The Tampa Bay Lightning officially have an Olympic Line on their roster. A couple of days after his linemates Brandon Hagel and Anthony Cirelli named to Team Canada’s roster, Jake Guentzel will be joining them (along with Brayden Point) on the flight over to Italy. Once the plane lands, they become rivals. The 31-year-old is one of 14 forwards that will be representing Team USA in the upcoming Olympic Games next month.
With his Stanley Cup pedigree, consistent performance, and familiarity with head coach Mike Sullivan there was little doubt that Guentzel would make the cut as the Americans will ice one of their strongest rosters ever at the Olympic games. He fits in well with a nice blend of youth and talent, not to mention the deepest goaltending trio in the tournament, as Team USA looks to win their first gold medal since 1980 in Men’s Hockey.
Guentzel is off to his usual consistent start with 41 points (18 goals, 23 assists) in 40 games for the Lightning this season. In 120 games with Tampa Bay over the past season-and-a-half, the Nebraska native has 121 points (59 goals, 62 assists). Over his ten-year career he has 286 goals and 326 assists in 640 games with the Lightning, Hurricanes, and Penguins.
Despite his success in the NHL, Guentzel doesn’t have a ton of international experience. He never played in the World Juniors for Team USA and long playoff runs throughout his career have kept him out of a lot of World Championships. In fact, his four games, where he had a goal and three assists, in the 4 Nations Face-Off last year were the first time he put on the red, white, and blue.
In a blog he wrote for NHL.com last year, he talked about what it was like to see his name on a Team USA jersey.
“Walking into the room before the game [USA’s first game against Finland] and seeing my name on a USA jersey was special. It’s the first time for me. Just an unbelievable honor. I’m thankful for this opportunity and trying to make the most of it.”
With the wealth of offensive talent the Americans have on the roster, Guentzel likely won’t have a top-six role, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be a key factor for their success. His ability to score around the net, kill penalties, and play responsible hockey will be important, especially once Team USA reaches the knock-out round.
