I started it off by covering the Flyers-Thrashers game. Jim Slater, an American, scored two goals to spearhead a 4-3 Atlanta comeback victory. Philadelphia has dominated Atlanta over the years to the tune of a 29-5-4 record against them. Atlanta rookie Evander Kane showed off the same form that he did in last year’s World Junior Championships, as he powered to the net and skated past Philly’s Chris Pronger to setup that last goal. That was a good start and then my mind wandered to the upcoming Olympics so I wanted to talk about the upcoming games in Vancouver.

This year’s USA squad has Ryan Miller between the pipes who is at the peak of his game and the leadership group has a New Jersey Devils influence which means they are winners - - plain and simple. Even though on paper you might see this team as the 3rd or 4th best in the tournament the team just might have great chemistry and that can go a long way.

“We’re excited,” said the team’s GM Brian Burke, also the GM of the Toronto Maple Leafs. “When we named this team we turned the page generationally and that didn’t come without agonizing over it.”

Of course there is a further Leafs connection with this team with their head coach, Ron Wilson, who happens to be the Team USA head coach. He has some familiarity with these players and that’s important as well.

“I’m very excited about this team. I’ve coached 12 of them in the past. I think it will be a quick team, that’s solid in goal, with a mobile defense.”

Jamie Langenbrunner, who is a multiple Stanley Cup winner (with the Dallas Stars and New Jersey Devils), will captain the team and he was a great choice! Zach Parise, who won a gold medal in the 2004 World Junior Championships, is one of the assistants, and he could be the most important player on the roster other than Miller.

“We just can’t wait to get up there and start,” Parise said with excitement in his voice.

Miller will have the country watching him; fans who hate the Buffalo Sabres will unite as Americans and cheer him on. He believes he is up for the challenge.

“I’m just excited to wear the colors of the country and have it be the greatest tournament that we have in hockey,” he said in an understated way. “It definitely comes down to preparation and evolution (talking about himself). It’s been a focus getting to the highest level I can be at.”

Hockey across America will continue when I cover the Islanders and the Flyers on Saturday. I’ve written for USA Hockey in the past and I love the fact that they are celebrating this great game!