Massive Ratings and Attention for NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off: The Transformative Event Captivates Audiences Across North America Podcast Por arte de portada

Massive Ratings and Attention for NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off: The Transformative Event Captivates Audiences Across North America

Massive Ratings and Attention for NHL's 4 Nations Face-Off: The Transformative Event Captivates Audiences Across North America

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 The NHL has returned to action following the 4 Nations Face-Off, a transformative event that drew massive ratings and attention to the sport. The championship game between Canada and the United States attracted 16.1 million viewers across North America, making it the second-most-watched hockey game on the continent in a decade[2].

In team news, the Vancouver Canucks signed goaltender Kevin Lankinen to a five-year, $22.5 million contract extension. Lankinen's performance has kept the struggling team in the Western Conference playoff race, but raises questions about starter Thatcher Demko's future as he battles with injuries and inconsistency[2].

Injury updates include Elias Pettersson of the Canucks dealing with an undisclosed injury suffered at the 4 Nations Face-Off and listed as day-to-day. Team captain Quinn Hughes is doubtful for Saturday's game against the Vegas Golden Knights due to an oblique injury. The Florida Panthers' Matthew Tkachuk is not expected to play in Saturday's game against the Seattle Kraken due to a lower-body injury[2].

The NHL trade deadline is approaching on March 7, and several teams are expected to make moves. The Blue Jackets might hit the trade market to replace injured winger Kirill Marchenko, with potential targets including Scott Laughton of the Flyers and Ryan Strome of the Anaheim Ducks[1].

The Montreal Canadiens' recent losing streak has prompted calls for the team to become sellers in the trade market, potentially shopping pending UFAs like Jake Evans, Joel Armia, Christian Dvorak, and David Savard for the best possible returns[1].

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman and NHLPA Executive Director Marty Walsh announced that the next World Cup of Hockey is scheduled for 2028, part of a regular cadence of international best-on-best events that will include the 2026 Winter Olympics and potentially another World Cup in the future[4].

The 4 Nations Face-Off has been hailed as a game-changer for hockey, drawing in new fans and generating massive interest. The event's success has led to discussions about how the NHL will capitalize on it and what comes next for its midseason events. The All-Star Weekend will return in 2026 at the New York Islanders' UBS Arena, serving as a bon voyage event ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics[4].

In other news, the Seattle Kraken moved center Yanni Gourde to long-term injury reserve retroactive to January 4, freeing up cap space for the imminent return of team captain Jordan Eberle. The Calgary Flames sent defenseman Tyson Barrie to their AHL affiliate after he cleared waivers[2].

The NHL is back in full swing, with 28 teams in action on Saturday and several teams playing in back-to-back games. The remainder of the regular season will be filled with key storylines, including Alex Ovechkin's pursuit of Wayne Gretzky's goal record and the intense playoff race[2].
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