5 reasons USA Hockey will win Olympic Gold
By Dave Lambert
3. The return of overseas stars to American prominence
Speaking of European-based players, Team USA needs top contributions of those selected from overseas clubs. That almost goes without saying, as there are a lot of them. Among them are plenty of names once in the NHL, or on the perimeter.
For one reason or another, it didn’t happen for these players. They ended up moving to Europe to prolong their playing careers, making a good wage and keeping the dream alive. Now they’re being relied upon to fill the shoes of NHL stars.
Team USA needs quality performances from players like Matt Gilroy, Jonathon Blum, Mark Arcobello and Bobby Sanguinetti. Gilroy and Blum are both blueliners who looked impressive early in their NHL careers. Eventually both were demoted to the minors, and played like all-stars in the AHL. Now in Europe, they have the chance to be real difference makers.
Sanguinetti was a junior star and highly-touted first round pick by the New York Rangers. He also looked excellent in the AHL, but could never put his game together in the show. Sanguinetti has been a standout in Switzerland for the last two years – as has Arcobello. The ex-Edmonton Oiler will be relied upon to provide some much-needed offense to Team USA.
While he’s now playing in the AHL after moving back to North America from Europe, Team USA will also be very reliant on the goal-scoring prowess of Chris Bourque. If the Americans are to secure a gold medal, Bourque’s goals will be a huge factor.