U.S. management doubled down on the sandpaper style that almost resulted in a gold medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics but hasn't worked since. Kessel, centers Tyler Johnson and Paul Stastny, wings Kyle Okposo and Bobby Ryan and defensemen Justin Faulk, Kevin Shattenkirk and Cam Fowler were among skilled players left off the World Cup roster, generating criticism months ago and even more with the U.S. bowing out after going 0-2.