Rafalski to announce retirement

In a surprising move, Brian Rafalski is expected to announce his retirement. The All-Star defenseman who signed as an undrafted free agent with the Devils over a decade ago became one of the game's best blueliners and a premier power play quarterback. His rookie season, he helped lead New Jersey to its second Stanley Cup along with fellow rookies Scott Gomez, John Madden and Colin White.

The former Wisconsin standout spent his first seven NHL seasons with the Devils, teaming with Hall Of Famer Scott Stevens for two championships ('00, '03). New Jersey also reached Game 7 of the '01 Cup Final before falling to Colorado. A smooth skating defenseman with great vision, Rafalski was one of the game's best passers, often able to spring teammates for breakaways up the middle. He also possessed a deflectable low shot that drove opponents crazy while killing penalties. An unselfish player who also was underrated defensively despite his 5-10, 174 pound frame. Rafalski always battled hard and used the body when called upon.

After two Cups, three All-Star selections and an Olympic Silver in Salt Lake City ('02), Rafalski departed New Jersey to play for hometown Detroit where he again got to team with a future Hall Of Famer in six-time Norris winner Nick Lidstrom. It didn't take long for him to adjust to the Red Wings, matching a career high with 55 points including a career best 13 goals while winning a third Cup in his first season ('07-08). Rafalski added 14 points (4-10-14) during the postseason for Detroit's fourth championship since '97. He followed up with a new career high 59 points including 49 helpers during '08-09. Once again, the Wings reached the Final but fell in a tough seven games to the Penguins.

In 2010, there was Rafalski as one of the leaders of surprising Team USA's run to another silver in Vancouver where they just fell short in a dramatic overtime loss to Canada. He played two more years with the Red Wings continuing to be productive, following up a 42-point '09-10 with 48 in what looks to be his final season. If it is indeed the end, Rafalski finishes with 79 goals and 436 assists totaling 515 points over 833 career games in 11 seasons. With two goals and an assist this postseason, it allowed him to reach 100 (29-71-100) in 165 games.

Rafalski never missed the playoffs in a brilliant career. Just imagine if he had been drafted instead of being forced to go overseas where he played in Finland for three years before Lou Lamoriello discovered him. Sometimes, hidden gems exist. A classy man on and off the ice, that's what Rafalski was.

A Day Later (Updated)

It's the day after the Olympics concluded with one of the greatest hockey games ever played. A shame that our heroes didn't pull it out. But they sure left an impression.

The future of USA Hockey is in great shape thanks to emerging stars Ryan Miller, Zach Parise and Patrick Kane with Bobby Ryan, Erik Johnson and Ryan Kesler not far behind. Along with Paul Stastny, captain Jamie Langenbrunner, Ryan Suter and Brian Rafalski, all had outstanding tournaments. If only they'd gotten more from Phil Kessel, who just never got untracked. Both Kess and Joe Pavelski struggled while role players such as Ryan Malone, Dustin Brown, David Backes, Chris Drury and Ryan Callahan were effective.

Blueliners Jack Johnson and Tim Gleason also impressed with both playing steady. Gleason with his usual gritty self, sacrificing for the good of the team while Johnson showed off some of that speed and chippiness which makes him a staple on the Kings' back end along with Norris hopeful Drew Doughty, who impressed for Canada. Brooks Orpik also had a good two weeks in Vancouver using his rugged physical style to make life difficult on opposing forwards. Former Pens' teammate Ryan Whitney was serviceable.

Much credit must go to USA architecht Brian Burke, who had a heavy heart following the tragic loss of son Brendan. The proud man who's very tough, did an excellent job putting together a roster that could best take advantage of the North American surface. Perhaps that more than anything explained European disappointments Russia and Sweden. Even bronze medallist Finland never seemed comfortable, lucking out against an undisciplined Slovakia, who blew a 3-1 lead falling 4-3. Olli Jokinen was the hero. Our guess is he won't score for a while when the Rangers return.

