Saad builds his case to join Team USA
Brandon Saad admits he's a little on edge.
Being on the bubble to make the Team USA roster for the upcoming Sochi Olympics will do that to a guy.
“I don't know about nervous, just more excited,” Saad said after the Blackhawks' 1-0 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday. “It's been a good first half so far and I've done all I can do.
“I'm looking forward to seeing the announcement.”
The 21-year-old Pittsburgh native won't have to wait much longer. The men's team, comprised of 3 goaltenders and 22 forwards/defensemen, will be announced Wednesday, immediately following the Winter Classic.
If the last image that selectors of Team USA have of the Hawks winger is him corralling a bouncing puck in front of the net and beating Kings rookie goalie Martin Jones for the game-winner, well, that wouldn't be such a bad thing.
“Throughout last year, having that success and carrying that over to this year, it's something that can help me make the team,” Saad said. “I've just focused on playing well here, and we'll see how the chips fall.”
Saad is making his case this season, ranking fourth on the Blackhawks in goals (14) and sixth in points with 30.
Perhaps of greater importance, he ranks eighth in points among U.S.-born players, third in plus/minus (+16) and second in takeaways (37).
This after coming off a 2012-13 season in which he tied for fourth on the Hawks with 27 points and a +17 plus/minus rating in 46 regular-season games.
“He's improved,” Hawks coach Joel Quenneville said. “I thought he had a real good start last year — big minutes against top lines.
“The role he's in now, he's a threat and he's dangerous every time he touches the puck. He's got a real nice pace to his game.”
As for the sophomore jinx? Quenneville says forget it.
“Everyone talks about that sophomore year when they bounce a little bit, but he certainly hasn't shown that,” Quenneville said. “I've seen a lot of signs of improvement.”
But will that be enough to secure Saad a spot on Team USA alongside high-scoring teammate Patrick Kane?
TBD.
Right now Saad appears stuck behind the likes of Zach Parise, Phil Kessel, David Backes, Ryan Kesler, Bobby Ryan, Dustin Brown, Ryan Callahan, Max Pacioretty, Derek Stepan, Joe Pavelski, T.J. Oshie and Blake Wheeler.
“It's a tough team to make,” Saad said. “Obviously I want to make it and I want to be there — whatever it takes.”
But ...
“I'd be happy if I made it, but if it doesn't happen there will be more opportunities.”