Charles Fischer Administrator No. 1 Share Posted Thursday at 05:04 PM Here is something to share that I thought the Hockey fans who will be watching US vs. Canada tonight at 5:00 PM PST on ESPN might enjoy... ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- More Important Than the Stanley Cup? Maybe... I was not in the room when NHL officials planned the 4 Nations Face-Off, but I can tell you with certainty that tonight’s final, a matchup between Canada and the United States, is what they hoped for. The entire hockey sports world will be watching. Experts expect ratings rivaling a Stanley Cup Game 7 Final, or better. No matter what happens tonight, the 4 Nations experiment is a massive win — and don’t be surprised if other pro sports follow hockey’s lead on this, in some form. But what’s going to actually happen? Let’s hit some key points: Who’s the favorite? Our friends at BetMGM have this at even odds entering the game, despite the U.S. win over Canada earlier in this tournament. A survey of The Athletic’s hockey staff essentially confirmed that sentiment. Players to watch? I’ll give you three. First, for Canada, it’s always Sidney Crosby, no matter the young talent surrounding him. The 37-year-old is the center of Canada’s universe here. Just read his teammates’ quotes in this piece to see how revered the living legend is. For the Americans, both players to watch have the last name Tkachuk. Both are healthy enough to play, and the pair have become the heart of an American team that’s been nearly flawless this tournament. Expect a big hit or two from either brother early in this one. Tone-setting, and all that. The irresistible alternate history: Canada coach Jon Cooper could’ve easily been behind the opposite bench tonight, as the dual citizen was recruited by both countries' programs at the same time. Literally — Hockey Canada and USA Hockey called Cooper within 10 minutes of each other back in 2017, when both needed a coach for the World Championship. Canada called first. One major snag: The Americans are banged up. The U.S. has had multiple players go down this tournament, the latest blow coming with defenseman Charlie McAvoy falling ill with an infection. Quinn Hughes, the choice to replace him, is not with Team USA due to some light chaos with Hughes’ NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks. Above all, though, legacies are at stake, and we can look beyond Crosby for that. Sid the Kid is a legend, win or lose. But for Canada’s Connor McDavid and the U.S.’s Auston Matthews — two of the sport’s brightest stars — this will define their careers going forward. Can’t ask for much better than that. 1 1 Mr. FishDuck Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Joseph Moderator No. 2 Share Posted Thursday at 05:36 PM It's unfortunate that Boston Bruin defenseman McAvoy is out. He is a body-bruising tone-setter and a Bean Town favorite. Tonight's ticket price is higher than a Game 7 Stanley Cup ticket. The Bossten Gahdan will be rockin'! USA! USA! USA! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 3 Share Posted Thursday at 06:25 PM More import than the Stanley Cup, I don't think so. Country pride is huge, and a LOT of people will be watching, but Lord Stanley is still the most important title in hockey. Russia beating the USA for the Gold in '72, initiated the "Dream Team", pro basketball players, to set things right. All the NBA players are proud of their gold medals, but they all strive for an NBA Championship ring. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Joseph Moderator No. 4 Share Posted Thursday at 06:34 PM More on tonight's game from the AP. U.S. and Canada want to put the new Cold War on ice and play a 4 Nations hockey final for the ages APNEWS.COM The U.S. and Canadian hockey teams are trying to skate back the geopolitical tension that has infiltrated the 4 Nations Face-Off as they looked ahead to the championship game Thursday night for... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
DanLduck No. 5 Share Posted yesterday at 12:12 AM Winner gets to keep Canada!! 2 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 6 Share Posted yesterday at 01:21 AM Okay USA, beat Canada two times in a row! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 7 Share Posted yesterday at 01:24 AM Let’s get it on!!! Go USA!!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 8 Share Posted yesterday at 01:33 AM Canada takes the lead, 1-0. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 9 Share Posted yesterday at 01:35 AM On 2/20/2025 at 8:33 PM, 30Duck said: Canada takes the lead, 1-0. It was a good shot. Tough to defend Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 10 Share Posted yesterday at 01:38 AM On 2/20/2025 at 5:35 PM, SoGaDawg said: It was a good shot. Tough to defend Absolutely, so many players packed in, Goalie never saw it, talk about tight window! