4 Nations Takeaways/suprises
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thegazelle
Registered User
- Nov 11, 2019
- 342
- 600
This tournament showed me a few things...
1. I can be very wrong in my assessments of players as an armchair critic. Certainly, like many, I thought that Binnington was a mistake, not only to be included on the team, but also to start all the games. Regardless of what happened in previous games, he came up big when it mattered. Clearly Jon Cooper knows a thing or two about winning. I was hoping Thompson would be on the team and surprised he wasn't, but it all worked out (for us anyway), so I can debate only in my brain for years until the rest of my hair falls out.
2. I was wrong in my assessment that this would be another gimmicky NHL offering, not just like how they have really detrimentally changed the all-star game, but all the outdoor games, and such. I was pleasantly surprised by how the teams really played their heart out (for the most part). National pride is on the line so competition will always be strong. I didn't think it would be Olympic level excitement, so glad I can eat crow on that one.
3. I hope never to see the iteration of the all star game that has morphed into whatever it has become as of late. Maybe 40 years ago all star games were exciting, but no one would ever confuse an all star game with the urgency of playoff hockey. The 4 Nations were a nice respite from the usual mid-winter ho hum NHL festivities.
4. I am glad that the 4 Nations line up was not determined by fan voting
5. I definitely hope to see Russia and other countries compete in the future
6. As an lifelong Oilers fan, I am glad to see McDavid instrumental in winning a championship. Hopefully hoisting the Stanley Cup will be forthcoming.
7. As a fan who does not like Auston Matthews in the least, watching his confused sheepish smirk was almost as sweet as watching Canada win.
8. It is really amazing what national pride does to local team cheering for/against. I am not a fan of the Leafs whatsoever, but was temporarily cheering for Mitch Marner in the first game and in this game. I know after several playoff exits, fans turned on Marner and he would have been the first to be booed out, but he has really shown some resilience this tournament and played well (all things considered).
9. Finally - Sidney Crosby - what can I say about this guy. I hated him when he came into the league - thought he was a whiny crybaby. Now all these years later, watching his stellar consistent play, fantastic conditioning and able to compete with those much younger at a high level, and after watching him play my Oilers in person and just years of not seeing him do what pro athletes do all the time - say stupid things, get involved in political statements, do embarrassing stuff off the ice, he is truly the consummate ambassador in the NHL and seven (7) Crosby jerseys later, I am happy to say that he has become of my favourite NHL players of all time and I was glad to be able to witness his championship pedigree during my lifetime. I have never been so glad to be so wrong.
1. I can be very wrong in my assessments of players as an armchair critic. Certainly, like many, I thought that Binnington was a mistake, not only to be included on the team, but also to start all the games. Regardless of what happened in previous games, he came up big when it mattered. Clearly Jon Cooper knows a thing or two about winning. I was hoping Thompson would be on the team and surprised he wasn't, but it all worked out (for us anyway), so I can debate only in my brain for years until the rest of my hair falls out.
2. I was wrong in my assessment that this would be another gimmicky NHL offering, not just like how they have really detrimentally changed the all-star game, but all the outdoor games, and such. I was pleasantly surprised by how the teams really played their heart out (for the most part). National pride is on the line so competition will always be strong. I didn't think it would be Olympic level excitement, so glad I can eat crow on that one.
3. I hope never to see the iteration of the all star game that has morphed into whatever it has become as of late. Maybe 40 years ago all star games were exciting, but no one would ever confuse an all star game with the urgency of playoff hockey. The 4 Nations were a nice respite from the usual mid-winter ho hum NHL festivities.
4. I am glad that the 4 Nations line up was not determined by fan voting
5. I definitely hope to see Russia and other countries compete in the future
6. As an lifelong Oilers fan, I am glad to see McDavid instrumental in winning a championship. Hopefully hoisting the Stanley Cup will be forthcoming.
7. As a fan who does not like Auston Matthews in the least, watching his confused sheepish smirk was almost as sweet as watching Canada win.
8. It is really amazing what national pride does to local team cheering for/against. I am not a fan of the Leafs whatsoever, but was temporarily cheering for Mitch Marner in the first game and in this game. I know after several playoff exits, fans turned on Marner and he would have been the first to be booed out, but he has really shown some resilience this tournament and played well (all things considered).
