Auston Matthews’ Team USA spot tells you exactly how they plan to win

To some surprise, Auston Matthews isn't on the top line for the United States Olympic Ice Hockey team, but there could be a notable reason as to why, and one that showcases more of an importance Matthews has than not.

Matthews, the American captain, was on the second line for the national team alongside Jake Guentzel and Matt Boldy, with Jack Eichel suiting up at center on the top line next to the Tkachuk brothers.

Despite being named to the captaincy, Matthews is on the American second line and not the first, with Eichel getting the starting nod, but it could be a placement that in the long run is more beneficial to Matthews.

Auston Matthews on the USA's second line might be the better option overall than on the first. The one benefit that Matthews could has is the advantage as a second liner vs the first.

Playing on the second line, Matthews will avoid some of the best players in the tournament, allowing him to potentially dominate offensively without having to go up against a Connor McDavid.

Jack Eichel plays a more physical game than Matthews, and allows for the top line to play a more aggressive shutdown game against other top units while Matthews does more of the straightforward offensive work.

Alongside the Tkachuk's, Eichel will be able to lead on offense, although perhaps Matthews would have made more sense as the finisher while the Tkachuk's do the 'dirty work'.

Or potentially Eichel is just the player the Americans trust more on the top line, being the top scorer among all Americans with 68 points in 50 games, vs 48 points in 51 games for Matthews, but the second line could be the best spot for Auston Matthews to shine.

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