Rangers Could Have Huge Olympic Representation in 2014
Craig Custance at ESPN Insider takes a look at what the American and Canadian Olympic teams might look like in 2014 and if he's correct there should be plenty of Rangers representation.For Team USA, Custance says Ryan Callahan is a lock to return and will be one of the players considered for captain.
...obviously I'm biased, but there could not be a better representation of the hard working American than Ryan Callahan. He personifies what our country is and should be all about. No brainer, Callahan for Team USA captain in 2014.
The possible new additions to Team USA Custance mentions include Chris Kreider, Derek Stepan and Ryan McDonagh. Custance like Kreider's speed as a weapons for the Americans and adds that McDonagh should be a lock.
...obviously a lot can happen in a year, but Stepan is a guy who needs to be on the team. He's very similar to Chris Drury in that he's not the flashiest guy in the world and isn't going to wow you, but inevitably finds a way to help his team win. And that's what any team needs...winners.
Speaking of Drury, Custance doesn't expect him back in 2014.
As far as our neighbors to the north, Custance says Rick Nash is a lock to return, while Brad Richards and Marc Staal could be possible additions to Team Canada in 2014.
...i think it's going to be real hard, almost next to impossible for Richards to make the team. Besides the holdovers from 2010 (Toews, Crosby, Mike Richards, Eric Staal, Perry), he's got to compete against the new guys (Stamkos, Girioux, Evander Kane, Tavares, Jordan Staal, Eberle, Nugent-Hopkins). Sorry Brad, ain't going to happen.
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As I was watching the Conference Finals, I said to my friends: 3 of the 4 captains are American and will be the captains for USA in 2014. Right now, I'd say Parise gets the" C", Brown and Callahan get "A"s. I know Brown now has a cup but Parise gets the edge on age and talent level.
I hope the NHL stays away. the 2006 olympics broke up the momentum of a red-hot team. gabby played hurt in 2010 and was a shell of himself when he came back to the rangers.
wow, I know Drury was disappointing in his time here, but comparing Stepan to Drury is a reeeeeeal stretch, unless Stepan has a Hobey Baker, Calder trophy or Stanley Cup laying around that I don't know about. Not to mention a Little League World series. Sheesh.
@AnnoyingJoe My comparison had everything to do with both being winners. Stepan seems to have that same aura about him. But yes, Drury was way more accomplished at the same point in his career. Wasn't trying to demean one of the great clutch players in NHL history.
IDK. He did sort of disappear in the playoffs a la MDZ. But, let's be optimistic and chalk it up to experience. Ideally, he continues to grow into what we expect of him. That's what this entire youth movement is going to rely on; these youngins learning and gaining experience.
I can see Richards playing. He's very smart. Smarter than Tavares or perry. Maybe not though. As for team USA damn that makes me proud. And to think how close Dubi was lastolympics. Poor guy. Personally I like watching the world juniors more. They're more motivated to win. Besides the Russians, I don't think anyone cares too much. Not enough to play with heart.
Oh and idk about Kreider. Id love to see him play like and make the team but hey that's a lot to expect. But remembering those playoffs... Wow was he incredible
@KevinDeLury @cb1 ha, sorry kevin. to be honest, i'm a supporter of bringing back the world (canada) cup and making the olympics a 21 and under tournament like soccer.
And this is just USA and Canada. Think about Hank, Stralman and Hagelin all possibly on Team Sweden. And of course Gaborik with Slovaks.
God, how much would I love to see Cap'n Cally get that Olympic C. Now that the summer games are almost over I can start looking forward to Sochi (sp?), gonna be a long 2 years, lol.
@erichan Look on the bright side, the winter olympics take place early in the year. So you really only have to wait about 18 months!!!
