2022 Olympic Men's Hockey Thread

[pmorrow]

General banter thread to discuss the upcoming Olympics. The men's tournament is Feb 9 to 20.

There is still a chance they don't even go which is scary. The NHL and the NHL Players’ Association have until Jan. 10 to determine whether the Covid-related disruptions to the schedule make going unfeasible. There have been few cancellations so far and the NHL seems determined to reschedule games only in the most drastic of circumstances. Several teams have had 5+ guys in protocol and have been forced to play. We know the NHL doesn't really want to go, but the players want to go and the NHL wants to make sure they get the players there. But if things get really bad Covid-wise, it could all come crashing down.

That said...assuming we go...let's discuss!

I forget if we had a fantasy league for the 2014 games...probably right?

[pmorrow]

What do people think of Canada's jerseys?

https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/statu...08436712660996

[Invictus]

The red and black one is alright.
The mostly black one is meh.
The white red and black is ugly.

[hockeyrobot]

What do people think of Canada's jerseys?

https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/statu...08436712660996

I don't love the skate bottom of them. It looks like a maple syrup container.

[2014olympicgold]

These jerseys would make Canada the villain in the made-for-tv hockey movie.

I honestly really love black jerseys with bright accents. So the Black jersey I like, the White jersey I don't mind, the Red jersey...I dunno. But the leaf will never match the 2002 leaf. That jersey is unmatched.

[Ross The Boss Palmer]

What do people think of Canada's jerseys?

https://twitter.com/TSN_Sports/statu...08436712660996

Marijuana-esque maple leaf.

[agentzero]

I love best on best tournaments but eff the Beijing olympics. Boycott them I say for all the trouble China causes domestically and in foreign policy.

I know almost nobody wants to host olympics but I really hate that they’re in China right now.


How good to people think Finland will be? They seem consistently forgotten among great hockey nations.

[Invictus]

Probably the best Def and Goaltending Russia has had in a long while.

[saucelife90]

From TSN.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Friday that the decision on whether to attend the 2022 Olympics in Beijing will be made by the National Hockey League Players' Association.
"In good faith, we made a promise to the players, and ultimately this is going to have to be a players’ decision," Bettman said.

[2014olympicgold]

Teams are not ok with it. Some players have voiced concerns over it. Lehner has backed out already and an unnamed Canadian who would make the roster has rumoured to have pulled out.

I think it happens, but I don't know if we'll get what I would say "best vs Best". I'm also 55/45 thinking it happens. It's very up in the air and then there's the whole political side of things.

[pmorrow]

From TSN.

NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said Friday that the decision on whether to attend the 2022 Olympics in Beijing will be made by the National Hockey League Players' Association.
"In good faith, we made a promise to the players, and ultimately this is going to have to be a players’ decision," Bettman said.

Good news for fans, as this means they're going, or at least 95%+ I would say. The biggest stumbling block for the NHL was if too many games were getting delayed, the would certainly need to pressure the PA to agree to pull out. If the NHL is leaving this up to the PA, that means they likely have a plan to finish the season on time regardless of delays and Olympic participation. There are players with reservations but from what I've heard and read, they are in the minority...also keep in mind most PA members arent going to the Olympics.

correction: sounds like Bettman added a caveat about covid delays...so I guess it's still a bit more up in the air

second edit: the more analysis I read, the less optimistic I am about this. Bettman likely just passing the buck knowing the PA may chooe to withdraw on its own

[2014olympicgold]

It's sounds like you need a 3week quarantine period in China to participate in the games. So a player would need to leave like 2 weeks early to attend the games. I don't know how many players are willing to do that. NHLPA might ok it, but I can't see a lot of players doing that.

[saucelife90]

It's sounds like you need a 3week quarantine period in China to participate in the games. So a player would need to leave like 2 weeks early to attend the games. I don't know how many players are willing to do that. NHLPA might ok it, but I can't see a lot of players doing that.

Yeah, if it's a 3 week quarantine you're essentially missing 8-10 games ish. Do they forfeit salary for every missed game due to going to the Olympics? If that's the case, you're giving up 10-15% of your salary so we'll really see who wants to play for their country or not.

[Invictus]

Ovi??? You know he wants to play. Also I assume break that goal scoring record. Hhmmm

[LawMan]

Yeah, if it's a 3 week quarantine you're essentially missing 8-10 games ish. Do they forfeit salary for every missed game due to going to the Olympics? If that's the case, you're giving up 10-15% of your salary so we'll really see who wants to play for their country or not.

It will be interesting to see if the country makes any exceptions for Olympic athletes. otherwise, are all of the other athletes heading over 3+ weeks in advance of their sport's start date to quarantine?