The US Olympian Squad

At the conclusion of the NHL Winter Classic (Toronto won in a shootout 3-2), the U.S. Men's Hockey team was announced.  With that in mind, I will run down the roster by position and talk about those that were left off the roster, with the idea that the roster can change due to injury up until the Olympics start in Sochi, Russia.

GOALTENDERS

Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings; Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres; Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Had the roster been announced prior to the season, only Miller would have been seen as questionable due to his not-so sterling play in recent seasons.  However, both Quick and Howard are coming off of recent injuries and while Miller did indeed struggle early in the season, his play recently may have saved him a spot.  Currently, the starting goaltender's job is Quick's to lose, but don't discount Miller here, especially if he keeps playing well heading into Olympic break.

FORWARDS

David Backes, St. Louis Blues; Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings; Ryan Callahan, New York Rangers; Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks; Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks; Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs; T.J. Oshie, St. Louis Blues; Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens; Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild; Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks; Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche; Derek Stepan, New York Rangers; James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs; Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets

No surprise that the "leadership group" of Backes, Brown, Callahan, and Parise were all named to the team.  Kane and Kessel are the surest options for scoring on the wings, and solid two-way play is the order of the day for the likes of Oshie, Kesler, van Riemsdyk, and Pacioretty.  Pavelski is a player to watch, as he has put up solid offensive numbers despite being the third line center for San Jose.  I wouldn't be surprised if he emerges as a top option after Kane and Kessel.  Stepan is the youth option here, and Stastny's career revival this season proved to be enough to make the team.  Wheeler is a bit of a head scratcher, as he is a streaky player that doesn't always go for the dirty goals.

DEFENSEMEN

John Carlson, Washington Capitals; Justin Faulk, Carolina Hurricanes; Cam Fowler, Anaheim Ducks; Paul Martin, Pittsburgh Penguins; Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers; Brooks Orpik, Pittsburgh Penguins; Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues; Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild

Other than Suter, there is no true sure thing on the blue line.  Both Martin and Orpik could be paired together, since they are teammates and coach Dan Bylsma is familiar with both, having seen them on a daily basis.  That's the potential shutdown pair, with McDonagh and Carlson providing the best two-way options outside of Suter.  Shattenkirk, Faulk, and Fowler are offensive options who are also new to the Olympic experience.

SNUBS

Goaltending, Ben Bishop provided decidedly better numbers this season, but was left off due to the numbers game and the U.S. squad going with experience in pressure games in that category.  Craig Anderson's injury and splitting of time with Robin Lehner likely doomed his chances of making the team.

Forwards, Bobby Ryan is the most notable name left off the roster.  Despite being on the team in 2010 and the ability to provide offense, his speed and defense were seen as liabilities.  Jason Pominville and Kyle Okposo are two way solid players, but neither are known for speed, something that will matter on the larger ice surface in Sochi.  Also, they provide a similar skill set to the "leadership group," and having both would lessen the team's ability to play different styles as needed.

Defensively, the biggest snub was Jack Johnson.  Somewhat of a defensive liability, he played well in the 2010 Olympics and would have provided an element of offense and speed from the blue line.  He was most likely a victim of the team's commitment to go younger on the blue line.  Seth Jones, while he would have fit the youth profile, also hasn't had the rookie season he would have liked.  Dustin Byfuglien would have provided size and offense, but he also happens to be a liability in his own zone.  Ditto for Keith Yandle, minus the size.