Meet U.S. Olympic men’s hockey team for Sochi 2014; who got snubbed?

Following the Winter Classic, the U.S men’s Olympic ice hockey team was announced for the 2014 Sochi Games, beginning in February. The roster:

Forwards

David Backes, St. Louis Blues
Dustin Brown, Los Angeles Kings
Ryan Callahan, New York Rangers
Patrick Kane, Chicago Blackhawks
Ryan Kesler, Vancouver Canucks
Phil Kessel, Toronto Maple Leafs
T.J. Oshie, St. Louis Blues
Max Pacioretty, Montreal Canadiens
Zach Parise, Minnesota Wild
Joe Pavelski, San Jose Sharks
Paul Stastny, Colorado Avalanche
Derek Stepan, New York Rangers
James van Riemsdyk, Toronto Maple Leafs
Blake Wheeler, Winnipeg Jets

Defensemen

John Carlson, Washington Capitals
Justin Faulk, Carolina Hurricanes
Cam Fowler, Anaheim Ducks
Paul Martin, Pittsburgh Penguins
Ryan McDonagh, New York Rangers
Brooks Orpik, Pittsburgh Penguins
Kevin Shattenkirk, St. Louis Blues
Ryan Suter, Minnesota Wild

Goalies

Jimmy Howard, Detroit Red Wings
Ryan Miller, Buffalo Sabres
Jonathan Quick, Los Angeles Kings

Among the snubs:

Bobby Ryan, Ottawa Senators: The big forward was a member of the 2010 Vancouver Games silver medalists, but his speed and defensive prowess were thought to be a problematic fit for Sochi.

Dustin Byfuglien, Winnipeg Jets: A big body in front of the net with a solid shot, his defensive lapses probably prevented him from making the cut.

Jack Johnson, Columbus Blue Jackets: Perhaps the biggest surprise, as the his speed and offense seemed suited for the larger ice. The U.S went with Faulk and Fowler, two younger players, instead.

Keith Yandle, Phoenix Coyotes: One of the better offensive defensemen in the NHL and a solid power play point man, Yandle might have been seen as a defensive liability on the larger ice.