League News: NHL Talk - (News n' Scores n' Stuff) | 2024-25 Summer Edition

[Ridley Simon]

I see this as a blessing. Our guys get to rest and recover from injuries and don't risk injuries playing in a tournament that means nothing. Can you imagine Carlson, PLD, Willy, or LT getting hurt in this?

I think the 4N thing will flop. I get they're trying to appeal to people's nationalistic pride in attracting new viewers, but it feels very 'forced'. Like if Wish.com were to sponsor the winter olympics.

I love watching hockey and might not care enough to watch more than 1 game of this.

Plus — 4 teams? Really? I know how everyone feels about Putin ….

But no Russia, No Czechia, so Slovaks? Not good. Make it 8 teams and you may have something?

This is SO watered down

 

[Jags]

The NHL trips over its own feet again. Regardless of the eventual quality of the product or the concept itself, the 4 Nations thing seems like a sketchy marketing idea that steps all over other lost opportunities.

I have so many issues with 4N it's hard to know where to start. I think the whole thing -- every little corner of it -- is a terrible idea for the league and I'm shocked if the NHLPA is okay with it. Excluding many of the league's best players, some teams having up to 4 of their best guys playing and additional 3 or 4 road games while others are not only resting but also in many cases vacationing together, building connections and upping morale...

Is there a guarantee that all teams are going full-tilt, or are they further risking injury because some are taking it more seriously than others?

And what are the rewards aside from national pride? Is there pride resulting from a best-of tourney that literally does NOT include the best? I get the political reasoning, but the format guarantees that Russians will never be included because it's wildly unlikely that Russia's gonna become likable any time soon.

Full length games?

Horrible idea. I'm surprised more guys aren't conveniently pulling hammies right now.

I suppose if you add together the asg and the bi

It'd be tricky to enforce a bi week, but it would be WAY more progressive than their clumsy Pride Nights.

Fans may take a break from hockey as well. But i certainly take this over an all-star break. I’m just a bit bitter that there are zero Caps in this tournament.

I'm super relieved they aren't going. I think we got lucky as hell.

 

[usiel]

Come on who is not pumped for this lineup

Missing some Wilson.

 

[Calicaps]

Missing some Wilson.

For USA?

 

[DWGie26]

The 4N thing is supposed to be a precursor for Olympics next year. So yeah, I’d like to see 8 teams. And i love the international hockey with players playing for their country. I’ll certainly watch all of the USA games and likely some others as well.

Anyone know what the TV coverage is? I assume across mainstream channels.

 

[CapitalsCupReality]

(Times p.m. ET)

• Wednesday, Feb. 12: Canada vs. Sweden at Montreal, 8, TNT
• Thursday, Feb. 13: USA vs. Finland at Montreal, 8, ESPN
• Saturday, Feb. 15: Finland vs. Sweden at Montreal, 1, ABC
• Saturday, Feb. 15: USA vs. Canada at Montreal, 8, ABC
• Monday, Feb. 17: Canada vs. Finland at Boston, 1, TNT
• Monday, Feb. 17: Sweden vs. USA at Boston, 8, TNT
• Thursday, Feb. 20: Championship game at Boston, 8, ESPN

 

[qc14]

I think a lot of the concerns being shared here were the same a lot of basketball fans had with the IST and a lot of soccer fans (myself included) had with the Nations League. Traditions have to start somewhere and if the players and teams decide to make it mean something then it will. The US and Mexico just decided that CONCACAF Nations League was going to be the tournament that they both brought their A teams to and fight like hell for even though it's only on its 4th iteration. It's been a massive success and are probably the USMNT games I look forward to the most.

Given what players have said in the media about it, I would be shocked if guys aren't going all out.

I wish Russia, Czechia, Slovakia, and one of Latvia/Denmark/Germany/Belarus were in it as well. It was never going to happen without IIHF sanction and that was never going to happen either. If it's a success, I'm sure their will be a push to expand the next version.

Trying new things is good, and the league should get credit when they do.

 

[DWGie26]

Yep… players will definitely give a shit. There will be a good effort and I actually think it can connect with non-core hockey audience because they’ll get to see the best players in the game. Assuming the show is good, NHL will sell more tickets and merchandise to the casual fan. That is how they will judge it.

And i am fine with timing. After Super Bowl. Before the trade deadline. And it caused two trade deadlines is exciting. Now the players need to deliver and start something fun.

 

[usiel]

For USA?

I heards its the US's new 51st state so its possible.

 

[Random schmoe]

As others have said, any International "best of" tournament that doesn't include one of the actual best international teams... no thanks. I'll enjoy my time off. Let me know when they participate in the Olympics again with every nation represented.

 

[Empty Goal Net]

As others have said, any International "best of" tournament that doesn't include one of the actual best international teams... no thanks. I'll enjoy my time off. Let me know when they participate in the Olympics again with every nation represented.

I'm certainly looking forward to the Jamaican ice hockey team!

 

[Random schmoe]

I'm certainly looking forward to the Jamaican ice hockey team!

If they're good enough to get through the qualifying rounds, bring em on.

 

[Empty Goal Net]

If they're good enough to get through the qualifying rounds, bring em on.

Not sure if they'll be able to get past the boys from St. Kitts or the "hocka warriors" from T&T.

 

[Kazer]

The four nations works for me simply because the NHL, in its infinite wisdom, has not had a true best-on-best international tournament since 2016 (if you count the world cup of hockey) or 2014 (Sochi Olympics). Due to this, you have effectively an entire generation of hockey players that have never had the chance to play in a true best-on-best tournament (and many of those who did participate were Team North America rather than being directly on either USA or Canada).

If the NHL were doing what they should be doing (attending every winter Olympics and hosting a world cup of hockey in-between), then this would be pointless. My hope is that this helps get the NHL back on schedule with the 2026 Olympics (then a 2028 world cup followed by attending the 2030 Olympics).

 

[Ovechkins Wodka]

I assume the NHL owners get a share of the money for the 4N