Just how big was the gold medal game with the dramatic Sidney Crosby conclusion? Battle originator and close pal Steve Lepore reports that it drew an overnight rating of 17.6 million, which is 46 percent better than the USA/Canada Salt Lake match-up.

Sunday’s game is on pace to finish as the highest rated hockey telecast in the United States since 1980.

To put the numbers in perspective, Sunday’s game drew a higher overnight rating than every World Series game since 2004 (including every game of Yankees/Phillies last year), every NBA Finals telecast since 1998, and every NCAA Men’s Basketball Final Four game since at least ‘98.

More remarkable is that over 27 million tuned in, topping Salt Lake by 10.5 million. A script which probably couldn't have been written any better unless Parise scored the winner left NBC's Bob Costas and Al Michaels at a loss for words.

Bob Costas:

“That’s one of the greatest sports events I have ever seen.”

“A script so classic that if it were a movie, they would send it back because it was unrealistic.”

“With all due respect, this can never be repeated. On home soil, for Canada, in the sport that matters most, against the Americans – this can never be repeated. This can never be approached, let alone equaled.”

Al Michaels:

“You could not have written a better script for this country. The goal that will resonate throughout history in Canada.”

Non-hockey markets like Milwaukee, West Palm Beach, Kansas City, Seattle, Cleveland and Baltimore all made the top 25 yesterday. Not surprisingly, Buffalo led everyone with 32.6 with upcoming opponent Pittsburgh a close second at 31.9. New York finished 16th drawing 19.0 while Hartford was 17th at 18.5. Why don't they have a team again? The Wolf Pack don't count.

How newsworthy was it? Even hockey hater Mike Francesa discussed it just now with Zach Attack in an insightful interview in which he pushed the Crosby envelope. Parise's answer was interesting, referencing how the two were close earlier in their careers. When the audio becomes available, we'll add it to this post. So, how hard was it for Parise and heartbroken USA 'mates to lose in that fashion?

Parise on Francesa

Bettman talks with Francesa

"This is a group of guys I'll never forget. We battled right to the bitter end."-Bobby Ryan

“It’s devastating. It was the biggest game any of us have played in. ... You win a gold. You win a bronze. You lose a silver."-Jack Johnson


“It stings right now. ... It feels like ***."-Tournament MVP Ryan Miller

“It sucks. It sucks being that close and then losing in overtime.”-Zach Parise

“No one knew our names. People know our names now.”-Chris Drury

 Per Globe and Mail's James Mirtle:

mirtle

  

From USA Hockey: "Miller ended the tournament with a U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team record for best goals-against average (1.35)."

Good Tweep HockeyJoeGM contributes a solid piece in a letter to Gary Bettman about the opportunity he has.

The fans put up with a ton of garbage and while there’s been a host of new fans that have come to the game, it’s time to do something to pull it all together and become the overlord of the sportsman’s winter. Carpe diem Gary because this is your golden opportunity to pull it all together. Don’t sit around and wait and hope that the NFL and NBA all blow each other to hell with labor problems next year. Grab the reigns and ride this sucker for all it’s worth. By my count there were 40 superstars who put everything they had into this Olympic tournament fighting over what amounts to be a symbolic prize for a pack of millionaires. 

 Hey. He referenced one of our favorite movie quotes from Dead Poet's Society and the memorable Robin Williams' Mr. Keating character.

"Carpe Diem. Seize the day!"

Crosby ultimate Canadian hero

It's been over for a while. But it's just so hard to type. When you come that close to winning gold against Canada in Vancouver, it hurts. I'm honestly still numb as I write this. But it's to be expected.  

Sidney Crosby was the ultimate Canadian hero. It was his clutch goal at 7:40 of four-on-four sudden death that broke a 2-2 tie sending teammates and Hockey Canada Place into bedlum- scoring probably the biggest goal in his country's history since Paul Henderson to clinch a thrilling 3-2 gold medal win over a valiant Team USA. I've never been a big fan of Sid The Kid mostly due to the gripes to the stripes and how much he's shoved in our faces by the league, NBC and Reebok (cool ads). It would be easy to hate him even more but as I stated both on Facebook and Twitter, I just can't anymore. As was echoed:

BattleOfNewYork

  

I can't believe it. But I'm no longer going to complain about Sid The Kid. He is class and very unselfish. Good for sport. Ser---ious--ly..

