Hallonbroder
Registered User
- Nov 29, 2024
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- 512
When was the last time Russia was relevant anyway? Never won a Best on Best, never even close? Missing the Czechs though!
We'll all be watching but, as the OP says, there is very little interest - as opposed to the Olympics or a World Cup.You can't tell me people won't be watching when the NHL is on break and people are dying for some hockey. This will be all consuming. I don't expect the naysayers to admit it.
Every other best on best format is flawed so enjoy it for what it is. (WC's are not at a great time of year. Olympics are attended as the NHL pleases, and World Cups are not true World Cups).
We'll all be watching but, as the OP says, there is very little interest - as opposed to the Olympics or a World Cup.
When was the last time Russia was relevant anyway? Never won a Best on Best, never even close? Missing the Czechs though!
Like I saidI will admit, my interest has increased as it gets closer. But as I said previously, it only goes as far as the players want it to. If this is an All-Star game type of tournament then it will be lousy to watch. If the teams really want to win and are trying to win, then it will thrive. I agree, the 2026 Olympics is the key.
Was disappointed Russia won't be at the Olympics even, as they decided this week. So we are getting international hockey for a change, but even so it is incomplete.
Silver in 1998. Bronze in 2002. Beat us in the quarters in 2006 but didn't medal. Self destructed at the 2010 and 2014 Olympics. Nearly beat us in the semis in the 2016 World Cup.
Literally. They’re consistently a top 3 team and have the best goaltending. Very well could win the tournament.No Russia = waste of time
Like I said
I feel exactly the same way.I will admit, my interest has increased as it gets closer. But as I said previously, it only goes as far as the players want it to. If this is an All-Star game type of tournament then it will be lousy to watch. If the teams really want to win and are trying to win, then it will thrive. I agree, the 2026 Olympics is the key.
I did not know that. I'm disappointed too.Was disappointed Russia won't be at the Olympics even, as they decided this week.
BuhuI feel exactly the same way.
I did not know that. I'm disappointed too.
Russia was the last team to defeat Canada in the best on best OlympicsWhen was the last time Russia was relevant anyway? Never won a Best on Best, never even close? Missing the Czechs though!
They will be a force at the 2030 Olympics, if they are there. Tons of young talent on the blueline which they haven’t had in recent best on best.International hockey lost its unique flair decades ago and russia has not been an international hockey force for a long time, who cares if they are not there. USA has replaced as Canada's #1 rival.
Talent wise Russia is easily #3 in the world nowadays, with the best wingers and goalies, drastically improved blue line and only seriously lacking elite centersThey will be a force at the 2030 Olympics, if they are there. Tons of young talent on the blueline which they haven’t had in recent best on best.
What’s wrong with my avatar?Russia was the last team to defeat Canada in the best on best Olympics
Russia lost to Canada in 2010 and Finland in 2014, but before that they medaled in 1998 and 2002 and were in the semis in 2006, they won gold in 2018 and silver in 2022, so they’re always relevant and a medal contender, but your avatar makes it impossible to get anything meaningful proven to you.
Here here! It’s going to be great seeing the best nations play each other again with the best players.Not sure why folks wouldn't be excited to see the stars play from their countries. I'm excited. Not WJC or Olympic excited, but excited nonetheless.
If IIHF-sanctioned international hockey is your bar for comparison then of course you’ll be disappointed. I’d say it represents an upgrade over the All Star Game since that’s what it’s actually replacing.As with anything organized by the NHL, I couldn't care less. This tournament represents a ridicule of international hockey.
Don’t pretend here, ok? your avatar clearly implies you’re biased towards RussiaWhat’s wrong with my avatar?
Still, they’re a team that can’t seem to win, and with that team in the tournaments, there’s going to be more important and more competitive teams that won’t participate.
Totally disagree. No centers, aging superstars except Kaprizov, no blueline whatsoever and a national league that gets worse and worse by the year.Talent wise Russia is easily #3 in the world nowadays, with the best wingers and goalies, drastically improved blue line and only seriously lacking elite centers