from Corey Masisak of NHL.com,

NHL.com breaks down the top eight sides at forward, on defense and in goal. We began Sunday with the goaltenders and continued Monday with the defense corps. Now we close out with a look at the forwards, with projected lines thrown in for good measure.

4. United States

In the months leading up to team selections, pundits pointed to center as a potential problem area for the Americans. Injuries to key centers for Finland and Sweden have helped close the gap, not to mention improved play from Derek Stepan and a star turn by Joe Pavelski, who could also fit on the wing. Pavelski, Patrick Kane, Phil Kessel and Max Pacioretty give the U.S. four of the top 11 goal-scorers in the NHL this season, with James van Riemsdyk and Blake Wheeler not far behind. There are plenty of gritty forwards who don't mind the rough stuff, either, like David Backes, Dustin Brown and Ryan Callahan.

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