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Team USA Doubles Down On Terrible Decisions

September 22, 2016, 11:33 AM ET [106 Comments]
Ryan Wilson
Pittsburgh Penguins Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
After USA's elimination from the World Cup of Hockey Phil Kessel took to Twitter to blast the executives of Team USA (at least I thought that was obvious).

In the time since that tongue in cheek tweet there has been some blow back from some of Team USA's players, namely David Backes

“It’s disappointing. It’s almost to say that we were coasting or don’t care, weren’t representing our countries as well as we could have and for other guys that have worn the jersey, it’s disappointing,” Team USA forward David Backes said. “I understand there’s hard feelings if you weren’t picked for the team or if whatever, but the comments are, I think – as a team guy and as a guy that stands by my teammates, win lose or draw, it’s a little distasteful and aggravating but everyone’s got a Twitter account and you can have freedom of speech to say whatever you want and so be it. But those comments don’t get lost in the fray and those comments are there and have been read and I think will be remembered when whatever happens going forward happens going forward.”


Get over it. There really isn't much to say other than that. The criticism wasn't directed at the players. The vitriol is being directed at the decision makers at the executive and head coaching level.




The reality is that Phil Kessel was tied for 2nd in the scoring lead for Team USA in this tournament. His stat line of 0G 0A +/- 0 was better than that of Backes' 0G 0A -1.

Phil Kessel has constantly been criticized and treated poorly over his career in spite of the fact he continues to do a great job at what he is supposed to do, play hockey. The fact he showed discontent with being left off the team is totally appropriate. He was almost the Conn Smythe winner for crying out loud. I for one love the fact that he cared enough to make a response. Clearly he wants to support and contribute to USA Hockey. Isn't that what they want?

The roster construction was an incredible embarrassment and that was even before they played the games. The games just solidified the obvious with tangible results. They had an unhealthy obsession with Canada when they should have just been worrying about themselves.




"To beat this really great team I'm going to take players who aren't as good". That was the genius plan Dean Lombardi came up with. Here's the reality of the situation




It was always going to be an uphill struggle. Canada is a great team. In fact the last 13 games Canada has played in a best on best tournament they have 13 wins. That isn't a Team USA problem that is a global problem. Nobody is beating Canada at the moment. Perhaps focus on trying to beat some of the other teams you might have to play.




You weren't ready for Canada either.

It never ends with this management group of Team USA. They continue to speak and highlight why they failed so miserably. Dean Lombardi decided to double down on not taking Phil Kessel in favor of less valuable players




Is this satire? No? My god this is pathetic.

This is from the GM who "expertly" handled the Slava Voynov and Mike Richards situation not to mention the Dustin Brown contract and subsequent need to strip him of his captaincy.

We all love the 1980 Miracle on Ice team, but the key word there is miracle. They got lucky. USA Hockey has taken the Herb Brooks quote "I'm not looking for the best players I'm looking for the right ones" to heart and it has resulted in a flawed decision making system. You shouldn't base your programs evaluation process and mission statement on luck.




The more the coach and GM talk the more ridiculous they look. There is nothing about the process or results that can be defended. The 2016 World Cup of Hockey was a complete failure for USA Hockey. Nobody had a worse tournament. Nobody did less with what could have potentially been more. Nobody looks worse than Dean Lombardi or John Tortorella. Nobody wants the status quo.

Thanks for reading!

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Brand new Hockey Hurts Podcast discusses the failures of Team USA and celebrates the awesomeness of Team North America. You can find that here
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