Olympics: Team USA 2022

[DisbeliefInDW]

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.

Not saying you're wrong, and I don't have any better predictions, but after seeing this on "paper", that is one hell of a boring team lol.

 

[William H Bonney]

Not saying you're wrong, and I don't have any better predictions, but after seeing this on "paper", that is one hell of a boring team lol.

How is that a boring team??

 

[DisbeliefInDW]

How is that a boring team??

You think most of those players are exciting to watch?

 

[Ace of Hades]

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

Your clear lack of objectivity and poor reasoning is all I need to know on the subject.

Learn what hashing in jest context is.

 

[Ace of Hades]

What has Demko done to be considered a lock?

Both Demko and Petersen play for bad teams with bad defense. Greens system is terrible on goalies as well.

The difference is Demko has shown levels that Petersen never has, more established, better stats, etc.

You should be asking what Petersen has done to be a lock over Demko?

Demko at his current level is a lock in

Anything can change in a year, but you simply go with better players instead.

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

Yet those 4 games is significantly better than anything Petersen has ever accomplished, and Petersen barely has any sample size to begin with in the national hockey league.

Not to mention, Demko took over the starters load, and won the Canucks plenty of games that they had no business winning in.

but sure take the inferior and less established goalie to fit your own bias.

 

[William H Bonney]

Your clear lack of objectivity and poor reasoning is all I need to know on the subject.

Learn what hashing in jest context is.

I'd love to learn all about your USAH knowledge and expertise. You're new here. Please, sir, educate us all.

 

[Ace of Hades]

Already did, try keeping up.

 

[William H Bonney]

Both Demko and Petersen play for bad teams with bad defense. Greens system is terrible on goalies as well.

The difference is Demko has shown levels that Petersen never has, more established, better stats, etc.

You should be asking what Petersen has done to be a lock over Demko?

Demko at his current level is a lock in

Anything can change in a year, but you simply go with better players instead.




Yet those 4 games is significantly better than anything Petersen has ever accomplished, and Petersen barely has any sample size to begin with in the national hockey league.

Not to mention, Demko took over the starters load, and won the Canucks plenty of games that they had no business winning in.

but sure take the inferior and less established goalie to fit your own bias.

It's wild you could write all of this without even realizing it's Petersen with the better stats.

 

[William H Bonney]

You think most of those players are exciting to watch?

It depends on your definition of "exciting" but I think that team could be very exciting. You're acting like it's a team of Trevor Lewis clones.

 

[Ace of Hades]

It's wild you could write all of this without even realizing it's Petersen with the better stats.

Might want to know who actually has the better save percentage this year.

Might want to know who actually who has shown to be more proven in general.

Might want to know who has more wins in their overall careers.

Its wild how uneducated you are on Demko.

 

[William H Bonney]

Might want to know who actually has the better save percentage this year.

Might want to know who actually who has shown to be more proven in general.

Might want to know who has more wins in their overall careers.

Its wild how uneducated you are on Demko.

None of your diatribe is anchored on "this year" so that's not relevant.

Neither is "proven" so that's not relevant either.

Wins is a team stat. Demko plays for a better team, he should have more wins.

I've been following Demko since before you even knew who he was and your favorite team drafted him. My Demko knowledge is just fine.

 

[Ace of Hades]

None of your diatribe is anchored on "this year" so that's not relevant.

Neither is "proven" so that's not relevant either.

Wins is a team stat. Demko plays for a better team, he should have more wins.

I've been following Demko since before you even knew who he was and your favorite team drafted him. My Demko knowledge is just fine.

Except I talk about last year and this year collectively.

One is more proven, than the other. You take the more proven player.

You might want to get your facts straight, since Vancouver is not a better team than LA, and the reason why the Canucks mostly won games was due to Demko.

Clearly not based on what you are saying.

You basically have yet to even show why Petersen is more deserving to be in the third stringer spot over Demko.

 

[William H Bonney]

Except I talk about last year and this year collectively.

One is more proven, than the other. You take the more proven player.

You might want to get your facts straight, since Vancouver is not a better team than LA, and the reason why the Canucks mostly won games was due to Demko.

Clearly not based on what you are saying.

You basically have yet to even show why Petersen is more deserving to be in the third stringer spot over Demko.

Yes, hence why we don't just look at their save percentages from this season only.

Neither is proven or more proven. You can keep stating this but it doesn't make it true.

There is no data to suggest Vancouver is a worse team than LA during the tenures of Demko and Petersen. Not even close.

