Your 2010 Olympic Team U.S.A.

I worship Olympic hockey and was going to wait until February to do this but John Buccigross answered a letter in his mailbag this week and detailed what he thought the 2010 U.S. Olympic team would look like. So he forced my hand a bit and I will address the subject today. I will do Team Canada at some later date/Ranger off-day.

Bucci's picks for Team USA, which has some ridiculous-looking picks if you ask me:

Offense:
Patrick Kane-Scott Gomez-Zach Parise
Dustin Brown-Paul Stastny-Brian Gionta
Erik Cole-Chris Drury-Phil Kessel
Rolston-Matt Cullen-Ryan Kesler

Defense:
Joe Corvo-Matt Carle
Erik Johnson-Jack Johnson
Ryan Whitney-Ryan Suter

Goalies:
Ryan Miller, Rick DiPietro, Tim Thomas

Now for the Scotty Hockey 2010 -2 U.S. Olympic Team:
Offense:
Patrick Kane-Paul Stastny-Zach Parise
Dustin Brown-Chris Drury-Phil Kessel
Chris Higgins-Tim Connolly-Brian Gionta
Erik Cole-David Legwand-Kyle Okposo

Defense:
Brian Rafalski-Matt Niskanen
Mike Komisarek-Jack Johnson
Tom Gilbert-Ryan Suter

Goalies:
Ryan Miller, DP, Jimmy Howard

Quick explanations of my picks:
*Paul Stastny in two years will be one of the best players in the NHL if he isn't already; first liner. I don't even have Gomez because I unfortunately think he won't be more than what he is today, and that is a disappointment.

*I ambitiously have Tim Connolly in the hopes that he can keep his head on, literally. When healthy, he is a much better version of Gomez.

*Don't think that I don't like the three guys he has on his fourth line, I just don't see them as being good enough in two years. So I moved Cole down and added two other guys. Legwand got a big money deal in Nashville for being a solid citizen and I think he has another level that he will reach. I frigging loathe the Islanders but Kyle Okposo is a beast and should be in the NHL by 2010 showing off his power forward skills.

*I really wanted to add Jed to the team but I just can't do it. Outside of Canada, who included Kris Draper, teams usually don't include grinders/specialists. A damn shame.


*Speaking of Long Island, I have both Chris Higgins and Mike Komisarek on the team. Higgins is the best all-around player on the Habs after Saku and Komisarek is growing into a faster, better version of Derian Hatcher.

*Bucci's D doesn't work for me. I don't think Corvo is that good, Carle has regressed now that San Jose relies on him, Erik Johnson has a long way to go before becoming Al MacInnis and Ryan Whitney's numbers are a product of Cindy Crosby. So I dropped all four. I think Komisarek is underrated; Tom Gilbert is looking very good in Edmonton despite the team really being piss poor; Matt Niskanen has stepped into Dallas and become a solid defenseman - playing with guys like Zubov and Norstrom will only make him better; and Brian Rafalski is used to the bigger ice surfaces, plays conservatively enough that he doesn't get hurt often and will be 37. Its a stretch but I honestly wouldn't be shocked if Chelios makes it and he would be 48.

*As for the goaltenders, Ryan Miller and that piece of garbage Ricky D are the best American goaltenders now and that likely won't change in two years. Tim Thomas is good but will be 35 and the third spot should go to a younger guy since its unlikely that they will see action. In two years Howard will have some more NHL experience under his belt as Hasek will retire.

So what do you think? Do you have Olympic fever? I know I do; these two years should only go by so fast ...

 Your 2010 Olympic Team U.S.A.: A Glorious Chapter in American Winter Sports

The 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, were a testament to the indomitable spirit of athletes from around the world. For Team U.S.A., it was a particularly memorable event, marked by triumphs, records, and moments of sheer excellence. In this article, we'll take a nostalgic journey back to the 2010 Olympic Winter Games and explore the achievements, stories, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) that define "Your 2010 Olympic Team U.S.A."

