Ryan Callahan will once again be representing Team USA at the Olympics. He’ll be joined by Ranger teammates Ryan McDonagh and Derek Stepan.

On the day of the Winter Classic won by the Maple Leafs over the Red Wings in a shootout before a record crowd at the Big House, Team USA made the official announcement of their 2014 Sochi Olympic roster. There were some big surprises. Among them were the selection of Derek Stepan. Stepan is one of three Rangers who was included in the 25-man roster. Despite an inconsistent season, he’ll go along with teammates Ryan Callahan and Ryan McDonagh.

It’s interesting to note that Stepan beat out Bobby Ryan. Thought to be a lock, the Jersey native somehow was left off. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Despite a strong campaign, Islander Kyle Okposo will be home watching instead of participating. He certainly deserved to make it. But that’s what happens when you have predetermined selections based on past success in Vancouver. Why else would they keep an injured Callahan, who’s been a shell in his contract year? Why when they kept better version Dustin Brown?

It’s as if the rink size didn’t matter. A wider ice surface favors more skilled players who can skate. Somehow, Brooks Orpik made it while Keith Yandle didn’t. Paul Martin isn’t even back from injury with the Pens but he also is on the roster. Dustin Byfuglien was passed over. It’s these kind of baffling decisions that have many wondering about our country’s chances. Remember, Andy Greene wasn’t even good enough to be considered. For the first time in recent memory, no Devils will represent Team USA. Zach Parise now stars for the Wild while Jamie Langenbrunner and Brian Rafalski are retired.

There are other omissions. Former Blueshirt Brandon Dubinsky was considered but likely got beat out by Stepan. Ironic considering Glen Sather chose to keep Stepan over Dubinsky in the trade for Rick Nash. Brandon Saad would’ve been a good choice. His combination of speed and size convinced me. Instead, he was passed up. Also on the back end, neither Erik Johnson nor Jack Johnson made it. However, Hurricanes’ youngster Justin Faulk was selected.

The Blues are well represented with three going. David Backes, T.J. Oshie and Kevin Shattenkirk all made it. The biggest omission in our eyes was the exclusion of Ben Bishop. The Tampa goalie has been brilliant and obviously deserved it over underwhelming Jimmy Howard. More reason to think USA brass didn’t do their homework. At least Ryan Miller earned it playing some of his best hockey since backstopping the 2010 team to silver. He’ll represent the Sabres and likely repeat as starter.

Here’s how Team USA breaks down.

GOALIES

Jimmy Howard

Ryan Miller

Jonathan Quick

DEFENSEMEN

John Carlson

Justin Faulk

Cam Fowler

Paul Martin

Ryan McDonagh

Brooks Orpik

Kevin Shattenkirk

Ryan Suter

FORWARDS

David Backes

Dustin Brown

Ryan Callahan

Patrick Kane

Ryan Kesler

Phil Kessel

T.J. Oshie

Max Pacioretty

Zach Parise

Joe Pavelski

Paul Stastny

Derek Stepan

James van Riemsdyk

Blake Wheeler