9. Finally - Sidney Crosby - what can I say about this guy. I hated him when he came into the league - thought he was a whiny crybaby. Now all these years later, watching his stellar consistent play, fantastic conditioning and able to compete with those much younger at a high level, and after watching him play my Oilers in person and just years of not seeing him do what pro athletes do all the time - say stupid things, get involved in political statements, do embarrassing stuff off the ice, he is truly the consummate ambassador in the NHL and seven (7) Crosby jerseys later, I am happy to say that he has become of my favourite NHL players of all time and I was glad to be able to witness his championship pedigree during my lifetime. I have never been so glad to be so wrong.
The Gr8 Dane
L'harceleur
Marner is the play driver and AM34 is a shot from the slot tap in merchant passenger.
At least he played a strong Phil Danault-like game for the USA
At least he played a strong Phil Danault-like game for the USA
Neil Racki
Registered User
BB79
Registered User
- Apr 30, 2011
- 7,432
- 9,157
It was Matthews playing a big game in Boston. Of course we were doomed from the start
A few players assessments having not watched most of the guys on a regular basis.
How good Thomas Harley is. Calm, big body, can skate, make breakout passes. All the things you want a defenseman to be, he is.
How good Brady Tkachuk is.
Now that we've seen best of best for the first time in 11 years, it's clear that McDavid the best player in the world when the puck is on his stick. Not that I didn't know that already, but I guess it was confirmed.
I'm hoping this series shows to non-Jets fans how good Hellebuyck is. His size, positioning and calmness in all situations shows why he's the best goalie in the NHL. The series against Colorado last year exposed the Jets Defense and system more than a reflection on Hellebuyck.
How good Thomas Harley is. Calm, big body, can skate, make breakout passes. All the things you want a defenseman to be, he is.
How good Brady Tkachuk is.
Now that we've seen best of best for the first time in 11 years, it's clear that McDavid the best player in the world when the puck is on his stick. Not that I didn't know that already, but I guess it was confirmed.
I'm hoping this series shows to non-Jets fans how good Hellebuyck is. His size, positioning and calmness in all situations shows why he's the best goalie in the NHL. The series against Colorado last year exposed the Jets Defense and system more than a reflection on Hellebuyck.
I was wondering who on earth left McDavid wide open in front of the net.....It was Matthews playing a big game in Boston. Of course we were doomed from the start
Dr Jan Itor
Registered User
Takeaway:
It was an even game. An OT game. It's not like Canada pelted us and we have to give all the credit to our goalie for even hanging around. Both had injuries. Both had questionable roster decisions. If Matthews or Brady would've converted in OT, I wouldn't be saying that the US is now "ahead" of Canada either.
Overall, very fun 9 days.
It was an even game. An OT game. It's not like Canada pelted us and we have to give all the credit to our goalie for even hanging around. Both had injuries. Both had questionable roster decisions. If Matthews or Brady would've converted in OT, I wouldn't be saying that the US is now "ahead" of Canada either.
Overall, very fun 9 days.
finnishflash13
Registered User
- Oct 28, 2020
- 245
- 195
biggest takeaway: coaches know more than the randoms (outside of St. Louis) on the internet. shocking.
So happy that Canada won, but it needs to be said that USA has caught up with Canada wrt talents. It could've gone either way, glad Canada happened to ice the best player in the game who got the glory goal to win the gold in OT.
Take a bow Team USA. It's not a surprise, but it's not a foregone conclusion anymore that Canada is the favourite in best-on-best international hockey.
The biggest surprise/takeaway for me is how good the 4-Nations tournament was. The level of hockey was top notch and the tournament meant something with the current geopolitical climate. For someone who thought he was getting a 2-week break from hockey, I was glued when the puck dropped when Canada faced Sweden.
Hope the NHL keep these types of competitions going in the future. Once every few years and then skipping for the Olympics.
Take a bow Team USA. It's not a surprise, but it's not a foregone conclusion anymore that Canada is the favourite in best-on-best international hockey.