I have stated my reasoning multiple times in this thread. Go read them. You may disagree, and that's fine, especially as Demko will be in heavy contention for the roster, but you don't need to make things up to justify Demko's potential inclusion.

 

[Mathieukferland]

Assuming health


Tkachuk-Matthews-Gaudreau
Debrincat-Eichel-Kane
Wheeler-Larkin-Connor
Boeser-Trochek-Guentzel
Pavelski-Miller

McAvoy-Carlson
Werenski-Fox
Petry-Slavin
McDonough

Hellebuyck
Gibson
Knight


Q. Hughes and Jones, after rather abysmal seasons, drop out. Keep an eye on Robertson and Pacioretty, strong starts could see them into the formation at the expense of perimeter players like Gaudreau and Wheeler

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

We have a bunch of candidates for that third goalie spot. I don’t think it’s clear cut who will take that slot.

 

[Pavel Buchnevich]

Assuming health


Tkachuk-Matthews-Gaudreau
Debrincat-Eichel-Kane
Wheeler-Larkin-Connor
Boeser-Trochek-Guentzel
Pavelski-Miller

McAvoy-Carlson
Werenski-Fox
Petry-Slavin
McDonough

Hellebuyck
Gibson
Knight


Q. Hughes and Jones, after rather abysmal seasons, drop out. Keep an eye on Robertson and Pacioretty, strong starts could see them into the formation at the expense of perimeter players like Gaudreau and Wheeler

McDonagh is not going to be an extra so Petry can play his off side. I don’t think Petry makes it. You also have McAvoy playing his off side.

 

[SanDogBrewin]

Already did, try keeping up.

Exclaiming that Demko should be a lock is how we should try keeping up ? Im a huge Demko fan but 72 career NHL games and pretty pedestrian stats so far. Knight and Demko will get there time with team USA at the mens level. It just isn’t right now.

 

[WarriorofTime]

Third goalie doesn't matter anyways.

 

[x Tame Impala]

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.

Jones is still in the top 4 IMHO, i think he's going to look a lot better not in CBus. Also, I don't want Patches in the lineup. Much rather have Lee to be honest.

 

[x Tame Impala]

Assuming health


Tkachuk-Matthews-Gaudreau
Debrincat-Eichel-Kane
Wheeler-Larkin-Connor
Boeser-Trochek-Guentzel
Pavelski-Miller

McAvoy-Carlson
Werenski-Fox
Petry-Slavin
McDonough

Hellebuyck
Gibson
Knight


Q. Hughes and Jones, after rather abysmal seasons, drop out. Keep an eye on Robertson and Pacioretty, strong starts could see them into the formation at the expense of perimeter players like Gaudreau and Wheeler

Under no circumstances would Kane be on the 2nd line. He's the most talented winger on the team, STILL, at 32

 

[William H Bonney]

Jones is still in the top 4 IMHO, i think he's going to look a lot better not in CBus. Also, I don't want Patches in the lineup. Much rather have Lee to be honest.

I want to see how Lee rebounds from his ACL injury first, especially since skating is already his glaring weakness.

Jones is definitely not top 4 right now. The gap gap between McAvoy/Fox and Jones is fairly wide right now and I'd like to see Jones rebound first before we pretend he's the Jones of 3 years ago.

 

[x Tame Impala]

I want to see how Lee rebounds from his ACL injury first, especially since skating is already his glaring weakness.

Jones is definitely not top 4 right now. The gap gap between McAvoy/Fox and Jones is fairly wide right now and I'd like to see Jones rebound first before we pretend he's the Jones of 3 years ago.

Well thankfully we have this season for him to prove he deserves a spot.

 

[moropanov]

Usa will propably play with juniors and players who play in leagues like KHL NLA SHL etc it would be surprising if NHL will be included in 2022 Olympics..

 

[clevelandcane]

Yes, hence why we don't just look at their save percentages from this season only.

Neither is proven or more proven. You can keep stating this but it doesn't make it true.

There is no data to suggest Vancouver is a worse team than LA during the tenures of Demko and Petersen. Not even close.

I have stated my reasoning multiple times in this thread. Go read them. You may disagree, and that's fine, especially as Demko will be in heavy contention for the roster, but you don't need to make things up to justify Demko's potential inclusion.

Don't bother with this guy.

 

[jcs0218]

Not saying you're wrong, and I don't have any better predictions, but after seeing this on "paper", that is one hell of a boring team lol.

Does boring really matter?

Team Canada was kind of boring to watch in the 2014 Olympics.