Goligoski and/or Orpik for Olympic Team?

Alex Goligoski

January 1 is becoming special day for NHL fans. This year, it will be even better for U.S. hockey fans. Not only will we get to see the latest installment of the NHL Winter Classic on New Year’s Day (Flyers vs. Bruins at Fenway!), we will also learn who made the final cut for the men’s U.S. Olympic hockey team.

Interest should be high for Pens’ fans. We all know who the locks are: Crosby will be playing for Canada and both Malkin and Gonchar will suit up for Russia. But will Orpik and/or Goligoski be skating for the U.S. in Vancouver, and do they deserve to?

Orpik was one of 12 defensemen invited to the U.S. team’s orientation camp back in August. Goligoski was not on that list. The defensemen invited included: Tom Gilbert (Edmonton), Tim Gleason (Carolina), Ron Hainsey (Atlanta), Erik Johnson (St. Louis), Jack Johnson (L.A.), Mike Komisarek (Toronto), Paul Martin (N.J.), Brian Rafalski (Detroit), Rob Scuderi (L.A.), Ryan Suter (Nashville) and Ryan Whitney (Anaheim). That is an impressive list, and it has since grown to include more players that have shown throughout the early part of this season they are capable of wearing the Red, White and Blue (Goligoski included).

It’s very easy for Pens’ fans to look at the situation with black-and-gold glasses and say, “Orpik and Goligoski should both definitely be on the team.” Reality, however, is a different story.

Both players have unique – but vastly different – skill sets. Orpik is a bruising physical force that thinks defense first. His offensive numbers will not help his cause, even though his 13 assists so far this season are only four fewer than his total last year. Does the U.S. need his physical presence? I would think so.

Goligoski’s offense is clearly his strong suit, evidenced by his 17 points in 24 games. But his injury (he’s missed 10 games) will not doubt hurt his chances. He’s a fantastic skater, moves the puck well and can play the PP. Would that help the U.S. in Vancouver? Again, I would think so. And keep in mind both have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup. Orpik in particular has been through the rigors of two straight Cup runs – he’s battle-tested to say the least. You’d think that has to count for something.

Nonetheless, the odds appear to be stacked against the Pens’ blueliners. Erik Johnson, Martin, Rafalski, Suter and former-Penguin Whitney are rumored to be locks to make the team. While both Orpik and Goligoski are still contenders, players such as Atlanta’s Zach Bogosian, Philadelphia’s Matt Carle and Colorado’s John-Michael Liles have played their way into contention.

It should be interesting come the first of the year. Should Orpik and/or Goligoski skate for the U.S. in Vancouver? Sound off. Let me know what you think.