In Defense Of Team Europe

[Canuckistani]

Is this you being rational?

Would any other league put on a farce like the Bettman Cup and get cheered for it?

 

[snipes]

Czechs cannot be removed. The Big 6 needs to remain if they stay at an 8 team format.

Personally, if they are worried about not having the NHL players to fill out the 7th and 8th teams, then I see two options. #1 keep the format as is, if and only if the Olympics remain best-on-best with NHL participation. #2, do a 6 team tournament featuring the Big 6 with each team playing each other in a round robin format, top 2 teams advance to play a best of 3 final. In the further alternative if those two options don't work, get over it and accept that the 7th and 8th teams may have players from European Leagues/AHL on them (i.e. Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, or whichever teams qualify for the final spots). We already have non-NHL players participating.

I hope the Olympics have NHL participation, it would allow the World Cup to be creative and push for having the best talent at a single tournament. Team NA have played jaw dropping hockey, I think a U-23 NA team would be embraced by nearly everyone if the Olympics had guaranteed NHL participation. They can be creative when we have best-on-best Olympic hockey.

If we have guaranteed NHL participation at the Olympics, I definitely want to see Team NA back and Team Europe.

 

[Canuckistani]

Czechs cannot be removed.

They can and will be.

I wouldn't have thought you could remove the best young talent from Canada and USA but here we are. Ditching the Czechs is easy in comparison.

I think a U-23 NA team would be embraced by nearly everyone if the Olympics had guaranteed NHL participation.

If they go to the Olympics the NHL can burn the Bettman Cup to the ground with all the idiocy they want.

 

[Gary Nylund]

With fans like that it's no wonder why the NHL lags behind MLB, NFL and NBA.

Would any other league put on a farce like the Bettman Cup and get cheered for it?

Yes they should let you run the next World Cup any way you like and the NHL will be the #1 sport in the USA for sure.

Just quit while you're behind. Serious.

 

[Gary Nylund]

Czechs cannot be removed. The Big 6 needs to remain if they stay at an 8 team format.

Personally, if they are worried about not having the NHL players to fill out the 7th and 8th teams, then I see two options. #1 keep the format as is, if and only if the Olympics remain best-on-best with NHL participation. #2, do a 6 team tournament featuring the Big 6 with each team playing each other in a round robin format, top 2 teams advance to play a best of 3 final. In the further alternative if those two options don't work, get over it and accept that the 7th and 8th teams may have players from European Leagues/AHL on them (i.e. Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, or whichever teams qualify for the final spots). We already have non-NHL players participating.

I hope the Olympics have NHL participation, it would allow the World Cup to be creative and push for having the best talent at a single tournament. Team NA have played jaw dropping hockey, I think a U-23 NA team would be embraced by nearly everyone if the Olympics had guaranteed NHL participation. They can be creative when we have best-on-best Olympic hockey.

If we have guaranteed NHL participation at the Olympics, I definitely want to see Team NA back and Team Europe.

If NHL players go to the Olympics they will have carte blanche from more people to be creative, no doubt about that. I don't like the effect team NA had on team USA though and don't see myself supporting that idea ever again no matter how exciting it is to watch them right now.

 

[snipes]

If they go to the Olympics the NHL can burn the Bettman Cup to the ground with all the idiocy they want.

As I expected, this is the underlying concern. World Cup, therefore, no Olympics. We simply do not know if that is true or not.

I will share in the rage and I have no doubt the NHL will take a massive hit and feel the wrath of Canadians if the NHL players do not participate in the Olympics. I will also boycott all Olympics and actively bring to light the greed and corruption of the IOC. Until we have certainty either way, no point in getting worked up. Waste of time and it is useless negative energy.

How useless would all the pent up anger be if the NHL players ended up going to the Olympics after all? I truly believe the IOC will end up paying the insurance and travel costs, like they have since the 1998 Olympics.

 

[snipes]

If NHL players go to the Olympics they will have carte blanche from more people to be creative, no doubt about that. I don't like the effect team NA had on team USA though and don't see myself supporting that idea ever again no matter how exciting it is to watch them right now.

