32 Thoughts: The Podcast - 4 (Nations) Thoughts

Episode Date: February 12, 2025

In this episode, Kyle Bukauskas and Elliotte Friedman are joined by Michael Russo of The Athletic and Sportsnet's David Amber to preview the 4 Nations Tournament here in Montreal. After the preview, Kyle and Elliotte sit down with a number of players from the tournament for some exclusive interviews:Josh Morrissey (33:17)Aleksander Barkov (44:29)Linus Ullmark (56:49)Erik Karlsson (1:07:54)Brock Nelson (1:18:31). Email the podcast at [e-mail] or call the Thought Line at 1-833-311-3232 and leave us a voicemail.This podcast was produced and mixed by Dominic Sramaty and hosted by Elliotte Friedman & Kyle Bukauskas.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliates

So, if he's like a father and son and you know what you know what's scary about that I could I'm old enough. I could be his dad 54 and 31 Yeah, yeah, I know you I know you would have thought a higher number Welcome to 32 thoughts the podcast presented by the GMC Sierra 84 X Elliot We are in Montreal getting you set for the Four Nations Face Off. We have come to one of the great arenas in our sport and are sitting in one of the smallest rooms in this building. This is like an evening with Nora Jones level of tightness. So with that in mind, it was only fitting that we find the media member

with the widest shoulders to try to fit in here. David Amber is back by popular demand, NHL on Sportsnet, the host of Scotiabank Wednesday Night Hockey. DA, welcome. Why are you sitting on my lap? That's why I wanted to know. The room is small. I hear this is the size of your hotel room.

I know, Don was really complaining about them earlier. We told him to just relax. And the voice you hear there, Mike Russo, who writes for the Athletic. He's been covering the NHL, about 30 years you're almost gonna hit here, Mike, and at falls, so congratulations on that. 30th season, I think.

We hit the 31st, yeah. Yeah, thank you very much. Welcome to the podcast. Did Bill Garan say, "'Jeez, I was hoping I'd be rid of you "'for at least a week and a half." I didn't tell him, I probably shouldn't say this on the pod, but yes, you should Yeah, no, I probably should tell him that I signed a new a new contract at the athletic the other day. So

Yeah, I thought I was retiring but apparently I'm not so the so you sold enough subscriptions for that to keep you pretty much apparently, so yeah, I'm I was like like having this dream of maybe going to Vegas and like dealing cards in my post-hockey writing life. And now I'm gonna be at the athletic for a little longer. Nice, congratulations here. Yeah, thanks.

You did a great job. That's great. So we had conversations with a couple of players here that you'll hear later on in the podcast, Ali, but we wanted to spend a few minutes just kind of setting the stage here for what should be a really exciting week and a half With the games getting underway Wednesday night to Sweden against Canada here and in Montreal It feels to me and either you want to take the first one

But of course, this has been a really busy NHL season to this point because of this event The schedule has felt a little bit more truncated. But now that we're here, we saw the players on the ice for the first time in their colors. The line combinations get blasted out on social for the first time on Monday. And it was like everything switched. It was like, okay, now we're locked into it. Michael, I don't know. I want to start with you. What's your takeaway?

Well, I couldn't agree more. Like, you know, like part of me, you wondered if this was going to be a glorified All-Star game with four obviously dream teams, but how would the intensity be? Watching these practices the last couple of days, I mean, they are, they're going out, especially Team USA who's got an extra day to prepare. Like they're five on five play. It is intense. And then you watch Canada today and Brad Moore-Shand is running over top powerplay guys on the PK

And it just and then when you know like Matthew Kachuk talked the other day about just you know wanting to be Canada is badly Like that's when you know these guys are here to win this thing And you know I just think it's gonna be an awesome tournament, and I'll put it this way I'm much more excited now that I'm on feet on the ground here than I maybe was a week ago? I am 100% with you on this is that, like I understand there's fans out there, they're like I'm not into this, I'm not into this, I'm not into this.

I think once the puck drops, it's gonna change for a lot of people. Like I can't look at things like that. I'm here, I'm here to work, so I'm excited. Like I can't work any other way, but I don't know about you, DA, but when I watched Canada practice that power play the other day, I was like, holy smoke. This is going to be awesome. There's nervous excitement.

We had a really great opportunity of media availability. They brought all the different players out onto separate podiums and you could sit there and they sat there and they answered and fielded a lot of questions. It was as close as you're going to get to the top players in the league in that sort of environment, maybe all year really and each guy was talking about the nervous excitement and some of them likened it to the start of the Stanley Cup finals or the Stanley Cup playoffs. Some of them like Seth Jarvis said when he took the ice yesterday he said it's the most nervous he's ever been. Like think about this, a bona fide star

in the National Hockey League, and he's sitting between Crosby and McDavid in the dressing room. So this is a special time. I think it's going to be very hard fought. It'll be anything, it'll be the exact antithesis of what we see at All-Star weekend, where it's very jovial and just guys are just putting going through the motions

This is for all the stakes and I think it's gonna be great. Are you a team USA guy Michael? Like you're from Florida, right? Right, right. So are you a big team USA guy like deep down like I admit it I want to see Canada. Yeah, are you like that? So I will say the sports writer in me I'm like incapable of rooting for anybody like, you know Obviously like I am the our USA hockey writer at the athletic like we've divvied it up between five of us but I just incapable of ever rooting and it's always been me maybe because I've been a sports writer since I was 15 years old That I just have never had allegiances. Obviously being American, you know, it would be the better story

But but I can't say that I'm here rooting for anybody I just feel like that does taint the way that you that you way that you write the way that you so you say That Dave is unprofessional Definitely not saying that But I will say like I I am excited about this new crop of it of American players like this this group out there is pretty unbelievable. And you just look at the number. We were just talking before the show about just the number

of great American players that were left off that weren't even really considered. The Maddie Knives and eventually Will Smiths and Neil Pionk, who's having a great year in Winnipeg. And then obviously, Clayton Keller and T.H. Thompson and John Carlson. But then you look at who's on the ice the last couple of days. I mean, this is a great, great hockey team.

It should be at least. Is this the, maybe the deepest American team you've been around? I mean, of course you could say it's the most skilled with just where things are at in the game now. But when you look at the roster compared to other team USA incarnations that you've been around in your career,

how does this one stack up? Yeah, I mean, I still like, you know, you have those, like the, you think of the days of Bill Guerin and Mike Madonna. That was a great team. Keith Kachak and those guys. I mean, those teams were unbelievable. Then, you know, Vancouver with guys like Parisi

and those guys, but like, I just look at this roster and when you have suddenly Dylan Larkin playing on the fourth line and you're scratching Chris Kreider and it's pretty freaking deep. And then you look at their lines. I love the way they're five on five. I love the way their lines are set up. There's still some of the power play things

I thought were a little like I was, I could have sworn that I was gonna see just Zach Warrensky on the top unit today replacing Quinn Hughes And then we saw obviously Adam Fox here Obviously you can't you can't argue that but Zack is having an unbelievable season You know nor is trophy like and I just thought we maybe see them But they're gonna be tweaks throughout this tournament I think the way you guys are talking are you guys saying the u.s. Should be the favorite team here. Well, they're co-favorites

The way you guys are talking, are you guys saying the US should be the favorite team here? Well, they're co-favorites, but then when you see McDavid and you see McKinnon and Crosby on the same line. I gotta tell you, Dave, honestly, as you know, I'm still mad at you for telling McDavid I picked Team USA, but I did pick Team USA coming in, but when I watched Canada practice yesterday,

I was like, I don't know. I think one to 25 or whatever, how many players are here, I think USA has the deepest roster, but it is hard not to look at what Canada, if I was one of these other countries, I would be bribing the officials not to call any penalties, because I look at that, how are how are you going to deal with that? I look forward to after, if Canada wins this thing,

McDavid and his post game somewhere referencing Elliott by name. You say that was a bulletin board. A bulletin board. Exactly. We had his face in the room. The one thing, and I don't want to make more of it than it maybe deserves, but the one thing is, and I asked John Cooper, I said, what's the identity of this Canadian team?

And he said, gamers and winners. And that's probably the way you should describe it, right? Of the 20- Well, winning was a big thing. Like- 15 of the 20 guys have won a cup. There was a lot of debate about whether or not it would be Doughty. And I think there were times in the last week, they might have wavered a little bit.

But first of all, I think the Kings deserve a lot of credit for giving Doughty the showcase. But the fact that he's won two cups and a couple of gold medals, I think that everything they do with Doughty getting on this team. I mean, in this short, tiny format where essentially one loss could be the demise as far as getting to the championship game even is that going to matter? That's the question I have right? Like you can have all the winning pedigree but in one game a bad bounce, a miss save, a penalty call, whatever could be the difference between winning and losing. All right so let's talk about Kyle we'll start with you so the let's do let's do the two games because the next part comes out Friday so time to break it up

let's talk about Canada Sweden opening out a night. I think the Swedes are pretty good. I was looking at that deal with Forsling practicing. That is a good defense, but Canada opening night, Montreal, that's a tough, tough, tough order. Yes, and so I think Canada will win the opener. That's where I'm leaning right now. It's interesting.

