It's good to finally see real hockey between the North Americans, instead of the soft Europeans.
Discussion
I'm getting a real WWE vibe from the game. A little bit too over the top.
This tournament represents nothing.
Not Olympics or Worlds just a new fangled "sport ball" marketing plot.
Trust me, I love the game and I was around for '72 Canada v Russia (CCCP) This game has showbiz all over it, starting with the 3 flights.
Don't mean to be a buzz kill, it'll be fun to watch regardless.
Foot note:
Canadian fans showed no class booing the US anthem. Beat um on the ice, it says way more.
The NHL pushing for views, that's why there's lots of showbiz going on with the presentation. I don't mind it. It's about time the league picks it up.
The Canadian fans were classless all tournament long towards the US team.
The emotions from the players aren't faked. They're feeling the energy in the building.
Agreed. Fights bother me though. Scripted way in advance & fake. That was a marketing misstep. IMO.
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If this is what replaces the flaccid all-star week, I'm okay with it, showbiz and all. But to be a meaningful representation of best-on-best there needs to be Czech and Russia.
Compared to what NBA, NFL and MLB put on as the all-star showcases, I think the NHL marketers have a winner.
Nothing... I mean nothing will replace a Stanley Cup, but this does sell the game, which I've mixed emotions over.
100% agree.
It seems that's what they'll be doing moving forward. From what I understand, they'll move it to a 8-team format and will host it every two years.
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No Russia in the IIHF U20 was criminal as well. Nothing is the same when they exclude Russia.
Russia would win this thing with their goaltending alone. Best in the world.
Excluding Russia is brutal.
I like how they asked the crowd in french, before the anthems, to leave the world events at home and to unite under hockey. Yet, they didn't let Russia play...
πππππππGreat note. I like this guy. Exactly 100% what Iβve meant to say. Iβll let this speak for me.
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This is some game!
GO USA GO
You guys have the luxury of having the best goalie in your country playing. Our number 1 guy is on vacation in Jamaica π

