I think this could be historically one of the best goaltending tandems for team USA in the history of the Olympic hockey. Both Tim Thomas (Boston Bruins and UVM) and Ryan Miller (Buffalo and MSU) are solid all pro NHL goalies and either one should prove to be a solid back stop for team USA.
International hockey is stocked with quality goaltending, so the Americans are simply putting themselves on equal footing this time around with the excellent Thomas/Miller duo. From this vantage point, it's the best netminding the U.S. will have since Mike Richter's heyday.
Team USA coach Ron Wilson said not to count out impressive youngster Jonathan Quick, or the injured and rehabbing DiPietro. But let's be realistic: It's going to be the Thomas/Miller show in Vancouver, in more than ways than one. For a team that -- on paper, at least -- appears to have less natural scoring ability than the Canadas and Russias and Swedens of the world, Miller and Thomas will be heavily leaned on come February.
''The goaltending position is very important in the Olympics because it's short term and it's one-game, head-to-head elimination," Thomas said Tuesday after Day 2 of the U.S. Olympic camp. "A goalie can make a huge difference. In a seven-game series, a goalie can still make a difference, but it's more team-dependent. But in one game, a goalie can make or break the game for you.'' [ESPN]
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