Is It 2010 Yet?

We're less than a year away from one of the most watched events in the Winter Olympics and the hockey world couldn't be more excited...Every person cheering for their participating country in the men's ice hockey event tends to put what their doing down, put feelings aside and cheers for their home country...The 2010 Winter Olympics couldn't be in a more wonderful place then the birthplace of hockey...Canada...In February 2010, 12 countries will compete in Vancouver for the covenant prize of a gold medal and bring their country that feeling of excellence...In 2006, Sweden beat Finland for the gold in a very memorable game (which also started the career of Henrik Lundqvist) 3-2...

However, the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, Italy wasn't very kind to the USA team...Team USA finished with a disappointing 1-4-1 record... They tied a weaker Latvian team 3-3, beat Kazakhstan 4-1, and lost to Sweden, Russia, Finland and Slovakia by 1 goal...They didn't have a player or goalie break the top 5 in stats and finished the tournament in 8th place...This 2010 team though maybe the team that can bring USA home a medal (any will do)...Here are my top 6 defensemen, 12 forwards and 3 goalies...


Goalies

1. Tim Thomas(Boston)- I hate to say it since he is a Boston Bruin but this guy is clutch...he'll be team USA's #1 goalie and if he plays the way he does now, they definitely have a chance

2. Ryan Miller(Buffalo)- Very reliable goalie for Buffalo, hes a proven winner in both college and in the NHL and if anything happens to Thomas, USA shouldn't feel worried with him in net...Ill consider him more of a 1A instead of a number 2 goalie


3. This is tough...you have Rick DiPietro(NYI) who was on the 2006 team but his injuries may hurt him...look for guys like Craig Anderson (FLA), Robert Esche(Russia) and maybe Johnathan Quick(LA) to make a push for #3


Defense (not in order)

1. Brian Rafalski(Detriot)- Best US born defensemen in the game right now


2. Ryan Whitney(Anahiem)- Even though he just got traded, very strong blue liner


3. John Michael-Liles(Colorado)- Fast with the puck and can help with the breakout


4. Paul Martin(New Jersey)- Another sold defensemen that can hold up any top guy


5. Mike Komisarek(Montreal)- Big and tough, what USA needs to slow down the elite player


6. Jordan Leopold(Calgary)/Keith Ballard(Florida)/Matt Carle(Philadelphia)- Both proven D in the NHL and college level

Can Jack (St. Louis) and Erik Johnson (LA) make a push to make the team??...They ll have to both be injury free and have break out years

Forwards (not in order)

1. Zach Parise(New Jersey)- On pace to be a 50-goal scorer this season will be looked upon to lead this team


2. Chris Drury(New York Rangers)- Needs to have the years he has had in the past... not so fast on giving him the captain reign just yet


3. Dustin Brown(LA)- The tough guy you need to go in the corners...oh ya and he can score


4. Patrick Kane(Chicago)- We know what this youngster can do and the US needs his energy and passion


5. Phil Kessel(Boston)- Read #4


6. Brian Gionta(New Jersey)- Another 2006 participant and is that spark plug needed


7. Jamie Langenbrunner(NJ)/Mike Knuble(PHI)/Scott Gomez(NYR)- Veterans that are needed to step up and lead


8. Pat O'Sullivan(LA)/Blake Wheeler(BOS)/Paul Statsny(COL)/Chris Higgins(MTL)/Peter Muller(PHX)-All can make their case to be fourth liners but its up to them for the year they produce

The Nuch