Something like this is pretty hard for me to admit. I've always gotten razzed by friends about my insane Sid disdain. But what's said here about him being class, unselfish and great not good for the sport are all true. There's no ego whatsoever. He conducts himself like a true gentleman win or lose. And you know he'd have still been there if his team had lost after blowing a two-goal lead unlike another superstar who I'm a huge fan of. Crosby is very similar to The Great One and realizes the enormous responsibility he has to the sport of hockey. That kind of immense pressure is something Alexander Ovechkin will never face. As much as I enjoy the Great Eight, he took a hit this tournament. Even if there's no crime for not wanting to discuss the quarterfinal egg his Russian team laid.

In the end, Crosby comes out the true winner. As he accurately noted to annoying Joe Micheletti on NBC, his line had gone two games without finishing until the crafty No.87 snuck behind all-tournament selection Brian Rafalski, taking a quick feed from Jarome Iginla and firing before Miller was set to win gold for his country in dramatic fashion. He knew he wasn't his team's best player but when push came to shove in the four-on-four 20 minute overtime, there was Sid The Kid delivering the goods. Just a smart read by him keeping the play alive to Iginla, who hadn't done much this tournament. But more often than not, the best power forward usually comes through and he did because Crosby immediately drove to the net expecting the pass, even firing without looking to stun Miller and a gutsy Team USA that just wouldn't die.

Eight years later, the gritty Americans pushed Canada to the limit. Even if they caught a huge break when Dustin Brown was offside on Ryan Kesler's deflection goal that got them back in it. It looked like the Canadians would hold on despite a shaky Roberto Luongo letting out juicy rebound after rebound because his D was rock solid, limiting the pesky USA's second and third chances.

But in a remarkable period that early on saw the hosts ring two posts and watch Miller stone Patrick Marleau, there was no quit in Ron Wilson's relentless club who found a way to force sudden death. Who better than Zach Parise to get it tied with only 24.4 seconds remaining by digging out a Patrick Kane shot that deflected off Devil teammate Jamie Langenbrunner, slipping it past Luongo stunning the building. It was absolutely remarkable stuff that made the dramatic conclusion necessary.

Ultimately, Team USA fell short in its bid to upset Canada in hostile territory. Afterwards, a team that nobody gave a shot were presented with silver medals around their necks. As heartbreaking as it was, they did themselves and their country proud. They were second best to Canada who got the golds with fans chanting for their newest hero. The game's brightest star. There were no losers this afternoon. Today, hockey won.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Zach Parise, USA (tying goal with 24.4 seconds left forced overtime)
2nd Star-Ryan Miller, USA (36 saves in defeat-named tournament MVP)
1st Star-Sidney Crosby, CAN (gold medal clinching goal 7:40 into sudden death)


ALL TOURNAMENT TEAM

G-Ryan Miller, Team USA

D-Brian Rafalski, Team USA

D-Shea Weber, Canada

F-Zach Parise, Team USA

F-Jonathan Toews, Canada

F-Pavol Demitra, Slovakia


Tournament MVP-RYAN MILLER, Team USA

Zach's deuce leads USA into Medal Round

The Zach Attack finally struck. All tournament, Devil sniper Zach Parise had come close. But when it mattered most, he delivered scoring twice in the third period to break a scoreless tie- leading Team USA past Swiss in the first Olympic quarter into the medal round. His nifty power play deflection of a Brian Rafalski shot held up in a wacky third that had some close calls before the Minnesota kid sealed it with an empty netter late.

