With the NHL off-season right around the corner, USA Hockey executives will not only be meeting to figure which general manager and head coach they will hire, but what players will get invites to try out for the 2014 Olympic team heading to Sochi.
While selecting the forwards and defencemen shouldn’t be too difficult, determining the three goalies for the roster could be extremely changeling decision for the Americans.
Looking at the netminders in the NHL, there are several extremely talented American-born candidates.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at which netminders will more than likely be given a hard look to make Team USA for the upcoming Olympic Games.
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres
Buffalo Sabres goaltender Ryan Miller has been inconsistent over the last few seasons, but he is still the netminder that helped Team USA win a Silver Medal at Vancouver 2010.
When Miller is on his game, he is one of the best goaltenders in the world. Despite playing behind a weak defence, Miller posted some solid numbers.
Considering what Miller did for USA almost four years ago, he likely earned some leeway with the staff and could certainly earn a position on the squad.
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings
It can be argued that Los Angeles Kings superstar Jonathan Quick is the best goaltender of the bunch.
Last season, Quick helped the Kings win their first Stanley Cup. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the post-season, was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top netminder in the regular season and was an all-star.
Quick is a big-game goaltender and when it comes to the Olympics, that is exactly what you need to win a gold medal.
Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
After a strong season, Jimmy Howard proved that not only is he one of the best American-born netminders in the game, but is also one of the best in the entire league.
This season, Howard put a much younger and somewhat weaker Red Wings team on his back and got them to within one win of the Western Conference final. He won a huge Game 7 against the Anaheim Ducks and almost did the exact same thing against the Chicago Blackhawks earlier this week.
At 29-years-old, Howard has a lot of time to accomplish great things between the pipes whether it is with the Red Wings or Team USA in international competition.
Cory Schneider, Vancouver Canucks
Cory Schneider has certainly merited a look to be one of the three netminders in Sochi.
He has put up terrific numbers (84-45-5, 2.28 goals-against average, .921 save percentage and nine shutouts) last season and with Roberto Luongo more than likely headed out of town during the off-season, he is going to be the main man between the pipes for the long term in Vancouver.
Schneider, 27, is quick, knows how to cut down the angles on opposing shooters, keeps his movements simple and when on top of his game, is one of the better goaltenders in the league.
If either Miller or Quick went down with an injury, there is no doubt that Schneider could provide Team USA with top-notch goaltending.
Craig Anderson, Ottawa Senators
Craig Anderson has finally found his stride as one of the game’s top netminders with the Ottawa Senators.
In just 24 games in the regular season due to injury, Anderson went 12-9-2 with a sparkling 1.69 GAA, a terrific .941 save percentage and three shutouts. He continued his strong play against the Montreal Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs and helped his team knock out the second place Habs in five games.
He would more than likely never start a game in the Olympics but would definitely be a viable back-up option.
John Gibson, Anaheim Ducks
The Anaheim Ducks’ prized goaltending prospect has yet to play an NHL game but based on what he accomplished with Team USA at the world juniors and at the World Championships this year, he deserves at least a consideration to be on the 2014 Olympic Team.
In late December and early January, Gibson carried USA to a gold medal at the juniors. Gibson finished the tournament with 1.36 GAA and a .955 save percentage in five games..
In the recent World Championships, Gibson was just as good. Over five games, Gibson posted a 1.51 GAA and a .951 save percentage and because of his fine international play, was awarded the annual Bob Johnson Award by USA Hockey.
