Team USA’s final seven selections for the World Cup make it clear that general manager Dean Lombardi believes the Americans will have to play a physical style to be in medal contention.
The last four forwards are David Backes (St. Louis Blues), Ryan Callahan (Tampa Bay Lightning), Brandon Dubinsky (Columbus Blue Jackets) and James van Riemsdyk (Toronto Maple Leafs).
The last defensemen named were Erik Johnson (Colorado Avalanche) and Jack Johnson (Columbus Blue Jackets) and Matt Niskanen (Washington Capitals).
Backes is a big-bodied physical center and wing, and Callahan is one of the most enthusiastic hitters in the game. Dubinsky is a gritty, hard-nosed two-way player who probably will center USA’s fourth line. Van Riemsdyk is a 6-3 scorer who can handle contact.
Both of the Johnsons, who are not related, play a physical style. Erik Johnson is 6-4, 235. Niskanen is a two-way defender with the defensive prowess to match up well against stars.
The average player on the U.S. roster will be 6-2, 210. The average age will be 29.
Here’s what we know about the U.S. squad:
Strength: Goaltending and scoring on the wings. Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings) is the projected starter, but Ben Bishop (Lightning) and Cory Schneider (New Jersey Devils) are both capable of carrying a team. Patrick Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) is the most dynamic player on the team and has a history of rising up in big games.
Weakness: Centers. Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks) likely will play center, but he mostly plays wing now. The Americans don’t have stars at center who measure up with the likes of Sidney Crosby or Jonathan Toews or Nicklas Backstrom, etc.
Left out: Phil Kessel (Pittsburgh Penguins), Justin Faulk (Carolina Hurricanes), Kevin Shattenkirk (Blues), Kyle Okposo (New York Islanders) are among top American players who didn’t make the squad.
Forecast: The Americans are a medal contender, but they can’t be considered a favorite. The Swedes and Canadians both have loaded rosters.
Here is the entire 23-person person representing Team USA at the World Cup of Hockey 2016 (bold - named Friday):
G Ben Bishop, Tampa Bay Lightning
G Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings
G Cory Schneider, New Jersey Devils
D Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets
D John Carlson, Washington Capitals
D Erik Johnson, Colorado Avalanche
D Jack Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets
D Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers
D Matt Niskanen, Washington Capitals
D Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild
F Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings
F David Backes, St. Louis Blues
F Ryan Callahan, Tampa Bay Lightning
F Brandon Dubinsky, Columbus Blue Jackets
F Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
F Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks
F T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals
F Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens
F Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild
F Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks
F Derek Stepan, New York Rangers
F James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs
F Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets
