For some reason I'm kind of iffy about putting him on this team

Ryan Malone is one of the toughest players in the NHL, and simply one of the best power forwards there is. He's having one of his best seasons in Tampa this year playing alongside sophomore-sensation Steven Stamkos. He has 14 goals and 22 points in 25 games, he's on pace tocome close to breaking 50 goals as well I like to consider him our version of Brendan Shanahan. Honestly, he is a player that a lot of teams are missing in their puzzles for winning the Stanley Cup. Here's a guy who will do whatever it takes to put the puck in the net and win a game I hate the Penguins, but I liked Malone. He was the sole reason I ever watched a Penguins' game if they weren't playing Washington or Detroit. He battles in the corners, drives hard to the net, screens the goalie, fights battles in front of the net, bangs in rebounds, hits, fights, and blocks shots.

This guy puts it all on the line for his team, and he would make any Olympic squad He wears his heart on his sleeve and has guts. He'll change a game, whether it's by a hit, a much needed fight, or a momentum-changing game-breaking goal. He'll bring valuable offense to team U.S.A., and will see top power-play minutes and penalty minutes in the tournament. With Joe Sakic retiring this summer, Paul Stastny is now the man in Colorado He'll give team U.S.A some solid depth down the middle He leads Colorado in Points and assists. For some reason I'm kind of iffy about putting him on this team.

I'm not taking away from his talent, but a player like Kesler can set people up just as well, has physical upside to him, and a great defensive upside. I don't know why I'm iffy on him but I'm putting him on it because of how well he's doing, and I have a feeling he'll pick it up more as the season goes on. Team U.S.A will have no shortage of leadership on this roster, Langenbrunner is the captain of the New Jersey Devils. He's one of the best two-way players in the game, plays in all situations, has won two cups in his career, and a silver medal in 2002.

He has Olympic experience which will be valuable with this young squad, who figures not to have a lot Olympic experience. Many thought after his performance in the first round against Washington last year, that this would be a breakout year for him. That hasn't happened yet but Callahan has a quality about him Burke will want for this squad, and that is his physical presence. He was a pretty good clutch player in the playoffs, which is good asset to have in this kind of tournament. He may not be good enough to be among the 12 starting forwards, but as the 13th forward I see him there If the U.S.