Article Written By: Adam Wible
Team USA head coach, Dan Bylsma, announced Wednesday that goaltender Jonathan Quick will get the start Thursday in Sochi.
Quick is having a mediocre, injury filled season in Los Angeles. Owning a 16-13-2 record, a 2.18 GAA, and a .911 SVP, Quick gets the nod.
Quick was nothing but gracious when speaking about the decision. “It was pretty casual,” Quick said. “We were on the ice stretching and he just came over and said it.”
“We have three great goalies on this team and everyone wants to start. I’m just fortunate for the opportunity and want to make the best of it.”
Miller, on the other hand, plays for one of the worst teams in the NHL compiling a 14-22-3 record, a 2.71 GAA, and a .915 SVP. Give him world class talent, though, and we all remember how far he took the US in Vancouver.
“It was the coach’s decision,” Miller said. “Obviously, I want to play and compete and do my part. Right now, I will just back up Jon. He’s a great goalie and he is going to do great for us. We’ll see where it goes from here and I’ll just be ready to play.”
So it's Quick over Miller vs. Slovakia? Hmmm. Media in Sochi reading tea leaves were all saying Miller. Let's see if he plays vs Russia.
— Mike Harrington (@ByMHarrington) February 12, 2014
It’s too early to tell, if Quick is Bylsma’s horse for the tournament. They play Slovakia tomorrow, after that the decision is up in the air.
USA plays host Russia Saturday, my guess is whoever starts that game will be the guy through the medal round.
I’m not a fan of Quick over Miller, but it’s too early to jump the gun. We’ll let the game speak for itself.
But as of right now, I’m nervous about my ‘USA will medal -140’ bet.
