Olympics: Team USA 2022

[ORRFForever]

If USA tried to go best pure offensive forwards against best pure offensive forwards, they lose to Canada. That’s why a good mix of everything makes more sense. Loading up the team with deBrincat, Boeser, Robertson types doesn’t really make sense when you can add very good scorers who can also do some of the things that can win a team a game in a short tournament against a team that will put out a more talented forward lineup, regardless of who the two teams pick for the final spots on their rosters.

I agree. It's a nice mix.

On paper, it looks like a Canada - U.S. GMG, with Russia being my dark horse - amazing goaltending plus, "Let's win one for O.V./Malkin!!!"

 

[gotyournose]

As a Canadian, pretty intimidating to see the D group and goaltenders the US will be bringing. You could win every game of the tournament 1-0 if your coach decided to play that style, even against Canada

USA didn’t show up against Canada in Sochi. Their third and forth line were pretty much nonexistent against them. The defence not very good. Quick kept them in it, without him Canada would have won 5 to nothing.

Canada will be incredibly deep. Four elite lines that can score. USA will not be able to go all team Canada Sochi on Canada in 2022.

 

[Peiskos]

USA didn’t show up against Canada in Sochi. Their third and forth line were pretty much nonexistent against them. The defence not very good. Quick kept them in it, without him Canada would have won 5 to nothing.

Canada will be incredibly deep. Four elite lines that can score. USA will not be able to go all team Canada Sochi on Canada in 2022.

Canada actually wasn’t a very high scoring team in Sochi, their entire system of play was designed around smothering defence first. Canada surrendered just 3 goals all tournament, the fewest allowed by a gold medalist since 1928.

On the flip side they scored just 17, which was also the fewest by a gold medal winning team in Olympic history.

I’ve still yet to see a team as dedicated to defence as that ‘14 Canada squad. Was really something.

 

[gotyournose]

Canada actually wasn’t a very high scoring team in Sochi, their entire system of play was designed around smothering defence first. Canada surrendered just 3 goals all tournament, the fewest allowed by a gold medalist since 1928.

On the flip side they scored just 17, which was also the fewest by a gold medal winning team in Olympic history.

I’ve still yet to see a team as dedicated to defence as that ‘14 Canada squad. Was really something.

I see no reason why Canada would abandon their defensive style of play. We all know McDavid and Mackinnon are two of the best players in the world, but I like to think that if they were asked to play defensively and cautious, they would adapt.

 

[SRHRangers]

Gotta think they take two vets. McDonagh and Suter wouldn't surprise me.

Watching the playoffs, if McD isn't on this team, it's a travesty.

Put him with Fox or Mcavoy on the first pairing and call it a day.

Him and Slavin are the best lockdown LD the US have.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Watching the playoffs, if McD isn't on this team, it's a travesty.

Put him with Fox or Mcavoy on the first pairing and call it a day.

Him and Slavin are the best lockdown LD the US have.

Yes, I think McDonagh was always a safe bet for this team. It's going to be a tremendous defense.

 

[Ace of Hades]

Jake Guentzel-Auston Matthews-Patrick Kane
Max Pacioretty-Jake Eichel-Brock Boeser
Kyle Connor-Dylan Larkin-Matthew Tkachuk
Alex Debrincat-JT Miller-Blake Wheeler
Ex: Johnny Gaudreau, Joe Pavelski, Brady Tkachuk

Jacob Slavin-John Carlson
Charlie McAvoy-Seth Jones
Quinn Hughes-Brett Pesce
Ex: Zach Werenski, Ryan McDonagh

Connor Hellebucyk
Thatcher Demko
John Gibson

 

[William H Bonney]

Yes, I think McDonagh was always a safe bet for this team. It's going to be a tremendous defense.

Yeah, McDonagh is a lock at this point. His offense isn't the same but he's still an elite defender and one of the top lockdown d-men in the world. Plus, it would be a surprise if USAH only went with 1 veteran (Carlson) and McDonagh also checks that box, too.

 

[Czechboy]

Canada actually wasn’t a very high scoring team in Sochi, their entire system of play was designed around smothering defence first. Canada surrendered just 3 goals all tournament, the fewest allowed by a gold medalist since 1928.

On the flip side they scored just 17, which was also the fewest by a gold medal winning team in Olympic history.

I’ve still yet to see a team as dedicated to defence as that ‘14 Canada squad. Was really something.

I remember those games and Babcock's presser ('who was our leading scorer?... thank you very much).

