My only hope is that Koivu doesn't burn himself out and takes the month long slump he's been into February. Can we just wrap him in bubble wrap and make sure he doesn't play much?
2014 Olympic Hockey Thread
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Koivu? Not play much? In the Olympics? That, my friend, is a pipe dream. He's got 20+ minutes per game waiting for him in Russia. Well, maybe a little less in the first two games because there's no need to wear anyone out against Norway and Austria.
Lapa
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I don't think we need to worry about Koivu burning himself out. He doesn't seem to mind big minutes.
Big C
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Parise and Suter officially on Team USA.
Pominville did not make it. That blows.
There are eight Minnesotans in total. Easily the most of any state.
David Backes, Justin Faulk, Paul Martin, Ryan McDonagh, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Derek Stepan, and Blake Wheeler
A truly fantastic group of forwards and defenders. And yet no goalie to speak of
Pominville did not make it. That blows.
There are eight Minnesotans in total. Easily the most of any state.
David Backes, Justin Faulk, Paul Martin, Ryan McDonagh, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Derek Stepan, and Blake Wheeler
A truly fantastic group of forwards and defenders. And yet no goalie to speak of
Generic User
How's your burger?
There are eight Minnesotans in total. Easily the most of any state.
David Backes, Justin Faulk, Paul Martin, Ryan McDonagh, T.J. Oshie, Zach Parise, Derek Stepan, and Blake Wheeler
A truly fantastic group of forwards and defenders. And yet no goalie to speak of
It seems Pominville never got any real consideration:
On captaincy:
Link to an extremely detailed article on the entire process. A decent read.
On captaincy:
So it seems that Suter is out of the running for captain. Hopefully Parise gets it. But I could definitely see either Callahan or Backes getting it as well.
Too bad for Pominville 
But I don't get how anyone can be asking why Ben Bishop's not on the team. He played in the World Championships in Helsinki last spring and could barely have caught a sofa if one had been sent his way. His positioning was terrible and he seemed to have little idea on how to play on the bigger ice surface. No team can afford to bring in a goalie like that if they're aware of the problem.
But I don't get how anyone can be asking why Ben Bishop's not on the team. He played in the World Championships in Helsinki last spring and could barely have caught a sofa if one had been sent his way. His positioning was terrible and he seemed to have little idea on how to play on the bigger ice surface. No team can afford to bring in a goalie like that if they're aware of the problem.
Engebretson
Thank you, sweet rabbit
No Bobby Ryan or Keith Yandle for team USA. Apparently the selection group didn't like Yandle's defense and Ryan didn't slot into the bottom 6. Still, Orpik makes the team over Yandle? Hard to not think there's some Pens bias there.
I hate to say I agree, but I do. Orpik has no business on this team over Erik Johnson.
I think the main reason Orpik was picked is simply his role. I guess the right players, not the best players necessarily.
Generic User
How's your burger?
Would take Bobby Ryan in any role on any line over Wheeler or JVR with specifically tailored duties.
I know you're stating a very valid point but what does Brooks ****ing Orpik bring to the table that Keith Yandle or Erik Johnson would not bring?
Engebretson
Thank you, sweet rabbit
The knock on Yandle was his defense and Burke specifically was against him. I guess Pavelski would be on the point on the PP and would make a purely offensive D like Yandle expendable. Still, can't imagine why the highest scoring American D over the last 4 years gets omitted, especially with his mobility and big ice.
Sounds like Konopka is bummed Pominville didn't make it. That blows.
Orpik is a rough crease-clearing guy. He'll sacrifice the body for damn near anything. Blocks shots, lays some great hits, and is reliable defensively. He is pretty much nothing when it comes to offense, but playing actual defense he might be one of the top three defenders defensive-wise on the team.
Both Johnson and Yandle are offensive minded or -at best- two way players. Maybe the USA Brass wanted a strict defensive minded guy for certain situations?
Engebretson
Thank you, sweet rabbit
This seemed to be the theme in 2010 and they'll be using the same concept in Sochi.
I was just thinking Yandle might have been a good replacement for Rafalski on that top pairing with Suter. Can't help but think that Yandle would've had a better shot if he played out East vs the desert.
Which I 100% agree with you right there. Suter needs that offensive minder player. They are banking on Martin to be that player and he's still hurt.
I gotta believe that Bylsma is the only reason that Orpik is on the team. Really have a hard time believing that any of the GM's would even consider him for an Olympics on big ice.
Engebretson
Thank you, sweet rabbit
Everybody they've selected is expected to be healthy for the games, but yeah, they're banking on a bunch of guys to be completely healed by then. Yandle has been healthy and playing well so far this season.
I gave Orpik making this team a snowballs chance in hell. I was wrong and I think it is because they are doing this "chemistry" thing. Orpik didn't bring a lot in 2010, what is he bringing this time around? He has to be an alternate and Fowler/Faulk are the main one. HAS to be....
Regardless....very young team. Meshed the vets with the youth movement. I do like that aspect. I think that is what screwed them in 2006
Just blows my mind...
Engebretson
Thank you, sweet rabbit
Apparently, the final blueline spot was between Jack Johnson, Yandle, and Fowler. Orpik made the cut before any of those guys. Fowler isn't a terrible pick, I just would've preferred Yandle.
Ray Shero is also one of the GM's involved with selection.
Jack Johnson is probably the most decorated USA player ever, but Erik Johnson is a travesty for not even being in this consideration.
Orpik picked that quick either has to do with the 2010 "vet" - 2 - youth ratio or Blysma wants his guys there since they'll clearly be playing a style like Pittsburgh.
I would have preferred
Suter-Yandle
McDonagh-Shattenkirk
Carlson-E. Johnson
Fowler and Martin were my alternates
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