Who else has very little interest in the Four Nations tournament?

[1909]

Can't take it seriously without Russia

Without Russian NHL players.

Hearing tonight might not be a sellout? How glorious would it be for the NHL to eat its shirt after skirting the last two Olympics because it “can’t afford” to shutdown for 2 weeks

The tickets’ price is totally crazy. That money should go to food banks and shelters for the people on the streets.

 

[AlternateSideParking]

It’s a gimmick and absolutely not a best-on-best. Minor bragging rights to the winner. Canada’s had a rough few months as a nation so maybe winning boosts morale. The Americans should make “Not Like Us” their goal song lol. Anyway, I won’t be watching but only because I need to catch up on J20 top 10 and SJU has two games that are more important to me. If you’re a young fan, by all means, take it all in.

 

[Dessloch]

Can't take it seriously without Russia

Considering Russia has ZERO titles in tournaments with the best players involved all time I would say they are pretty irrelevant. I never even realized they are gone from international hockey tbh.

 

[CaviarAndRinkFries]

 

[hamzarocks]

It was very low but has gotten higher as puck drop nears lol

But tbh ill be watching CAN - SWE

Yea the tourny is onoy 4 teams and not best on best

But this is the only time so many legendary players will be playing together and playing other elite talent.

Crosby for example maybe plays 2026 olympics with Mcdavid, Mack, Makar but thatll depend on his health

Will enjoy seeing how this group does.

 

[Colorado Avalanche]

I did love the idea of team Europe. Countries like Swiss and Germany and Czech might not be competitive on their own but as a collective they’d have a great roster of nhl players. Disliked that team North America splintered Canada/usa and kept some good talent from playing on the main teams though, even if it was fun.

Czech won the World Championship last year. Switzerland finished second. Why not combine USA and Canada and make it the "American team" so they have a chance to win and be competitive?

 

[Seras]

Re: Russia. I think a lot of posters wanting them in international hockey have a too idealized view of Russian hockey. They remember the past fondly and think the present Russian team would be, and play, the same.

But, really, would all of the Russian NHL'ers who have lived and worked in Canada the United States even WANT to play for Russia?

Off the top of my head, I think of Panarin who criticized the regime and Zadorov who criticized the war in Ukraine.

If you end up making the argument that they would HAVE TO play or be punished by the regime -- well, that is the problem right there, isn't it...

Fear is not a great motivator for winning hockey. Showing up maybe, but not winning.

I think there would be a few faked injuries or lack-lustre play.

(Interestingly I think the Russian Junior team WOULD show up and play hard. But they are kids who don't think about world politics much and they have a lot to prove to future employers. The NHL guys have nothing to prove.)

Nah we just don't like it when the kettle calls the pot black

 

[Cas]

None of those players are on my team.

I don't think it's crazy to not care about players who aren't on the team you root for.

 

[HuGo Sham]

I was indifferent but now with almost 2 weeks off between games and the tourney about 10 blocks from my place, I'm getting more into it

 

[toddkaz]

None of those players are on my team.

I don't think it's crazy to not care about players who aren't on the team you root for.

Exactly, I would root for my country but outside of that why do I care if Matthews scores? I am not a leaf fan.

I got a feeling its going to be empty heartless hockey, what do I care about that?

Just get me back to watching the NHL so I can watch the sabres play empty heartless hockey but at least its the NHL!

 

[Rick Rocket]

It's far more interesting than a NHL ASG but yeah, I agree. It means nothing.

I'm also unsure why there's only 4 Nations, seems unfair to the usual suspects to not let them play.

 

[Razamanaz]

I got a feeling there will be both empty seats and rock'n'roll hockey ... but that's just negative me.

How bad/good can it even be when the best hockeyplayers in the world play around?!

Me hoops (like QPR-fans!) for good. And yes: I am (evil) West Ham United ...

 

[Nikki Potnick]

I think people are underestimating how serious players are taking these games. I think we're in store for some intense hockey.

 

[Razamanaz]

I don't think I will watch a single game actually. It's fun and all, but I won't sit up in the middle of the night to watch hockey on a workday. Maybe I will watch a period of Sweden - Finland, we'll see.

Do that. Because Tre Kronor (Sweden) only have won one of their last nine games. Support your local team.

 

[ToDavid]

35 pages and counting about how little interest everyone has. Let's go baby.

 

[Oilslick941611]

I think people are underestimating how serious players are taking these games. I think we're in store for some intense hockey.

we'll need to see how the players play, they are saying the right things, but ultimately it comes down to actions, if they mail it in, it will be a disaster, if they play with heart and give it their all, it will be great.

35 pages and counting about how little interest everyone has. Let's go baby.

yeah, this thread needs to die or get locked now.

the people who aren't into the tournament wont be in the 4 nations sub forum right?

unless they secretly care that is.

 

[clevelandcane]

I love how there are 35 pages and counting of folks who don't care.

 

[Razamanaz]

Back in the U.S.S.R.

The Beatles.

Now we got Trump/Musk. Urk.

And no beat less, hockey boys, what it seems.

Those Covid-19 empty arenas seems almost better ...