>The GM of his team -- the Kings -- was part of the selection committee
>So, he was a lock to be selected since he is captain of the Kings
- SnapitUpstairs

Typical BB influence taking a rugged less talented guy like Brown over Ryan for example. On paper looks dumb but the biggest concern to me is in net. Quick is coming off injury, Howard can't win a game and has been very average. Miller has to be the clear number one and the only safe choice at this point. Ben Bishop, all 6'7" of him has been the best american goalie but obviously lacks experience. We will see but I am sure Team Canada is glad Bishop is not on your team.

Personally I think Saad got snubbed but it seemed from Burnside's article that he was the last cut and will probably be one of the first guys to get called up if there are any injuries. As for Bobby Ryan and Yandle, I agree that those guys got snubbed as well especially since they can score and the US doesn't have too many scorers.

IMO the US went with the grindy/meathead type of team that will get housed right out of this tournament. If they had a stronger defensive core I'd give them more of a chance but they don't. If this team were an NHL team they'd remind me of the Kings or Blues with a pooptier defense. I will root for them but I'm not expecting much.
- dan9189

Hmm.....how about similar to Nashville?

Let's not get overly disappointed about Saad not making the US olympic team. he will get his turn next time around. furthermore, what happens if one of our US forwards gets injured in the next couple of weeks? Injuries in the NHL are part of life. If one of the forward breaks down... There is a good chance Saad will be a late addition to the squad. maybe it's wishful thinking on my part.

Typical BB influence taking a rugged less talented guy like Brown over Ryan for example. On paper looks dumb but the biggest concern to me is in net. Quick is coming off injury, Howard can't win a game and has been very average. Miller has to be the clear number one and the only safe choice at this point. Ben Bishop, all 6'7" of him has been the best american goalie but obviously lacks experience. We will see but I am sure Team Canada is glad Bishop is not on your team.
- flyerdude17

>And the USA selection committee considers goaltending a major strength
>Hmmm...

Let's not get overly disappointed about Saad not making the US olympic team. he will get his turn next time around. furthermore, what happens if one of our US forwards gets injured in the next couple of weeks? Injuries in the NHL are part of life. If one of the forward breaks down... There is a good chance Saad will be a late addition to the squad. maybe it's wishful thinking on my part.
- spanky

>Believe next Winter Olympics is in Korea and already hearing rumblings that the NHL will not support going
>So, who knows when Saad's next chance is?
>And, even if added, having coaches that didn't want you
>Happy New Year to all! (hasta everybody)

>And the USA selection committee considers goaltending a major strength
>Hmmm...
- SnapitUpstairs

Just thinking how Hawks fans feel about Saad not get a spot and am wondering how Isles fans feet Okposo being left off, 40 points, rugged and a character player. How Yotes fans feel about Yandle off and Oprik on??

>Believe next Winter Olympics is in Korea and already hearing rumblings that the NHL will not support going
>So, who knows when Saad's next chance is?
>And, even if added, having coaches that didn't want you
>Happy New Year to all! (hasta everybody)
- SnapitUpstairs

No Olympics = some other international tournament involving NHL at a better time in the year.

>Believe next Winter Olympics is in Korea and already hearing rumblings that the NHL will not support going
>So, who knows when Saad's next chance is?
>And, even if added, having coaches that didn't want you
>Happy New Year to all! (hasta everybody)
- SnapitUpstairs

You make some valid points ... You never know if you get another once in a life time chance to represent your country.

rather than risk injury , I would much rather see these guys rest up during the break, Leddy & Saad will go on to have nice careers so they'll get their chance again. Time to sit back & enjoy so serious games the next 3 months league wide.
I still scratch my head when it comes to the Blues. The Ducks,I think we could beat because sooner or later they'll have to play the Hawks run & gun game. don't think they have the speed the Hawks have.
I have this sinking feeling that for some reason , the coaching staff doubts Leddy in some situations. I think he is the 3rd or 4th best D man on the team ahead of Oduya and maybe even Hjalmersson skill wise. Why do I feel he could be a trade chip for a #2 bonified center/top 6 forward. Serious mistake by Stan Bowman if that happens. he & Saad stay for the long haul.
Happy & Healthy new year to all & get ready for another run into June!

Can Leddy, Saad, or anyone else be sent down to RFD during the Olympics?.....similar to the lock out last year?
- UnnamedSource

If I'm not mistaken, Saad, Shaw and Raanta could be sent down without passing through waivers. I don't know if it makes sense to do that to Saad and Shaw. Both those guys could use some rest.

As for Raanta, Al thinks he'll end up in Rockford for the Olympic break and so do I.

you don't see that often..head coach hired before the GM.
- Glenman12

Yet it essentially happened twice with Smith. I never understood Emery being brought it and forced to work with basically a lame duck coach.

