from Jeff Z. Klein and Stu Hackel of Slap Shot at the New York Times,

If the N.H.L. continues to make progress in talks with Olympic officials aimed at sending its players to the 2014 Games in Sochi, Russia, one big question looms. Who would coach the United States team?

Ron Wilson, who coached the Americans to a silver medal at the Vancouver Games in 2010, is a contender. But he has not coached since being fired by Toronto last season.

That leaves perhaps a surprising favorite, the Rangers’ John Tortorella.

Long known in hockey circles for his combative news conferences, Tortorella came under scrutiny in the wider sports world during last year’s playoffs for that tendency. Many believed his outbursts would cost him a chance to lead the Americans in Sochi.

Interestingly, over the last two weeks, Tortorella has been remarkably cooperative with reporters, answering questions patiently and even apologizing for keeping them waiting.

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