ESPN hockey analyst Barry Melrose believes New York Rangers taskmaster John Tortorella is the odds-on favorite to step behind Team USA’s bench at the 2014 Winter Games, assuming NHL players participate as expected.

“Tortorella is a natural choice to lead Team USA at the Sochi Olympics,” Melrose, said of the Boston native on Tuesday night. “The guy has won a Stanley Cup (with the Bolts in 2004) and he’s got the Rangers playing a great style of hockey. He’s a solid coach, meticulous in his planning, and that team would be ready to play.”


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