With America looking to go the distance as they did in the last Winter Olympics, but go one step further and get that gold since the glory days of "the miracle on ice". And with a goalie battling to prove himself going into free agency and a goalie recovering from a surgery/injury layoff wanting to show the desire and proof he has "still got it" despite any possible rust, America can be safe in knowing that with the offence in front of their goaltenders, they can easily make it out of the group stages.
Selection approach
There is a lot of talk focusing on the larger ice surface in comparison to the American major leagues and the contemporary approach taken by goalies, affecting who the selectors' ultimate decision over who to take with them. European goalies more used to the pass-first, cross ice lateral plays having to be more patient and wait for the shooters to make the first move, is an easy switch back to the ice rink size of their homeland. But others question whether this is the best approach. And in America's choices they show the opposite of the passive, deep in the crease approach made famous by 'King Henrik' (Lundqvist), with a choice of two goalies who prefer to attack the shot constructively with aggressive positioning challenging out, even to their third choice in Jimmy Howard who likes to really force the shooter to work to beat them.
1: Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller was the goalie that took the US to the finals the last time around and was unfortunate to be the on the wrong side of his nation's hopes and dreams as Canada came away with another gold. Buffalo hasn't had the same celebrity status of goalie since Hasek left town, but Miller has been stoically doing a grand job for them between the posts and considering the numbers he's putting up in front of a team that are playing poorly, he's not doing a bad job of things. Loyal but ambitious and getting criticism for being disappointed with his team mates' effort (or lack of), Miller has got a bit of flack from the media, but is channeling this into his play on the ice, looking to get noticed and silence the critics as he builds up to free agency. A guy who wears his heart on his sleeve, his performances are being pushed to the next level, and though it's been a while since he saw Stanley Cup round action, he's a franchise goalie carrying his team with Olympic experience, something the other guys competing for his position plain simply just don't have.
2: Jonathan Quick
A goalie whose entire game is based on a battling instinct, which helps challenge shooters, that has seen great success, getting LA their first Stanley Cup ring in his breakout season, Quick is battling the fatigue and rust of injury as Matt Jones took over his sport with some astonishing play and a series of shutouts from a calm style (quite the opposite of Quick's approach). This aggressive style is a lot like Miller, although Quick takes it one step further with his unique style like a coiled spring at face-offs and screens, as he battles to see the puck however possible and whatever it takes.
And this aggressive style and 'big game' capability, is what the selectors have gone for. Given that he has not represented America internationally as much as Miller and that he is coming back from injury sees him as a 1B option to USA's chosen incumbent first choice. His ridiculous levels of flexibility and athleticism, as seen in his splits saves, recoveries and stance at screens, is what helps him get the edge and play this well, with a well rounded overall game making one of the best elite goalies in the world even in spite of Olympic status. Combined with his fighting desire (rather than battling as a result of poor positioning; important to remember!), this makes him often unbeatable, and America have a world beater should Miller have trouble 'starting out the gate'.
3: Jimmy Howard
Howard has been putting up good numbers on a Detroit team that is not enjoying the luxury of great defence in had in front of goal since the days of Cujo/Hasek/Osgood. Forced into a role where is made to 'carry' his team more, his strong play has gotten him noticed and bailed his team out multiple times. Being third choice he can offer positivity to the goalies ahead of him and help his team out in training and so on, as a benefit to squad and country. Style wise his aggressiveness in coming out of the blue paint, challenging angles and shooters, sees him fit the mould and system well for what America is looking for when they drew up the plans for team approach and system way before Sochi.
Jimmy however doesn't have the 'big game' experience of Quick who has played in the Stanley Cup finals, or Miller, who has played in the last Olympian final, as mentioned already, making him a slim pick for the squad. A decent choice on any other team, he won't be seeing much (if any!) action as a result of having to stud options ahead of him. At least he can enjoy the experience and get some practise in whilst the rest of the NHL goes on the Olympic break!
Excluded options:
Tim Thomas is often lambasted for his political viewpoints or his decision to vocalise opinions or take a year out (after committing his life to his career and making enough sacrifices to need a break with his family, but there you go!), but the former Boston starter gives America further options, had they chosen to include him in the final cut. A wise head on old shoulders, having spent his whole career battling adversity and having to prove his ability every step of the way, before putting up sparkling numbers in Boston, he offers a calming influence to his team mates, as seen with Florida right now, which could really settle any nerves for the Sochi team.
Ben Bishop was being considered and though he has been putting up decent enough numbers with a poor Tampa team, it's not enough to be a difference maker. His tall lanky frame and approach sees him fill space easily, with a style more akin to the other passive system goalie analysts and coaching staff are looking at for the Olympics. Craig Anderson is another goalie coming off injury and whilst Colorado and Ottawa fans both know, is capable of looking superhuman some nights and a total dud another, might not have the mental stamina to cope with the pressures of this level of play.