Despite a 33-8 shot edge that included Ryan Kesler's turnaround which Jonas Hiller bobbled into his own net with the buzzer just beating the puck in, the No.1 seeded Americans were still knotted with pesky Switzerland, who played as expected. Solid skating, tenacious checking and relying on the Anaheim No.1 goalie to give them a chance at the upset. Not surprisingly, Hiller was sharper than yesterday's 3-2 shootout squeaker that ousted Belarus. Facing a US barrage, he stopped almost everything including an early Parise opportunity to keep it scoreless. The hot goalie also got some help from the crossbar on a wicked curl and drag by Phil Kessel that drew iron. He finished with 42 saves including 18 in a busy first.

Hiller's superb goaltending and his teammates' fine attention to detail, blanketing early American power plays that overpassed, allowed a pro-Swiss Hockey Canada Place crowd to think upset. But over on the other end probably bored to death, Ryan Miller was unflappable en route to the 19 save shutout, becoming the first Team USA netminder to record one since the Rangers' Mike Richter in the Olympics eight years ago in Salt Lake. That team went all the way to the gold medal game before falling to Canada. They'll get the winner between tonight's third game between Czech and Finland at 10 ET. Meanwhile, the main event gets going in a little while when gold medal favorites Russia and Canada battle at the bottom of the hour just to qualify for the medal stage. Incredible.

Ron Wilson's new top line of Parise, Paul Stastny and captain Jamie Langenbrunner generated plenty of chances but couldn't get one past Hiller. Bobby Ryan- who also was brilliant- had a couple of tremendous rushes but was stoned. Pesky play from Chris Drury, Dustin Brown and David Backes during one strong shift was snuffed out. Drury along with Ranger 'mate Ryan Callahan again were superb in a checking role, doing their usual diligent work on important penalty kills with the duo registering at least eight of the 23 or 24 blocked shots. Blueliners Tim Gleason and Erik Johnson also were instrumental with the Cane getting in the path of a one-timer while the younger Blue made a saving stickcheck breaking up a three-on-one late in the second which may have prevented the first goal.

Hometown Canuck Kesler was also effective in all facets, nearly tallying at the second's dramatic conclusion. But his turnaround prayer that Hiller bobbled into his own net didn't cross the line in time, which the review confirmed. The Swiss were literally Saved By The Bell. Go figure that a guy named Zach would then do them in in a hectic third that saw another American goal wiped out. After Parise somehow got his stick out to redirect Rafalski's shot for a PPG early in period three, a wild sequence took place with Switzerland coming oh so close to tying it. Off a nice set up, Sandy Jeanin went around a sprawling Miller and hit the right post. Team USA came the other way and appeared to score when Ryan Suter's left point blast beat Hiller. However, an involved Kesler high sticked a Swiss' helmet off negating it.

Despite the bad break, the focused Americans dug in killing off the power play. They would get tested all period but the defense was stellar and the last line of defense wasn't about to allow anything. When he was needed, he did the job stifling Julien Sprunger.

Desperate to tie it, the Swiss pulled Hiller for an extra attacker. A pass for an open Roman Wick missed connection in the slot. Eventually, Team USA worked the puck around to Parise, who then used his guile to sneak past a Swiss defender and deposit the insurance marker with 12 ticks left. He got congrats from who else but Langenbrunner. Switzerland had nothing to be ashamed of putting out another yeoman effort in an attempt at a monumental upset. They just fell a little short.

Canada-Russia faces off at 7:30 on CNBC followed by Czech Republic-Finland at 10 with Henrik Lundqvist and defending gold medalists Sweden taking on Zdeno Chara and Slovakia at midnight.

Miller Time indeed as USA stuns Canada

Nearly thirty years to the day of the greatest hockey game ever played in our country, another batch of determined, gritty Americans gave a memorable performance of their own. With Miracle On Ice heroes Mike Eruzione, Jim Craig and Mark Johnson looking on in a hostile yet chaotic environment over in Vancouver, Team USA outworked tournament favorite Canada- pulling off a 5-3 upset in the final tuneup before the medal round. The stunning win allowed Ron Wilson's club to finish a perfect 3-0 winning Group A to advance automatically to the quarterfinals.