Mike, you said what, like 13 to one? Yes, exactly. That was your prediction thing for Saturday. So I'm watching how they've gone about things already. And I like, you know, the lines, I wouldn't have predicted in my mind coming into this of seeing like a Mark Stone with, you know, Crosby and McKinnon, but I like the thinking behind it. I'm just, it's always fascinating how quickly can a group come together. And because it's been

so long, there's not really a ton of history, at least with this Canadian group, if anything recent. So for there, I think, you know, it's curious going with Jordan Bittington, but he's a guy who was one, you mentioned what John Cooper, you know, what it's all about for this group, but so too is Aiden Hill. So he gets the nod here for Canada. I think that there's gonna be maybe some nervous energy,

I think that'll carry a lot of it early where you could see you know some plays just not quite connecting yet but I think as the night unfolds you're gonna see a Canadian team that's got a really deep opponent that has kind of a pedigree for just never going away and in Sweden but we've talked about how deep Canada is like I think I think I like their chances here for, um, given their, their home crowd, something to cheer about here early. I think it's going to be a low scoring game Wednesday, Sweden and Canada. I would go as far as to say, I think the team that scores first

will probably win the game. Um, I think they're the two best defensive teams in the tournament and that's not a knock on the U S. Um, I do think the Quinn Hughes factor is a factor and I just look're the two best defensive teams in the tournament. And that's not a knock on the U S I do think the Quinn Hughes factor is a factor. And I just look at the overall pedigree, the Swedish blue line is absolutely huge and incredible defenders and the Canadian blue line, I think is a great mix of all the sorts of talent and winning pedigree. Five of the six guys playing, you know, in game one versus Sweden have won the Stanley Cup.

So I think it's, I think one versus Sweden have won the Stanley Cup. Um, so I think it's, I think that's what it shapes up to be. I think the margins are so close between these teams. Um, you mentioned the nervous energy off the top. I wonder if that'll work against Canada. I hope not. I hope they can come out and kind of use the energy from the crowd and certainly Saturday, you know, my God, that's going to be amazing here in Montreal, but I do think it's going to be low scoring and, um, and I think both these teams are able to protect leads.

One thing Canada has done very well is they selected a lot of forwards who are very conscientious defensively, the Sorelles, the Konechnys, the Marks-Stones. Hagel, Hagel. Hagel, exactly. Two way, 200 foot players. If you have a lead, they're not going to make, you know, silly plays or dangerous plays, they're going to live you know silly plays or dangerous plays They're gonna live to see another day and I think that would bode well for either team once they have a lead

I think will be very hard to give it up I wouldn't want to go against Sarelli connect me and and Hagel I will I will tell you it doesn't seem like Sweden always Early in the tournament and not that this you can't afford any losses. They always be Canada. Yes Beyond their on their mind. The one thing that Canada has are the two players that every single shift can turn an entire game around. I mean, like, you know, especially being in the central division and covering, like, there is nothing like watching McKinnon every single shift come on the ice and just grab that puck behind his own goal line and go. And that's what he has the ability to do.

The one interesting, the one interesting thing that I will be interested in is the matchup between Hedman and Brodean against their top guys because Brodean makes life very hard for Connor McDavid whenever they play. If you look at McDavid's numbers, when Brodean's in the lineup, it's the lowest his points per game are

against any team in the league. And I'll tell you You know, I just think it'll be really fascinating to watch that but they can't play 60 minutes So that's gonna be the interesting matchup You know we had a chance to talk to Crosby and McKinnon and what one player said in the league was they were actually curious to see because McKinnon is the bull right like nothing stops that guy, but he's so because McKinnon's the bull, right? Like nothing stops that guy, but he's so deferential to Crosby,

he has such deep respect for Crosby, he was like, he wondered if McKinnon would be a little bit off initially figuring out how to play with Crosby, and I asked McKinnon about that, he looked at me, he's like, no. But that's not gonna help anybody. No.

So I've, Dale McCarmer made the same point, he said, I'm, you know, I said, wow, power play one, you have so many options, he goes, but I can't be too deferential. He goes, at some point, someone has to put the puck on that.

Yeah, McGavitt said that today too. Yeah, and I think that's a really important point. You can't look around and go, well, I better pass to this guy. This guy's a future Hall of Famer. I better pass to that guy. He's a future Hall of Famer. No, you gotta use the instincts that got you

to be on this team in the first place. Are you worried about Crosby's health? Because did you notice today, two days in a row, he does not take his hands out of his pockets when talking to the media. Like he doesn't want to see us to see what is wrong with him. I mean, I think we all know,

but it's pretty fascinating that he will not take his hands out of his hoodie. Well, I think the interesting thing is, they are very obviously aware, and I give credit to their staff for being aware of this, but whenever he does media, he's not wearing like any extra padding or anything like that. Like they are, now I did ask Crosby, an interview that's going to air Wednesday night, if he

at all thought that he wasn't going to play and he said there was a time he wasn't sure. And McKinnon said, I never doubteded it although Crosby ignored his phone calls for a few days like that was his line. You know Bennington as well as anybody here he's a central time Central Division guy with you were you surprised at all they started Bennington game one? No I'm really not even though hey Aiden obviously also has a cup but I just you know to me Bennington is The guy that in in a game where you need him to win and a very short tournament I think that he could do it and I've seen the best of him

I've seen some tough games for him as well, but I also think that even though this might make st. Louis fans like roll over when they were or drive off the road when they hear it because I have a tendency to like roll over when they, or drive off the road when they hear it because I have a tendency to rip on his demeanor at times. But I actually have a great respect for his game. And I just, I do think that that, that he made the most sense to start game one. Let's do a game one prediction.

Kyle, what do you think? I'll say four two Canada. Dave? I'm gonna say, I'll say three two Canada. Yeah, I was gonna go three two Canada. Yeah, I'm gonna say, I'll say 3-2 Canada. Yeah, I was gonna go 3-2 Canada. Yeah, I'm gonna go 4- I'm gonna go, I want higher goals, I want more goals, I'm gonna go 5-3 Canada. This is gonna be a hugely popular podcast in Sweden, by the way.

Yes. By the way- Our Swedish numbers are gonna be down. And by the way, if the wild Swedes listen to this, I'm in deep trouble because the wild have three Swedes, so. Oh, that's right. Yeah, they're gonna be all. And by the way if the wild Swedes listen to this I'm in deep trouble because the wild have three Swedes. Oh that's right yeah they're gonna be all over you. Yeah they're gonna be all over you. So in the three major events that Sidney Crosby is captain Canada they haven't lost a game let alone the event. Canada's won 16 in a row. 25 in a row. No but 60 in a row best on best. That counts world champion. Okay. So 60 in a row, best on best. That counts world champions.

Oh, okay. So if you go back to best on best for the 2016 World Cup. 60 in a row. The 2014 Olympics and the 2010 Olympics, the last game they lost was against USA in the Round Rock in Vancouver. They've won 60 in a row, best on best.

Wow, all right. I do think, I just wanna say this to our European listeners, I do think I just want to say this to our European listeners. I do think we are a little bit too North American centric here and there's gonna be a whopper of an upset in this tournament. I agree with you and and I do think I mean one of one reason why we're all having these opinions is just watching that practice. I mean that when you see those five guys on power play together it's just hard not to be bullish over what you're you know thinking that nobody could beat them

And we should also point out that in this tournament and you'll see it happen more talked about more The commercial breaks are an extra 30 seconds longer, right? So the star players are gonna get even more rest like these coaches are gonna be leaning on those stars. That's gonna be a factor. Yes, absolutely. So that's Wednesday, Thursday night, USA and Finland. And Finland, I mean, you wanna see them have some kind of success here.

Cause it seems like everything has been going against in the last few weeks with the injuries piling up and then they get here and my gosh, their practice on Monday, they had 11 skaters out there and two goalies. It looked something, nothing like, you know, getting ready for a quickly best on best type event. But for them, if they were to make anything difficult

for the States to give them any type of nerves here in their opener, I don't know, is it UC Soros simply standing on their head and they hang on for dear life and Ajo and the rent and into the world make enough plays or how do they have a chance here out of the game? I think the only way they have a chance is to like win games one nothing like you know Finland has the ability to do I think I think this is gonna be a tough chore for them I mean they've decimated on the blue line You know to the point that they're going to five five forwards on the power play

You know their goaltending concerns me if Soros is even the guy like because he has been I mean, it's really Crazy watching how how bad he's been this year and well he started off really well um I just wonder if the way that they've played kind of his guys took him down like he The beginning of the year, like his, even though they weren't doing well, his numbers were really good. Yeah. Really good.

And I have great respect for him too. Like I've sat down with him at the last two European media tours in both Prague and Stockholm. He's just such a tremendous guy. But just talking or listening into his, his availabilities today, he just seems down in the dumps. You know, a lot of, there was a lot of questions about his season overall.

