Explain to me..

[jiminphilly]

Why the NHL even entertains the idea of shutting down their season so some of their players can play in the Olympics?

[Screw_Michigan]

I think Bettman is on the take from the IOC.

[Shoalzie]

Why? See today's USA-Russia game.

[Shoalzie]

Record rating for NBCSN...beating last year's cup finals.

http://tv.yahoo.com/news/nbc-sports-net ... 34869.html


What a game like yesterday does is it makes the American players more of a household name. When would a guy like T.J. Oshie get this much run unless he scores the GWG to win the Cup? He's not at Jim Craig or Eruzione levels of fame but his name is out there. The Americans being a top team and specific players having standout performances gets them more eyeballs.

A 1-0 Switzerland-Latvia game isn't what they're there for...it's the buzz that an exciting game like USA-Russia creates. I have no interest in social media but you see the kind of attention that game gets. I think the only way they can truly capitalize on this is to win a gold medal and the American players become legit stars. The biggest reason soccer still struggles here is the lack of international success and no global stars.

[jiminphilly]

Why? See today's USA-Russia game.

This game doesn't help your argument.

[Screw_Michigan]

What's your problem, Jim?

[jiminphilly]

What's your problem, Jim?

With what?

[Screw_Michigan]

With NHL participating in the Olympics, obviously.

[jiminphilly]

With NHL participating in the Olympics, obviously.

I don't have an issue if players from the NHL choose to participate in the Olympics. But I think it's stupid for the NHL to shut down. They are all but acknowleding their product sucks.

[Screw_Michigan]

Your entertainment options are that limited where you're melting over the NHL shutting down for two weeks?

[Screw_Michigan]

I don't get why your panties are so bunched over the NHL and the Olympics. Just relax, it's just two weeks every four years. I know the IOC and the Olypics are corrupt as all hell, but I can get behind the pros in the Olympics. It is really an amazing product.

I get Ed Snider's beef, and I hate defending Ed Snider for anything.