How big is the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off final? So big that ESPN even dedicated a significant portion of its Thursday morning programming to talking about hockey. Not only that, but both Get Up and First Take did multiple live hits with P.K. Subban.
Don’t worry, there was still plenty of time for Stephen A. Smith to argue with Chris Canty about the Cowboys.
And during an appearance on Get Up, Subban made quite the statement about Thursday night’s final between the United States and Canada, invoking last year’s Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Florida Panthers and Edmonton Oilers.
“The thickest part of the culture, the fabric of our sport in hockey is the team aspect of it. It’s about the team. And no one’s bigger than the game,” Subban said. “All these players understand that and understand that on this stage. It’s evident with the effort that they’ve come out and put out in this tournament.
“So when I say that no one’s bigger than the game, the game has also never been bigger than where it is today. And that’s exactly the opportunity that these guys have, is to play for something that’s bigger than themselves. Some of these guys have never even played in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. But people are saying that this game is bigger than the Stanley Cup game last year and any Stanley Cup game that we’re going to see this year. So it puts it into perspective of the opportunity that these guys have and they’re ready for the moment. The whole world will be watching tonight. They’re going to leave it all on the ice. It’s going to be a tremendous show.”
As if he needed to do so, the former NHL defenceman — and Toronto native — made one last pitch for Thursday night’s final, which will air on ESPN.
“I’m going to tell you this: buckle up, strap in, pack a lunch, dinner, breakfast for tomorrow morning,” Subban said. “Whatever you need to do to get ready for 8:00 tonight. ‘Cause it’s all going to boil over. It’s going to be awesome.”
While P.K. Subban didn’t outright endorse the idea of the 4 Nations Face-Off being bigger than the Stanley Cup Final he didn’t dismiss it either. And while one could certainly debate whether an exhibition final in the first year of its existence is actually more prestigious than what is arguably the most storied team trophy in sports, the fact that it’s even a conversation at this point already is telling.
Ultimately, the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off has been nothing short of a success, especially in contrast to the NBA’s disastrous All-Star Weekend. And while the event has already proven to be a ratings draw, Thursday’s final figures to do its biggest number yet, potentially further bolstering its case for being considered hockey’s preeminent event.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.