In the run-up to the World Cup of Hockey, Team USA goaltender Ben Bishop spoke to ESPN’s Chuck Gormley about which players in the tournament have the best offensive skills.
He mentioned a lot of Caps players.
Hardest shot: Alex Ovechkin
“He’s got one of the best shots in the game,” Bishop said. “It’s really tough to read off of his stick. He usually comes down on it almost like a knuckle ball. It’s tough to read.”
Shootout specialist: TJ Oshie
“I’m glad he’s on my team,” Bishop said. “Everybody saw what he did in the [2014] Olympics, so it’s nice to have a guy like that on your team and not have to go against him. I think Tarasenko is one of the better guys in the league in shootouts. Jonathan Toews and Sidney Crosby — those guys can be pretty lethal in a shootout.”
Best setup man: Nicklas Backstrom
“[He] is one of the better passers in the league, I think. Sidney Crosby, obviously. Those guys stand out, especially Backstrom. The Sedins [Henrik and Daniel], those guys can find each other almost anywhere on the ice. It’s hard to pick because every team has great talent. I mean, every team’s got two top lines that will be future Hall of Famers.”
The 29-year-old Lightning goalie is expected to compete with Los Angeles Kings goalie Jonathan Quick and New Jersey Devils netminder Cory Schneider for the starting job with Team USA. Bishop, who says he is completely healthy coming into camp, spent the entire summer rehabbing an ankle injury he suffered against the Penguins during Game One of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Headline photo: Geoff Burke
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