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Report: Six goalies being considered for U.S. Olympic team

General manager David Poile has identified six candidates for the three available spots on the team that will represent the United States at the Sochi Olympics, according to the New York Times.

The goalies being considered (in no particular order) are Ryan Miller of the Buffalo Sabres, Jimmy Howard of the Detroit Red Wings, Cory Schneider of the New Jersey Devils, Ben Bishop of the Tampa Bay Lightning, Jonathan Quick of the Los Angeles Kings and Tim Thomas of the Florida Panthers.

The two goalies playing in the state of Florida may jump out as the most surprising candidates, with Craig Anderson of the Ottawa Senators being the most glaring omission. Jonathan Quick's groin injury also puts his availability in question.

According to the report, none has distinguished himself as clearly as Ryan Miller did prior to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, and Poile himself offered the following insight into what is being considered in the selection process.

Do we look at stats? Definitely — from save percentage to goals against, wins and losses. But it’s the whole body of work over the years, and how they’re playing right now. When you look at all those things, it’s who you like the best.

He added "I have an order today, but it might not be the final order. It’s an ongoing situation." As such, the selection committee is likely to evaluate players up to the Jan. 1 roster announcement at the Winter Classic in Ann Arbor, MI.

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