And he just, he looks like a guy that's lost confidence in just the way that he's even discussing, like today he was actually discussing about how, you know, this tournament's just almost like a good mental break for him. Yeah, like just to get away from the team. And it was almost like he's trying to convince himself that it is a good way to bring him.

Yeah, it was really, it was a different sorrows than I've ever talked to. Finland is the prohibitive underdog of these four nations and the haste and an injury is a devastating injury and put it in other terms, it'd be like McCarr going down or even, you know, we saw Quinn Hughes go down. It's that level and maybe even greater because he is, you know, by far their top defender.

So yeah, they brought their work cut out for sure. Having said that, if you look back at their history, not that history has anything to do with it, but they play hard, they're fierce, they're incredibly competitive. And I think they feel, if nothing else, they've played together a lot collectively in all sorts of international formats

and they feel like there's a cohesiveness and a chemistry, which is one of the keys here. There's no time to find out who works with who. These guys seem to know at least how they're gonna play together. I agree, I never disrespect them, Dave. Like 2014, they beat gonna play together. I agree, I never disrespect them Dave. Like 2014 they beat Russia in Russia. 2004 World Cup, they got to Canada in the final.

That was the one where like Solani was playing on one leg. He had the big surgery right after that tournament was over. They are always greater than the sum of their parts, always. The one challenge I think I really feel with them though is that you were listening to their coach on Monday after the practice, he's like, well they couldn't even have a practice Monday as Kyle mentioned, but he's like we're gonna have to play really simple, like simple breakouts, stuff like that, and he's right. I just don't know in this tournament against tournament against all that talent that all these other teams have and

like I Just I don't know if playing simple which is what they're gonna have to do is gonna work Against these three teams like I said to all the fins that we interviewed I really feel terrible for you guys what's happened and they were like we're just gonna do what we do Which is exactly what Dave said I just think it's gonna be really hard against the high level of talent that is gonna be in this event all right so what do we think Thursday night scores USA Finland I'm gonna go 5-1 USA and I I just had this feeling Jack Eichel is gonna be an absolute stud in this term I think he's gonna be their best matchup center I I think he's, what he has turned into defensively

is something that I didn't foresee before he got to Vegas. And I, you know, you have these, the Kachucks just running around on separate lines. I just think it's gonna be an amazing tournament. I guess my one concern, believe it or not, is Hellebuck. I mean, you know, I know he's having a second straight, unbelievable regular season, but if we see the guy that we saw in the playoffs.

No chance. Yeah. You could argue no player here individually has more pressure than Connor Hellebuck. And when he saw them, I'm interested in his view. I'm not sure, but I'd say you could certainly make the case for it

because he's obviously the best goaltender in the world and he's been that for a few years. And this is the perfect international stage for him to showcase that. And if he has any problems, stumbles along the way, a lot of people are going to question his ability to rise. And when you have Auditor and Swainman just sitting in the way, there's not a lot of wiggle room.

But I'm with you, Michael. I think the US will win in convincing fashion. I do think Conor Hellebuyck's going to showcase himself at this tournament to be the world's best goalie. And I would say it might be a convincing win. I don't really have an idea for a score. If you're gonna force me to, I'll say five-two, five-one.

Five-two is probably a reasonable outcome here. Three-nothin'. Say three-nothin'. Finland? Three-nothin' for the Americans. Oh, it's Czech. Yes, yes. If I had any guts at all, this is the upset I would pick.

I just think there's gonna be one, now the answer is I don't have any guts, but I think there's gonna be one absolutely stunning result here. We all pick Canada, we all pick the US. One of these two games is not gonna go the way that we think are really hedging your but I don't have the guts to pick it I just yeah I'll say I'll say for one US but I Sweden or Finland is gonna win one of

those two games I just I'm not I just can't pick which one it's gonna be I think even as writers and reporters, it's hard to totally cut this on my part. Well, the one thing I have is it's hard even for us not to look ahead to Canada. Yes. Like I cannot wait. I sat next to this poor guy,

I sat next to Dylan Larkin on the flight here, and even he was like Saturday night, Montreal, like US, Canada, that thing is gonna be unbelievable. Do you think Dylan Larkin got on that plane and was like, oh no, what did I do that I gotta sit next to Michael Russo? I'm like, what? Like Steve Martin on planes, trains, and automobiles.

Was this a coincidence? Do you take off your shoes? Like boy, are these my dogs' barf feet? It was very respectful in the socks. Was this an up front seat or was this 36 seat, no reclining seat? It was up front. Okay, and I'll tell you what what a great guy like I

Interviewed I've interviewed him at some media tours as well that man is he a good dude How many how many like frequent flyer points do you have I have a lot are you over two million? Delta I've had over. Yeah, I'm two million milers. So that's a great chair line. Yeah, great story Yeah, I'm two million mile or so after that great. Caroline. Yeah, great story Well, I'm saying but he's going he's got multiple on the go So I I mean, I mean obviously over the times miles wise I probably had 10 or 12 million but but the two mile I could talk about frequent flyer miles David forever But uh, here's my best. This is shows you how sad of a human being I am my proudest moment was last year I'm in the Delta Sky Club at in Honolulu Airport and they're like, mr

Russo, can you come to the front and right away? I'm like ready to brawl because the only time you ever get Called to the front is that they're gonna bump you and then all of a sudden I go to the front and it's like Seven Delta agents with like box of those baby blue who want like Honolulu cookies. Yeah Oh, yeah congratulating me because I was hitting 2 million miles on that flight back George Clooney box of those baby blue Honolulu cookies. Yeah, oh yeah. Congratulating me because I was hitting two million miles on that flight back. George Clooney up in the air.

Yeah, there you are. Wow. Yep, it was my greatest achievement of my life. You know, the only guy I know who's at that is. I hope you're fabulous. Yes. Yes. The only guy I know who's ahead of you is Scott Oak.

I think he's over three million. Yeah, it's a lot of time in the air. And you're like titanium Marriott. Yeah, yeah. I got my own private ambassador that I call. Really? Yeah, Shaq. Shaq.

Yeah. Is it? I'm almost positive that she hates me, but oh. So is mine. Even today, even today I was fighting over over like a thousand marry up points that I feel like has not been credited to my account from a recent stay in Vegas and She and I were kind of going back and forth on email and finally I just gave up I didn't realize we were podcasting with royalty here

God that is good. You should, you know what, you should, when you put this podcast out, you have to put the picture of Kyle and his meal last night. Oh, yes. With the sweet. So we went to a great restaurant, a few of us. Milos.

Milos, yeah, and Kyle had the lobster. Lobster pasta. Lobster pasta. And when they delivered it, it was like the proud, like you looked like you had hit the lottery. You were so excited. So Dom over here, he goes, sorry, what did you order again? I said lobster pasta.

He goes, I think I just saw one being taken to another table, like you made a great choice. Oh, okay, all right. And he was right. Yeah, it was a great meal. All right, so before we wrap this up, I have one last question for everybody. Who is the player?

Like everybody thinks, Eichel I think is a great pick, but he's a top, who is the player that exits this tournament and we all look at it and say, great player, but I wasn't expecting them to have as awesome a tournament as they did? Okay, does Bradayden Point qualify?

Yes. He doesn't get a lot of attention. He's my guy. Brayden Point, okay. The Tampa fans are gonna riot in the streets, but I think that everybody's kind of forgotten about him because of all the other guys on Canada. That's the only, just because of the rest

of the depth of Canada. He is a bona fide star in my mind, but in this setting, I'm taking him. Okay, I am gonna go, I'm gonna go off the board, as I really wanted to go off the board for this one. If Finland is gonna do anything, Michael Grandlin has a big tournament. Whoa.

I just came across my phone. It's almost like the iPhone has eyes and ears. Oh, they're listening to us. So all of a sudden I'm standing listening to Hala and Grandlin talk and flashes. I look at my phone and it's a picture of Michael Grandlin at 2010, 15 years ago in Finland signing autographs at the Wild's Global Series game there. And when he, like, he had just been drafted,

he wasn't signed with the Wild, and this kid shows up on my phone, like 18 years old. Like, what are the chances? I'm with you, I love, like, I love Gramlin. I was, the one thing about Gramlin too is how the chemistry he immediately had with Celebrini I think he enjoyed being that mentor guy like kind of the way that Nico Coyvill used to be with him and things like that Gremlin's a good pick. I don't know like I like I'm picking USA to win the tournament. So I'm gonna go with Kyle Connor

I just think he is one of the most underrated goal scorers in this league Nobody ever talks about him. And he's on to me what's their top line. I know a Toronto fan is gonna be upset when I say that, but Eichel is first out on rotations on all their practices. I think Kyle Connor is gonna have an unbelievable tournament. He's not on PP1, but no, he is on PP1. I just think he's gonna be the guy.

