The US team defense list isn't nearly as sexy as ours I agree. But I feel like they are a more well rounded group. If you evaluate the 2010 defense that came very close to besting us it doesn't look that good on paper either:
Brian Rafalski, 36 (Detroit Red Wings)
Ryan Suter, 25 (Nashville Predators)
Erik Johnson, 21 (St. Louis Blues)
Brooks Orpik, 29 (Pittsburgh Pittsburgh)
Jack Johnson, 23 (Los Angeles Kings)
Ryan Whitney, 26 (Anaheim Ducks)
Tim Gleason, 27 (Carolina Hurricanes)
Take away the guys from that list who wouldn't make it this time around. Insert young guys like John Carlson, Ryan Mcdonagh, Keith Yandle who have evolved into elite top pairing defensemen and are all excellent skaters, great for the big ice. Then you got bubble guys that can hold their own like Paul Martin, Nick Leddy, Kevin Shattenkirk. They also have Trouba and Jones who may get a decent look depending on how they start the season.
Again, this is all just my opinion. But I feel like our defense is too offensive minded. I'd be happier if we had more big mean spirited Pronger types, instead of Jay Bouwmeester.
Last edited by tempz; 07-22-2013 at 02:58 PM.
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