Pittsburgh Penguins and their Would-Be Olympians

Team USA

Phil Kessel – Phil made the 2014 Olympic All-Star team for his eight point performance. So how did the USA repay him. They left him off the 2016 WCoH roster. Tisk, tisk.

Team USA wanted to build a strong, physical team in 2016. One that had a mean streak and checking capabilities to throw a more skilled team off their game. As expected, they lost three in a row and we’re promptly eliminated.

Phil’s scoring touch is not something Team USA would omit again. Since 2013-2014, Phil is fourth among all American players in scoring with 317 points. Only Patrick Kane, Blake Wheeler, and Joe Pavelski have scored more.

On the bubble

Jake Guentzel – It’s been an impressive career thus far for the young Nebraska native. His energy and goal scoring abilities could help an underskilled USA team, but he wouldn’t be seriously considered for the roster. Injuries happen, so maybe he could have had a look, but on a healthy Team USA, Guentzel doesn’t make it.