Team USA; What To Do?

ProngerBlues44 writes "Well, there are some question marks heading into the 2002 Winter Olympics in Utah. Who will our top line be? Who's our top defenseman? Who will play goal? Let's examine these questions....

First of all, the "USA Line" has looked well for St. Louis. Doug Weight, Scott Young and Keith Tkachuk are top competitors.

The top line will be very hard to decide. Mike Modano, John LeClair, and Billy Guerin are obvious choices as well. But Jamie Langenbrunner is a great player, Scott Gomez deserves a chance as does Tony Amonte. There isn't really a question of who our TOP line is, as Team USA has plenty of guns up front. What about the checking line?

Craig Conroy is a possible, and could center a checking line. Scott Young did play with him for awhile in St. Louis, but other people deserve chances. Todd Marchant and Brett Hull deserve it as well as Conroy.

The defense looks pretty consistent. Brian Leetch and Chris Chelios are the big 2, while Mathieu Schneider and Brian Rafalski are great offensive players. The one I, personally, am extremely excited about is Tom Poti of Edmonton. Tom is a great player on both sides of the rink and will have a big shot this February. Tom is a rising star and will play extremely well.

Now the big question: goaltending. The obvious choice is Mike Richter. Mike has had a great season after reconstructive surgery on a bum knee and has as best a shot as ever. The New York Miracle Man has really boosted his Rangers into the standings.

Another possibility is Mike Dunham of Nashville. Dunham was backup to Martin Brodeur a few years back but has shown he shouldn't have been. His Predators don't exactly have a picture perfect record, but his GAA and Save percentage are extremely respectable.

Brian Boucher of Philadelphia has really come on this season after a terrible 2000-01 campaign. Boucher will be watched and deserves to have at least a third spot.

Brent Johnson of St. Louis has as good a shot as anyone else. Johnny was backup to Czech goalie Roman Turek last season, but looks to have the starting job with the Blues. He isn't experienced, and that's one thing holding him back.

Hopefully I have put some perspective into some of your minds and I have one more thing to say; USA ALL THE WAY!

~Jeff P.

http://hometown.aol.com/ProngerBlues44/Blues.html "