Backes and Johnson will Represent Team USA

Blues Defensemen Erik Johnson will help lead the offensive push off the blue line for Team USA.

Congratulations to David Backes and Erik Johnson on their selection to the 2010 Men’s Ice Hockey Roster for Team USA.

Yes, TJ Oshie did not make the cut. I think Ryan Callahan being on the roster compared to TJ is a toss up. I think Brain Burke sided with experience there.

I am a little surprised that Rob Scuderi didn’t make the team. To be honest, Id take him over Mike Komisarek. Scuds is a proven winner who can play physical (and not go nuts like Komisarek) and has already shut down Semin, Backstrom, Ovechkin, Kovalchuk, Datsyuk, Zettergberg, Holmstrom, Fedorov, Kozlov, and Alfredsson all while playing in Pittsburgh. He knows Malkin well. He would have a natural partner in former team mate Brooks Orpik. If the wanted Komisarek for a right handed shot, maybe Jack Johnson should have been left off.

Local boy Paul Stastny who currently plays for the Colorado Avalanche also made the Team USA Roster.

Blues Forward David Backes will be a physical force attacking the net and will likely be utilized on the penalty kill.

Here is how the Roster breaks down:

Forwards

Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche
Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Chris Drury, New York Rangers
David Backes, St. Louis Blues
Bobby Ryan, Anaheim Ducks
Ryan Malone, Tampa Bay Lightning
Jamie Langenbrunner, New Jersey Devils
Zach Parise, New Jersey Devils
Ryan Callahan, New York Rangers
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks

Defensemen

Paul Martin, New Jersey Devils
Brian Rafalski, Detroit Red Wings
Brooks Orpik, Pittsburgh Penguins
Erik Johnson, St. Louis Blues
Ryan Suter, Nashville Predators
Jack Johnson, Los Angeles Kings
Mike Komisarek, Toronto Maple Leafs

Goaltenders

Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres
Tim Thomas, Boston Bruins
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings