It had been over ten years since the NHL’s best players could compete internationally in the same tournament, thus the 4 Nations Face-Off in February was designed to give a taste of international competition a year before the Winter Olympics.
Instead, millions watched as the games’ tempo and caliber enthralled sellout crowds. Canada’s general manager, Doug Armstrong, met up with his American counterpart, Bill Guerin, in the hallway immediately after his side defeated the United States in overtime. They shook hands and shared a message that went beyond a single game.
Guerin remembered that hockey was the clear winner. Canada won that title, of course, but the game itself—hockey—was the real winner.
The 4 Nations tournament, Alex Ovechkin’s incredible drive to the NHL career goals record, and the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup victory repeat to set up a three-peat attempt next season have all contributed to the spike in popularity and hype around hockey. With Mitch Marner and playoff MVP Sam Bennett among the best players available, the NHL’s first Olympic appearance since 2014 is expected to happen in the upcoming draft and free agency.
Guerin remarked, “I think we’re just really proud of being a part of this bigger picture and growing the game and getting it more onboard.” There has never been a better moment for the game.
4 Nations success
Plans to have a World Cup with a scaled-down format comprising the United States, Canada, Sweden, and Finland were postponed until this year by the NHL and NHLPA.
No one knew what to anticipate, and Commissioner Gary Bettman described it as an appetizer.
Armstrong remarked, “We all went in thinking it was going to be a great event, and it turned out to be better than anyone could have imagined.”
Less than a minute into the first game against Sweden, Canada’s star-studded power play—which included Connor McDavid, Sidney Crosby, Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar, and Sam Reinhart—connected on a tic tac toe passing goal, giving warning that the play would be at its best. Three altercations broke out between the United States and Canada in the first nine seconds, and the four nations were unexpectedly thrust into the spotlight due to geopolitical cross-border tensions, crowds jeering anthems, and other issues. The audience was captivated.
Over 9 million people in the United States and almost 11 million in Canada watched the final, making it one of the most popular tickets in Boston sports history. It’s not terrible for a competition that has never been held before and might never be.
The GR8 chase
When he broke Wayne Gretzky’s record of 894 goals, which had long looked unachievable, Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals seized center stage. By late March, he was within striking distance after missing almost a month of action due to a broken left leg earlier in the season.
On a Friday night that turned into a career celebration, Ovechkin went on a tear and tied the mark at home, still scoring at an unbelievable pace at 39. Gretzky, Bettman, his mother, wife, kids, and others were present to congratulate him when he received No. 895 against the Islanders in New York two days later.
Longtime teammate T.J. Oshie stated that it is the greatest achievement the hockey world has witnessed in a very long time. This document will remain in existence for some time.
Ovechkin will play in his 21st NHL season and add to his current tally of 897 goals.
Panthers repeat
Out of the 16 teams that made it to the playoffs, Florida had the eleventh-most points and began each round away from home. didn’t matter. The Panthers advanced to the final for the third year in a row after defeating Tampa Bay in five games, Toronto in seven, and Carolina in six. Then, to go back-to-back, they defeated McDavid and the Edmonton Oilers once more, this time in six games.
After winning two titles, veteran winger Brad Marchand remarked, “Everyone wrote us off from the start of the playoffs.” Everyone was beating us in every round. That fire was just over. We were aware that we had something unique.
In the summer of 2022, Matthew Tkachuk and coach Paul Maurice arrived, coinciding with Florida’s rise to NHL dominance. Tkachuk even used the D word.
Tkachuk stated that we must now be a dynasty. Two titles and three consecutive finals. This group is unique.
The Panthers are among the best teams I believe I have ever seen in my life, according to retired goalie Cory Schneider.
Schneider, who worked the final as an NHL Network analyst, said they are the pinnacle of depth, skill, and structure. Many teams have talented players. However, doing it consistently requires sacrifice and attention to detail. While Florida is dedicated to playing a full type of team hockey, teams occasionally want to play easy hockey and get their chances.
The Oilers are a small favorite to defeat the Panthers in the upcoming season’s championship, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. Since the New York Islanders won four straight from 1980 to 1983, the NHL has not experienced a three-peat.
Draft and free agency
On June 27 and 28, the league will hold its first decentralized in-person draft in Los Angeles. After winning the draft lottery, the New York Islanders have the first pick. Defenseman Matthew Schaefer, who is an inspiration off the ice, may be selected by new general manager Mathieu Darche.
Players may move quickly when the salary cap receives the first of several significant hikes due to record attendance and income (it will rise to $95.5 million this summer).
Teams in cities ranging from New York and Toronto to Los Angeles, Anaheim, and Utah have cap room to utilize when free agency begins on July 1.
Milan-Cortina Olympics
The first six athletes on the Olympic rosters of the twelve participating nations—Russia is prohibited—have already been revealed. The men’s competition begins on February 11th, according to the schedule of games given by the International Ice Hockey Federation.
Reinhart, who scored four goals in Florida’s Cup-winning game the day after being nominated to Canada’s squad, said, “When you’re growing up, when you’re watching as a kid, it’s Stanley Cup finals and it’s Team Canada.” Playing for those two things is what you dream about. It’s quite thrilling to have that chance.
From 1998 to 2014, the NHL participated in five straight Games before skipping 2018 and 2022, leaving teams from those years without any players in the league. For athletes like McDavid, MacKinnon, Auston Matthews, and Jack Eichel, Milan-Cortina will be their first Olympics.
It’s fantastic for hockey and the fans to have another chance to bring generations of Sidney Crosby and Connor McDavid together to play globally, Armstrong said. The players can’t wait to participate in this. Right now, there is a head-to-head competition for the Stanley Cup.
Tkachuk and his brother Brady were selected for the U.S. squad. It seems as though hockey is in its Tkachuk age, with the two becoming well-known to new fans during the tense 4 Nations. The next destination on their itinerary is Italy.
Having won the Cup twice, Matthew commented, “4 Nations was good, and hopefully the Olympics will be great as well.” I think I’ve been the luckiest hockey player.
