Now THIS is how you do a damn "all star" event
Been a fantastic start. And right now the US and Canada are out for blood
What an environment.
That was absolutely sick. You can't teach speed.
GOAL!!!!!! Take advantage now. That was a gift.
GOAL!!!!!!! Beautiful shot there from Larkin.
I'm headed to US v. Sweden Monday night in Boston. Hopefully if we can hold on tonight and pull this out we're in the Finals Thursday no matter what happens Monday night.
Quote from: Jables1604 on February 15, 2025, 09:18:26 PMI'm headed to US v. Sweden Monday night in Boston. Hopefully if we can hold on tonight and pull this out we're in the Finals Thursday no matter what happens Monday night.
We've gotta get our act together and finish them off. Been outplayed in the 3rd and had two counter chances.
USA
USA
USA
🇺🇸
Hell of a win for the US
Elite D and goal tending with really, really good forwards helps greatly against a couple elite lines
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on February 15, 2025, 10:09:45 PMHell of a win for the US
Elite D and goal tending with really, really good forwards helps greatly against a couple elite lines
I think it's likely we play them again on Thurs.
Extremely excited for tomorrow. Going to be electric tv.
The Hughes stuff is a little bizarre
Sounds like Canada is ok with him playing. But the NHL wants to stick to their random "rule"? When they can just drop it and enhance the product further
Either way, I'm guessing a mystery injury or illness pops up and Hughes is in there
Can't wait. Landing in Philly in just enough time to grab a barstool somewhere. My oldest and I were laughing saying give USA a day before a defenseman gets a runny nose. Must see TV
Went Monday. Place was electric. My first experience of attending a Team USA event in any sport. Hard not to get wrapped up in the patriotism. I'm in Connecticut, closer to NYC. Considered going up tomorrow night. Prices are insane. Wouldn't mind paying if I knew USA would win but the idea of paying that kind of money, driving up, watching them lose then driving all the back (going to Marquette-Nova Friday night) that night would have me sideways.
Quote from: Jables1604 on February 19, 2025, 08:56:06 PMWent Monday. Place was electric. My first experience of attending a Team USA event in any sport. Hard not to get wrapped up in the patriotism. I'm in Connecticut, closer to NYC. Considered going up tomorrow night. Prices are insane. Wouldn't mind paying if I knew USA would win but the idea of paying that kind of money, driving up, watching them lose then driving all the back (going to Marquette-Nova Friday night) that night would have me sideways.
Hitting up the MU v Nova game, too, looking forward to bringing home a W
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on February 15, 2025, 07:32:00 PMNow THIS is how you do a damn "all star" event
Been a fantastic start. And right now the US and Canada are out for blood
What an environment.
Giannis has suggested that they turn the NBA All-Star game into a USA vs. The World game.
That might be interesting.
Quote from: warriorchick on February 19, 2025, 11:30:48 PMGiannis has suggested that they turn the NBA All-Star game into a USA vs. The World game.
That might be interesting.
That is the best suggestion for that abomination that they currently have.
I am watching a sneak peak of tonight's game here: (https://youtu.be/VHMi-j7W2gM?si=Nm8pPyeu6iKIu4Dh)
Quote from: warriorchick on February 19, 2025, 11:30:48 PMGiannis has suggested that they turn the NBA All-Star game into a USA vs. The World game.
That might be interesting.
The format won't matter unless the players buy in. Period.
Meanwhile, TV folks are speculating that tonight's game might be the highest-rated NHL-related game ever, higher even than any Stanley Cup Final Game 7.
NHL players have 100% bought into this concept and have played with incredible intensity and skill - which is why it's so compelling. If the players had gone through the motions, as they had during All-Star games, this tournament would have been a dud. But they've been all-in, and viewers have been rewarded with great sports theater.
The Athletic headline this morning says tonight's game might be "more important than the Stanley Cup." I'm always skeptical about any exhibition game being given outsized importance, and I'm really hoping that one or more of these stars don't get hurt tonight ... but I admit that this has been far better and more impactful than I expected. Looking forward to the game.
Quote from: warriorchick on February 19, 2025, 11:30:48 PMGiannis has suggested that they turn the NBA All-Star game into a USA vs. The World game.
That might be interesting.
It might be better, but I don't see it generating the genuine intensity and level of compete you're seeing in the Four Nations.
USA vs Canada and Finland vs Sweden are very real hockey rivalries, played out from the time these players are 15 years old and competing in international tournaments. I'm not sure the same could be said for USA-France or Lithuania-Spain.