Exactly, be creative with the World Cup if we still have best-on-best Olympics. I mean, they got Team NA right. I've never seen hockey played at the speed these kids are playing it at.

 

[JackSlater]

Exactly, be creative with the World Cup if we still have best-on-best Olympics. I mean, they got Team NA right. I've never seen hockey played at the speed these kids are playing it at.

While the stink of this tournament would be reduced by continuation of NHL participation in the Olympics, there is still no need to turn a formerly legitimate best on best into the all star exhibition. If people just want to see NHL players skating fast regardless of nationality, all star weekend could easily be altered without costing us a best on best tournament.

 

[kabidjan18]

Try looking at things with an open mind sometimes, you just might be surprised at the results.

Conceptually you don't seem to understand, there's a very defined formula in drawing maximum interest and profits in all different businesses. For international sports, one component is National Teams. The Olympics, the World Cup, to some extent the Cricket World Cup, they pull in real money. This gimmick tournament is pulling in relative pocket change, and the gimmicks are ok (in theory, though the US missing the out rounds could break theory) while the tournament is small and only has publicity among hardcores, but the NHL has already said it is going back to National Teams for the next tournament.

They're not stupid, they're not going to gamble potential hundreds of millions, potential billions, deviate from a very defined and well proven formula for what? To demonstrate an open mind?

 

[kabidjan18]

Exactly, be creative with the World Cup if we still have best-on-best Olympics. I mean, they got Team NA right. I've never seen hockey played at the speed these kids are playing it at.

Perfect example of the fan mindset vs a practical mindset. Interest in Finland is basically zeroed overnight. Interest in the USA is basically zeroed overnight. But hey, for the couple thousand, tens of thousands of us crazy hockey fans on HFBoards at least we got to see some fast hockey...

 

[Theokritos]

In the further alternative if those two options don't work, get over it and accept that the 7th and 8th teams may have players from European Leagues/AHL on them (i.e. Switzerland, Slovakia, Germany, or whichever teams qualify for the final spots). We already have non-NHL players participating.

In fact 4 of the 8 teams in the tournament have non-NHL players on their roster. Or even 5 if you count Auston Matthews who is under contract with an NHL team by now but has only played senior pro hockey in a European league so far.

 

[CanadienShark]

If NHL players go to the Olympics they will have carte blanche from more people to be creative, no doubt about that. I don't like the effect team NA had on team USA though and don't see myself supporting that idea ever again no matter how exciting it is to watch them right now.

I get that, I'd probably feel the same way about McDavid not being on Team Canada in the Olympics. Maybe each nation could select their rosters, and the "leftovers" would be eligible for a U-23 team? I really love the idea of the young guns competing.

 

[snipes]

While the stink of this tournament would be reduced by continuation of NHL participation in the Olympics, there is still no need to turn a formerly legitimate best on best into the all star exhibition. If people just want to see NHL players skating fast regardless of nationality, all star weekend could easily be altered without costing us a best on best tournament.

I hate the asterisk, I've made it clear this interrupts our Golden Era. Since you've boycotted, it's hard to express the hockey we've witnessed. It's great hockey, it truly has been outstanding from the kids thus far, scoff at it or laugh all you want. That's your choice.

If we keep the Olympics with NHL participation, Team NA should stay (and frankly, it benefits Canada and lets our young players gain experience before they join the Mens team). If you want reduce it to "NHL players skating fast" and just being an "all star exhibition" it would be a disservice to how good the hockey Team NA is displaying. I'm sure you can appreciate the competitive difference between an all star game and this? You haven't watched though so it's hard to discuss.

The intensity and competitive play are obvious when you watch the games. I don't need to explain it, you've made the free choice to boycott as is your right. I've given this a fair chance, and I'm not disappointed. The hockey is excellent and I'm glad I've been able to witness this level of play.

