The 4 Nations ends, Brock’s Team’urica comes up just short
The 4 Nations is over, Brock Nelson and Team’urica fell just short.
As one of the many skeptics of the short and limited tournament, I’ll confess I enjoyed what I saw. I’m not sold on the “epic, historic” billing it received, because it’s a small tournament, brief, with teams thrown together with little prep and practice.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of play. The hockey IQ was off the charts and helped tie players together who only became “a team” less than two weeks ago. I gained new respect for Auston Matthews’ defensive game (unfortunately), and even more grudging respect for Jaccob [sic] Slavin’s monstrous dream-killer D.
Even though he scored the tournament OT winner, I also was impressed by how much uber-talented speed demons like Connor McDavid (and Nathan MacKinnon) can be stopped when they’re playing against a lineup chock full of top defensemen. They were so mortal.
Anyway, the Islanders are already back to work, the NHL resumes Saturday, and the Isles are in action Sunday for the first of six games in 10 days leading up to the deadline.
Islanders News
- Ryan Pulock was a full participant in practice. Dennis Cholowski was put on waivers. [Isles]
- Arthur Staple’s mailbag addresses the question of Lou Lamoriello’s future and how Bridgeport can be so terrible. [Athletic]
- Brock Nelson had a quiet tournament after he nailed the crossbar early in the first game, but he was playing fourth line among superstars. [THN]
- Simon Holmsrom on his growth. [THN]