I'm gonna pull an Elliott Friedman, I'm gonna hedge my bets here. I think Canada or the US are gonna win this one. I think Canada is gonna win this tournament, but I'm just gonna give one guy from each team. I'll say Charlie McEvoy had his sunrise a couple weeks ago. He seems to have a real pep in his step. He's one of those guys.

He loves the big moments. He loves the big stage. He's a great player. I know he's had a bit of a down year for him, so I'll say, even though he's a blue liner, I can see him having a big moment, defensively or offensively. And I'm gonna go on a bit of a limb here

and say Seth Jarvis, who was a huge surprise to many people to have made this team, there is a guy, I think, he's the youngest player on Canada, incredible skill, if he didn't play in Carolina, he played in a bigger hockey market, he'd certainly have a bit more publicity around his name. Just getting a chance to talk to him today and seeing his skillset during the skate today, I was like,

there is a guy who could conceivably score a big goal at a very meaningful time. So. I remember I sat down with Jake Ensell in Carolina right after they beat the Islanders last year. And he's like, you have no idea how good Seth Jarvis is going to be in this league. He was a stud. Well, you know, I just, I pick a sweet as I want one EP 40. It's Dom's from audio producers

Coma and he just when I said that he rolled his eyes And then he was like a coma and he just when I said that he rolled his eyes Oh my 40 is the Swedish guy oh my god outstanding all right today I ship your extra small suits here. I hope they hope they have you know this question He asked me said your suits are I'm like I don't know where the suit I get my suits delivered anywhere. I like it because they have your suits delivered here because I can't fit in each of your hotel rooms Captain Titanium over there Nice at Braden point, okay. Yes. Yes, but you were determined to get that in this episode, so I'm glad you did All right. We'll let you boys get to Stoge's. Thank you very much for spending a few

You guys know I listen to this every week. I love when I get your notes. Yeah, I love when you send them. Now I send you group texts. And Russo, a friendly wager, you say US, I'll say Canada. What do you want to bet? I want your points. I'll bet three million points.

Send them my way. No crying, dude. What are you offering up in return? You have one of my extra small suits. That would fit on my left leg. Oh Lord. All right, well let's hop at it. Beautiful. All right, we'll take a break and come back with our interviews.

You're listening to 32 Thoughts. All right, welcome back. So Tuesday here in Montreal was media day. It was a really productive day. I had the chance to speak with a number of players from all four countries represented here at the Four Nations Face Off. A long day, but a productive one. We're gonna give you just a smattering of some of the conversations Ellie and I

were fortunate to have over the course of the day. Josh Morrissey, Alexander Barkov, the captain of Team Finland, Linus Ahlmark, and Erik Karlsson of Team Sweden, and Brock Nelson of Team USA. Really neat American hockey ties with Brock Nelson and his extended family. You'll hear all of that coming up in just a little bit.

But we begin with the Calgary native, Joss Morrissey, defenseman for Team Canada in conversation with Elliot and myself on 32 Thoughts. So, Josh, as I was saying yesterday, I walk into the dressing room after the practice in Montreal and it's you and Shay Theodore sitting next to each other chatting and I'm like, I feel like I've gone back into a time machine 10 years when you guys were here

playing for Canada at the World Juniors and I just wonder how quickly it's all gone by for you and what do you remember about that time? Yeah I mean it's crazy how fast it goes it's cool to connect with a bunch of guys that were on that team and you know it's hard to believe it was you know 10 years ago and everyone's gone on to their careers in NHL and done really well but you know that tournament was you know means so much to Canada, Canadian fans and also to the kids that get a chance to play in it. You know I remember watching every year growing up around the holidays and so you know you wanted to go there and make Canada proud. It had been a few years that time since we had won, and a lot of us were on the team the year before that finished fourth.

So to play it in Canada, play in Montreal and Toronto, it was one of the best experiences for us. You know, sold out arenas, and we just had a great team. So cool to reconnect. We've been talking about that term a little bit as well as we've been reconnecting here. So tell us about walking into this room for the first time on Sunday and seeing everyone.

Yeah, it's pretty cool. I mean, I think on one hand, it's really nice to be able to connect with guys that you played with in the past at, you know, world championships or, you know, world juniors or different things like that. But also in the past at world championships or world juniors or different things like that, but also just the pride that comes with being on Team Canada and seeing the Maple Leaf everywhere and the players that are here. I think for me that's such an amazing, surreal experience to walk in and be hanging with

the best players in the world. I think all of us are excited and just want to, obviously make Canada proud and go out there and play as well, play our best game. But it's just pretty cool to be in the room with those guys. Like I said, once you just start hanging out, everyone's just hockey players. So it's been a lot of fun so far. Now, I know in Winnipeg, you're a pretty vocal guy.

You're a big part of that group, but here, do you carry yourself differently at all? Just, are you quieter than you normally would be in the Winnipeg room or anything like that? I think the focus or what we've talked about is obviously everyone's here for a reason. Whether it's there are different styles of game, skill sets, personalities, leadership abilities. So obviously bringing that to the team here, you can't come in and defer or not be who you are

because that's the reason you've been selected to be here. At the same time, obviously there's 23 guys on the roster and there's gonna be different roles and opportunities and all that stuff and you know I think that's that's the biggest thing in my experience playing for Canada in the past is just you know whatever you're asked to do you need to you need to do it and obviously do it to the best of your abilities, be able to change your game if need be or play a different position or spot than maybe you do night in night out in NHL.

But it's a lot of fun when you're playing with a bunch of the best players in the world and against a bunch of the best players in the world for your country. That challenge of taking on a new role if need be or whatever it is is exciting and I think something that, you know, guys really relish. This has been such a busy year for everyone. Like the schedule's been crazy. You're playing games right up until, or there's still two games in the league on the Sunday prior to this getting going.

So when did it sink in for you that you were playing for Canada with the group that you have and against the opponents you'll be up against? Yeah, obviously I'd be lying if it wasn't on my mind through the first part of the season, you know, waiting here and see the announcements. So that moment of finding out I was on the team was pretty cool. Something I'll never forget and just something I take with a lot of pride and respect. But then definitely you're busy every day like you say with NHL so I think probably set in after we finished our last game we

played on Friday and had a day in Winnipeg to get packed up and ready to come out to Montreal and you know that was kind of when the butterflies started to kick in for me. You know just I guess even throughout the year playing against guys you know on the other, knowing that you're gonna be teammates in the next few weeks was pretty cool. So there's some of those moments, but it really set in once we finished and got the Team Canada hockey bag

and we're headed to the airport. Still get nervous? I think it's more excited to be honest with you. Like, there's so many guys that We've all played with before and have past relationships with something that you feel comfortable in that setting and you know I'm just excited to play with these guys and You know, it's it's something we haven't had in a long time through my whole career. There hasn't ever been a best-on-best. So To get this opportunity something that you know that I think everyone's really excited about.

Do you ever, did you walk into the room and say, put your hands up, who's on the number one team in the National Hockey League? Oh, sorry, that's me. You know, I tried to come in a little humbler than that. Yeah, it's been a great year for us, obviously. And, you know, it's just fun. It's fun to connect with the guys and talk about games

that one another, you play against each other during the year, and what certain teams are doing, and things like that. And everyone just, I don't think anyone here doesn't love the game. So it's fun to have those conversations. But yeah, it definitely feels really good to be where we're at right now with the Jets.

So here's one question I had. I heard a couple players told me that story that before Canada played the U.S. in 2014 in Sochi, there was a meeting about where a couple players were asked about a teammate on the other team. And they were said, they were told, we need to know how to get under the skin of this guy. And they, under pressure, they gave up some stuff. So when you get asked about Conor Hellebock over the next couple of days, or you get asked about Kyle Conner over the next couple of days,

how honest will you be about what it takes to handle those two? Well, I think in both cases they're just phenomenal hockey players. You know I shot on Helly for 10 years every day in practice and and warm up and everything like that and you know I'd love to say I have a book on him but he's a pretty darn good goalie so you know and we joke about that every day. But yeah I think it's obviously you put on the national team sweater you know you want to do anything you can to win. But in both those guys' cases, they're just, you know, what you see night in, night out in the NHL is what you get. They're just phenomenal, very talented.

And, you know, I think the book on those guys, let's say, is, you know know you got to respect their ability and obviously you know as a dynamic offensive player and as a great goaltender so you know it'd be fun to compete against those guys and play against them. Well because it seems like the Americans like are incredibly going to be incredibly wired for that Saturday night game here in Montreal against you guys. How much have you guys talked about what that moment and stage will be like? Yeah, I mean it's incredibly exciting. I remember playing the Americans here on New Year's Eve in the World Juniors and obviously, you know, there's such a rivalry through the years and I think it brings out excitement and generally the best of both teams. So yeah, it's exciting.

We haven't had the chance to do it. There's a lot of guys on both of these teams who haven't had the chance to play in these events. So I know everyone's really excited for it. We've got a big game tomorrow obviously against Sweden where our focus is. But for sure the Saturday night, Bell Centre, Canada, US, I mean the stage just doesn't get much better than that. So it's just gonna be a lot of fun.

