By Liam O’Brien
Four years have flown by, and only a few days remain until the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. Although much hype surrounds many of the athletes and sports at this spectacular two-week event, hockey is guaranteed to be the marquee focus of many viewers, especially the gritty rivalry between the US and Canadian national teams.
The 2010 Winter Games, which took place in Vancouver, culminated in an incredible back-and-forth battle between the two squads, with Canada taking the gold on an overtime goal by Penguins’ superstar Sidney Crosby. Whoever receives the gold this year is expected to be determined in a similarly contentious fashion, as both the US and Canada have bolstered their rosters since the last matchup.
The red, white and blue features a star-studded first line of forwards, including two-time Stanley Cup champion and reigning playoff MVP Patrick Kane on the right wing. Kane returns following a strong showing at the 2010 Olympics, recording three goals and two assists at just 21 years of age.
The first line is topped off by Vancouver center Ryan Kesler, whose five game-winning goals for the Canucks is good for fifth in the NHL this season, and Minnesota’s left-winger Zach Parise, who totes his impressive offensive skills and defensive presence to Sochi.
The second-line showcases a pair of playmaking Maple Leafs who caused the Bruins fits during last year’s playoff series: Phil Kessel and James Van Riemsdyk. Kessel ranks third in the NHL in shots on goal, looking to make his mark on opposing goaltenders throughout the Olympics. The versatile center Joe Pavelski, currently ranking ninth in the league with 21 goals, will accompany the duo.
The next line, the enforcers, looks to impose its defensive will against any offensive threats the opposition may possess. This line features the resilient and intimidating Dustin Brown, one of the game’s most formidable defensive forwards; David Backes and the physical right-winger Ryan Callahan. Other Olympic forwards include the likes of Max Pacioretty of the Canadiens, Paul Stastny of the Avalanche, TJ Oshie of the Blues, and Derek Stepan of the Rangers.
The defensive side of the puck for the US presents multiple menacing threats as well. Ryan Suter, who logs more minutes than any other defenseman in the NHL, pairs with the quickness of John Carlson on the first line. Other stout defenders such as Ryan McDonagh of the Rangers, Kevin Shattenkirk of the Blues and Penguins Paul Martin and Brooks Orpik headline the defensive attack.
USA fans have numerous reasons to be confident in the team’s goaltending potential as well, as the squad boasts three exceptional goalies: Olympic veteran Ryan Miller, 2012 Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Quick and former all-star Jimmy Howard.
For the favored Canadians, whose roster choices have been greatly scrutinized in the past week, all hope resides with the NHL’s points leader, Hart Trophy front-runner and scorer of the “Golden Goal,” Sidney Crosby.
Canada, faced with the task of winning its first gold medal outside of its home country since 1952, cruises into these games with high expectations, as this year’s squad includes a plethora of headline playmakers.
In addition to Crosby, the first line will include two-time scoring champion Steven Stamkos, considered one of the world’s most deadly scorers, and Sid’s linemate in Pittsburgh, Chris Kunitz, who so far ranks fifth in goals scored, sixth in points and second in power-play tallies.
The second line of forwards features two Blackhawks whose superb abilities thwarted the B’s throughout last year’s Stanley Cup Final: Jonathan Toews and Patrick Sharp. After receiving the award for Best Forward in the 2010 games, Toews looks to capture his second gold medal, while Sharp, the 2013 playoff leader in goals scored, looks to obtain his first.
The exceptional scorer Jeff Carter will round out this daunting second line at right wing.
The third line spotlights two more outstanding talents, a pair of Anaheim Ducks, Ryan Getzlaf and Corey Perry. The gifted offensive threat Getzlaf ranks fourth in the NHL in points and second in game-winners with an astounding seven total. Who does Getzlaf trail in that category? The answer is Perry, whose eight accompany his 27 goals and 23 plus-minus rating. The bullish left winger Jamie Benn will accompany the duo.
Canada’s illustrious group of forwards continues with the talents of B’s playoff-hero Patrice Bergeron, a premiere scorer Rick Nash, the agile John Tavares, the veteran Patrick Marleau and the lightning-quick Matt Duchene.
On defense, Canada features the impenetrable Blackhawk Duncan Keith, who also ranks third in the NHL in assists, and LA King Drew Doughty, who will likely handle the task of shutting down the opponent’s best playmaker. Other defensemen include Predators captain Shea Weber, Sharks threat Marc-Edouard Vlasic and the villainous Canadiens defender P.K Subban.
Roberto Luongo, who the Bruins torched throughout the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, will headline the Canadians plan at goalie. If Luongo fails to perform to expectations, waiting in the wings is Montreal backstopper Carey Price, having an excellent season with a .926 save percentage. Price ranks fourth in the league in saves and wins. Backing up the two is Coyotes’ goalie Mike Smith, notorious for scoring an own goal when the puck got stuck in the back of his equipment.
These two countries are sure to attract the most attention during these Games; however, other threats remain, such as the formidable Russian and Swedish squads. The dangerous Russian team, playing host to the Olympics, is lead by hockey’s most outstanding scorer, Alexander Ovechkin. Other stars include Ilya Kovalchuk, who deserted the NHL for the Russian professional ranks, puck-wizard Pavel Datsyuk and the Penguins’ Evgeni Malkin, who ranks sixth in the NHL in assists.
The likes of the Sedin brothers, the wondrous Henrik Zetterberg, Rangers’ goalie Henrik Lundqvist and Bruins’ forwards Loui Erikkson headline the Swedish attack.
Other B’s representing their countries in the Olympics include the aforementioned Bergeron, the captain; Zdeno Chara, who will be bearing the Olympic torch for his native Slovakia; David Krejci of the Czech Republic and Tuukka Rask, who will start in goal for Finland.
