Hallonbroder
Registered User
- Nov 29, 2024
- 383
- 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.
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.
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.
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
Our conversation is over here, your biased take spews pure nonsense and won’t generate anything but infractionsTotally disagree. No centers, aging superstars except Kaprizov, no blueline whatsoever and a national league that gets worse and worse by the year.