Friday linkage: Ryan Miller or Tim Thomas? Mike Modano to lead Team USA?

Plenty of news and speculation to get to regarding Team USA.  After all, it's August and blogs/newspapers need something to talk about.

• So who would you prefer between the pipes for Team USA, Tim Thomas or Ryan Miller?  Personally I go with Thomas, which should somehow magically make Carolina's Scott Walker a contender for Team Canada in the event both teams play one another and go to overtime.  [Puck Daddy]
• Narrowing down the top contenders for Team USA is a problem.  A good problem.  [CBS Sports]
• Outside of the obvious red, white and blue, Ryan Callahan says Team USA resembles the New York Rangers.  Hopefully that doesn't mean a strong start followed by a complete burn out.  [New York Times]
• No worries.  Mike Modano is expected to play a big leadership role for the team.  I don't care about his past issues with the team.  You can't snub a guy like Modano.  I say good pick.  [THN]
• Outside of Olympic talk, Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau will have a book hitting shelves soon.  Japers' Rink is sharing some PDF bits if you're interested in checking it out.  [Japers' Rink]
• This whole Winter Classic thing is really picking up some steam.  Why I remember when the Penguins and Sabres had to walk to Ralph Wilson Stadium.  At the top of the hill.  In five feet of snow.  Although the idea of two outdoor games on New Year's was shot down, that doesn't mean it isn't going to have some college hockey and all-day festivities for hockey lovers and fans in attendance.  [NHL.com]