World Cup of Hockey Preview: Team USA

It's been 20 years since the Americans managed to pull off a big victory at the World Cup of Hockey, back when it used be known as the Canada Cup. Many things have changed, with the Americans aiming towards developing their youth more than ever before, especially through their famous US National Development Team Program. But can it save them from an early exit this year, especially with the rise of Team North America? 

Strengths: Offensively, they may not have the large stock of superpowers that some other rival teams have, but the sharpshooters they do have are very good. It all begins with Patrick Kane, the top scorer from the recent NHL season. One of the best players for the United States in recent international tournaments, his fast skating and quick wrist shot was built for NHL-sized rinks and he’ll be a threat for the top scorer position throughout the tournament. Then there is Joe Pavelski and Blake Wheeler, who both finished in the top ten in scoring this past season. With three of the best forwards from the past season on the roster, they’ll be a dangerous team no doubt.

While other teams are using skill and speed to compete at this tournament, the Americans, especially up front, looks a lot like a strong NHL team where players are playing more positional roles that they’re used to in league action. In a short tournament, having some familiarity is really good, and having first line players playing third or fourth line roles may not translate well, no matter how good the player is. That’s what makes the Americans good, because it looks like a real NHL team where players will be used in roles that really work with their play style.

Weaknesses: Compared to Canada, USA’s depth doesn’t have the same fire power through their offense, but that shouldn’t be too big of a concern. In fact, the NHL’s top scorer from the last year was, of course, Patrick Kane. But does a player like James van Riemsdyk or Justin Abdelkader bring more value than the likes of Kyle Okposo or Phil Kessel? Offensively, no, but USA’s defensive game may be better because of it.

The Americans always head into international tournaments very underrated, and that can be due to the lack of major big names throughout the roster. On defense, they’re good, but not as good as Canada or Sweden. It doesn’t help that Kevin Shattenkirk and Justin Faulk, two of the better young defensemen from the country, weren’t named to the roster. In fact, it almost appears as though the omissions from USA’s roster will have a bigger effect than what Canada or Russia are missing this year.

The Americans also have a large amount of players coming off of injuries, especially in net. Zach Parise and Ryan McDonagh are two names that come to mind, on top of Ben Bishop and Cory Schneider in the crease. Will the long off-seasons hurt when trying to shake off the rust? Only time will tell, but having pre-tournament exhibition games can really be beneficial.

Big question: Who starts in net? Just like with Canada, the Americans have very strong depth between the pipes, with the likes of Cory Schneider, Ben Bishop and Jonathan Quick. The first two are coming off of recent injuries, including one to Bishop that saw him taken over by Andrei Vasilevsky in the playoffs for Tampa Bay. When it comes to big game experience, both Bishop and Quick have recent success, but some may point towards Schneider as the starting goalie regardless. He’s proven himself to be a powerhouse goalie on a weak New Jersey roster, but it truly seems like a tough battle when deciding who will be chosen to lead them throughout the long haul.

Prediction: No matter what tournament they play in, the Americans find a way to really surprise the masses with their play. Take the 2015 World Championships, for example. Most people expected the team to finish around 8th-10th based on their inexperienced roster, but thanks to the tremendous goaltending of Connor Hellebuyck, the team finished with a bronze. In a short tournament, even short strong performances from a player or two can be what takes a team to glory. A medal is going to be tough, but the Americans aren’t a team you want to sleep on.

 

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