Do these games benefit the NHL? Probably not much. Has NBC given hockey maximum exposure? No – but they have their reasons. It would be nice if these games could be played either right before or right after the NHL season, but they can’t be. The Winter Olympics are held in February. Without the backdrop of Olympic competition, these games would not mean as much. So once every four years, accept some of the negatives created by these games and enjoy the hockey. USA vs. Finland, Canada vs. Slovakia, medals on the line — what a great day for hockey!! The US has tremendous speed and a great goaltender. Canada has everything. I really like their defense. I hope that USA and Canada can both win and meet for the gold on Sunday. If that happens, as Penguin fans, we can’t lose. Sure we will be rooting for the USA and Brooks Orpik. If Canada wins, our captain and goalie will have gold medals. This is what NBC and the NHL is also rooting for as an end result. This game will be on NBC’s main network and the ratings will be great — especially in Pittsburgh, making Sunday another great day for hockey. That’s the view from my living room.
Note — Another bonus of Olympic hockey is no Steigy or Errey — Alas, Tuesday they will be back, but I won’t care — I’ll be in E-11 at the Igloo cheering for our medal winner(s).
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