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 11 Share Posted yesterday at 01:41 AM On 2/20/2025 at 8:38 PM, 30Duck said: Absolutely, so many players packed in, Goalie never saw it, talk about tight window! That’s exactly what I was thinking. Just too much traffic between Hellebuyck and the shooter! Very hard to find the puck. Great shot Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 12 Share Posted yesterday at 01:47 AM Amazing stop by Hellebuyck to not let it be 2-0. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 13 Share Posted yesterday at 01:50 AM USA was close to Canada in shots attempted, it was 4-4, now it's 8-4, Canada, have to challenge Canada at the net. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 14 Share Posted yesterday at 02:01 AM Tied up!!! Hell yeah!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 15 Share Posted yesterday at 02:02 AM Great assist on the tying goal! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 16 Share Posted yesterday at 02:06 AM Great first period!!! I’m loving this!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 17 Share Posted yesterday at 02:08 AM On 2/20/2025 at 9:02 PM, 30Duck said: Great assist on the tying goal! Matthews on the assist right? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 18 Share Posted yesterday at 02:14 AM On 2/20/2025 at 6:06 PM, SoGaDawg said: Great first period!!! I’m loving this!!! GatOrlando started the hockey talk asking how a Ducks hockey team would be received, of course the answer is, it would awesome! There is nothing like hockey. Unlike soccer, a 1-0 lead is pretty much game over. Here a 1-0 lead just makes it more exciting. Now it's 1-1 so even more exciting. None of the NHL players are making close to NFL, NBA, MLB $$$ and on a merit scale that's ridiculous. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 19 Share Posted yesterday at 02:16 AM On 2/20/2025 at 6:08 PM, SoGaDawg said: Matthews on the assist right? Yep. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 20 Share Posted yesterday at 02:23 AM On 2/20/2025 at 9:16 PM, 30Duck said: Yep. Thanks, that was a hell of a play! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 21 Share Posted yesterday at 02:38 AM According to hockey stats, whether the team scores first or get the tying goal, win about the same number of times, especially if both are in the same period, especially in the 1st. If it goes all the way to the 3rd period for the goals to be scored, advantage to the team that got the more recent, tying goal. Either team that goes up, 2-1, at anytime, has a clear advantage in getting the win. So, Advantage USA 2-1! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 22 Share Posted yesterday at 02:39 AM Nice! Traffic helps us this time! 2-1 USA!!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 23 Share Posted yesterday at 02:41 AM Dang, Power Play for the Canucks Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 24 Share Posted yesterday at 02:43 AM Lost his stick and got a skate on it! Gotta love it! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 25 Share Posted yesterday at 02:54 AM Amp up the STRESS!!! Canada ties it, 2-2. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 26 Share Posted yesterday at 03:09 AM Okay, 2-2, one period left. I can barely breathe now. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 27 Share Posted yesterday at 03:13 AM On 2/20/2025 at 10:09 PM, 30Duck said: Okay, 2-2, one period left. I can barely breathe now. I gotta make a little drink! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 28 Share Posted yesterday at 03:26 AM 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 29 Share Posted yesterday at 03:38 AM Slaven is the man!!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 30 Share Posted yesterday at 03:42 AM McAvoy is dying not being on the ice. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 31 Share Posted yesterday at 03:52 AM Question @30Duck I’m assuming we go to a shootout if tied after regulation. Is that right? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 32 Share Posted yesterday at 03:56 AM First, 5 pn 5 Sudden death for 5 minutes, if no score, then a shootout. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 33 Share Posted yesterday at 03:58 AM On 2/20/2025 at 10:56 PM, 30Duck said: First, 5 pn 5 Sudden death forv5 minutes, if no score, then a shootout. Cool, I’d rather see that than straight to a shootout. Shootouts are fun to watch but basically a glorified skills competition IMO 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 34 Share Posted yesterday at 04:02 AM Excellent! My info was incorrect, according to the announcers, NO shootout, OT's until a winner! