Yeah but it’s not as if the population of that demographic you mentioned is shrinking (in terms of gross numbers not percentage share), so I don’t think it’s an issue as you mention. The birth rate in Canada is fairly steady and unlike places like Russia (population ) the traditional hockey-playing demographic in Canada is not shrinking, just becoming a smaller percentage share of the population. Goaltenders though, that is a problem
It's not shrinking but Canada is very multicultural. The tennis and soccer teams are built on immigrants. The hockey team looks like it's 1972.lol.
That is actually not quite correct as at the time the participants played each other once and the final standings were determined by point totals. Russia's two teams did meet in the final in 1993, however.
1996 there were no NHL top goalies Dominik Hašek and Patrick Roy or top scorer Mario Lemieux either, yet that's not what the tournament is remembered for.
He had 50 goals this season and 90 points. Thats like saying Lebron won't be an exciting player in 3 years. He'll be an elite player that everyone who cares about the history of the game will want to experience.
You mean he basically sniped the same goal 50 times. It may be reasonably effective, but I don't know where you see the X-factor.
He was literally the oldest player in the history of the entire league to score 50 goals. This isn't impressive to you?
A goals a goal. The fact is you're playing in the best league in the entire world, if you're scoring 50 your a player that should have a chance to be in the best on best tournament. As a hockey fan how could you not want to see a team with some of the best russian players to ever play? Malkin and Ovechkin are hall of famers. Add in Kucherov, Panarin, Tarasenko, Svenchnikov and others and you have a fantastic team.
I can't believe you have to defend Ovechkin's goal scoring.. dude is an all time great.
The difference is that Canada would have Crosby and Mcdavid instead of Mangiapane and Connor Brown (who are both excellent). Instead of Antila (who is a legend!) you'd have Aho or Terravainen. Instead of Omark, you'd have Hedman. Instead of Kieffer Bellows you'd have Matthews. Instead of Roman Horak, you'd have David Pastrnak.
Statistically, sure. But it doesn't make Washington a particularly interesting team to watch without a calculator and playing for Russia even that statistical aspect wouldn't be there. Besides with the national team even his numbers are underwhelming and at 38 he's not going to change that legacy.
38 Ovechkin golden goal over Canada would absolutely further his legacy.
Crosby scored 3+7=10 at the last World Cup, Ovechkin 1+2=3. And that was one of his better international tournaments...
Threat of war is different than actual war, no? Right now actual war and actual murder is happening. I’d say the consequences should be different.
If you cant understand what sanctions and bans from international competitions can do to a country that uses sports as one of their main marketing tools, you’re just as clueless as usual.
