World Cup of Hockey: Breaking down USA's strengths, weaknesses vs. Europe

TORONTO — The World Cup of Hockey tournament starts Saturday with USA meeting Team Europe (3:30 p.m., ESPN2). Here’s a breakdown of the Americans’ strengths and weaknesses:

Goaltending: It was hardly a surprise that Jonathan Quick (Los Angeles Kings) was officially named USA’s starter Friday morning. With two Stanley Cup championships and a Conn Smythe Trophy on his resume, he has the best goaltending credentials. He also stopped 54 of 56 shots in USA’s two pre-tournament wins against Canada and Finland. Quick’s aggressive, challenging style also fits the style the Americans want to play in the tournament. If Quick has any difficulty, the Americans can go with Cory Schneider (New Jersey Devils) or Ben Bishop (Tampa Bay Lightning). Goaltending is the Americans’ chief strength.

Coaching: Fiery John Tortorella is the perfect choice to coach an American squad that was built by general manager Dean Lombardi and his staff to play a hard-nosed, attacking style. Tortorella demands passionate play from his players. Historically, Tortorella has worn on players, but the Americans have appreciated his tough-love approach. “The way he wants us to play is the right recipe for success,” said USA alternate captain Patrick Kane.

Defensemen: Lombardi built his defensive corps to prevent scoring chances and be miserable to play against. This group has plenty of size and grit, particularly in 260-pound Dustin Byfuglien (Winnipeg Jets). Columbus Blue Jackets' Jack Johnson and Colorado Avalanche's Erik Johnson (no relation) are both over 230 pounds. The best one-on-one defenders are probably Ryan Suter (Minnesota Wild) and Ryan McDonagh (New York Rangers). John Carlson (Washington Capitals) is proficient in all aspects of the game. Matt Niskanen (Washington Capitals) is a polished defenseman. America lacks a dominating puck mover. There’s no Brian Leetch in this group. But Byfuglien has a wicked slap shot and scored 19 goals last season. All of the American defenders can handle the puck.

Forwards: Just because the Americans want to play an aggressive, physical style doesn’t mean they don’t have the skill to be successful. Ten of USA’s 13 forwards scored 20 or more goals last season, and Justin Abdelkader (Detroit Red Wings) scored 19. The non-20 goal guys — James van Riemsdyk (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Brandon Dubinsky (Columbus Blue Jackets) — have each scored 20 or more in the past. Kane (Chicago Blackhawks) is the reigning MVP, and Blake Wheeler (Winnipeg Jets) has blossomed into a dominant winger. The question about the forward group is whether USA’s centers measure up. America doesn’t have a superstar center. But Ryan Kesler’s prickly two-way style allows him to play against the NHL’s top centers. Joe Pavelski is an elite performer as well. The Americans shouldn’t have trouble scoring goals.

Intangibles: The Americans have unified behind their “It’s time” battle cry that speaks to the fact this generation of American players have not had a defining championship moment.

Forecast: If they play at their best, they will play Canada in the Final. Anything short of their best would mean they won't even qualify for the semifinals.

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