Though it was a preliminary match that pales in comparison to the remarkable American upset of world power Russia en route to winning Olympic gold over Finland, this was a huge victory for USA Hockey. Especially in a tournament few gave them a chance to medal. Maybe one thing overlooked was the kind of character architect Brian Burke opted for on a North American rink. Unlike wider rinks, the more traditional NHL sized ice is better suited to physical play. Thus far, it's been grinders Ryan Callahan, Chris Drury, Ryan Kesler, Dustin Brown, David Backes and skilled yet imposing Cherry Hill native Bobby Ryan who've made significant contributions. Facing one of the most talented rosters, they were instrumental last night. Especially down the stretch when a desperate Canada pressed for the equalizer, even holding the puck in for seemingly ever as our boys were out on their feet.

Thanks to heroic netminding from Ryan Miller, who was absolutely amazing- along with tremendous will from Callahan who atoned for a giveaway by reaching out with his right glove extended to block a shot before the puck was finally cleared after roughly 100 seconds, the hungrier Americans prevailed. Enough cannot be said about the Buffalo goalie who didn't wear trademark No.30 instead donning No.39 in special tribute to Dominik Hasek??? Something Sabres contributor Brian noted. Whatever the reason, in his third Olympic start, he emulated the Dominator with some def defying saves on his way to 42 saves, including a two-save sequence in the frantic final two minutes that featured a Hasek-esque twisting stick save followed by a glove committing highway robbery which shocked Canadian Hockey Place.

One of the front runners for the Vezina left little doubt that he was the better goalie, outplaying Martin Brodeur who was culpable on at least half the output- permitting four goals on 22 shots. His more talented team which featured the all-Shark line of Patrick Marleau, Joe Thornton and goalscorer Dany Heatley plus finisher Sid The Kid, Rick Nash, Jarome Iginla, Ryan Getzlaf, Corey Perry and goalscorer Eric Staal helped outshoot Team USA 45-23. Canada's blueline also boasted vet tandem Chris Pronger and Scott Niedermayer, who jumped up in the rush generating chances as did younger tandem Duncan Keith and Drew Doughty late. Despite an edge that included Dan Boyle and Shea Weber, the Canadian D struggled defensively against the Americans' feisty forwards who pounced on their opportunities.

One of the keys to the great win was Brian Rafalski, who had a tremendous night tallying twice and assisting on team captain Jamie Langenbrunner's third period power play decider with less than 13 minutes left. The former Devil defenseman was brilliant scoring 41 seconds into the contest, setting the tone. It was vital for Team USA to get out quickly against such a lethal opponent who still had the majority of the support even if there were plenty of Americans cheering on their heroes. Rafalski one-timed a Ryan Suter pass off Sidney Crosby past Brodeur. It would be a hint of things to come with Crosby finishing minus-three in spite of his late power play goal that made the ending more dramatic. That both Zach Parise and Langenbrunner, who was a beast, would be out celebrating a goal from their ex-teammate was pretty cool.

Canada responded when Staal neatly deflected home a Brent Seabrook point shot tying it 8:12 later. But before the pumped up crowd could get back in their seats, Rafalski did it again scoring his fourth consecutive goal for Team USA. This from a guy who had the same amount in 57 games with Detroit this season. He got a little help from Brodeur, who apparently must've thought Raf was still on his side. MB30 made a careless blunder aggressively paddling a loose puck right to the former Wisconsin standout whose fanned shot snuck through only 22 seconds later.

Afterwards, the Americans couldn't muster much else as the ice tilted with the hosts pushing the pedal to the mettle, outshooting the red, white and blue 19-6. Trouble was they couldn't squeeze another by Miller, who by this point was demonstrating the 2009-10 form that carried Buffalo near the top of the conference before a late slump had them a point behind Ottawa. Nothing seemed to distract him. Still, Canada came back to tie a second time early in the second when Heatley banged home a Jonathan Toews rebound off a mad scramble. Toews- who faced Blackhawk teammate Patrick Kane- was easily one of their best players. His great skating and playmaking was on display.

