McAvoy is either playing above or behind Fox, definitely better than Jones and Pesce.

McAvoy should definitely be in the Lineup, but besides that, I like this. I appreciate DeBrincat's placement.

Swap DeBrincat and Tkachuk

Wheres guentzel? Hed be in the top line

Mcavoy is the best US defenseman. He makes the team and plays on the top pair. Brock Nelson? Come on

My rationale for the starting defensemen is that I wanted to maintain NHL team chemistry whenever possible. While USA has lots of strong players to pick, the most successful Olympic teams have lines consisting of players from 1 team. For example, Team Canada in 2010 had a full defense line plus forward lines from the Sharks, while 2014 saw lines matching Ducks and Hawks with one another. As a result, while I think McAvoy is a sensational defenseman, it would be better for the US to have a full d-line of Blue Jackets (or a Jacket and an ex-Jacket these days) and a line of Canes to maintain chemistry and simplify tactics. That said, McAvoy could be slotted with Slavin (thus dropping Pesce) and moved to second d-line.

As for Brock Nelson, he's been a critical 2-way center for the Islanders' offense. The Islanders have not been known for getting too many goals, but Nelson's play has helped the team grind out wins. I thought about Guentzel but ultimately decided that Team USA may be more leaning toward a defensive approach in their depth lines v. Canada's all-out offense due to their glut of offensive talent. In that context, it makes sense to give Nelson and Rust (a speed-oriented winger) the nod over Guentzel, as tough as that decision is.

Seems everyone forgot about Oshie

No chance Nelson, Lee, and Pavs make it over Guentzel and Gaudreau

That’s pretty bad rationale