The biggest surprise/takeaway for me is how good the 4-Nations tournament was. The level of hockey was top notch and the tournament meant something with the current geopolitical climate. For someone who thought he was getting a 2-week break from hockey, I was glued when the puck dropped when Canada faced Sweden.
Hope the NHL keep these types of competitions going in the future. Once every few years and then skipping for the Olympics.
Grate n Colorful Oz
Pure Laine Hutson
dukeofjive
Registered User
The level of play was not what I was expecting from what to me looked to be a gimmick tournament.
I was so wrong.
I was so wrong.
Brady Tkachuck is built for the playoffs, hopefully Ottawa gets in, what a tournament.
Team USA:
Excellent:
1. B. Tkachuck
2. J. Slavin
3. M. Tkachuck
4. J. Guetzel
Disappointing:
1. J. Hughes
Team USA:
Excellent:
1. B. Tkachuck
2. J. Slavin
3. M. Tkachuck
4. J. Guetzel
Disappointing:
1. J. Hughes
jigglysquishy
Registered User
SeanMoneyHands
Registered User
- Apr 18, 2019
- 16,051
- 15,647
Harley was the biggest surprise. He really came to play and showed he belongs on international ice.
CarolinaBlueJacket
Registered User
Forgetting politics, it's amazing how much dislike Canadians have for Americans. Many posts were above and beyond standard banter before a sporting event.
- As for the hockey, I expected nothing but it wound up being great.
- I found it difficult to cheer for the Tkachuks even when they were on my team.
- I was impressed with Brady Tkachuk's play. He is a gamer.
Czechboy
Náš f*cken barák!
- Apr 15, 2018
- 30,360
- 28,174
There was a recent election and the new president said some things about Canada... If this tournament happened 6 months ago... there'd still be chirps but not like last night.lol
Czechboy
Náš f*cken barák!
- Apr 15, 2018
- 30,360
- 28,174
US (and Russian) fans thinking they'll just beat Canada and then call themselves the rulers of the universe after 1 win in an exhibition tournament? Neither nation has won a best on best since 1996. A round robin win doesn't mean you have arrived and taken over.
If you want to call this a best on best (and I definitely don't) that is 4 in a row for Canada? Russia and US were involved in every single one of them. Only nations that have won best on best Golds other than Canada are Sweden and the Czechs. I never hear Swedes gloating so much and we all know Czechs aren't winning a best on best in 2026.
My biggest disapointment was the Finn injuries. I really think they could've made a tourney of this.
Sweden didn't lose in regulation and no one seems to be talking about them. They beat the US and lost to Finn's and Canada in OT. That's a hell of a showing!
Finn goalies were the worst in the tourney and that surprised me a LOT.
If you want to call this a best on best (and I definitely don't) that is 4 in a row for Canada? Russia and US were involved in every single one of them. Only nations that have won best on best Golds other than Canada are Sweden and the Czechs. I never hear Swedes gloating so much and we all know Czechs aren't winning a best on best in 2026.
My biggest disapointment was the Finn injuries. I really think they could've made a tourney of this.
Sweden didn't lose in regulation and no one seems to be talking about them. They beat the US and lost to Finn's and Canada in OT. That's a hell of a showing!
Finn goalies were the worst in the tourney and that surprised me a LOT.
FDBluth
Registered User
It's crazy how at such a high level, some even "elite" players seem to fade a bit. Guys like Crosby (sadly) and Marchand's age really showed at a game with this pace. It was kinda tough to see Sid say that he wasn't sure if he would be able to play at this level in the postgame interview 
Biiig
to Bettman for robbing us of the chance to see Crosby and McDavid together in their prime and then sitting there at the red carpet at the end of this tournament like he's Santa Claus. I love how McDavid was going to skate away without shaking his hand until Bettman had to make the effort.
Some thoughts on Canada players:
Marner: I've never really watched him closely and was disappointed in the first few games. But he really showed his ability in the last few. So many smart plays around the bluelines and high in the offenseive zone and he's so good defensively too. His offensive game reminds me a lot of Bedard's actually, the way they shift around and create angles.
McDavid/Mackinnon: I thought McDavid should have been tournament MVP and Mackinnon game MVP. McDavid was Canada's most consistent threat and had key moments in basically every game. In the one game he didn't play well, he found a way to get it done. Reminds me a lot of Crosby's 2010 Olympics. Mackinnon really showed up in the gold medal game.
