by Mike Cassidy
In 1980, the Soviet team came to
Lake Placid, New York almost sure that they would win the gold medal, but Team
USA pulled off the impossible and the unpredictable upset resulted in books,
publicity, and a very famous movie. This coming February, Team USA will
participate in the Winter Olympics in the city of Sochi, which is in Russia.
While there are probably Russians who are thinking this is the perfect
opportunity for revenge, it is a completely different picture than it was in
1980. For one, the Soviet Union no longer exists, and while it could be said
that there is a political rivalry between the two countries, tensions are nowhere
near where they were during the time “Miracle” took place. Both teams also have
completely different rosters than they did thirty-four years ago (who would have
guessed), and even their uniforms have changed! And of course, the United
States is not as heavily favored as the Soviet team was in 1980.
The United
States men’s hockey roster for the 2014 Winter Olympics is set to be released
during the Winter Classic. There are some predictions I have of players that will
be seen on the roster, and also how Team USA will fare in the up and coming
winter Olympics.
Forwards
Possibly one of the best players in the NHL currently is the
quickly improving Patrick Kane, who will, without a question, have a spot on Team
USA. Kane, a forward for the Chicago Blackhawks, is very talented, has great
hands, and knows how to get the puck in the back of the net, which makes him an
even more vital player on Team USA.
Zach Parise has been representing his own state, and he now
will represent his country again. He holds an indubitable amount of talent and will
definitely make it on to Team USA for the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Anaheim Ducks forward Bobby Ryan will find his way on to the
team. Unlike Kane, Ryan does not shine with his ability at handling the puck,
but is rather big for a forward. Bobby Ryan is another definite lock for Team
USA.
New York Ranger’s Captain Ryan Callahan has been with Team
USA before and will be with them in 2014 this year with the same goal: taking
home the gold.
The Kessel brothers will both have a spot on the team, and putting
Ryan and Phil on the same line could also make for some pretty cool publicity.
In 2014 we might be seeing a local on the roster. Well, as
local as it gets, that is. Max Pacioretty, from New Canaan, Connecticut,
appears to have a good chance at making Team USA. Who would have known that he
could have made such a speedy recovery from a devastating injury earlier in his
career and now have such a great shot at playing on Team USA?
The Blues also have some talented players that were “Made in
America”. Both TJ Oshie and David Backes are both players that I would almost guarantee
to be seen on Team USA’s roster.
Defensemen
If you can remember the 2010 Winter Olympics, than you will
know exactly what I mean when I say, “needless to say” Jack Johnson will be
playing on team USA.
Keith Yandle will be coming up from the deserts of Arizona
to play in the artic country of Russia; his name is another one I almost guarantee.
Ryan Suter will not only be a part of the team, but can make
a huge difference on the team if he plays his heart out.
Ryan McDonagh also could find his way on to this team. While
this may seem like a stretch of a prediction, it is probably what is going to
end up happening.
Goalie
While Ryan Miller did play amazing in Vancouver during the
2010 Olympics, that was four years ago. This Olympics, Miller probably won’t be
the go-to goalie, but will be the backup to Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan
Quick.
Now its time for the predictions! While Canada will be
holding what is clearly the best roster, being very biased, I do not have them
wining the gold. The Canadian forwards consist of Steve Stamkos, Sidney Crosby,
Rick Nash and others. Facing their defense wont be any easier either, however
as stated earlier, Team USA won in 1980, so who’s to say they can’t do it
again?
Gold: USA
Silver: Canada
Bronze: Russia |
| USA Hockey looks poised for a solid performance at the Winter Olympics |
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