Team USA certainly set the bar high for themselves at the Vancouver Olympics four years ago when they met Canada in the gold medal game and ultimate took silver after losing in overtime. But their incredible run showed that the US team is a force that needs to be taken seriously in international competition.
With Zach Parise captaining the US team, the roster is made up of a strong mix of scoring and grit. Players like Patrick Kane, Joe Pavelski and Phil Kessel are all capable of putting the puck in the net, while guys like Ryan Callahan and Ryan Kesler bring a much-needed element of physicality and grit to the team.
The team’s defense also sports a mix of veterans and young guys, with players like Cam Fowler and Justin Faulk getting a chance to line up with NHL veterans like Ryan Suter and Paul Martin. But the real story for the US team could be who’s between the pipes. Ryan Miller had a fantastic run during the Vancouver games, but his play has slipped a little in recent years. Jonathan Quick, meanwhile, has consistently been one of the best goalies in the NHL and will likely get every opportunity to lead this team to the gold medal game. Quick is capable of stealing games and will be relied on heavily during the tournament to come up big.
Here is the full roster for team USA:
Forwards
D. Backes
D. Brown
R. Callahan
P. Kane
R. Kesler
P. Kessel
T.J. Oshie
M. Pacioretty
Z. Parise
J. Pavelski
P. Stastny
D. Stepan
J. van Riemsdyk
B. Wheeler
Defense
J. Carlson
J. Faulk
C. Fowler
P. Martin
R. McDonagh
B. Orpik
K. Shattenkirk
R. Suter
Goalies
J. Howard
R. Miller
J. Quick