It's gonna be intense. I'm sure it'll be an exciting game for the fans. And obviously, we wanna go out there and focus on what we need to do to be a successful team throughout this tournament. Last one for me, you've always been a very calm but understated guy. You know, you've played for Canada many times before.

This is the pinnacle. When you get named to this team, it is the true statement of where you are as a hockey player. What does it mean to you, Josh, that not only were you named to this team, but whether you admit it or not, I think you were pretty much a no-doubter for this team. Well, I think I appreciate that. I mean, it's a huge honor. You know, I think when I think about my career and you know, all the different things that you're trying to, the levels you're trying to get to as a player, certainly, you know, when the national team is being selected, if you have an opportunity to play

for that team and you're chosen, I think it's a huge honour. There's just so much respect that I have for the game, for the guys that have played on Team Canada in the past, the history that the national team has in the Olympics and World Cups and everything else. You want to play with pride for the history and continue that on. So, you know, individually and then thinking a lot broader to what it means to be on this team

and the guys that have worn this sweater in the past, you know, it's, I almost can't describe how much it means to me. And, you know, definitely just can't wait to go out there and play and compete with these guys, hopefully carry that legacy forward. Last one, Trey, so when you and your brother were playing like on the family rinks there growing up, like who did you try to emulate?

Was there ever any moment where you pictured yourself in a team Canada sweater as a young kid? Yeah, I mean, I think growing up, obviously different heroes. I grew up in Calgary, so Jerome was our hero. I think every kid in Calgary at that time, obviously he had a great career, sits on the golden goal, but he had a great career with Team Canada. So whether it was Jerome, I love watching Scott Niedermeyer. So many great players came through.

And Sid, Drew Doughty in the 2010 Olympics. There's just an unbelievable amount of guys that have worn the sweater and contributed at big moments in tournaments. So for me, it was those guys. And I don't think it's really set in that now, you know, you're on that team and getting to be in that company. But you know, again, it's just, it's a huge honour and one that I want to make the most

of with these guys. Who won Super Bowl squares? All the coaches kind of seemed to clean up. So there's a little controversy there, but I think it was all in fair game so they cleaned up though. So Alexander we just noticed before we came in here you're chatting with Timu Solani for a little while there I mean one of the great legends of the sport and of course of your country I just wondering what is it like for all of you guys to have him around here for a bit?

Oh it's awesome I just saw him. Obviously, I wasn't expecting for him to be here, but, yeah, he's a legend, a Finnish legend. Everyone knows him in Finland. Everyone loves him. So it's great to have that guy here around him, just talking to the guys. And he's a funny guy. So there's a lot of great conversations with him.

I was gonna say he probably is not in Finland right now because he's got a great tan going. Yeah, you can't get that in Finland right now. In February, so I'm sure he's been somewhere else. Do you ever ask, just in your time with him, have you ever asked him for advice? Has he ever given you advice? What's your relationship like? No, I haven't spent much time with him. I wish I did because there would be a lot of things to ask from him about his career

and how he prepared and how he played and who he played with. I'm sure there's a lot of funny stories from him. I get to play with him in the Olympics for a couple games. I get to spend some time with him at the World Cup 2016. He was there as a senior advisor or how do you call them. But I wish I get to spend a little more time and talk to him. Like right now I was great,

great two, three minute conversation with him. So that was 2014 at the Olympics, right? Where you played with him. What do you remember about that? Cause your career was just, just getting started and suddenly you get a chance to represent your country on the ultimate stage. What was that like? Oh, It was awesome. I remember everything because

that was one of the best memories of my career and my life. Olympics have always been special for me. Not because I wanted to play there, because it's just like once in four years. I'm a huge sports fan. I watch literally every sport. So for me, Summer Olympics and Winter Olympics, the best time of the year. So it was a huge honor for me to get a chance to represent Team Finland there in Sochi. I really enjoyed my time there, just walking around the village and playing a couple of games I got hurt

unfortunately in the second game but before that it was it was a lot of fun so I remember those those two two games maybe five days that I was there for the rest of my life. Here I gotta say Alex I think a lot of the hockey fans they feel terrible for you guys just in the sense that it seemed like every day, one fin was getting hurt and was coming off the roster. As you were watching this unfold, what were you thinking? Well, you can obviously, Hayes Kinn and Risto Leinen, those guys, Hakan Pa, like you can't really replace them.

They're elite players in their own way. Like Risto is a big, strong defenseman, can make plays, shoot the puck, like play physical. Håkan Pass, same way. Heiskennan, just the elite skater, really good on power play, which would have helped us for sure. Obviously not having them is not great,

but I think as a Finnish hockey player playing for Team Finland, you don't rely on one player or you don't rely on the skill or anything. Obviously, we have a lot of skill, but you don't rely on just those things. Like I mentioned earlier, we're a close and tight group that plays really well defensive defensively and we're always thinking about team first and everyone does does it's his thing as well as possible so all you have to do is just be be the best version of yourself in the tournament and we're gonna be fine. I've always remembered the saying one man's injuries another man's opportunity. What did you tell like the young guys like

Mats and Paulo who are getting the chance like what do you say to them another man's opportunity. What did you tell the young guys like Matenpaolo who are getting the chance? What do you say to them yourself? Well, he's a great guy. Actually, our last game was against them, against Ottawa before the break, and get to see him play there. And I heard a little bit before that game

that he might be joining us because Risto will be out. So get to watch him a little bit and very impressed. He's big, strong, physical defenseman, makes a great first pass. So I'm sure he knows what to do, just be himself and as good of a version of himself as possible, which we all need to do in this tournament. And that's it.

I wondered, during that game, did you line up next to him and say, hey, here we could be teammates next week? Did you give him any hints? I don't remember lining up next to him. I probably maybe would have said something, but I don't know, I don't remember. I just saw him on the ice when I was on the bench.

I just seem like, regardless of the circumstance of injuries, whatnot, still you get the sense of this is a very, very proud group of players. And you talked about earlier just the chance to represent your country. I'm wondering what your sense is of the group, knowing that there's some guys missing that you would love to have here,

but still the opportunity to perform on this stage. Like what's been your takeaway from the first couple of days together? Everyone's proud and honored to be here. That's always been the thing for Finnish hockey and Finnish national teams. So it's a huge honor to get a chance to represent your own country.

It doesn't matter which tournament, World Championships, Olympics, here. So you're proud and you're going to do your best no matter what. So all I'm seeing is just excited group of guys that can't wait to get a chance to play with each other. Obviously we play against each other a lot. So now we get a great chance to see each other from so close and maybe play on the same line with them or on the same team just to pass the puck around, which you don't really get to do during the normal regular seasons.

Right, well it's funny, like, Aho had the line yesterday, he's going, I've probably been a line mate with everybody here with Finland at some point. Like, do you feel that similarly or how well do you know your group? Yeah, that's, that would be my answer too. Like, I, at some point in my life, I've either played or been in the same group, same group somewhere in the meetings or tournaments or camps or something like that. Like, I know a lot of guys really close and then some of them not

not so close but played with them or against them so it's like I said it's close and tight group. In ten days who are you gonna hate more? Forestling, Bennett or Kichuk? That's a good question I I love them all. It's hard. It might become a lot of hate relationship after that. I don't know. It's tough. You play with those guys, you play with them for a long time. You're going to play with them again once this tournament is over. Obviously when the puck drops and you play against them, you don't really think about, oh, he's my teammate. I'm going to take it easy on him. There's no chance.

They're not going to do the same thing to you, so you're not doing the same thing with them. So you just play as hard as possible, no matter who you play against. Did you have a Super Bowl party or anything like that on Sunday night, you guys? Yeah, we watched it at the hotel. We all got together and watched it. What was the spread? Chiefs or Eagles?

Like, what was everybody on your team like? I think we had more Eagles fans. OK. For some reason, I don't know. OK. And did you guys do squares or anything like that? No, we didn't get a chance. We didn't have everyone there.

Some guys were still traveling or some guys had a game that day, so we didn't want to leave anyone. So who was the most disappointed Chiefs fan at the end of the night? I don't think there were many disappointed Chiefs fans. I know there are really happy Eagles fans like Nicola. He won some money on that. Oh, okay. That's good. He's all about money.