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 35 Share Posted yesterday at 04:05 AM On 2/20/2025 at 11:02 PM, 30Duck said: Excellent! My info was incorrect, according to the announcers, NO shootout, OT's until a winner! Just saw that!!! That’s the way a championship game should be!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 36 Share Posted yesterday at 04:09 AM Could you imagine if Marchand were to score the winning goal in Boston!!!? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 37 Share Posted yesterday at 04:10 AM However nervous NFL players are in OT, multiply it by a thousand for these players. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 38 Share Posted yesterday at 04:15 AM On 2/20/2025 at 11:10 PM, 30Duck said: However nervous NFL players are in OT, multiply it by a thousand for these players. Hell, I’m nervous as hell! Gotta fix myself one more drink for this one! Let’s Go USA!!! Damn I love this!!! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 39 Share Posted yesterday at 04:23 AM 2 incredible stops by Canada! 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 40 Share Posted yesterday at 04:28 AM Connor McDavid wins it for Canada. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
SoGaDawg No. 41 Share Posted yesterday at 04:29 AM Well crap!!! Great game though!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 42 Share Posted yesterday at 04:31 AM On 2/20/2025 at 8:29 PM, SoGaDawg said: Well crap!!! Great game though!!! That sums it up. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Joseph Moderator No. 43 Share Posted 16 hours ago Bummed that I missed the banter. Wi-Fi picked a great time to go down. Hats off to Canada. Talk about even. Two games, and four goals for both teams. Hats off to the NHL. This was much better than an 11-10 All-Star game that looks like a skate in the park. Hopefully, Wait Until Next Year! Something Red Sox fans said for decades. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ABNMoose No. 44 Share Posted 14 hours ago On 2/20/2025 at 6:14 PM, 30Duck said: GatOrlando started the hockey talk asking how a Ducks hockey team would be received, of course the answer is, it would awesome! There is nothing like hockey. Unlike soccer, a 1-0 lead is pretty much game over. Here a 1-0 lead just makes it more exciting. Now it's 1-1 so even more exciting. None of the NHL players are making close to NFL, NBA, MLB $$$ and on a merit scale that's ridiculous. Just in case, everyone knows there is a Hockey team at the club level for the Ducks. When I came back for a visit a couple years ago, I was able to attend on of the games downtown at the rink. They are trying to grow the sport for the university, and would be fantastic to see them in the frozen four in a couple years, or even facing off with osu2 and michigan. The sweaters consistently win voting contests for best looking too. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Joseph Moderator No. 45 Share Posted 12 hours ago Lots of fun. Connor McDavid, a skating speed demon, opened and closed the scoring for Canada vs. the USA. Five takeaways from Canada's thrilling OT win over U.S. in 4 Nations Face-Off final WWW.YARDBARKER.COM Canada defeated the United States, 3-2, in overtime Thursday night in the 4 Nations Face-Off, capping off an incredible tournament. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Joseph Moderator No. 46 Share Posted 12 hours ago Some good comments, Eh? Connor McDavid had great comments after winning 4 Nations WWW.YARDBARKER.COM Connor McDavid scored the winning goal in overtime to give Canada the 4 Nations championship on Thursday night, and he delivered a good interview afterward. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Joseph Moderator No. 47 Share Posted 10 hours ago I'd love to see baseball follow suit. Batting Around: Should MLB copy the NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off schedule, format for the World Baseball Classic? - CBSSports.com WWW.CBSSPORTS.COM The NHL replaced its own All-Star break for the international tournament. Should baseball do the same? Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
GatOrlando No. 48 Share Posted 3 hours ago I didn't get to watch this game and watching it back as I record most live events is impossible since inevitably someone or something spoiled the result for me. Funny how nobody talks about something until you don't want them to. Congrats to Canada. We'll get you in the Olympics next year(fingers crossed). 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
