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Team USA Forwards
Justin Abdelkader, Detroit Red Wings
David Backes, Boston Bruins
Brandon Dubinsky, Columbus Blue Jackets
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Ryan Kesler, Anaheim Ducks
T.J. Oshie, Washington Capitals
Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens
Kyle Palmieri, New Jersey Devils
Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild
Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks
Derek Stepan, New York Rangers
James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs
Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Joe Pavelski
Captain America finally got his C and will lead Team USA to ... victory, I guess. He’ll likely spend time on the first line with Patrick Kane and James Van Riemsdyk, which in a hockey sense will be a lot of fun to watch. I won’t pretend to be excited about watching Pavelski help Kane score goals.
Max Pacioretty
The captain of the Canadiens is American — something that never ceases to amaze me. While Pacioretty is probably overrated by the team he plays for, he’s a very good playmaking forward who will offer a lot to Team USA. He’s scored at least 60 points in each of his last three seasons.
James Van Riemsdyk
Once a part of an American-dominated line for the Toronto Maple Leafs, JVR had to play last season without Phil Kessel and, I assume brought on by broken heartedness, played in only 40 contests. If he’s healthy, he’s one of the better forwards in the NHL — if not... Team USA is in trouble.
Group: A
First Game: Team USA vs. Team Europe, Sept. 17, 12:30 p.m., ESPN2