Makar: Absolute weapon. What a joy to watch. He's going to be one of the best ever.
Doughty was still a huge presence, despite coming in cold at his age. Super impressive even if his skating has declined a bit.
Binnington: Made key saves yes but lots of those were the result of scrambling after bad positioning or bad rebound control. I don't think he's gonna be the guy next year.
I still think there were too many grinder/depth guys. We don't need 2 checking lines. In games with this kind of pace, top end skill will be the difference. Overwhelm worse teams with skill depth that they simply don't have. Scheifele absolutely should have been here, maybe Bedard next year, etc.
USA:
Brady is an absolute menace. Emerged as the clear leader of the team. Matthew's act is similar but more he's more annoying.
Hughes looked scared in the gold medal game.
Slavin is unbelievable. I can't remember the last time I've been so entertained/impressed by pure defensive play.
Helleybuck is probably the best goalie in the world right now.
Larkin stood out in a good way.
JT Miller isn't nearly as impactful when the level is this high.
Some of the skilled American players seem to lack killer instinct. Or maybe they just lack the decisive skill edge compared to Mackinnon, McDavid, Makar etc
Biiig
to Bettman for robbing us of the chance to see Crosby and McDavid together in their prime and then sitting there at the red carpet at the end of this tournament like he's Santa Claus. I love how McDavid was going to skate away without shaking his hand until Bettman had to make the effort. Some thoughts on Canada players:
Marner: I've never really watched him closely and was disappointed in the first few games. But he really showed his ability in the last few. So many smart plays around the bluelines and high in the offenseive zone and he's so good defensively too. His offensive game reminds me a lot of Bedard's actually, the way they shift around and create angles.
McDavid/Mackinnon: I thought McDavid should have been tournament MVP and Mackinnon game MVP. McDavid was Canada's most consistent threat and had key moments in basically every game. In the one game he didn't play well, he found a way to get it done. Reminds me a lot of Crosby's 2010 Olympics. Mackinnon really showed up in the gold medal game.
Makar: Absolute weapon. What a joy to watch. He's going to be one of the best ever.
Doughty was still a huge presence, despite coming in cold at his age. Super impressive even if his skating has declined a bit.
Binnington: Made key saves yes but lots of those were the result of scrambling after bad positioning or bad rebound control. I don't think he's gonna be the guy next year.
I still think there were too many grinder/depth guys. We don't need 2 checking lines. In games with this kind of pace, top end skill will be the difference. Overwhelm worse teams with skill depth that they simply don't have. Scheifele absolutely should have been here, maybe Bedard next year, etc.
USA:
Brady is an absolute menace. Emerged as the clear leader of the team. Matthew's act is similar but more he's more annoying.
Hughes looked scared in the gold medal game.
Slavin is unbelievable. I can't remember the last time I've been so entertained/impressed by pure defensive play.
Helleybuck is probably the best goalie in the world right now.
Larkin stood out in a good way.
JT Miller isn't nearly as impactful when the level is this high.
Some of the skilled American players seem to lack killer instinct. Or maybe they just lack the decisive skill edge compared to Mackinnon, McDavid, Makar etc
PrimumHockeyist
Registered User
- Apr 7, 2018
- 691
- 425
I think they remedied this in the final, by putting the puck on the net as a matter of policy. In such a short tournament it takes time before players gel.
FinPanda
Barkov Stanley cup champ!
Johnny HFBOARDS
Trade you!
FDBluth
Registered User
Forgetting politics and thinking about this in terms of sports: let's imagine hypothetically that someone with a lot of power in one country tried to tell you that your country shouldn't exist as a country. Now imagine how sports fans of that country might react in a game between those two countries. Lol
fsanford
Registered User
- Jul 4, 2009
- 7,847
- 3,231
I really want Sens in playoffs, Brady Tkachuk is beyond intense.. Hate when Kings play against him, but love to watch him play
Playoffs
FDBluth
Registered User
I won't discuss it further either but the reactions you are seeing are based on current events, there's no way around it. To bring this back to hockey I'll say that your team was super impressive and I was impressed by the majority of Boston fans in the final given everything.