Those tourneys don't get much notice in the U.S., but they're a big deal in the hockey world and especially other countries. The Canada games in this year's U20 drew 4.8 million viewers up there, which adjusted for population is about what an NFL Wild Card game gets and way better than a Final Four.
Quote from: MU82 on February 20, 2025, 09:45:06 AMThe format won't matter unless the players buy in. Period.
Meanwhile, TV folks are speculating that tonight's game might be the highest-rated NHL-related game ever, higher even than any Stanley Cup Final Game 7.
NHL players have 100% bought into this concept and have played with incredible intensity and skill - which is why it's so compelling. If the players had gone through the motions, as they had during All-Star games, this tournament would have been a dud. But they've been all-in, and viewers have been rewarded with great sports theater.
The Athletic headline this morning says tonight's game might be "more important than the Stanley Cup." I'm always skeptical about any exhibition game being given outsized importance, and I'm really hoping that one or more of these stars don't get hurt tonight ... but I admit that this has been far better and more impactful than I expected. Looking forward to the game.
I'm glad the NHL hit on this, but if this is the highest rated NHL game ever, that is a pretty big red flag for the league. This is a one off event - next year they they are going back to a regular All-Star game. Unless a significant portion of tonight's audience sticks around for the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's not that important at all. It just becomes a game they played that people will largely forget about in a couple of weeks.
Quote from: The Sultan on February 20, 2025, 09:55:41 AMI'm glad the NHL hit on this, but if this is the highest rated NHL game ever, that is a pretty big red flag for the league. This is a one off event - next year they they are going back to a regular All-Star game. Unless a significant portion of tonight's audience sticks around for the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's not that important at all. It just becomes a game they played that people will largely forget about in a couple of weeks.
Last year's Olympic gold medal basketball game - played on a Saturday afternoon in August, no less - drew 19.5 million viewers in the U.S.
That's better than the last 42 NBA Finals games.
These international competitions draw in tons of casual viewers. Nothing really to read into it, good or bad, beyond that.
Quote from: Pakuni on February 20, 2025, 10:11:38 AMLast year's Olympic gold medal basketball game - played on a Saturday afternoon in August, no less - drew 19.5 million viewers in the U.S.
That's better than the last 42 NBA Finals games.
These international competitions draw in tons of casual viewers. Nothing really to read into it, good or bad, beyond that.
Right. That's kinda what I mean. It's really not all that important outside of being a fun, one-off event. So the Athletic shouldn't make it more than it is.
I would also suggest that an Olympic Gold medal game is different than this. The former is a competition with a long history and will continue to happen into the future - this is something that looks to be happening once.
Think I'm going to find something else to do.
Quote from: The Sultan on February 20, 2025, 09:55:41 AMI'm glad the NHL hit on this, but if this is the highest rated NHL game ever, that is a pretty big red flag for the league. This is a one off event - next year they they are going back to a regular All-Star game. Unless a significant portion of tonight's audience sticks around for the Stanley Cup playoffs, it's not that important at all. It just becomes a game they played that people will largely forget about in a couple of weeks.
I totally get what you're saying, but it might not be a one-off event. They already have announced another World Cup of Hockey for 2028, which is a similar event and far above an All-Star game in terms of intensity and appeal. The Olympics replaces the All-Star game every 4 years. And given the popularity of this event, maybe the league and its players association agree to more 4 Nations-type events (maybe expanding to include Russia) and less (if any) regular All-Star games. We'll see!
I'm just here to boo the national anthem.
Quote from: Pakuni on February 20, 2025, 05:08:45 PMGot it.
Both.
Dumb
I hope we win at hockey, and continue to get rebuffed for our heel turn in international relations.
Quote from: warriorchick on February 19, 2025, 11:30:48 PMGiannis has suggested that they turn the NBA All-Star game into a USA vs. The World game.
That might be interesting.
All depends on if a true full basketball game gets them to try though
This 4 nations is working so well cause they are playing like its the actual olympics/playoffs
This should be fun. USA needs to attack immediately. 1st goal wins?
Quote from: The Sultan on February 20, 2025, 10:17:30 AMRight. That's kinda what I mean. It's really not all that important outside of being a fun, one-off event. So the Athletic shouldn't make it more than it is.
I would also suggest that an Olympic Gold medal game is different than this. The former is a competition with a long history and will continue to happen into the future - this is something that looks to be happening once.
There is zero chance it only happens once.
As you've said(and pretty much everyone) no way it can happen every year. But it'll be back.
With the NHL seemingly getting back to the Olympics and events like that I'm sure they will work around those years. But at minimum it'll be a world baseball classic type 4 year rotation imo.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on February 15, 2025, 07:32:00 PMNow THIS is how you do a damn "all star" event
Been a fantastic start. And right now the US and Canada are out for blood
What an environment.
