But probably just fans, not anyone actually playing it.
Tonight is the league-cospiracy-dictated much-anticipated 4 Nations final between USA and Canada. (I know what you’re thinking, that these two TV ratings darlings just happen to be the two best teams in a short four-team tournament. Yeah, yeah, sure, if you don’t believe the NHL fixed this tournament’s two finalists eight months ago, then I* have seven decades of totally forged public health vaccine efficacy data to sell you.)
*just kidding, not actually an idiot
After this is over, we can look forward to real NHL hockey resuming Saturday. The Isles are back in action Sunday, for six games in a 10-day span leading up to the trade deadline, with results that will probably influence what Lou Lamoriello does or does not do to this team and franchise. Bossy help us.
Islanders News
- These six games are critical, maybe. [Newsday]
- Anthony Duclair and Marcus Hogberg are among the many lingering injury concerns. [Newsday]
- Meanwhile, Scott Mayfield and Ryan Pulock are hoping the break has healed them. [Newsday | Post]
- Max Tsyplakov’s agent tells Russian media they’re working on an extension, around $3M AAV. [THN]
- There is the Brock Nelson question and then there is the Kyle Palmieri corollary. [THN]
4 Nations:
- Charlie McAvoy is out (shoulder joint injury and infection), but Quinn Hughes is not coming to the rescue. [NHL]
- But the injured forwards, Matthews and the Tkachuks, will be good to go. [NHL]
- Brandon Hagel threw shade at the Tkachuks, saying he fought for “the flag” and not for “the cameras.” Some of the media following this sport want so desperately for it to sound like a Kardashian or Housewives show and I’m so glad it’s not. [NHL | Sportsnet]
- Something-something Team USA inspired by “Miracle.” The real revelation here is that the movie is 21 years old…like almost as old as the real event when they dramatized it. [NHL]
- Is Connor Hellebuyck the best U.S. goalie ever? The case may sneak up on you. [ESPN]
- Sweden feels hard done by, having been eliminated without losing in regulation. Then again, it’s a short round robin tournament. [NHL]
- Jordan Binnington has allowed some shaky goals mixed with stellar saves, which has Jon Cooper trusting him and Brad Marchand saying he likes his confidence. He’s returning to the scene of his career-defining moment, where he beat Marchand’s Bruins in Game 7 of the Cup final. [NHL]
- Marchand says this U.S. team is the best he’s ever faced. [Sportsnet]
- The Bruins, who are managed by Team Canada GM Don Sweeney, are upset with how McAvoy’s injury was handled and made a point to say it was treated by Team USA staff. [Sportsnet]
Not 4 Nations
- Evgeni Malkin, who isn’t at the 4 Nations because his country has invaded a neighbor that it pretends does not exist, is looking to return from injury: “Of course, I [do] not feel great about my season and team, but still, it’s not over.” [NHL]
- Bobby Hull apparently had CTE when he died, though that does not explain the terrible spouse-and-father stuff during his playing career. [Post]