Setting the Stage

The 2010 Winter Olympics marked a significant moment in the history of U.S. winter sports. Vancouver provided the stage for American athletes to shine and etch their names in Olympic history. Here are some key highlights:

The Event

The 2010 Winter Olympics took place from February 12 to February 28, featuring various winter sports disciplines, including figure skating, ice hockey, snowboarding, skiing, and more.

The Location

Vancouver, British Columbia, was chosen as the host city, with events spread across several venues, including Whistler, a resort town north of Vancouver.

U.S.A.'s Medal Haul

Team U.S.A. had an outstanding performance at the 2010 Winter Olympics, winning a total of 37 medals. Here's the breakdown:

Gold Medals: 9

Silver Medals: 15

Bronze Medals: 13

The 2010 Olympics marked the best medal performance for the U.S.A. in a Winter Olympics to that date.

Memorable Moments

Several memorable moments and performances stood out during the 2010 Winter Olympics for Team U.S.A. These moments showcased the incredible talent, determination, and spirit of American athletes.

Shaun White's Epic Halfpipe Win

Snowboarder Shaun White, known as the "Flying Tomato," wowed the world with his incredible skills in the halfpipe event. His final run, which included his signature Double McTwist 1260, secured him a gold medal and cemented his status as a snowboarding legend.

Lindsey Vonn's Downhill Dominance

Lindsey Vonn, a talented alpine skier, captured hearts with her fearless downhill skiing. Despite nursing a painful shin injury, she clinched a gold medal in the women's downhill event, becoming the first American woman to do so.

Bode Miller's Redemption

Bode Miller, known for his unpredictability, faced criticism leading up to the 2010 Olympics. However, he silenced doubters with an impressive performance, earning a gold, silver, and bronze medal in various skiing events.

The "Miracle on Ice" Revisited

While not a repeat of the historic 1980 "Miracle on Ice," the U.S. men's ice hockey team had a memorable run, reaching the gold medal game. Although they settled for silver, their journey captivated fans and rekindled memories of the underdog triumph in 1980.

FAQs: Your 2010 Olympic Team U.S.A.

1. What were some of the other sports in which Team U.S.A. excelled at the 2010 Olympics?

Aside from snowboarding, alpine skiing, and ice hockey, Team U.S.A. also performed exceptionally well in events such as freestyle skiing, speed skating, bobsleigh, and Nordic combined.

2. Who were some of the other standout athletes from Team U.S.A. at the 2010 Olympics?

In addition to Shaun White, Lindsey Vonn, and Bode Miller, other notable athletes included Apolo Ohno (short track speed skating), Evan Lysacek (figure skating), and Hannah Kearney (freestyle skiing), among others.

3. What impact did the 2010 Olympics have on winter sports in the U.S.A.?

The success of Team U.S.A. at the 2010 Olympics inspired a new generation of winter sports enthusiasts. It led to increased interest in snowboarding, skiing, and other disciplines, resulting in more young athletes pursuing Olympic dreams.

4. How did Team U.S.A. fare in the overall medal count at the 2010 Winter Olympics?

Team U.S.A. finished third in the overall medal count, behind Canada and Germany. Their 37 medals were a remarkable achievement and showcased the nation's strength in winter sports.

5. Were there any controversies or notable moments off the field during the 2010 Olympics?

While the focus was primarily on the athletes and their performances, there were some minor controversies and memorable off-field moments. For example, the death of Georgian luger Nodar Kumaritashvili during a training run cast a somber shadow over the opening days of the Games. Additionally, the torch lighting ceremony featured an unexpected mechanical malfunction.

"Your 2010 Olympic Team U.S.A." was a chapter in American winter sports history that will be remembered for its exceptional performances, memorable moments, and the enduring spirit of the athletes who represented the nation in Vancouver. The achievements of Team U.S.A. at the 2010 Winter Olympics served as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and a source of pride for the nation. It was a reminder that dedication, skill, and determination can lead to triumph on the world's biggest sporting stage, capturing the hearts and imaginations of millions around the globe.