Selection approach
There is a lot of talk focusing on the larger ice surface in comparison to the American major leagues and the contemporary approach taken by goalies, affecting who the selectors' ultimate decision over who to take with them. European goalies more used to the pass-first, cross ice lateral plays having to be more patient and wait for the shooters to make the first move, is an easy switch back to the ice rink size of their homeland. But others question whether this is the best approach. And in America's choices they show the opposite of the passive, deep in the crease approach made famous by 'King Henrik' (Lundqvist), with a choice of two goalies who prefer to attack the shot constructively with aggressive positioning challenging out, even to their third choice in Jimmy Howard who likes to really force the shooter to work to beat them.
1: Ryan Miller
Ryan Miller was the goalie that took the US to the finals the last time around and was unfortunate to be the on the wrong side of his nation's hopes and dreams as Canada came away with another gold. Buffalo hasn't had the same celebrity status of goalie since Hasek left town, but Miller has been stoically doing a grand job for them between the posts and considering the numbers he's putting up in front of a team that are playing poorly, he's not doing a bad job of things. Loyal but ambitious and getting criticism for being disappointed with his team mates' effort (or lack of), Miller has got a bit of flack from the media, but is channeling this into his play on the ice, looking to get noticed and silence the critics as he builds up to free agency. A guy who wears his heart on his sleeve, his performances are being pushed to the next level, and though it's been a while since he saw Stanley Cup round action, he's a franchise goalie carrying his team with Olympic experience, something the other guys competing for his position plain simply just don't have.
2: Jonathan Quick
A goalie whose entire game is based on a battling instinct, which helps challenge shooters, that has seen great success, getting LA their first Stanley Cup ring in his breakout season, Quick is battling the fatigue and rust of injury as Matt Jones took over his sport with some astonishing play and a series of shutouts from a calm style (quite the opposite of Quick's approach). This aggressive style is a lot like Miller, although Quick takes it one step further with his unique style like a coiled spring at face-offs and screens, as he battles to see the puck however possible and whatever it takes.
And this aggressive style and 'big game' capability, is what the selectors have gone for. Given that he has not represented America internationally as much as Miller and that he is coming back from injury sees him as a 1B option to USA's chosen incumbent first choice. His ridiculous levels of flexibility and athleticism, as seen in his splits saves, recoveries and stance at screens, is what helps him get the edge and play this well, with a well rounded overall game making one of the best elite goalies in the world even in spite of Olympic status. Combined with his fighting desire (rather than battling as a result of poor positioning; important to remember!), this makes him often unbeatable, and America have a world beater should Miller have trouble 'starting out the gate'.
3: Jimmy Howard
Howard has been putting up good numbers on a Detroit team that is not enjoying the luxury of great defence in had in front of goal since the days of Cujo/Hasek/Osgood. Forced into a role where is made to 'carry' his team more, his strong play has gotten him noticed and bailed his team out multiple times. Being third choice he can offer positivity to the goalies ahead of him and help his team out in training and so on, as a benefit to squad and country. Style wise his aggressiveness in coming out of the blue paint, challenging angles and shooters, sees him fit the mould and system well for what America is looking for when they drew up the plans for team approach and system way before Sochi.
Jimmy however doesn't have the 'big game' experience of Quick who has played in the Stanley Cup finals, or Miller, who has played in the last Olympian final, as mentioned already, making him a slim pick for the squad. A decent choice on any other team, he won't be seeing much (if any!) action as a result of having to stud options ahead of him. At least he can enjoy the experience and get some practise in whilst the rest of the NHL goes on the Olympic break!
Excluded options:
Tim Thomas is often lambasted for his political viewpoints or his decision to vocalise opinions or take a year out (after committing his life to his career and making enough sacrifices to need a break with his family, but there you go!), but the former Boston starter gives America further options, had they chosen to include him in the final cut. A wise head on old shoulders, having spent his whole career battling adversity and having to prove his ability every step of the way, before putting up sparkling numbers in Boston, he offers a calming influence to his team mates, as seen with Florida right now, which could really settle any nerves for the Sochi team.
Ben Bishop was being considered and though he has been putting up decent enough numbers with a poor Tampa team, it's not enough to be a difference maker. His tall lanky frame and approach sees him fill space easily, with a style more akin to the other passive system goalie analysts and coaching staff are looking at for the Olympics. Craig Anderson is another goalie coming off injury and whilst Colorado and Ottawa fans both know, is capable of looking superhuman some nights and a total dud another, might not have the mental stamina to cope with the pressures of this level of play.
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