Olympic Hockey Is So Much Better Than NHL Hockey

And I’m a hockey fan!

There’s just something about Olympic hockey that is so much more compelling/exciting compared to the regular NHL game.

I guess the obvious reason is that every game has that playoff atmosphere. And when you add national pride to the mix, the competition ramps up to (if not exceeds) Stanley Cup level.

It also helps when team USA shows up at the Olympics.

That’s definitely the case this year after USA whooped home team favorites Canada, 5-3 tonight. Locals Jamie Langenbrunner and Chris Drury had goals.

The awesomeness of Olympic hockey is nothing new in America…of course I’m referring to 1980 in Lake Placid.

But isn’t it amazing how hardly anybody cares about NHL hockey (at least the regular season…and especially when your team isn’t competitive), but come the Olympic tournament, the hockey tournament is required viewing.

You can’t say the same for the World Baseball Classic. Or, in my opinion, basketball at the Olympics. There’s just something about international hockey.

Particularly cool today was watching Langenbrunner and Zach Parise going after Devils teammate, but now opponent, Marty Brodeur.

I wonder how hard these guys would check an opponent who was a teammate in the NHL? Can you imagine team USA assistant John Tortorella sending Drury after Marian Gaborik?? That’d be fun.

Anyway, just some thoughts as I (and I’m sure you, too) enjoy the rest of the Olympic tournament.

Anyone care to take a guess how far USA goes? These guys are frisky…I’m tempted to say all the way – but if they meet Canada for the gold, you know revenge will be on their minds after today’s beat down.

Matt Estreich for The Huddle