Go on. Nothing else. No, I don't want to like it. So, you know, less than a year ago, you became the first, like, Finnish captain to hoist the Stanley Cup, and now you're getting the opportunity here. I imagine none of this changes you as a person, but just as you go through life and you get a chance to experience and accomplish different things, how do you kind of view yourself now at this stage of your career doing the things that you've done? Well, every single day, every single second, learning something new and obviously huge accomplishment last year, winning the Cup. And now here, huge honor and really proud to be a captain of Team Finland,

which something new to me, obviously, to be a captain of the national team and learning as well, learning curve as well. So great experience. It's gonna be a great experience. I have a lot of great, great guys in the room, a lot of great leaders who are doing their part. So we're just excited and I'm very excited

of this new opportunity and to learn and to grow as a human and as a professional hockey player. So every single thing I'm trying to learn and enjoy. When your parents heard that you were going to wear Every every single thing I'm trying to learn and enjoy You were gonna wear the sea for Finland, what did they say They're really happy. They congratulated me right away. They're really Like I said proud and happy for me and just Just very happy. Mm-hmm. Last one I have is, I want to ask you about the Panthers. Every big game I've watched you guys play this year,

you guys have been great. Boston, beat them a couple times. Carolina, like, what that says to me is, it's a long season, it's hard to repeat, but when the puck drops in April, you guys are gonna be ready. Do you get that sense? I do, that's our goal.

Honestly, I think we did a really good job by turning the page. We're not like living in the past. Obviously, we know we have a knowledge what we achieved last year, but we have new team, new group, so some new players and some new personnel in the team. So I think we turned the page really quick and really well,

and we're only looking forward. And obviously what we did last year helps us a lot, and those memories and those experiences that we lived even like past two years taught us a lot and we were more experienced this year than we were last year or two years ago so that I'm sure that will help us and still have 25 games left in the regular season to become better and stronger and be ready for playoffs. First of all, you have to make them first and then move on.

I think you're going to make the playoffs. I think you're going to make the playoffs. Okay, my last one. I know you're a big tennis fan. Can Novak win another slam? For sure. He's unfortunate what happened to him in our Shelly and Open, but I'm sure his experience

and the way he lives his professional athlete life, I think he really has a chance. Obviously there's a lot of guys to beat now, but I'm sure with his experience and the way he is, I'm sure he's gonna get at least one. So Linus, first of all, just given the year that it's been, I wonder what it means to you to be here, to be healthy, to be able to represent Sweden at this event.

It's a lot of pride, a lot of honor, for me at least. I think that kind of goes to show for everybody that's in the room with the, for Team Sweden that everybody wanted to be there. And there's always something that I look forward to, something that I haven't had that many opportunities to do, but every time that I feel like I see those three crowns and I put the jersey on, it just fills me with a sort of pride and honorable feelings that this is why I play hockey for. And to represent your country, there's nothing better than having that jersey on and staring

down the other rink and see what kind of players you're playing against. What was it like when, you know, the first time Swedes get into a room together? Like who's the talker? Who's quiet? Who's ripping the other guys? Who's laughing the hardest? What's it like when you're a group? There's a lot of chatter. There's a lot of chatter. A lot of us have been around each other in different settings, we're playing world championships or whatever it may be. And I would say that probably one of the most vocal guys is Eric Carlson. He's probably the... I would say that he's the one that chirps the most as well.

But then we have our captain, who's also being vocal in his own mind but a very calm and cool and collected kind of guy but laughing I'm probably one of the ones that love the love the room as well and laughing and chatting and the quiet ones are more probably the younger guys like Leo or Brad or even Gus for example but the one thing that I've been so impressed about is that just it feels like you're just walking into a room and you know everybody and you just shoot the shit right away that you've seen each other yesterday. It's just automatic and right from the start when everybody came in at different areas like it's just a

You've been looking forward to this so much and then you get to do it with people that you really care about and that you respect most of all It's a lot of fun Wonder for you that you talked about where you grew up in Sweden a lot of farmland around you those humble beginnings So warm it would be more like forest and trees. Yes. Okay It would be more like forest and trees. Yes, okay. But through all of that, when did was a big fan of Peter Forsberg. He used to play for the team that we all chaired for. That was the local team in SHL that when he came up there in 94 at that Olympics as well,

it was a huge buzz around it. And so he always became, he sort of became my favorite player of all time, someone that I always admired. A lot of things around this game that I can see myself now thinking that, okay, I'd like to become sort of a professional that he was in the mindset that he had. And now I have the opportunity as well to speak with Alfie, who's from that generation.

And there's something special about them and I had a lot of fun growing up having pre-recorded VHS from All-Star Games or because there wasn't a lot of hockey obviously it's hard to stay up until 1 a.m. in the night and watch a hockey game between Detroit and Colorado, but we tried to record them through VHA's tape so I can watch them. But then I always kept books with top 50 players of all time, or not all time, but from every year and they went from four worst to Ds to goalies and you just bust right through them and looking at them for the goalies, I always looked at their sticks and their gear and then read about the Swedish players because there was always someone. You had Sandin, Lidström,

Forsberg, Sederberg, Alfie, you name it, Markus Ness, and there were so many throughout the years and during that prime time, that's when kind of a love for the game and for, I would say a little bit of the unknown because it was so distant, so far away. All I wanted to do was play hockey for Modo when I was younger. That was my initial goal and whatever happened at the time there, I wouldn't be, if I didn't get to play here, I still would be probably, probably pretty happy with where I ended up. But now when I've played in NHL for a lot of years, I'm even more proud of my sort of accomplishment so far,

but there's still, still a lot to, still a lot to win. Yeah. Hold on. I just wanna ask one thing. So growing up then, who, which goalie in your mind had like the best setup? Cause the nineties and early 2000s, it was a great era of different unique pads,

the mass, all of it. Who had the best one in your mind? So for me, I didn't have a goalie mass for the longest time ever. So I felt that connection with Hasek throughout his tenure in Buffalo. Just because of the bucket that he was wearing. So I always felt, okay, I couldn't really say that,

oh, I'm gonna be Patek Ra or Martin Brudeau or Curtis Yosef, no, it was Dominic Hasek. Because I always played a very unorthodox type of hockey compared to a lot of other guys. That's been my downfall when I was younger, but it was also something that now is something I can bring to the table during games as well. So you're watching those Colorado-Detroit tapes you mentioned, and the first thing I

think of is the goalie fights. So when you first saw those, did you think, someday that's going to be me? And if you were to fight a goalie in the NHL, who't say it, no, no. Who would your choice be? No, I'm a lovable person. I'm spreading love. No, I get to think about a lot compared to when we dropped the Mitz there in Florida. But yeah, it's a little shame that we didn't get the time

to actually go at it, but because I think it might be a controversial take, but I still feel that it should be a not an automatic fire plus game if you cross the red line as a goaltender. I think that you should have the opportunity to stand up for your teammates, especially if there's a reason. Like you don't have to be stupid and just go there. But what I'm saying is that if the other guy is standing up for his teammates or initiates,

why should it be a six on five in that way? And I think if you speak to all the fans around the league, they love it. They want to see a goalie fight. And I think a lot of them are missing those goalie fights as well. When you see guys just come flying down there throwing their stuff off and just grabs them. They might not be the prettiest of fights.

Might be a quick one and done, but with all the gear that we're wearing and not like the back of the day when you can just strip and just, you know, pull yourself out of it. For me at least, I don't try to initiate things like that. I think most of the times when some things would happen, it would be to protect or to help out or you know, stand up for the guys that might be buried from behind or might be a shitty slashing or whatever it might be. You know, I have plenty on my plate as it is.

And there's a reason why I wear a blocker and a catching. You can't throw punches with the left and then you have a murder weapon on your right. A last one I have is, Linus, was there any question about you not playing here? I don't think so, no. Ever since that I got the call, I felt that I really wanted to be here.

I really wanted to be a part of the team and obviously wanted to come in here fresh and play the games that led up to it. But when the injury happened, you got to do the best of the situation. And we had a very good communication throughout this whole process. Didn't hit any real bumps along the way that prolonged the the timing for a comeback. I always knew there's going to be a longer one, it's not just going to take three weeks and or four weeks, it's going to take more because it's all about coming back feeling great but then you have to get on the ice start to build up that

tenacity to withstand the pressure and you know the movements and getting you know sort of the coming back up to speed with the with the game as well so being here playing in this foreign nation tournament, if you get the opportunity to play as well, it's a perfect opportunity to really get things going that will help you to keep playing on a high level once the season resumes. Gotcha, all right.

Well, on that note, then my last question is, you got fan base in Ottawa that is like, they can see a path to the playoff route ending this year. They've watched you play brilliantly and they've followed along every step as you've made your way back to full health again. What's your message to them for when things kick up again? Let's take one day at a time. We don't look too far ahead, we don't look too far back because that's what people have done. They've're not the 2016 or 17 or even 19 Ottawa, or we're not the 2000, we're the 2024, 25 Ottawa Senators.

And we're trying to create something that will be standing for a lot of years to come. And if that means that we're going to the playoff that we're all aiming for, then we have to prove ourselves every single night and day because it's not everything is not built. Rome wasn't built on one night over night. This is something that needs to be built sturdy and to be functionalized every single day. And I think that we have come a long way so far this season.

But saying that it's only going to be harder going forward. Now is the time when teams are really picking up steams. They're really, you just notice how Florida play last, when we played them last game before the break and that's the sort of teams that you're going to find yourself playing against and when you're playing a team that's the sort of teams that you're gonna find yourself playing against. And when you're playing a team that's also in the playoff contention, you gotta be ready for it. There's no easy games coming down the line here.