Every time you waited for Canada to surge ahead, Miller stood in the path as did gritty 'mates who sacrificed by finishing checks, diving to block shots and winning battles in the trenches. The intensity of Team USA was apparent. They desperately wanted this game. In the words of hometown Canuck Ryan Kesler who wisecracked that he hated Canada even guaranteeing victory, their willingness to get dirty was a noticeable difference along with Miller's clutch play in net. With the game still knotted and the crowd enjoying the physical firewagon hockey that always is associated when these rivals play, the hitting picked up. Nash had a ferocious hit. Even if it didn't compare to Alex Ovechkin's highlight reel clean shoulder that took Jaromir Jagr off the puck, leading to the Russian winner in a 4-2 triumph over Czech Republic to win their group. To quote pal John who we were over in Old Bridge:

"He sent him back to the 80's."

That game was an enjoyable appetizer that included Evgeni Malkin's sweet finish on that huge turning point. Even if Jagr came back playing an inspired third, drawing three bodies to him on Petr Cajanek's goal that made it interesting before Pavel Datsyuk sealed it. Ironically, hated one-time Blueshirt Dmitri Kalinin saved Russia's bacon with a great defensive play might've resulted in the tying goal. But hey. It was a good day for Rangers with Henrik Lundqvist pitching another shutout (3-zip) this time over nemesis Finland to win Group C. Plus Drury, who scored a money go-ahead off a wild sequence that saw Brodeur flopping around with Backes and Ryan each getting whacks before the revived Ranger captain finished off his second at 16:46. Did we mention how good the controversial Burke selection was in his usual checking role alongside PK partner Callahan? Both were standouts, making key blocks late to preserve victory.

Remarkably, it was Team USA that took over late in the second and continued to push the action initially in the final stanza. Using a relentless forecheck to finally challenge Canada's D, they drew three consecutive penalties. After Canada killed off the first two including an undisciplined Crosby hi-stick in the offensive zone, they couldn't make it three-for-three. With Perry in the box for a slash, the former Devil combo went to work again with Rafalski sending another one-timer from the left wing towards the net which went off Langenbrunner's skate past Brodeur. While Parise celebrated by jumping up and down, the insurance that Suter also netted his second helper on gave the U.S. just enough margin.

From there, it was Miller Time. On a day where the team in front of him were very disciplined, they handed the Canadians two straight power plays. After killing off the first thanks to timely stops from their meal ticket along with splendid PK work, Erik Johnson was nabbed for a questionable trip. They nearly had it back to even strength when Crosby went to the net and nicely deflected home a Nash feed, sneaking it just through Miller's waffle, slicing to 4-3 with 3:09 left. Keith added a helper.

That's when it got hectic. Chaos ensued on the next shift as Canada threw the kitchen sink at Miller, trying to get it tied. For what felt like an eternity, they had Team USA pinned deep. Eventually, they got tired and Canada moved the puck quickly for pointblank chances. Somehow, Miller made the saves which ranged from a tough glove save with traffic that he turned routine to a one-timer in the slot that he got a toe on. Eventually, the puck came to a wide open Weber, who fired but Miller said no.With his dead team unable to get the puck out following a Callahan clear which was gloved down, the hardest working Ranger made up for it by making a sprawling block of a one-timer. Eventually, they cleared the zone finally getting a change.

The play-by-play from Doc Emrick was as good as it got, describing the furious action as only he can. It still wasn't over with Team Canada pulling Brodeur for an extra attacker with over a minute left. However, the American's fire won out, eventually with Parise wisely pushing the puck out off the boards to avoid icing. Then, the amazing happened as Kesler outraced Perry somehow getting his stick on it for the empty netter that sealed it with 45 ticks remaining. But down two, the Canadians still came forcing Miller to make one more save before it ended.

It's amazing to think that this was a preliminary round game. The way it was so highly contested spoke volumes about how much the players cared. It was exactly the kind of hockey which is why they must commit to 2014 in Moscow. Regardless what Gary Bettman says, this game was a homerun. Even if it wasn't on NBC. MSNBC still did a phenomenal job not screwing anything up and making it a must watch. These games matter. I don't care who you are. That was truly special.

