The olympics are coming soon and its not too early to talk about what the US team will look like in two years. Over the past decade our former super stars like Modano, Hull, Leetch and Hatcher did their duty and won the 96 world cup and now their time has come. One of the more promising groups of young Americans are coming through and I think they will be able to challange the likes of Canada and Sweden.
Projected Line up.
Offense: in red is a probable Canuck team!
Jason Blake (MN) / Paul Statsny (MO) / Patrick Kane (NY)
Heatley / Lecavalier / St. Louis
Brian Rolston (MI) / Matt Cullen (MN) / Peter Mueller (MN)
Nash / Crosby / Iginla
Zach Parise (MN) / Chris Drury (CT) / Brian Gionta (NY)
Smyth / Spezza / Gange
Chris Higgins (NY) / Scott Gomez (AK) / Eric Cole (NY)
Stillman / Thornton / Perry
Defence:
Erik Johnson (MN) / Brian Rafalski (MI)
Ryan Whitney (MA) / Keith Ballard (MN)
Joe Corvo (IL) / Paul Martin (MN)
in Goal:
Ryan Miller (MI)
Back up: Dipietro
To me I think the defence is looking a little weak, but the offence looks young and very skillfull. I haven't a clue who i would have coach the team. I'd say no to Tortorella. I would go outside the box and have Brian Leetch take the helm, have a college hockey coach like Lucia or Berenson do it.