I can remember when the Russians were the best Hockey team in the world running circles around the best NHL players at the time. That is what made the '80 Olympic God Medal team so special. It would be like taking the smallest town in Wisconsin's high school team and they beat Vince Lombardi's first Super Bowl Championship team in '67.
Biggest exhibition event since Creed/Drago.
Ouch.
MacKinnon is so good
Tough break for US who was dominating the high leverage chances
Matthews line looks great, they gotta break through. He's on a 8 game goaless drought, very due.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on February 20, 2025, 07:37:30 PMMacKinnon is so good
Tough break for US who was dominating the high leverage chances
Matthews line looks great, they gotta break through. He's on a 8 game goaless drought, very due.
Ya....that was just tough.
Whew. It's time to get the equalizer.
GOAL!!!!
Yay Matthew is on a mission tonight.
MOve him with the Tkachuks now. Great period from him.
Heck of a 1st period.
GOAL!!!!!!
Matthews is dominating this game
Solid kill there.
Huge play by Slavin.
Fk.
Man I hope someone trucks the Tkachuk bros. Ugly players.
They're making it easy to root for Canada.
Beaut by Bennett
Not worried. Third period team.
This is really fun.
Wow. We had three great chances early in the 3rd. Canada almost slams the door in the final minute. Tremendous game and event.
Yeah this game was always gonna have OT
What a game
It's ridiculous how skilled these guys are. You combine that with their passion and pride and it really elevates the greatness of elite hockey.
Wow. 3 incredible saves.
Binnington having the best 5 min of his life
This is a US onslaught and they cant bag
Fk.
Just could not cash in when we were at the doorstep.
Just knew that would happen when they missed so many chances
McDavid pretty quiet all night, but he ain't missing that.
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on February 20, 2025, 10:28:50 PMJust knew that would happen when they missed so many chances
McDavid pretty quiet all night, but he ain't missing that.
Ya.....he's not missing that.
If you didn't like that game, you don't like sports.
Truly an epic event. But if you haven't been to an NHL game in person, do yourself a favor and go.
My son-in-law (a Canadian and former hockey player) and I were texting before that last shift. And I said that McDavid hadn't looked very good. Kept misplaying the puck.
But he buried that one.
I just watched his on-ice postgame interview, and McDavid said: "I was not very good all night. I struggled all night."
Whatever. Canada still has zero Big East titles.
Quote from: MU82 on February 20, 2025, 10:38:38 PMMy son-in-law (a Canadian and former hockey player) and I were texting before that last shift. And I said that McDavid hadn't looked very good. Kept misplaying the puck.
But he buried that one.
I just watched his on-ice postgame interview, and McDavid said: "I was not very good all night. I struggled all night."
He's a tremendous athlete. Insane speed and puck skills. Probably already top 8 of all-time.
It's unclear if Canada invented ice hockey.
Somehow they'll end up in the Big Ten once they become 51
Does Canada get Greenland and the Panama Canal now?
Is the United States now Canada's 11th province?
Quote from: MU82 on February 20, 2025, 10:47:19 PMDoes Canada get Greenland and the Panama Canal now?
Is the United States now Canada's 11th province?
We must respect Greenland and their people.
USA should have used the portal.
Quote from: MU82 on February 20, 2025, 10:38:38 PMMy son-in-law (a Canadian and former hockey player) and I were texting before that last shift. And I said that McDavid hadn't looked very good. Kept misplaying the puck.
But he buried that one.
I just watched his on-ice postgame interview, and McDavid said: "I was not very good all night. I struggled all night."
Yeah he was really blah all night. So was Eichel on the US side(hence the line change).
But McDavid did it when it mattered.
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 20, 2025, 10:53:51 PMWe must respect Greenland and their people.
It's Red And White Land now, eh?
Quote from: MuggsyB on February 20, 2025, 10:53:51 PMWe must respect Greenland and their people.
Did you not kill enough foreign animals before tonight's game? The vibes seemed off from the jump
Quote from: PGsHeroes32 on February 20, 2025, 11:23:48 PMYeah he was really blah all night. So was Eichel on the US side(hence the line change).
But McDavid did it when it mattered.
He did. But the Canadian goalie shoulda been the player of the game.
Excellent result
I am glad both teams engaged in spirited competition.
Game sucked, no fights. Boring. ;D
When one state beats the other 50, that's not a good sign.
Quote from: The Sultan on February 21, 2025, 08:16:11 AMWhen one state beats the other 50, that's not a good sign.
Connecticut has done it two consecutive seasons.
