6 Minnesotans making strong push for Olympics

This article NHL.com suggests that Team USA would include three Minnesota defensemen: Erik Johnson, Paul Martin and Alex Goligoski. Not surprisingly forwards Jamie Langenbrunner and Zach Parise are also in the mix. Dustin Byfuglien is also one of the biggest presences around the net that also includes a soft scoring touch.

Outside looking in would be Keith Ballard, Jordan Leopold, Matt Niskanen and Tom Gilbert.

Forwards who are not quite in the mix but certainly could have been with better starts or a few more years in the league are Kyle Okposo, Peter Mueller and Blake Wheeler.

Paul Martin, New Jersey -- A busted forearm was not in Martin's plans as he prepared for the Olympics, but he should be back by mid-December and the injury should have little effect on his game, which is predicated on his skating ability and positioning.

Erik Johnson, St. Louis -- Apparently he has shaken off any rust from last season's catastrophic knee injury and once again is a dominant player for the Blues. But can he do enough to make this team? He'll have to be better in certain areas as his power-play chops aren't in demand on a roster loaded with potential man-advantage quarterbacks.

Alex Goligoski, Pittsburgh -- This team is going to struggle for offense and Goligoski -- who was not invited to orientation camp -- can provide it from the back end, both with the man advantage and at even strength. But Goligoski is not a one-trick pony; look at the numbers. He kills penalties for the Penguins and is not afraid to block a shot.

Dustin Byfuglien, Chicago -- The choice to carry seven defensemen instead of eight opens a spot for Byfuglien, a power forward that is more than conversant with the skill set necessary to play defense. He could play on the blue line during an injury crunch or he can serve as a body-banging power forward. That's a nice luxury to have.

Jamie Langenbrunner, New Jersey -- A defensively reliable left wing that kills penalties but still has some offensive instincts. Like Drury, he might be the prototypical third-liner in a tournament like this because of his diverse skill set.

Zach Parise, New Jersey -- Perhaps the most consistent goal scorer among American forwards. Parise on the left and Kane on the right side on the same line will be a handful for even the best defensemen in the world.

Also Certainly a pick is former Gopher Phil Kessel.

Phil Kessel, Toronto -- We all know how much Burke loves Kessel; look at the package of assets he gave the Bruins this fall for his rights. A slow start is to be expected as Kessel comes back from offseason shoulder surgery, but unless he completely flames out, Kessel not only will be on the team, but play a key role.

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