Team USA; (to be) A-OK

RosscoGo writes "With the official more finalized Team Canada lineup now announced, the pressure will be on arch-rivals the United States to name a very talented team with a great scoring touch and plenty of determination and fighting spirit. Despite this, the mystique of the European superpowers (Czechs and Russians) should not be forgotten, as they too will be strong gold-medal opportunities.

Team Canada's recently named roster contains a good mix of All-Stars, Talented Youngsters and Grit. Nonetheless despite their almost legendary status as a great team, they are by no means shoe-ins for the gold medal on offer in Salt Lake City. Team USA and the Europe teams will make it a difficult time for the almost over talented Canadians.

Team USA in particular looks quite good, especially in the forwards, where they will be a good match for the Canadians. They don't have the well-rounded defense and strong goal keeping of Canada though, and if there is to be a difference, it shouldn't be up front.

As to speculating what the forward lines may look like for team USA... this is what I think (and I am open to criticism and feedback):

LINE 1: LECLAIR - MODANO and HULL

Modano and Hull formed a nice combination in Dallas, and though these three may not be outscoring others in the NHL thus far this year, Leclair is the best sniper on team USA, and Modano is the best and most consistent center.

LINE 2: GUERIN - WEIGHT and AMONTE

One only has to look at how well these three played at the all-star game. The Olympics isn't all-star weekend, but there is good chemistry and speed amongst these 3 superstars.

LINE 3: TKACHUK - ROENICK and YOUNG

Tkachuk and Roenick were together in Phoenix and were good, and now Keith is at the Blues with Young. Not quite as good as the above lines, but a formidable threat all the same.

LINE 4: DRURY - CONROY and DEADMARSH

Conroy is having a dream season in Calgary, and is tough despite playing on the top scoring line there. Deadmarsh plays with intensity and Drury is too good not to have on the team. I can see why people might swap him with Young though.

There may be good players missing here...McEachern amongst them... will Richter play goal or be exhausted by the Rangers, and is their defense too old, and good enough to compete against the best (ie Canada and Czech Republic) all will be revealed but don't discount team USA. "