No one got near the Canada zone or net. Second the puck was loose a Canuck was on it... just smothered the shit out of everyone and controlled the whole game.

I'd prefer to see a team dominate by scoring 6 goals a game but it honestly felt like beating that team would be impossible.

 

[The Zetterberg Era]

Yeah, McDonagh is a lock at this point. His offense isn't the same but he's still an elite defender and one of the top lockdown d-men in the world. Plus, it would be a surprise if USAH only went with 1 veteran (Carlson) and McDonagh also checks that box, too.

I think Petry could be brought as another vet on the right side, but he might be an extra in this team. Still I think they will shade towards the elite defenders a little when building this team. They can make a back-end that is really difficult to play against but still has enough offensive punch. That will depend some on the form of guys next year, I think we are finally reaching the luxury of that should be playing a bigger role in this process with the talent available.

 

[SRHRangers]

I think Petry could be brought as another vet on the right side, but he might be an extra in this team. Still I think they will shade towards the elite defenders a little when building this team. They can make a back-end that is really difficult to play against but still has enough offensive punch. That will depend some on the form of guys next year, I think we are finally reaching the luxury of that should be playing a bigger role in this process with the talent available.

The right side on US is loaded.

Already got a war between Fox, Mcavoy, Peace, Jones, and Carlson.

And imo, Fox and Mcavoy are already locks.

 

[Oblivion Beckons]

Team USA looking to have the best d-corps.

 

[ORRFForever]

Common sense and Sabres management have convinced Jack Eichel NOT to have surgery on his neck... for now.

Smart move, Jack.

 

[Anthony5967]

Common sense and Sabres management have convinced Jack Eichel NOT to have surgery on his neck... for now.

Smart move, Jack.

And you heard this where?

 

[WarriorofTime]

I see no reason why Canada would abandon their defensive style of play. We all know McDavid and Mackinnon are two of the best players in the world, but I like to think that if they were asked to play defensively and cautious, they would adapt.

Their Defense was too good back then. Doughty, Keith, Weber, Pietrangelo were all top 7 NHL Defensemen in the world at the time. Subban was the reigning Norris winner and he was getting scratched every game. Vlasic, Hamhuis and Bouwmeester rounded out the group.

 

[ORRFForever]

And you heard this where?

Buffalo forum. Everything there is 2nd hand info, of course, so perhaps it's not accurate.

As someone who doesn't want to see the kid do something he will regret, I hope it's true.

 

[ElLeetch]

Jake Guentzel-Auston Matthews-Patrick Kane
Max Pacioretty-Jake Eichel-Brock Boeser
Kyle Connor-Dylan Larkin-Matthew Tkachuk
Alex Debrincat-JT Miller-Blake Wheeler
Ex: Johnny Gaudreau, Joe Pavelski, Brady Tkachuk

Jacob Slavin-John Carlson
Charlie McAvoy-Seth Jones
Quinn Hughes-Brett Pesce
Ex: Zach Werenski, Ryan McDonagh

Connor Hellebucyk
Thatcher Demko
John Gibson

I know your post pre-dated the announcement, but its missing the Norris trophy winner.

 

[William H Bonney]

Updated look at my roster at the end of this hockey season. You can view my prior projections here and here.

Forwards (x14):

Alex DeBrincat - Auston Matthews - Patrick Kane
Jake Guentzel - Jack Eichel - Blake Wheeler
Kyle Connor - Dylan Larkin - Max Pacioretty
J.T. Miller - Vincent Trocheck - Matthew Tkachuk
Brady Tkachuk
Extra: Brock Nelson

Defenseman (x8):

Ryan McDonagh - Charlie McAvoy
Jaccob Slavin - Adam Fox
Zach Werenski - Brett Pesce
John Carlson
Extra: Seth Jones

Goalies (x3):

Conner Hellebuyck
John Gibson
Cal Petersen
​

Notes:

