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| USA will most likely return 13 players from its magical 2010 Olympic run and that makes them a formidable force in 2014. (Credits: Newscom) |
There are three teams in the history of Untied States Men's Olympic hockey that remain engraved deep in Americans hearts. For one, the 1980 Miracle Men whose case I need no further state. Two, the 2002 U.S. squad because of its wealth of talent. Headlined by the greatest American ever Mike Modano, as well as all-time greats Chris Chelios, Brett Hull, Mike Richter and Jeremy Roenick (to name a few), the team fell in the gold medal game to what many consider the greatest hockey team ever assembled, the '02 Canadians. Although the tournament went for naught, the coming together of such overwhelming American talent will forever be a lasting image in many Americans eyes. Finally we come to the 2010 team, which charmed us in unimaginable ways with sensational goaltending (Ryan Miller), spectacular skill (Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel, Bobby Ryan) and inspiring grit (Ryan Kesler, Ryan Callahan, David Backes). A team many picked outside of the medal round, swept the group play by stunning Canada 5-3, destroyed Finland with a six-goal first period outburst in the semis and almost upset the Canadians once again in OT in the Gold Medal Game. Ultimately, the Americans didn't pull off the second-coming of "The Miracle," but what they did do, was set themselves up nicely for 2014.
The interesting thing about Olympic hockey as opposed to Olympic basketball is that the players must pick up right in the middle of their seasons and play with a whole new set of teammates. Most of these guys had spent the entire season developing chemistry with their NHL teams and boom, here they are in mid-February trying to gel with new teammates, maybe even bitter rivals in the matter of three weeks. It is no small task and that's why team continuity, or the ability to most quickly find that continuity, is a huge part of Olympic hockey. The 2010 team's chemistry was instantly apparent and the good news? Most of that '10 squad returns, more experienced this time around.
Barring injury or some sort of miracle first-half play by another American, this team will be returning 13 players (10 forwards and 3 defensemen) from the Vancouver unit. These 13 guys have already proved that they can excel playing alongside each other. For a team to have the luxury of skipping the adjustment period, that will do wonders for them in terms of getting ready for a mentally tough tournament. Potential newcomers, John Carlson and Derek Stepan already have won on the major stage before in the 2010 World Junior Championship and will most likely have a very good sense of how to gel on the fly. With such a core veteran presence on this team, the other five spots (most likely taken up by Kevin Shattenkirk, Ryan McDonagh, Keith Yandle, Max Pacioretty and T.J. Oshie) should fall in line quite easily.
Another element that certainly gives the United States an advantage is the goaltending. While Canada is most likely going to choose between headcases Carey Price and Roberto Luongo or inconsistent Cam Ward, the Americans could choose whoever's hot at the time. Right now, you'd probably say Jonathan Quick is the best goalie in the NHL so he'd get the nod. Yet, Jimmy Howard is not far behind in that category. I'd go as far to say that incumbent Ryan Miller and Vancouver's Cory Schneider aren't too many steps behind either. Either way, the United States has a plethora of talented goalkeepers and we saw how Ryan Miller's stellar play altered the tournament three years ago; let's just say, there never can be too much goaltending.
I have the confidence to sit here and say that between the growth of these returning Americans and American hockey in general as well as the clear advantage between the pipes, the Americans are favorites to win gold. You don't bring that much talent and well-documented chemistry and not make noise. Of course, Canada is Canada and they can bring the firepower from almost every direction. But, I think there will be a lot more shuffling in the Canadian lineup due to the decrease in production from some veterans as well as some emerging young players. Canada's chemistry will be an issue, much like it was in the early part of the 2010 tournament.
The best part is, this American team does not fear Canada. They do not quiver when they view the combined stats of the Canadian forwards. Jack Johnson doesn't not wake up in cold sweats thinking about Claude Giroux. Jonathan Quick doesn't falter when he thinks about Steven Stamkos flying down the wing. Instead, Patrick Kane envisions himself dangling Shea Weber, going top cheddar and diving into the bench for a natty. Ryan Callahan salivates over blocking pucks. Zach Parise smells the Gold that will eventually be hanging around his neck.
The United States is frothing at the mouth thinking about Russia and this time their color will be Gold, not silver. USA Hockey's time is now.
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