BONY 3 Stars:

3rd Star-Chris Drury, USA (2nd of Olympics for go-ahead tally)
2nd Star-Brian Rafalski, USA (2 goals and assist-leads all Americans with 5 Pts)
1st Star-Ryan Miller, USA (42 saves incl.13/14 in 3rd)

Team USA Announced-Our Breakdown

As part of the Winter Classic, Team USA was also announced at Fenway with each kid wearing our colors along with the player's number. Cool stuff. Here's the official roster:

Goalies

Ryan Miller

Tim Thomas
Jonathan Quick

D

Brian Rafalski

Paul Martin

Brooks Orpik 
Ryan Suter

Erik Johnson
Jack Johnson
Mike Komisarek

 

Forwards


Patrick Kane

Zach Parise

Phil Kessel
Paul Stastny
Bobby Ryan
Ryan Malone
Ryan Kesler
Dustin Brown

Joe Pavelski

Chris Drury

Jamie Langenbrunner

Ryan Callahan

David Backes



The best part was when Thomas got announced, he came out from the Red Sox dugout donning his USA jersey. As for the 23-man roster, it's solid. Only a couple of surprises with Drury still making it despite a poor season. Komisarek is Burke's boy but is he really better than Tim Gleason? I know who I'd rather have. The Johnson & Johnson boys made it. But no Keith Ballard, Alex Goligoski, Keith Yandle or Andy Greene. Is Zach Bogosian eligible or considered too young? Also found out from Steve Lepore that Tyler Myers is ineligible due to playing for Canada in the WJCs. So much for that. Will Martin play? Hopefully. If not, at least there's decent replacements to choose from.

On which forwards got passed up, the Isles' Kyle Okposo and Sabres' Jason Pominville were on the outside along with Dustin Byfuglien, R.J. Umberger, Scott Gomez, Brian Gionta, Brian Rolston and Bill Guerin, who I probably would've put on due to his grit and leadership. Guess Burke feels Drury will fare better in international play. I know Gomez fell off but wasn't he pretty good along with Gionta in Torino? Kesler probably centers the second line with Pavelski and Drury anchoring checking ones. I'm left wondering if we got enough playmakers to get the puck to Kane, Kessel, Ryan and Zach Attack. A few on Twitter weren't keen on Malone but I'm opposite cause I see this guy a lot and he's real good in front of the net and plays with the required edge necessary if our boys are to have any chance versus high powered Canada, Sweden and Russia with Finland not too far behind.

I'm happy for Cally because he deserved the selection. His energy should be a real plus. He can play a checking/PK role along with Backes, who bangs everything. A crash line featuring both is ideal. I can't disagree with good Islander friend Angie (islesrebelangel) on Okposo's omission. I understand how she feels as KO is still doing alright with 21 helpers to go with the six goals, which probably is why he didn't make the cut. Truthfully, he's better than both Backes and Callahan. But you can't have everyone. Many including us liked Byfuglien but he's not on either. And Umberger would've been ideal for a checking line over Drury. Unfortunately, whenever these rosters come out, there are going to be snubs.

As for the goalies, it was a no-brainer taking both Miller and Thomas as the top two. Quick's had a decent season helping LA into the playoff picture. Both Craig Anderson and Jimmy Howard were passed up. I would've liked to seen Anderson get rewarded for his stellar work in The Rocky Mountains. But get the logic of choosing a younger kid to ride shotgun behind our dynamic duo. Howard has been great for Detroit and is keeping them afloat even with all the injuries. If the NHL is still in for 2014 in Russia, he'll be a lock.

Before we finish, a brief look at potential lines:

Kessel-Stastny-Parise
Malone-Kesler-Kane
Brown-Pavelski-Ryan
Backes/Callahan-Drury-Langenbrunner

Martin-Rafalski
Orpik-Komisarek
Suter-E. Johnson
J. Johnson

Miller
Thomas
Quick

Given that this is a very young roster with few returnees, this is how we see the captaincy and alternates:

'C'-Drury
'A'-Langenbrunner
'A'-Rafalski