustments in game. His one go to move his entire tenure is to load up Crosby, Malkin and 1 more when things aren't going well. That's all he has. It does actually work at times as they are two of the best, and they have some chemistry after years on the powerplay together. I think many people will have a very different view of Bylsma once this tournament is over.