Trying to link the actual write up rather than the video...not sure it worked...here's some of it copied /pasted.
TORONTO — This was supposed to be the new dawn of American hockey. The era in which Team USA, ripe with young, dynamic talent, climbed up and challenged for the throne.
After decades of operating in the shadow of their northern neighbours and that red-and-white behemoth, the United States was set for a renaissance on the backs of the Gaudreaus and the Eichels, on that of Auston Matthews and the number of other U.S.-born stars dominating from the blue line and in the cage.
The only problem: So far, the squad has yet to get an opportunity to do any damage together.
Between the 2016 World Cup of Hockey, which siphoned a number of talented Americans off to an under-23 ‘Team North America’ roster, and the NHL’s decision not to participate in the 2018 Olympic Games, stars like
Jack Eichel and Matthews have yet to suit up together on the biggest international stage.
That run looks set to continue following the recent news of the NHL and NHLPA
falling short in their efforts to bring the World Cup back in 2020. It appears 2022 is likely the next best bet — that three-year delay only serving as the full sentence if the NHL decides to return to the Olympics — though a 2021 option appears to be
in the early stages of discussion as well.
Regardless, it seems an opportunity missed for the red, white and blue, without a doubt, given the immense talent waiting to come over the boards.
“Obviously Canada has all those great players, but the U.S. stacks up, man to man,” says Craig Conroy, who suited up for Team USA at the 2004 World Cup of Hockey and the 2006 Olympic Games. “It’s pretty even back and forth, which is exciting for USA Hockey.”
For the time being, Conroy’s premier American lineup remains the one that claimed the ’96 World Cup — with legends like Brian Leetch, Mike Modano and Brett Hull leading the charge — but the Potsdam, N.Y. native says Team USA’s current crop can, at the very least, challenge for that top spot.
“I’d have to see how they perform on the world stage
together as a group, and what kind of success they had,” he says. “But, with that said, they’re right there. I mean, there are going to be Hall of Famers coming out of here, and guys that have done things for teams that are going to set records. They’re just elite, high-end, skilled players.
“Hopefully they get in some competitions so we can see how they really do fare against the best of the best in the world.”
