The United States has never won a gold medal in men’s ice hockey at an Olympics hosted outside of North America, and it finished seventh in the most recent Winter Games held overseas in Turin eight years ago.
But after a silver medal finish in Vancouver four years ago, expectations are as high as they have ever been for the Americans entering an Olympic hockey tournament. Team USA arrived in Sochi as one of the seven teams with a strong chance to reach the medal stand, and its quest for gold begins Thursday against a talented Slovakia team that finished fourth in 2010.
Here’s the line combinations, pairings, goaltenders and scratches for Team USA’s matchup with Slovakia that were announced Wednesday night.
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There aren’t too many surprises in head coach Dan Bylsma’s lineup. The most notable change at forward from the team’s first practice in Sochi is St. Louis Blues teammates David Backes and T.J. Oshie playing on separate lines.
The only defense pairing that will raise a few eyebrows is the Cam Fowler and John Carlson duo. Both players are offensive-minded defensemen and have no Olympic experience, so it’s a bit surprising that Bylsma has chosen not to pair them with a more experienced, stay-at-home d-man.
The decision to start Jonathan Quick in net makes sense. The Los Angeles Kings star is arguably the best big-game goalie in the NHL, and even though he lacks Olympic experience, he’s a Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner. Quick knows how to mentally and physically prepare for short tournaments.
Puck drop for Team USA’s game against Slovakia is scheduled for 7:30 a.m. ET.
Photo via Twitter.com/FrankTank96
