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New York Rangers Daily Dose: NHL in Olympics and Bromances

By Patrick Comia

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Good Saturday, New York Rangers fans. Here are some news we want to share with everyone:

NHL players in Winter Olympics- CBSSPORTS.COM

That is the question presented by Chris Peters on CBS’ website. For the past five Winter Olympic games starting with the Nagano games in Japan, the NHL has agreed to allow its players to participate for their home countries.

With the consent of both the NHL and NHLPA, players have been allowed to go overseas and play internationally.

But, has the time come for this to stop?

Now that the World Championships have returned, it makes fans wonder if it is worth the risk of injury to send say Henrik Lundqvist, Ryan McDonagh, Rick Nash over to play for Olympic Gold.

Of course, it is always an honor to represent your country and to show the world who the best is, however the timing of the Games comes at the half way point of the NHL regular season. It’s ultra-competitive as it is, and teams might be riding momentum entering the Olympic break.

In most cases, players who have participated have limited to no-practice with their teammates, who normally they see as opposing players on a given night. The logistical nightmare they have to go through: the flights, getting their equipment overseas, customs, etc. It’s a chore just to pack one luggage and a carry on.

But, when the players are involved, it’s good to see them on your country’s side.

Ryan Suter, Joe Pavelski, Derek Stepan, Jonathan Quick, do make it fun to root for.

Bringing all these talents together for one cause is beyond exciting.

Just take the last Winter Games in Sochi, Russia. T.J. Oshie made a name for himself with his herorics in a shootout win over Team Russia.

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Also, the use of NHL players has lend a helping hand in generating “friendly relations” with other countries, especially our neighbors north of the border, Canada. It’s been an almost “my team is better than your team” attitude between fans. And that’s good, cause non-hockey fans are taking notice of the sport thanks to the “friendly banter” of American and Canadian fans.

Still, does this warrant the NHL regular season to stop operations for two weeks to allow players to participate in the Olympics? And with the return of the World Championships, which are held after the end of the regular season, can this justify the NHL in saying “no mas” to the event?

NHL Bromances- SPORTSNET.CA

In a fun article, Emily Sadler posted a story on the top NHL Bromances.

Of course, we all know the “friendship” between former Vancouver Canucks teammates Roberto Luongo and Eddie Lack. There is the Stanley Cup Champions Chicago Blackhawks with their captain Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane sharing the stage at the United Center.

Here is Toews recalling a funny moment at practice, started with a young fan’s cute question:

Sadler talks about 10 others pairs of players that share this “bromance” for each other, which includes Mats Zuccarello and recently-retired Rangers Martin St. Louis.

I beg to differ, Ms. Sadler.

For the Rangers, I think the kiss between Chris Kreider and Cam Talbot after a win would have been better.

Gonna miss that love! Ok, time to wrap this up before the tears start streaming down! (sniff, sniff)

And that’s it for today. Catch you all next time!

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