By Mikael DeSanto
Sports Assignment Editor
When talking to people about this year’s World Cup of Hockey, the first since 2004, some have asked, “Who are the teams?” While the list is long, participating countries include: U.S.A., Canada, Russia, Czech Republic, Sweden, Finland, Europe and North America.
Now, the European team is somewhat confusing, but always comes to make sense once explained that it is made up of players from the countries in Europe that aren’t listed. North America also always trips people up, understandably so, because Canada and the United States already have teams, so who could possibly play for a separate North American teams? The answer is any player from both countries who is 23 years old or younger. So, it’s effectively a team of most of the NHL’s top prospects.
Looking at the lineup of this young, upstart team, which is considered to be the most interesting team in the whole tournament, many of its players could make it onto their countries team, were it not for their age. However, like most teams, the starting lineup is very much subject to be shaken up game-by-game.
Forwards
The team boasts the last two number-one overall picks in the NHL Entry Draft Connor McDavid (Edmonton Oilers) and Auston Matthews (Toronto Maple Leafs), and the number-two overall pick last year, Jack Eichel (Buffalo Sabres). They also have two other forwards that were picked number-one in their respective drafts, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins (Edmonton Oilers) in 2011 and Nathan MacKinnon (Colorado Avalanche) in 2013. They sport a good amount of depth at the forward position, including breakout players like Dylan Larkin (Detroit Red Wings), Jonathan Drouin (Tampa Bay Lightning) and Johnny Gaudreau (Calgary Flames).
The worst, and the word should be used pretty loosely, on the team talent-wise might be Vincent Trocheck (Florida Panthers), and he had 53 points in 76 games played in the NHL last season. That is really nothing to scoff at. Every forward on the roster has shown they have a nose for the net, and they should have a potent offense which can score at any moment. For today’s young hockey fan, the possible lines for this team are dreams and more likely seen in a video game, rather than real life.
Defense
The defensive core took a tough hit earlier this week when presumed top-pair player Aaron Ekblad (Florida Panthers), yet another top pick in the NHL Entry Draft, had to be sent home to be treated for an unknown upper-body injury, ending his tournament. However, the rest of the defense should be able to pick up the slack, especially Morgan Reilly (Toronto Maple Leafs), who has the potential to be one of the best in the league. Two of the more underrated defenseman in the NHL, Ryan Murray and Seth Jones, are both on the team and play together for the Columbus Blue Jackets. This should give the defense some very valuable chemistry and keep the game flowing well on offense and defense.
The defense also has a breakout star of its own, Shayne Gostisbehere (Philadelphia Flyers). The “Ghost Bear,” as he is known, had 46 points in 64 games last year, making him a finalist for the Calder Trophy, given to the NHL’s rookie of the year.
The defense may have a hole with Ekblad gone, but there is certainly enough talent to fill it.
Goalies
The traditionally dressed tandem has included Matt Murray (Pittsburgh Penguins) and John Gibson (Anaheim Ducks), with Connor Hellebuyck (Winnipeg Jets) serving as the third goalie. Murray is coming off a season that saw him return from injury to win a Stanley Cup, starting 21 games in the playoffs and averaging 2.08 goals allowed-per-game. Gibson is set to take over the starting job in Anaheim, following Fredrik Andersen’s departure to the Toronto Maple Leafs this offseason. In 40 games played last season, Gibson won 21 and posted a 2.07 goals-against-average. Between Murray and Gibson, the net seems secured throughout the tournament, as they are two of the fastest rising stars between the pipes.
Inexperience may come to plague the North American team, but its natural talent will certainly help them through some tough times. I predict that the team will finish in the top three for the tournament, establishing each player as ones to pay attention to come the NHL regular season. Plus, some of the North American players will be old enough to join the American or Canadian teams by the time of the next World Cup of Hockey in 2020, so it will be interesting to see how their performance affects their chances to be chosen.
desantmj13@bonaventure.edu
