Not Gonna Lie – I’m Pretty Bored
Posted by Mother Pucker on March 5th, 2010
Yeah, that’s how I feel when I’m watching the NHL lately. “But Mother Pucker, you’re a massive hockey fan!” That hasn’t changed at all, but I think after the Olympics, the watered down quality of the NHL really shines through.
Before the Olympics, I declared the games as being the best professional hockey we are going to see for quite a while, and they did not disappoint. Of course I’m biased towards Canada and their trouncing of the Russians, and the massive victory over the Americans in the gold medal game, but overall I still think the tournament was the best hockey we will see for a while.
I can also look back to the World Junior Hockey Championships where Team USA won gold. That tournament is also one of the best, as those kids battle their hearts out over the Christmas break and show us what true passion for your sport is all about.
So now we’re back to the NHL regular season, and all I can say is “ugh.” I’m sure that this feeling will pass, but the last few days have just been like a long zero-booze hangover for me. The game is slow, they don’t play with intensity, the crowd is quiet, etc etc etc. Maybe this is why the NHL doesn’t want its players going to the Olympics? Because the Olympics kick serious ass, which emphasizes how watered down the NHL product is? Must be it.
Anyway, I’m sure I’ll get back into it eventually… possibly starting tonight at the Wild/Oilers game… yeah that’ll surely be the barn burner that will change my mind!
Till then… I’ll keep on watching, and maybe even watch some highlights tomorrow morning to see if my perception has changed.
If every game in the NHL were played like the Canada – US gold medal game, hockey would have a lot more fans in the US.
But, of course, every game in the NHL can’t be played that way. As we are constantly reminded, “it’s a long season.”
Now, back to our regular programming. Feel free to DVR the games if it’s hard to stay awake during them. April is coming soon, and the action will shift into a higher gear again.
Could part of the reason you’re so disillusioned with the NHL have something to do with the fact that your team is basically done for the season, and you really can’t put your heart into cheering for and enjoying anyone else? I personally am finding it pretty exciting, being in the midst of an epic battle for number one in our division. Sure, the intensity isn’t the same as Canada/US, but then again, none of these games are for all the marbles, yet.
The other thing about that Canada US gold medal game, let’s face it that was probably the best hockey game in any league or level in years and years. That game was so good that halfway thru the third I wanted the US to tie it, just so the game wouldnt end! That particular game set a mighty high bar for entertainment level… Most games will be a bit of a let down after that monster.
Yeah that gold medal game was legendary so there is no doubt that it took a while to shake that out out of my head. The Oil being out of it had a little to do with it again, but I follow pretty much every team so it can’t be totally blamed on that.
Good news tho, I’m back! Just needed a little time to get excited about this stuff again! haha