PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – How about hockey being the buzz of the sports world over the last week?
Many didn’t know what to expect from the Four Nations Face-Off that was replacing the all-star game. Would it be like all-star games of recent years where little defense was played and the only compete-level would be for who would score the most goals against goalies who were provided little protection?
Pens players from the United States and Canada are not surprised it’s turned out to be an emotional, spirited and competitive tournament. They are also really excited about Thursday’s rematch for the championship of this inaugural event which also included teams from Sweden and Finland.
“Everybody that I’ve talked to that is a hockey fan just loved it,” said Pens defenseman Ryan Graves. “I’ve been spending my all-star break at home watching Team Canada, watching hockey. The games have been so fast. I think it’s great for the game.”
“I completely expected it to be like that. Guys don’t view it as an all-star game. Guys view it as you are playing for your country.”
That’s the catch for the success of this tournament. These players aren’t playing for their division or conference as has been formatted in past all-star games, but for their countries. They’ve bought into this not being a made-for-TV event, but a chance to bring pride to your homeland.
“I think it’s great,” said Pens defenseman Matt Grzelcyk. “Obviously a lot more intensity than an all-star game. When you are playing for your country, there is a lot of pride on the line. I think the tournament has been awesome. Just to see the best of the best go at it.”
“Those guys are the most competitive guys in the league,” said defenseman PO Joseph. “They want to win at all costs. People were maybe thinking that it was going to be an all-star-kind of thing, but the second they jumped on the ice you know the countries hate each other and the back story behind it.”
We won’t get into some of the backstory, you’re not reading this for politics. But it has helped the intensity, especially with the crowd reaction in Montreal.
It has come with some physical cost, most notably the Bruins Charley McAvoy, the son-in-law of Team USA, and Penguins, head coach Mike Sullivan. There will also be the bumps and bruises that may cause a few players to miss time with their NHL team, including Sidney Crosby, if only to get a little rest.
No matter to Grzelcyk or other players, he said they knew the risk and the reward has been an event that has been ‘unbelievable to watch’.
Now comes the rematch. The United States against Canada Thursday night in Boston. Fights from the beginning as the Americans won the first matchup of the tournament 3-1 on the road Saturday. However, the Canadians have won over 70% of the all-time international hockey matchups.
Both Americans, Nedeljkovic and Grzelcyk, are confident, pulling for the red, white and blue. Ned believes it will be a great atmosphere and a great night. The talking coming more from the Canadians, Graves and Joseph. PO said he was at the edge of his seat watching Saturday’s matchup. He called it surreal.
“Feeling great about Thursday, redemption time,” Joseph said with a determined smile.
“Canada has to win,” Graves said, admitting he will be wearing a Team Canada jersey Thursday night. “I got to root for Canada. I got to root for Sid and my country.”
“You put the colors on, it means something,” Nedeljkovic said. “Yeah, there is no gold medal, but you are playing for the name on the front of the jersey. Your country.”
That has made this an all-star break to cherish.