• Assumption that tournament would be on NHL ice and I can't imagine the NHL would agree to participate without it.
• Anything less than gold would be a disappointment and anything less than a medal would be a monumental failure. Canada is still the favorite until anyone else proves that shouldn't be the case, even if I think their roster will be weaker this go around.
• Forwards:
  • Locks: DeBrincat, Matthews, Kane, Guentzel, Eichel, Connor
  • Considered: Johnny Gaudreau, Brock Boeser, Joe Pavelski, Conor Garland, Joel Farabee, Josh Norris, T.J. Oshie, Jason Robertson, Trevor Zegras, Bryan Rust, Andrew Copp, Alex Tuch, Jack Hughes
  • We need to take 5-6 centers and barring injury or performance collapses, we should have 8-10 centers capable of contributing here, which is a great problem to have for a change.
  • This lineup would have a great mix of goal scorers, speed, size, and piss and vinegar. The one thing I'd like to see more of, and we've talked about it in this thread, is playmakers. Kane and Eichel are the only true ones I have here.
  • A lot of folks are (or will be) projecting a bunch of the young guys like Hughes, etc. on the team and in past tournaments that would be likely, but USAH doesn't need to reach for young guys given our options. That's not to say some won't be in contention if they start next season strong, but right now it's largely unjustified. If I had to name one young guy to watch, I'd choose Zegras. His skill level is elite, his work ethic is high, we don't have a ton of playmaking options like him beyond Kane and Gaudreau, and he'll be in a starring role for Anaheim to start the season.
  • I wanted to touch on 2 omissions that I think will be the most contested:
    • Gaudreau - I know it's odd to leave him off after talking about the need for playmakers, and I expect he'll actually be there, but my reasoning is two-fold: I want to see him (a) bounce back to his admittedly high expectations, which he showed signs of to end the season and (b) do a better job of keeping his head in the game as it's too easy to frustrate him in the high intensity settings (playoffs, world championships, etc.) that he'll experience here.
    • Pavelski - He had an amazing bounce back season no doubt and his veteran leadership, face-off ability, and PP prowess would be beneficial, but I want to see him carry it forward to next season as he'll be 37 and he's never been fleet of foot. If he keeps it up though, I can't imagine him not here as the captain of the team.
• Defense:
  • Locks: McDonagh, McAvoy, Slavin, Fox
  • Considered: Jeff Petry, Alec Martinez, Torey Krug, Brian Dumoulin, Ryan Suter, Quinn Hughes, Justin Faulk
  • This group is elite and deep and absolutely loaded with RHD options.
  • The 2 players I see as most tenuous are Werenski and Jones. Werenski is in a better position as our LHD options aren't as top-heavy as RHD and he'd pair well with an elite shutdown guy like Pesce. Jones probably doesn't deserve to be here based on last season and his general downward trajectory, but it wasn't too long ago that he was a top 5 defenseman, so he'll be tough to leave him home unless his slide continues next year.
  • I'm sure a lot of folks will expect Hughes here but it's probably 2 years too early for him because we don't need to bring a PP specialist with guys like Fox, Carlson, Jones, Werenski capable of running a PP, and also because the only RHD I'd pair him with for a regular 5-on-5 shift is Pesce and we don't need to select players we think we'd possibly shelter given our depth.
• Goalies:
  • Locks: Hellebuyck
  • Considered: Thatcher Demko, Spencer Knight, Jake Oettinger, Alex Nedeljkovic, Jack Campbell
  • Hellebuyck is the clear #1 right now, although Gibson is so much better than the causal fan probably realizes because his stats are sorely hampered playing on that train-wreck Anaheim team. It'd be interesting to see him, and Hellebuyck as well, behind an elite defense here which they never have had in their NHL careers.
    
  • Petersen is my front-runner for the young/inexperienced goalie role unless one of the other guys steals it from him and/or his game falls off. He's been very good behind a very bad Kings team, and showing up to the WC and playing so well while winning a bronze counts for something.

 

[Ace of Hades]

Demko is certainly making the team given the feats he produced here. Hes above Petersen.

Gaudreau and Boeser are high possibilities as well.

 

[William H Bonney]

Demko is certainly making the team given the feats he produced here. Hes above Petersen.

Gaudreau and Boeser are high possibilities as well.

Demko could make the team but it's by no means a certainty and it's very tenuous to say he's above Petersen.

 

[Ace of Hades]

Demko could make the team but it's by no means a certainty and it's very tenuous to say he's above Petersen.

Except it's not "tenous" considering what one has done compared to another.

 

[Rabid Ranger]

Except it's not "tenous" considering what one has done compared to another.

What has Demko done to be considered a lock?

 

[William H Bonney]

Except it's not "tenous" considering what one has done compared to another.

It is if you're being objective but I imagine the "#Demko4Vezina" in your profile says everything about your objectivity on the subject.

 

[WarriorofTime]

What has Demko done to be considered a lock?

Didn't he carry the Canucks deep into the postseason a year ago?

 

[William H Bonney]

Didn't he carry the Canucks deep into the postseason a year ago?

He was sensational, absolutely. But it was 4 games.