Patrick Kane. Brian Rafalski.Ryan Miller. Ryan Kesler. There are certain names that have we've assumed we'd be looking at on the back of the USA jersey come February in Vancouver. But the roster won't be finalized until Dec. 31st. With the amount of injuries we've seen in the NHL so far this season, none of the spots on this team can be assumed just yet.
This leads me to wonder... Just who will be the surprise members on this year's US Olympic entry? What if David Booth doesn't regain his equilibrium, let alone his power forward game? What if Brooks Orpik's physicality leads to a physical calamidy with more lasting effects than Alex Ovechkin's knee shot last night?
James van Reimsdyk, LW, Flyers...
JVR has done an impressive job carving out a top 6 spot among Philly's impressive group of forwards. Recently named the NHL's Rookie of the Month for November, he may yet claim a spot on his own. He's an impressive power forward, and could form a powerful 1-2 punch at LW with Ryan Malone.
Matt Greene, D, LA Kings...
Big, gritty, responsible blue liner who wears an "A" for the Kings due to his impressive leadership qualities. While the US has an apparent abundance of physical defeneman, recent injuries to Mike Komisarek, Hal Gill and Brooks Orpik show the need for depth.
R.J. Umberger, LW, Colombus Blue Jackets...
In a career that has seen him struggle to fit in with the Canucks and Flyers, Umberger's recent offensive outburst hopefully mean he's found a comfort zone in Ohio's capital city. A strong, 6-3 frame would appear to attract Brian Burke's eye toward the grit he wants on his bottom 2 lines. Speaking of bottom 6 grit...
Mike Rupp, C, Pittsburgh Penguins...
Rupp, fresh off his 1st career hat trick, has already passed his career high with 8 goals this year. He's huge, and not afraid to throw his frame around to clear space. He's a long shot, but with the abundance of injuries we've already seen this year Rupp would be an ideal 4th line pivot and penalty killer. Speaking of Penguins...
Alex Goligoski, D, Pittsburgh Penguins...
While the offensive blueline spots have been assumed to go to Brian Rafalski, Erik and Jack Johnson, even Ryan Whitney, you can't ignore this Minnesota native's knack for putting up points. While his defensive game is still developing, his potential impact on the American power-play may be enough to earn him a spot.
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