 

[snipes]

Perfect example of the fan mindset vs a practical mindset. Interest in Finland is basically zeroed overnight. Interest in the USA is basically zeroed overnight. But hey, for the couple thousand, tens of thousands of us crazy hockey fans on HFBoards at least we got to see some fast hockey...

Finland got **** kicked. Maybe the 3:00 am start time and them getting dominated played a factor in it?

It was beautiful hockey and Team NA is arguably the fastest team ever assembled, it is something else to witness. I don't need to convince you, I respect people's rights to boycott this.

 

[Xokkeu]

If NHL players go to the Olympics they will have carte blanche from more people to be creative, no doubt about that. I don't like the effect team NA had on team USA though and don't see myself supporting that idea ever again no matter how exciting it is to watch them right now.

This tournament can always make money in Canada. It's a license to print money. The question is do they want anybody outside of hardcore hockey fans to care?

 

[Gary Nylund]

I get that, I'd probably feel the same way about McDavid not being on Team Canada in the Olympics. Maybe each nation could select their rosters, and the "leftovers" would be eligible for a U-23 team? I really love the idea of the young guns competing.

That would be an improvement in some ways but ... I've seen some posts from Finnish fans who are somewhat upset after last night, they seem to be somewhat embarrassed and humiliated and I feel for them. Their team is in a state of transition right now and while it's one thing for them to be thrashed by Team Canada, it's another thing to be thrashed by a bunch of kids and it would be even more humiliating if they were to lose badly to an U24 team made up of leftovers. The more I think about it, that's a really good reason never to have this team again.

How would I feel if the Canadian national basketball team got clobbered by say an U24 USA team that didn't even have it's best U24 players playing? I would feel humiliated and would ask - why are we even participating in this s..tshow?

 

[Canuckistani]

Yes they should let you run the next World Cup any way you like and the NHL will be the #1 sport in the USA for sure.

Never said that, but carry on.

 

[Xokkeu]

That would be an improvement in some ways but ... I've seen some posts from Finnish fans who are somewhat upset after last night, they seem to be somewhat embarrassed and humiliated and I feel for them. Their team is in a state of transition right now and while it's one thing for them to be thrashed by Team Canada, it's another thing to be thrashed by a bunch of kids and it would be even more humiliating if they were to lose badly to an U24 team made up of leftovers. The more I think about it, that's a really good reason never to have this team again.

How would I feel if the Canadian national basketball team got clobbered by say an U24 USA team that didn't even have it's best U24 players playing? I would feel humiliated and would ask - why are we even participating in this s..tshow?

I mean lets be real, these guys are young but they aren't really kids. I mean sure they are young, but all are first or second line/pairing guys for their teams. This isn't like some college team or something playing in the Olympics.

Honestly for those who really like seeing these young guys play, most of them are in the Worlds each spring.

 

[CanadienShark]

That would be an improvement in some ways but ... I've seen some posts from Finnish fans who are somewhat upset after last night, they seem to be somewhat embarrassed and humiliated and I feel for them. Their team is in a state of transition right now and while it's one thing for them to be thrashed by Team Canada, it's another thing to be thrashed by a bunch of kids and it would be even more humiliating if they were to lose badly to an U24 team made up of leftovers. The more I think about it, that's a really good reason never to have this team again.

How would I feel if the Canadian national basketball team got clobbered by say an U24 USA team that didn't even have it's best U24 players playing? I would feel humiliated and would ask - why are we even participating in this s..tshow?

I see no issues. If you're not good enough to win, you're not good enough to win. We don't need to baby fully grown men here.

If we got clobbered by the USA U24 team, I'd say "too bad, we lost to the better group." There's nothing embarrassing about being beat by someone younger.

 

[kabidjan18]

Finland got **** kicked. Maybe the 3:00 am start time and them getting dominated played a factor in it?

It was beautiful hockey and Team NA is arguably the fastest team ever assembled, it is something else to witness. I don't need to convince you, I respect people's rights to boycott this.

