yeah but the owners are more interested in instant gratification than growing the game. therefore whatever lines their pockets more in the immediate term, they will do.
- DoubleDown

Which would be the only reason they would do it. I wouldn't mind it as I would still watch it, but the casual viewer wouldn't give two (frank)s about a hockey only tournament.

No bias there......

- The-O-G

none whatsoever....

Total horsepoop, go on take the World Cup away from football players.

It is international competition it is the pinnacle of a sport, all leagues need to embrace it and work the schedule for once every 4 years, it helps promote the sport massively especially in smaller markets.

Why the hell is there a single NO vote on this poll?

I mean seriously, wtf is wrong with you people?

The only NO vote should come from an owner of an NHL franchise. That's it. Simple.

As a fan, who doesn't want to see the best possible hockey in the world at the Olympics? What do you have to lose as a fan? Nothing.

Stop thinking like GMs. You're not. You're a fan of the game. This isn't fantasy hockey. Idiots.

Why the hell is there a single NO vote on this poll?

I mean seriously, wtf is wrong with you people?

The only NO vote should come from an owner of an NHL franchise. That's it. Simple.

As a fan, who doesn't want to see the best possible hockey in the world at the Olympics? What do you have to lose as a fan? Nothing.

Stop thinking like GMs. You're not. You're a fan of the game. This isn't fantasy hockey. Idiots.
- panek

Its all the leafs fans voting no. The only player they have that will be there is playing for the Americans so they'd rather them not go at all...

Its all the leafs fans voting no. The only player they have that will be there is playing for the Americans so they'd rather them not go at all...
- Iggysbff

Hell, I'm just glad our GM and coach won't be on USA this time around

Why the hell is there a single NO vote on this poll?

I mean seriously, wtf is wrong with you people?

The only NO vote should come from an owner of an NHL franchise. That's it. Simple.

As a fan, who doesn't want to see the best possible hockey in the world at the Olympics? What do you have to lose as a fan? Nothing.

Stop thinking like GMs. You're not. You're a fan of the game. This isn't fantasy hockey. Idiots.
- panek

This. How do you not like to watch the best of the best competing against each other? I just don't get it

It wouldn't surprise me if the NHL flip-flops on this issue over the course of time, depending on where the Olympics are held. They may female dog out on Korea. But we all know if/when the Olympics are held in Quebec City or the US they will change their minds that time around.

So why not add on more costs for a sport the home team isn't even represented right?

And the last gold medal game for the US was widely watched and drew over 50 million viewers in the US alone. It was also one of the most watched sporting events in Canadian history.
- rmdevil313

I don't have a dog in this fight, but there is not a chance in hell that stat is accurate.

I don't have a dog in this fight, but there is not a chance in hell that stat is accurate.
- Sandus

There was actually 27.6 million viewers in the US for the 2010 Gold medal game. This is according to NBC.

How is basketball a summer sport exactly?
- sambarugh

It doesn't require snow or ice to be played. As an indoor gymnasium sport, it could be used as filler for the winter Olympics though.

If the nhl really... i mean REALLY cared about the level of risk they would do a better job of protecting its players with mandatory visors, head hunting, etc. And worry less about broken sticks as slashes. It was hilarious a few weeks back during the icing and visor discussions. Ken holland was interviewed and he was all in favor of hybrid icing to reduce injuries. But visors he said were too. much of a personal preference for players amd didnt want to mandate it. Which is it? Does the nhl want to protect its investments or do they only want to bandaid problems so they can pretend like they care. How many players have been really greatly affected by olympics? Maybe your usual wear and tear, which is still worthwhile to protect by the way. But how many players have severely hurt careers due to lack of visors? Berard, staal, already named more.

If the nhl really... i mean REALLY cared about the level of risk they would do a better job of protecting its players with mandatory visors, head hunting, etc. And worry less about broken sticks as slashes. It was hilarious a few weeks back during the icing and visor discussions. Ken holland was interviewed and he was all in favor of hybrid icing to reduce injuries. But visors he said were too. much of a personal preference for players amd didnt want to mandate it. Which is it? Does the nhl want to protect its investments or do they only want to bandaid problems so they can pretend like they care. How many players have been really greatly affected by olympics? Maybe your usual wear and tear, which is still worthwhile to protect by the way. But how many players have severely hurt careers due to lack of visors? Berard, staal, already named more.
- TheGoal51070

One word: investments.

Why the hell is there a single NO vote on this poll?

I mean seriously, wtf is wrong with you people?

The only NO vote should come from an owner of an NHL franchise. That's it. Simple.

As a fan, who doesn't want to see the best possible hockey in the world at the Olympics? What do you have to lose as a fan? Nothing.

Stop thinking like GMs. You're not. You're a fan of the game. This isn't fantasy hockey. Idiots.
- panek

You re still around my god

There was actually 27.6 million viewers in the US for the 2010 Gold medal game. This is according to NBC.
- Panthers88

NBC stands for no body cares

the Olympics are suppose to be the worlds best athletes participating in their sport. If the NHL players cannot take part then there should not be hockey at the Olympics.

There was actually 27.6 million viewers in the US for the 2010 Gold medal game. This is according to NBC.
- Panthers88

27 was the average, 50 million different viewers throughout.

You re still around my god
- Yeti1181

Do I know you?

Do I know you?
- panek

do you enjoy minorities in your life?

NBC stands for no body cares
- Yeti1181

Okay....

Eklund: Source: Sochi Looks Like the Final Olympics for the NHL. Should It Be?
- Eklund

A massively popular opportunity for the best publicity the game could receive? I fully expect the NHL to put a bullet through this.

Now let's all focus on what is important: beating the piss out of the Winter Classic format until every last dollar has been bled dry from it.

FIRST!!!














any habs rumours?!?














nuff said