Brian Burke sez...

by Calvert on Dec 22, 2009 10:02 PM EST

I'm listening to the Sharks-Blackhawks game on internet radio and Dan Rusanowski, the voice of the Sharks, just interviewed Leafs and Team USA GM Brian Burke. I apologize that I can't get an exact quote but Burke's words were something like, "We can't compete straight up talent for talent with teams like Canada and Russia so what we're looking for on the team are specialists...players who do some things exceptionally well." Although the official Team USA announcement will be made at the Winter Classic between the Bruins and Flyers, I would strongly speculate based on Burke's comments that Paul Gaustad just made the team.

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I’d guess that even as dominant as Gaustad has been on faceoffs this year, Burke and Team USA would rather have a guy like Ryan Kesler or Chris Drury out there for big power play or 3rd period draws centering a 3rd or 4th defensive oriented line. Team USA probably has too much talent for Goose to make the team.

You’ve gotta figure that a bunch of forwards are locks to make the team. Pat Kane, Zach Parise, Bobby Ryan, Paul Stastny and Phil Kessel are too good to leave off the roster. I’ll guess the top two lines go something like:

Parise – Kessel – Kane
Ryan Malone – Stastny – Ryan

Joe Pavelski is probably too good to leave off the team and Dustin Brown is another young guy who will probably make it. Plus the two centers I named up top and Jamie Langrunbrunner is a good fit on the 3rd or 4th line. That only leaves a couple spots and I can’t imagine Gaustad beating out a bunch of other good players including another center in Scott Gomez. Even if the team is trying to add even more grit then they’ve already got, Dustin Byfuglien could be a 4th liner and David Backes provides a lot more offensive upside too. That’s not even including older guys like Modano, Tkachuk, Guerin or Rolston or some younger guys like Blake Wheeler, Okposo, Oshie, Ryan Callahan or David Booth and a few Sabres, Connolly, Stafford and the Canadian-born Pominville.

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by kaisertown on Dec 22, 2009 11:35 PM EST reply actions

Drury doesn't even play on the Rangers power play though.

But I’m still not sure Goose even has a chance.

All your tshirt needs.

by twoeightnine on Dec 23, 2009 2:20 AM EST up reply actions

I’d love to see Goose centering the Olympic fourth line (and Miller in goal, of course).

by lassathrax on Dec 23, 2009 12:37 AM EST reply actions

Still Burke likes guys with size

Goose leading the league in faceoff % could be the crack in the door for him. Not counting on him making the team, but it wouldn’t surprise me. He’s hade a good enough season so far.

Rookies are like teabags...you don't know what you're gonna get until you put them in hot water. -Harry Neale

by weswed51 on Dec 23, 2009 6:22 PM EST reply actions