So Eric, we just had Lina Solmark in here and he was talking about, you're one of the more vocal guys in the room for Sweden. Like when you get in here, it's such a short event, you don't have a lot of runway before the opening game. What's your mindset in terms of just making everyone feel comfortable before things get started? Yeah, I mean, I don't know, excitement, I think. You know, joy.

I just know the feeling I get when I step into the Swedish room and see all the guys, it just makes me really happy and feels like I'm home. So I guess I'm you know, I Don't know if it just comes out of me and that's why guys think that I'm loud or happy but I'm just happy to be here and You know very fortunate to to have this opportunity again because it goes by quick So who's your target like who's who's your favorite guy to rip and who's the easiest guy to rip? Oh it's been a lot of guys over the years.

Right now I think Rax. Rax has been in the crossfires quite a bit, especially because we play together in Pittsburgh too. So we got a lot of internal stories that come out now in front of everyone and you know he takes it good too. Alright. Excellent. What was it like when it found out

that he was joining Sweden here for this event? Because he's been putting together a really good season with you guys. Yes, obviously very happy for him. And at the same time, very disappointed for him when he didn't get the call. And it's a good problem to have as team Sweden, I think. We're in a situation where we have guys to pick from,

and not everyone is going to get picked. So when he finally got the call, I think we're in a situation where we have guys to pick from and not everyone is going to get picked. And so when he finally got the call, I think, especially with the seasons he had this year and the type of player and guy that he is, I know it means a lot for him too. So I was very happy for him. So one of the hockey fans who follows our podcast and stuff from Sweden, he says, he thinks there's too much talk about Canada and the USA

and that Sweden and Finland are too much of an afterthought here. Now I know hockey players, I guarantee you, you guys are using this as some kind of motivation. Yes, and it's kind of nice too. You know, we live such busy lives over here and most obviously most of the guys that are in that locker room even for us is, you know, in the spotlight and 24-7. So I think some of us appreciate, you know, not having the spotlight on you and, you know, leaving that to Canada and the US. So it's a nice thing actually, I find. Is it talk like everyone's talking about those guys and we're gonna be just so I look at that roster that's a good team that you guys have. Yeah I think every I mean even Finland I know they have some injuries but every team that's here you know and you can probably add at least four

nations five more nations that we will all be stacked I think it's just the way that things are obviously Canada is rightfully so they're number one and they have been for pretty much the entirety of hockey. So you know they're gonna get a lot of attention obviously but I think that you know us Swedes we kind of like where we are and I feel like we're very secure in our abilities and we know where we stand and we know that we're just as good as anyone. What's it like working with Alfredson again,

having him on the same staff? It's great. We used to yell at each other more when we played together, so it's a nice change. But it's awesome, obviously. It's nice to see that he's found something that he's passionate about and something that he's very good at.

And it also sends, I think, a really good message to everyone in Sweden and that are here, that someone that's done it for so long and represented the country for as many years as he did as a player, that he still wants to be around and he still wants to be involved and he still wants to help, not only for me, but for everybody to have him walking around the locker room I think speaks volume.

Will you do that when your times come? If you ask me right now, no. I think, you know, when I'm done hockey, I'm done hockey but again you should never say never. You know, I enjoy the game a lot and have for the entire of my life and you know when the time comes when I can't play anymore, if I'm still passionate about it, I'll do it. And you know, if I want to do something else, then you know, it's my time to have that opportunity. So we'll see where that goes.

Were you surprised at all that Alfredson got into coaching? Cause he had said for a while, he's like the idea of getting at the link in the morning, going over tape did not appeal to him. And here he is. He's always had that in him. And you kind of knew that eventually he would end up somewhere back in hockey just from knowing him so well and playing with him for as long as I did. He's very good at this game and dealing with people and teaching and he's a very intrigued

person. He's very very intrigued person. He's very open-minded. So when he got the opportunity last year to try it out for Ottawa, to step in in the coaching role, to see how it went, you kind of knew that once you step in there, I don't think you'll come out again. And he's doing a fantastic job now and it's been a fairly seamless transition, I think, for him to go from a player to a coach.

I wonder, do you watch the Santers much? It's different there now than when you left. Yeah, very different. Do you pay attention to it much? Do you think about it at all? I always wonder if you think back about your time there and how the franchise is different now. No, I mean, I still live there in the summer and I still have so many close friends that

still work for the organization and you know with Alfie back and you know like I said spending my summers there and skating with a lot of guys that are there you're always somewhat always you know not involved but you always get roped into the Ottawa Center so yeah I do you know willingly or unwillingly do pay attention to things that goes on there still and how things are and where they are. I have nothing but good memories from there so I wish them, I want them to do well. I want myself to do better obviously but I'm just happy for them that it feels like it's starting to roll in the right way, finally. You know, when you played in Ottawa, I would see you obviously a lot more, which was bad for you.

Yeah. It was good for me, but it was bad for you. Like, you know, I look at you now, San Jose, Pittsburgh, you haven't changed a lot. Like, the way you talk, the confidence, your really, your great knowledge of the game. Like, I don't, when I see you now, aside from the fact you're older, I don't think you I see you now, aside from the fact you're older,

I don't think you're any different. And I love that about you. No, I don't think I changed that much. I think it was just the location and obviously experiences that you go through and you have a little bit of a different perspective now on things than maybe you did when you were a lot younger. And it's easier to look back now

and kind of process things for what they really were and not what you thought they were at the time. So yeah, I don't think I've changed that much. I'm a little bit more tired now. But other than that, that's aging kids. But other than that, I don't think that I know who I am and I'm trying to learn and grow every day and you know the experiences that I've been through on a personal level and professional level

has you know made me into a better human I hope than than I was before and I can you know see things from a little bit of a different perspective now but as for my personality that you can try and change it and I don't think it's gonna happen I've given up on that So based on that I'm just curious like is there something you look back at now I thought one thing back then and I now think this now. Yeah I mean, I think that's just you know, what comes with you know time and perspective and experiences I think you know once you're in it and and you know, you're young you don't really think about

much other than just playing the game and then you grow up and you have kids and things happen and you start looking at things a little bit different and when you talk about old memories with other guys and their experiences, they can be completely different from your perspective or your experience even though we experience the same thing. It just opens up a lot of things for you, and you know, that's what makes you grow as a person, I think, and I'm happy where I'm sitting right now.

Mm-hmm. But you did change the haircut again recently, but I like the fact that, I mean, you got a cut, it was in Ottawa, I got it done. Yes. Was there any chance you were getting it anywhere else than there? So I cut my hair before I came to Pittsburgh, I think.

No, when did I cut it? I cut it in San Jose And then I found a guy there that could maintain it and then I cut it again before I got traded at Pittsburgh But then I didn't see him for you know a year maybe so then I let it grow again And then I saw him again this year and now it's starting to grow again So I got it. I got to find a way to get to him to clean it up a little bit Last one for me Eric. Have you, like just in the NHL, have you thought about anything but Pittsburgh or is it just purely penguins on your mind?

No, it is. I mean, I think we all understand the part of the business that we're in, especially now with the cap going the way it's going and there's been some bigger trades, some bigger players, and I think there's gonna be a lot more movement which will create a lot more bus around things but you know I think one of the best qualities I have in my personality, not that many but there's a few is that I'm very good at staying in the moment and you know taking care of the things that I

can control and the things that I can't you know they're going to unfold the way they're going to unfold and I'm going to cross that road when that time comes. So as right now, you know, I'm happy in Pittsburgh and, you know, I'm focused on being the best I can be there and, you know, where that takes me. We'll talk about, you know, another time. The last one for me, because I remember when all the questions were swirling when you were still in San Jose and you were asked about kind of what you wanted and you just said, I want to win.

And at this stage of things, has your desire to achieve that, has that wavered as all as the... No, it's still the same. I think San Jose was a little bit of a different situation than maybe it is now. But that hasn't changed and that probably will never change for me. I'm a competitive guy. I haven't had the chance to compete for the things that I want in the recent years and I still feel like I got a lot left in me and I still feel

like I'm a very good player in this league and I have the potential to help anyone to achieve the ultimate goal and that's what I'm trying to do for Pittsburgh right now. Again, I think anyone that plays this game is playing to win and that's what I'm trying to do for Pittsburgh right now. And, you know, again, I think anyone that plays this game is playing to win. And, you know, that's the same for me. So, Brock, why don't we first start off with that dinner you guys had in Montreal the other night. It was like the who's who of USA hockey. Mike Rusione, Rob McClanahan.

You, of course, have connections to that 1980 team. We'll get into that a little bit later. Guigui Droz there as well. What was that like? It's awesome, awesome to have those guys. Yeah, cool to see those legends, the game that most of us watched growing up. And then obviously you hear the story of the 1980

Miracle on Ice and seeing those guys. And obviously everyone knows about, you know, Mike Iruzioni scoring the goal. Robbie McClannahan actually, I got another connection with him outside of my uncle playing with him. He actually lives on the course I played back home in Minnesota, so I donate a few, I was talking to him last night, I donate a few golf balls to him every now and then.

