Olympic break, is it worth it?

[dhsux]

Some of ya'll need to go spend some time it Putin land and maybe then understand why they are not here.

Blame him for their absence.

[fish]

Some of ya'll need to go spend some time it Putin land and maybe then understand why they are not here.

Blame him for their absence.

I grew up during the Cold War with our teachers telling us we’d all be fighting the Soviets in ww3. It was such a big deal to beat them in sports. You can’t tell me modern day Russia is any worse than the Soviet Union.
I’m glad my generation got to see the summit series and great Canada Cup games against the Soviets despite how horrible their political leaders were

[dhsux]

Some of ya'll need to go spend some time it Putin land and maybe then understand why they are not here.

Blame him for their absence.

I grew up during the Cold War with our teachers telling us we’d all be fighting the Soviets in ww3. It was such a big deal to beat them in sports. You can’t tell me modern day Russia is any worse than the Soviet Union.
I’m glad my generation got to see the summit series and great Canada Cup games against the Soviets despite how horrible their political leaders were

So we should learn nothing...change nothing....from 70 years ago?

It's never a fair world get that always inconsistencies but I have zero problem locking him out of anything international. He's a murderous thug and nothing less.

Not the players fault where they are but to be denied watching Russian hockey players is laughable as a hardship or sacrifice, imo.

[fish]

Never called it a hardship.

[DutchBlue]

Just looking at the extreme disappointment on the bench of Switzerland right now, I have no doubt that the players definitely think it is more than worth it.

Suter btw played a really good tournament. Definition is Swiss Army knife player.

[callitwhatyouwant]

It's definitely worth it for the players. Only 1 team gets to hoist the cup - but at the levels these players are at, they most likely are going to 8-12 cracks at a playoff run in their career. Only getting 1-2 (except for the kid) chances to represent your country is something different. It's also just a great experience. I got to play for USA in juniors and I remember bits and pieces. Being in another country and having your anthem go and just the interactions with the other teams really is different. Can't imagine what it would be like at the Olympic level where people will remember your performance.

BUT, as far as the NHL risk benefit analysis goes, I'm pretty sure it's proven that the Olympics hasn't moved the needle for them. For whatever reason, it's the most popular winter olympics sport, but the carry over doesn't stick. It's why they are OK with not sending their players. The risk of major injury to a player gearing up for the playoffs has much more of a dramatic effect on viewership then going to the Olympics. A playoff scenario where a Mackinnon, McDavid, etc.. go down effects their product. They make their money during the playoffs. That's where they have maximum chance to grab new fans. It seems to be the only time the regular sports shows will talk about hockey in a much positive light. The amount of times over the last 4-5 years that even the NBA guys say the NHL playoffs are superior has been rising each year.

For the fans? I guess that's to each their own. I'm sure the Euro's like it more.

[blues2112]

Amazing day of men's hockey. USA women going for gold tomorrow.

Far better than the typical Wednesday-Thursday NHL drab games, especially when teams are eliminated from playoffs.