The US squad is not going to “out skill” the likes of Canada, Sweden, and Russia. To beat them they’ll need to bring a good ole fashioned blue collar mentality and team work. Parise and Suter represent the top of the crop at their position, but bring a do it all and do it well mantra to the table. With Backes, Brown, and Callahan Poile adds known leaders (all captains on successful teams) that lead by example. Afraid to get in the trenches with their teammates they are not.
Putting them ahead of more skilled, but more individualistic counterparts (think Kessel, Kesler, Kane, Jack Johnson), the hope is that the style of play needed to win at the Olympic level trickles down.
Kane just won the Stanley Cup for his second time, first time won it in OT, this time won the conn smythe, Kesler is a Selke calibre player that has been injured last too years and finally health. Selke is an award for defense and 2 way play. Kesler is one of the best 2 way player in the NHL and will probably be USA's leading ice time center again this time because of his competitiveness and 2 way leadership with USA. Kesler is the definition of Blue Collar, he'll be USA's top shut down guy again!