So hopefully we get out there and play together. Then Mikey Madono and obviously Mr. Goodrell, it's cool to have him. Obviously what happened is unfortunate and can't fathom that. So to have him around and I think Johnny pretty well touched and played with everybody in the room and had an impact on everybody. So to have him around us is special. I've heard Yorussione is an unbelievable speaker. He was a great speaker. Yeah, he got up for a little bit, spoke. What does he say?

Great message, yeah. I think just enjoy it. enjoy it. Talk about playing for your country, how much that means. Just touched a little bit on their experience, how cool it was, and how everybody kind of paves the way for the next generation. Not to take this for granted, just go out there and have fun and enjoy it. Know that it's special and that's something you'll look back on when you get to be where they're at now and you see those guys having a good time and see how much they mean and how much they meant to the game is pretty cool. So we're very fortunate to have this opportunity and to have those guys that kind of did it

before us to give us this opportunity. So I'm, you guys are lucky, you guys are younger than me, but I can remember watching the Miracle on Ice. So I've always wondered, like, what do your uncles say to you about it? And have you ever sat down and watched the game with them? I've never watched, like, the actual game footage, no, just a little bit. I've caught the bits and pieces of the highlight. He's told me that some of those stories that you hear about Herb are pretty spot on, that Herb is a pretty intense guy.

And he had some funny stories about, yeah, I think there was one time the airplane got delayed. I can't remember if it was, I think it was somewhere in Minnesota actually and that was a real thing. And just how cool, I mean growing up I didn't really talk to him that much about it just because at the time, I mean for me he was just Uncle Dave and I remember seeing his gold medal for the first time and obviously knowing that that was pretty special and unique and then as you get older, I've said to our media guy back in New York, as you get older you start to have a bigger appreciation of what they accomplished and what they meant to the game.

And a different understanding and perception on it. And I'm just lucky that at the end of the day, he's still, you know, Uncle David, he supports me. I just got to see him in Salt Lake. He was hoping to come to Boston. I got to check in and make sure he's coming. And he's coming. He's just a great guy.

And I actually got to kind of shoot it a bit with Uruzioni and McClanahan last night about him a little bit too. So it's fun. Have you ever put the gold medal on? I put my uncles on. Yeah, I think I have a picture when I was maybe, I feel like I was a squirt. My mom would probably have the picture somewhere.

I feel like I put my Uncle Dave's on. I remember seeing my grandpa's when I was young too, back in the world. He always had it back home too. So very fortunate, like I said, to be the family support system that I have is pretty awesome. And like I said, obviously now growing up

and playing for your country and knowing what they did, it has a different meaning. Right, so when did that sink in? Because as you say, growing up and playing for your country and knowing what they did, it has a different meaning. Right, so when did that sink in? Because as you say, growing up, it's family, but then it was our turning point where you're like, hold on, they made a movie about what you guys did or when did it all start? Yeah, I mean, probably around when the movie came out for sure for my uncle. And my grandpa, obviously, kind of same thing because some people forget about the 60 team that won it all in Squaw Valley.

And for me, I mean, I used to just run around the Christian Brothers factory when he was making Kind of same thing, because some people forget about the 60 team. That one in Squaw Valley. For me, I used to just run around the Christian Brothers factory when he was making the sticks back in Warroad. My mom was there. I would get to go mess around. I'd hang out in his office. We'd always be playing the mini sticks or curving sticks and doing weird things like that. And then, like I said, probably high school, you hear the stories of, you know, father-son winning gold and you're like, wow, this is pretty cool. But again, I still get to just view them as family and that's an added bonus and an awesome

story. Do you have an old Christian stick somewhere? I do. I do, yeah. Yeah, I think I got a couple actually. I think we have a few hidden out in our office back home and I think my aunt, couple actually. I think we have a few hidden in our office back home. And I think my aunt, a couple, I'm sure every aunt and uncle, they have a couple.

I remember going through my aunt's place in Bemidji and she had a couple. So sometimes you find even little, they had little stir, red, white and blue, Christian Brothers stir sticks for drinks in the house. And yeah, different things like that. You'll find every now and then a couple of mini sticks, those plastic mini sticks back in the day with the short blades. So yeah, it's different things like that. You'll find every now and then a couple of mini sticks, those plastic mini sticks back in the day

with the short blades. Yeah. So yeah, it's always cool seeing that. And then every now and then you hear people say that they have one and they're proud to have it. And it's cool to see them. Hockey players always put it behind them, like rivalries on the ice when you play for your country.

But I do wonder if there's one guy you look at in your room, Brock, and you say, man, do I hate you when we play against each other. I feel like hockey's just such a great game that when you're out there, like you said, you're all competitors and warriors and different instances come up and you might get at it. But yeah, I think, end of the day,

I think everyone's a good guy off the ice and that's part of what makes the sport so great. It's fun to be around these guys and I'm sure I've had a couple of run-ins for sure with some of these guys. Hopefully I'm not one of those guys that people say me, but everyone here has been great. It's been a couple of days and it's always cool to get this collection of guys together and just watch them and see how talented they are and what they do to make them great.

What was your takeaway from like the first practice? Because everything looked high tempo, whether it was you guys or Canada or what have you. What was it like to be out there? I mean pretty awesome. You just kind of look around and see the lineup guys are shifted around. The line combinations, the D pairs, you're like, wow, this is the best of the best. And everything was crisp, like you said, everything's fast. Everything happens, you know, everyone's in the right spot,

making the right play. Yeah, I think for a second there, every now and then, you're like, wow, like you gotta try to stop and take it all in, but at the same time, go out there and just, and have fun. But yeah, I think seeing all the guys in the room, you look around, the collection of talent, the accolades and what guys have done, it's pretty awesome. I know you have a game first, but I cannot wait until Saturday night.

I remember interviewing Aaron Miller after the 2002 gold medal game and saying, is it any easier that it was Canada? And he goes, it's worse because it was Canada. I just look at your little smile I can only imagine what you're thinking about for that. I think that's yeah I mean the rivalry combined I think the two cities we have I think are you know some of the best you know sports cities for hockey in the world. So the atmosphere is going to be incredible. The talent, like I said, is the best in the world. It should be electric. It should be a special night, one that I think everyone is looking forward to, whether you're a player,

a fan, even outside the game. I think it'll be awesome. Yeah, I think everyone's jacked up for it. Alright, I have to ask one question. Okay, so I got a note. Go easy on my guy from the people in the Allenders. But you know Brock, I do want to ask you, do you have a wish for how this next three weeks month unfolds for you? Uh, I don't know everything will sort itself out First and foremost, it's just kind of this for me which is nice to kind of put everything on the back burner and not really worry about too much, but I Love Lou. I know I've known him for a long time played for him for a long time

He's a great man And I might I know my agent and him and time. He's a great man and I know my agent and him and I, we all have a great relationship and always communicating so kind of right now it's on the back burner but yeah for me I don't really know anything different other than Long Island. I love it there, I love playing there and you know we'll figure everything out and I'm sure everybody will be discussing things you know in depth over the next couple of weeks. I don't think there's anything outside of just playing hockey that I'm worried about right now. Well, I just wanted to follow up on that because as you said, all you've known is the Islanders.

And you're deep enough in your career here now where you've got family now, you've got kids, and you're kind of now this whole situation feels like maybe the uncertainty for the first time. I wonder how that plays out. Yeah, it's a little different for sure. I mean, I was kind of in a similar spot. Louis first year, actually, I had signed a one-year deal as a pending UFA, obviously a little bit different, different point in my career. At that point, it would have been, gosh, it would have been 2017 or 2018.

I might have had one kid then. But yeah, obviously now kids are older, kids are in school, there's a little bit more logistics in life that factor into it and decisions that have to be made. All kind of pending on what happens via contract and hockey. So all that combined is something that goes into it. But at the end of the day, I think my wife's been great with it, with the kids. We're in a good, stable spot. Everyone's kind of taken care of and we'll figure everything out. I think the best part is that it's not the first time. It's a little bit different, but other guys have gone through similar spots and everything will work itself out. And like I said, we're comfortable with where we're at

And everything everything will go and we'll figure it out. All right. Thank you to the players Thank you to the PR staffs from each country and the National Hockey League as well for helping organize all of that for us on Tuesday We hope you enjoyed those conversations and now let's drop the puck already on this event Wednesday night we are on the air 730 Eastern 430 Pacific the pregame show or panel on site here at the Bell Center in Montreal and then Canada Sweden about 20 minutes past 8 Eastern 5 Pacific that will be game one to kick off this what should be a fabulous event and as you know Finland and USA follow the same times come Thursday night. All those on Sportsnet, and I don't mention this enough,

but I should, also can be streamed on Sportsnet+. Enjoy the hockey. It's been far too long since we've had best on best. We'll talk to you again on Friday. Take care. you