????????

If he does not make it, it will be a surprise.


- TrueGrit

I'm just thinking most of us think sharp wll make it. I think Sharp himself might be thinking he will make it, especially with the way he has been playing. So after all the hype and predictions I wonder how many Hawks play? 5? 6? 7? Kane, Toews, Keith, Sharp?, Hossa, and Hammer?

rather than risk injury , I would much rather see these guys rest up during the break, Leddy & Saad will go on to have nice careers so they'll get their chance again. Time to sit back & enjoy so serious games the next 3 months league wide.
I still scratch my head when it comes to the Blues. The Ducks,I think we could beat because sooner or later they'll have to play the Hawks run & gun game. don't think they have the speed the Hawks have.
I have this sinking feeling that for some reason , the coaching staff doubts Leddy in some situations. I think he is the 3rd or 4th best D man on the team ahead of Oduya and maybe even Hjalmersson skill wise. Why do I feel he could be a trade chip for a #2 bonified center/top 6 forward. Serious mistake by Stan Bowman if that happens. he & Saad stay for the long haul.
Happy & Healthy new year to all & get ready for another run into June!
- wonthecup10

He's not in the same stratosphere in Hammer. Nick has skating and that's the only skill he's better at.

I'm just thinking most of us think sharp wll make it. I think Sharp himself might be thinking he will make it, especially with the way he has been playing. So after all the hype and predictions I wonder how many Hawks play? 5? 6? 7? Kane, Toews, Keith, Sharp?, Hossa, and Hammer?
- tomcat24

Oduya, Zus, and maybe Rozy too.

Interesting read... Fairly convoluted process.
- Tugboat

And a convoluted read


Lot of cooks in the kitchen...but i'm sure Team Canada is the same way.

He's not in the same stratosphere in Hammer. Nick has skating and that's the only skill he's better at.
- rollpards19

Now you did it Rollie. Savvy will have your ass for that.

And a convoluted read


Lot of cooks in the kitchen...but i'm sure Team Canada is the same way.
- philco28

Jesus. Don't you ever sleep?

Jesus. Don't you ever sleep?
- Elbows15

I'm on vacay and am a true night owl most of the time...but the Sandman is talking to me

I'm on vacay and am a true night owl most of the time...but the Sandman is talking to me

- philco28

Lucky, was actually looking foward to being off this week. Like to watch the juniors. But nope. Duty called.

Lucky, was actually looking foward to being off this week. Like to watch the juniors. But nope. Duty called.
- Elbows15

Oduya, Zus, and maybe Rozy too.
- Elbows15

GM's do like chemistry in a short tourney like this, plus oduya would be great on this ice. It would be nice for him to make it. Sweden has a lot of good D, though. We will see. Zus would be really bad on big ice lol but he usually plays in these types of games. Not as many nhlers there as other countries.

Could not agree more. Smaller ice surface tends to minimize guys with the best skating skills. More room + top skating ability = difficulty for other teams to neutralize the best player and opens up more scoring options.

This will become evident very quickly when less talented but better skating teams end up skating the USA squad off the rink. Would be very surprised to see them in the medal round.
- savvyone-1

I've read, and agree more or less, that it is playing angles (IQ) that is more important than actual skating prowess on a big sheet. Meaning it's easier to out skate mistakes on a smaller surface than a large one.

No doubt speed helps on any surface, but guys who don't play angles well and are out of position are much more a liability on a big surface than a small one.

The US will not out talent Canada, Sweden or Russia. They will have to play a smart gritty game with solid goaltending to succeed, much the way they did making it all the way to the 2010 Gold Medal Game before losing to Canada in an epic final.

Said another way if the US takes the top US NHL point producers to Sochi they'll get blown out.

Damn this Russia-USA game is exciting. Not to mention 5 players from Illinois on team USA. And as we know, 2 blackhawk picks

On paper looks dumb but the biggest concern to me is in net. Quick is coming off injury, Howard can't win a game and has been very average. Miller has to be the clear number one and the only safe choice at this point. Ben Bishop, all 6'7" of him has been the best american goalie but obviously lacks experience.
- flyerdude17

This bothers me most. If Miller can go all the way and stay healthy, it's no problem but if he's injured the US screwed the pooch here.

Take one of Quick or Howard along with Bishop (or even Schneider) for experience sake, but not both. At this point both Howard and Quick aren't even the best goalie on their NHL team.

The goalie selection bothers me more than anything else, and if Miller goes down it will kill this team.

Damn this Russia-USA game is exciting. Not to mention 5 players from Illinois on team USA. And as we know, 2 blackhawk picks
- tomcat24

Hard to keep a lead with two long 5 on 3 PKs against you.