February 28, 2010, feature on 2010 Team USA Men's Olympic Hockey Team for HockeyPrimeTime.com

Unconcerned with critics, U.S. must only answer to Canada

Features

Written by Denis Gorman

Saturday, February 27, 2010 14:55

Brian Burke was irate. The general manager of Team USA and Toronto Maple Leafs was participating in a conference call about the Vancouver Olympic Games in January. Throughout the half-hour discussion, Burke had been matter-of-fact about the likelihood of the 2010 United States men’s Olympic hockey team medaling. Then came the question, followed by the reaction. A reporter mentioned a Canadian newspaper's claim that Zach Parise was the only American who could play on Team Canada. When asked to respond about Team USA’s perceived lack of skill level, the Devils’ left wing uncomfortably answered, “I’d like to think we have some pretty decent players.” Burke had enough and barked, “Be sure to send me that article so I can put it up in the dressing room.” It is unknown if the journalist sent the GM the clipping. Here's what is known: On the eve of the gold-medal game, the Team USA is three periods from winning its country's first Olympic gold medal since the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" team. In having gone 5-0 to reach Sunday afternoon’s showdown with Canada, the pre-tournament odds-on favorite, the United States has outscored opponents 22-6 and has not trailed at any point in the tournament. Canada has first-hand knowledge of just how good Team USA is. In what was dubbed Super Sunday, Team USA beat Canada 5-3 on Feb. 21. Brian Rafalski (Detroit Red Wings) scored twice, while Chris Drury (New York Rangers), Jamie Langenbrunner (New Jersey Devils) and Ryan Kesler (Vancouver Canucks) added a goal each. Goaltender Ryan Miller (Buffalo Sabres) was spectacular, making 42 saves. While the historical significance of last Sunday’s win has been hysterically overblown, it re-emphasized the belief Burke and the players had going into these Games. During the call, Burke admitted that “We are underdogs…there ain’t a penny going to bet on us (in Las Vegas),” before adding matter-of-factly, “we are going there to win.” Those six words may not share the same space with Joe Namath or Mark Messier in the pantheon of brash "we're going to win" boasts. Still, it offered a glimpse into the mind-set of his team. During the same conference call, Miller said “(We’re) not preparing for Sochi (Russia, for the 2014 Games). We’re going to win.” The team that was under the radar before The Games is now 60 minutes from winning a gold medal. For a team that was not perceived to be in the same class as Canada, Russia or Sweden before The Games, how has Team USA gotten to the pinnacle of international hockey? It's pretty simple, really. Instead of putting together an all-star team, the Team USA brain trust eschewed veteran players with international experience for a young, fast, physical group. “We have turned the page, generationally,” Burke said. “We think this team has balance, versatility and youth.” The 2010 version of Team USA has only five players born in the 1970s – goaltender Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins), Rafalski, and forwards Drury, Langenbrunner and Ryan Malone (Tampa Bay Lightning). Rafalski, a defenseman, leads all Olympic players in points with eight. His four goals are tied for second overall and his four assists are tied for third overall. Ryan Suter (Nashville Predators) is plus-8, trailing only Canada’s Jonathan Toews (Chicago Blackhawks). Kesler and Joe Pavelski (San Jose Sharks) are the top two faceoff men, having won 76 and 69 percent of the draws they have taken, respectively. Miller has been the best goaltender in the tournament, boasting an outrageous .9537 save percentage. Prior to the tournament Ron Wilson, the head coach of Team USA and the Toronto Maple Leafs, added that he was “very excited about this team. ... I think we’re going to be a very quick team ... (that) can muck it out and grind it out with the best of them.” Take pinballing right wing Ryan Callahan, whose attributes are not flashy but exemplify what Burke and Wilson cherish. The New York Rangers’ alternate captain is a do-everything player for a team that has spent much of the 2009-10 NHL campaign trying to ascertain its identity. Callahan is second in the league in hits with 222 in 59 games, an average of 3.76 hits per game. The 24-year-old native of Rochester, New York, ranks second on the Rangers in goals with 15 and is tied for sixth with 17 assists. His 32 points are fourth on the team and his 40 penalty minutes rank ninth. Unlike on Broadway, where he averages 19:47 of ice time as a top-six forward and power-play winger, Callahan has played a complementary role in Vancouver and has but one assist in less than 10 minutes of ice time per game. Defensively, however, he has been a forechecking force and partnered with Drury, his Rangers teammate, to kill penalties. Team USA is 11-for-14 on the penalty kill through five games. “It’s quite an honor to be able to represent your country,” Callahan said before the Rangers’ 3-2 win over the Devils on Oct. 5. “It’s definitely an honor to go to that camp and get a chance to maybe compete for your country.” One more win, and Callahan will know the honor of winning gold for his country.

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