New York Rangers Represented in the World Cup of Hockey

New York Rangers Represent Four World Cup Teams

Come September 17, Ryan McDonagh, Derek Stepan, J.T Miller, Mats Zuccarello and Henrik Lundqvist will be in Toronto competing in the World Cup of Hockey.

• Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan will suit up for Team USA
• J.T. Miller will be playing for Team North America
• Mats Zuccarello will dress for Team Europe
• Henrik Lundqvist will be placed in between the Pipes for Team Sweden

Henrik Lundqvist

This wont be the first time Henrik Lundqvist finds himself playing in an international contest. He has played for the Sweden National team on 11 separate occasions, whether in Olympic tournaments or as a part of past Swedish World Cup teams.

Earlier today, Lundqvist told members of the media that he believes Team Sweden is going to win the World Cup. After looking at Sweden’s lineup and more specifically their defense it is hard to argue against Lundqvist. However, it is the World Cup of Hockey so all eight teams are filled with superstar talent and every game of this tournament will be a challenge.

Mats Zuccarello

Zucc is having one hell of a week. He played a pivotal role in landing a young man a prom date Monday night. This came after he helped the New York Rangers beat the Blue Jackets. The goal he scored in that game also places him atop the Rangers points leader board.

As if that was not enough to make him feel good about himself, today he was selected to join the European World Cup team.

Mats Zuccarello must be elated. He made a statement last week claiming he did not believe he would make the European team’s initial roster but as fate would have it, he was proven wrong. Zuccarello could find himself playing along side Kopitar in September and bearing witness to that duo would alone be worth the price of admission.

J.T. Miller

J.T. Miller’s break out year continues to get better and better. The young star of the New York Rangers has been elected to the North American team, which is the World Cup’s team of players aged 23 and younger. The first 16 players that were chosen to play for North America is sickening. The amount of talent and speed on this team is absolutely ridiculous.

Jack Eichel, Dylan Larkin and Connor McDavid are just a few young NHL stars that have made the North American roster. This team may be young, but they can all skate exceptionally well. If any team thinks that they will just skate onto the ice in September and win based on experience, they have another thing coming.

Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan

Both McDonagh and Stepan have landed roster positions on team USA. Although Ryan McDonagh has battled several injuries this season, he is still undoubtably the best defenseman the New York Rangers have and being placed on team USA is well deserved. Derek Stepan has also had a great season thus far as he has recorded 31 points on 14 goals and 17 assists.

Both New York Rangers can look forward to playing alongside elite NHL talent such as, Jonathan Quick, Patrick Kane and T.J. Oshie.

Team USA may be equipped with one of the best goal tending cores. Their depth in between the pipes is impressive to say the least. Quick is set at first for now but will definitely have to earn his keep as Corey Schneider and Ben Bishop are both worthy of starting roles.

It is difficult to stay calm when talking about the World Cup of Hockey even though the tournament doesn’t start for another five months. Just looking at each teams first 16 picks is enough to make hockey fans heads spin. The depth of talent, experience and super stars on each team is incredible.

Next: Zuccarello Clutch Wingman

Speculation has already begun to swirl between analytical “gurus” attempting to pick a front running team. This is pretty crazy, considering both team USA and Canada still have seven roster positions that need to be filled by June 1st due to NHL regulations regarding NHL players participating in the international tournament. With that being said, Go North America! We will be sure to keep you updated on rumors and news surrounding these roster selections and all other news surrounding this years World Cup of Hockey.