Convincing me wouldn't help a thing. I believe it's a one time thing that's why I've never said I was boycotting it, though I support people who do. A better product doesn't ever necessitate better sales. You can enjoy the hockey, I do, but theorizing on the expansion of such is shortsighted and this isn't you but those who mock people who don't support the concept of these teams are being foolhardy.

 

[Gary Nylund]

I mean lets be real, these guys are young but they aren't really kids. I mean sure they are young, but all are first or second line/pairing guys for their teams. This isn't like some college team or something playing in the Olympics.

Honestly for those who really like seeing these young guys play, most of them are in the Worlds each spring.

OK they're not kids fine, put whatever label on them you like but my point stands - National teams deserve to be treated with respect. Asking them to play against a team made up of "leftovers" isn't classy, it puts them in a no win situation and it should not be done, period. If I was in charge (of Team Finland, not the world ) and I was invited to the World Cup 4 years from now with the same setup I would just say no thanks, Finland declines to take part. Get in touch if you ever host a tournament for National teams only, then our National team would be proud to play. And not just Finland, I think Russia, Sweden, everyone should do the same.

 

[Xokkeu]

OK they're not kids fine, put whatever label on them you like but my point stands - National teams deserve to be treated with respect. Asking them to play against a team made up of "leftovers" isn't classy, it puts them in a no win situation and it should not be done, period. If I was in charge (of Team Finland, not the world ) and I was invited to the World Cup 4 years from now with the same setup I would just say no thanks, Finland declines to take part. Get in touch if you ever host a tournament for National teams only, then our National team would be proud to play. And not just Finland, I think Russia, Sweden, everyone should do the same.

That I agree with. The Canada leftovers concept is kind of unnecessary. I think I've just grown super annoyed with ESPN trying to hype this team as the equivalent to the 1980 Olympic team.

 

[snipes]

That would be an improvement in some ways but ... I've seen some posts from Finnish fans who are somewhat upset after last night, they seem to be somewhat embarrassed and humiliated and I feel for them. Their team is in a state of transition right now and while it's one thing for them to be thrashed by Team Canada, it's another thing to be thrashed by a bunch of kids and it would be even more humiliating if they were to lose badly to an U24 team made up of leftovers. The more I think about it, that's a really good reason never to have this team again.

How would I feel if the Canadian national basketball team got clobbered by say an U24 USA team that didn't even have it's best U24 players playing? I would feel humiliated and would ask - why are we even participating in this s..tshow?

I would say a very large contingent of Finnish fans felt humiliated. I legitimately feel for them, I chat with many of them. They were in shock how bad Suomi's best got demolished, Finns love hockey and are proud people. The score doesn't even reflect how lopsided it was.

For perspective, not a single Finn finished with a positive Corsi last night. Team NA finished with a 70% Corsi as a team, that is absolutely off the charts dominance. It was strange to see the Finns crushed like that.

 

[snipes]

Convincing me wouldn't help a thing. I believe it's a one time thing that's why I've never said I was boycotting it, though I support people who do. A better product doesn't ever necessitate better sales. You can enjoy the hockey, I do, but theorizing on the expansion of such is shortsighted and this isn't you but those who mock people who don't support the concept of these teams are being foolhardy.

Mockery from either side shouldn't happen. People have the free right to choose to watch this tournament or not. No one is a "better" fan if they watch or boycott, hopefully both sides can be respectful to each other.

Again, any expansion regarding being creative to put the best players on the ice presupposes Olympic participation. If not, it must be only National Teams going forward. Hopefully we get the Olympics and the NHL can be creative with the World Cup, win-win.

 

[Canuckistani]

the NHL has already said it is going back to National Teams for the next tournament.

Last I heard, they will be revisiting the issue after the event is over to gauge how successful the idea was. Sadly, enough fans are gung-ho for it to return in 2020.

The only way the gimmicks idea is if Canada and (especially) USA loudly oppose having their best youngsters stolen from them ever again.

The amount of talent the US has lost to this gimmick team is just obscene.