Quote from: tower912 on February 21, 2025, 08:26:44 AMConnecticut has done it two consecutive seasons.
49 though
Quote from: tower912 on February 21, 2025, 08:26:44 AMConnecticut has done it two consecutive seasons.
But they had to use immigrants. Not all (any?) of the players were from Connecticut. Shameful those people were stealing jobs from native Connecticut(ians?) ;D
Shout out to the refs for swallowing the whistle all night.
Pretty, pretty good.
https://x.com/Braylon_Breeze/status/1893047566918414538
Not surprised. The hype leading up to it was palpable, and the product itself was undeniably amazing.
I like hockey a lot, but I normally watch very little of it on TV until well into the playoffs. Last night's game was appointment TV for me, and I know of several far more casual fans who tuned in.
I was happy to be stuck in Minnesota for the game, watching the game with a bunch of hockey diehards was fun.
From Yahoo Sports:
Despite the success of the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off, commissioner Gary Bettman isn't sure there will be room for it in the future. As a reminder, NHL players return to the Olympics in 2026 and the World Cup of Hockey returns in 2028.
Well, that just seems dopey. Why wouldn't there be "room for it" in 2027 and/or 2029?
Quote from: MU82 on February 25, 2025, 10:23:20 AMFrom Yahoo Sports:
Despite the success of the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off, commissioner Gary Bettman isn't sure there will be room for it in the future. As a reminder, NHL players return to the Olympics in 2026 and the World Cup of Hockey returns in 2028.
Well, that just seems dopey. Why wouldn't there be "room for it" in 2027 and/or 2029?
1. If you do an international tournament every year, it loses its luster.
2. The owners don't want their top players to play a four game tournament in the middle of the season every year. I doubt they were thrilled about a two week break as well.
Quote from: Skatastrophy on February 21, 2025, 04:33:17 PMI was happy to be stuck in Minnesota for the game, watching the game with a bunch of hockey diehards was fun.
I was in the DR and there were many Canadians staying at our resort. It was not televised down there but there was definite happiness among the Canadian guests Friday morning.
Quote from: The Sultan on February 25, 2025, 10:49:27 AM1. If you do an international tournament every year, it loses its luster.
2. The owners don't want their top players to play a four game tournament in the middle of the season every year. I doubt they were thrilled about a two week break as well.
Both these things.
I think also the players won't go along with it. The season is long enough as it is, especially for teams that make a deep playoff run. Adding three+ high-intensity games just before the playoff run three out of four years (including Olympics) as opposed to a nice break might not be popular.
Quote from: The Sultan on February 25, 2025, 10:49:27 AM1. If you do an international tournament every year, it loses its luster.
2. The owners don't want their top players to play a four game tournament in the middle of the season every year. I doubt they were thrilled about a two week break as well.
Fair enough.
It would have to be collectively bargained, that's for sure.
But going back to any of the ASG formats the NHL has had would be a major downgrade. I guess you just live with most fans ignoring it again.
Quote from: MU82 on February 25, 2025, 11:48:11 AMBut going back to any of the ASG formats the NHL has had would be a major downgrade. I guess you just live with most fans ignoring it again.
TV ratings for these events aren't often huge, but they events draw well (which is a financial windfall for the host team's ownership) and give the league and teams an opportunity to schmooze their sponsors.
So, even without a ton of TV interest, it's probably still a worthwhile event for the league.
Quote from: Pakuni on February 25, 2025, 12:08:08 PMTV ratings for these events aren't often huge, but they events draw well (which is a financial windfall for the host team's ownership) and give the league and teams an opportunity to schmooze their sponsors.
So, even without a ton of TV interest, it's probably still a worthwhile event for the league.
Well, I certainly never said they'd cancel it, even if it sucks.
Quote from: Pakuni on February 25, 2025, 11:44:52 AMBoth these things.
I think also the players won't go along with it. The season is long enough as it is, especially for teams that make a deep playoff run. Adding three+ high-intensity games just before the playoff run three out of four years (including Olympics) as opposed to a nice break might not be popular.
There could be more games in future tournaments if Russia is reinstated for international competition and countries like Slovakia and Germany have enough NHL players to field a team in this competition. Only these four nations and Czechia, had enough players to field a team. Czechia will want to get in on this tournament eventually.
Matthew Tkachuk is still out with the injury he sustained in the tournament, and the defending Stanley Cup champion Panthers aren't sure if he'll be back for the playoffs.
As I've already said, I really enjoyed watching this event ... but injuries like this show why pro athletes don't always dig All-Star games and in-season competitions that don't count in the standings for their real jobs.