Simple Pleasures in America
Some 4 Nations talk, On Tap's weekly Blackhawks update, and Bickell news.
Well, it’s Monday morning.
4 Nations is in the spotlight, so that’s what I’ll spend a little time discussing.
There’s two articles I wrote for On Tap, which you can find the links below. One is an article about Bryan Bickell getting inducted into the IceHogs ring of honor, and the other is On Tap’s weekly Blackhawks update.
Let’s get into it.
4 Nations
Saturday’s USA vs. Canada game was awesome.
Is it the best international hockey game that’s been played? No, not at all. But there’s reason to be excited about NHL players actually giving a shit about a game like this. It’s way better than the All-Star games which are nothing more than empty calories.
But that’s everywhere in sports. The NBA All-Star weekend was a joke and Saturday night’s 4 Nations game crushed their views. I can’t say that I’m too surprised, and while I think that’s a win for hockey, I wouldn’t toot my horn too loudly.
Of course, one of the topics from Saturday’s game was the fight that started things off. Three fights in nine seconds.
There are people who are very much against fighting in hockey that will point to this as showboating, or an act.
Which it is. Both Tkachuk brothers getting involved isn’t a coincidence.
But so what if it is? The same people rolling their eyes at this staged fight are the same ones who enjoy WWE.
The actual hockey was pretty good. USA was excellent on the forecheck and Team Canada couldn’t get past Connor Hellebuyck. Jaccob Slavin played an excellent defensive game and is someone who I hope Alex Vlasic turns into. Virtual Hockey Scout put out a solid breakdown that I highly recommend checking out.
Canadian goalie Jordan Binnington let in two soft goals and the US gave Canada a tough time getting set up in the OZ. Connor McDavid’s speed was insane on Canada’s lone goal but Hellebuyck stopped all other 25 shots on goal.
Dylan Larkin (USA) was outstanding as well. He played a great second period and scored the second goal of the game after Matt Boldy picked off a failed pass attempt from Sidney Crosby.
Cale Makar was out for Team Canada because of sickness, but he should be back in, on Monday (Feb. 17). Team Canada plays against Finland at 12 pm CT and Team USA plays Sweden at 7 pm CT, Feb. 17.
What’s On Tap?
Blackhawks On Tap: Four Nations Face-Off, IceHogs Updates
Don't sleep on the Four Nations Face-Off. This isn't the "glorified" All-Star game I thought it would be. We'll look at the two international games played this week, recap some Chicago Blackhawks news, and look at how the Rockford IceHogs have been doing since our last update (it's a little ugly).
Bryan Bickell to Be Inducted Into IceHogs Ring of Honor
June 24, 2013, Boston, MA: It's Game Six of the Stanley Cup Final. The Chicago Blackhawks are down by one goal as the third period nears its end, with the Boston Bruins up 2-1. Blackhawks Head Coach Joel Quenneville pulls Corey Crawford from the net, the extra skater is on the ice for the Hawks…