Ovechkin Sets Record, 4 Nations Face-Off Boosts NHL

Hockey's popularity is surging, highlighted by the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament featuring top NHL players from Canada, the U.S., Sweden, and Finland, which drew sellout crowds and millions of viewers. Canada emerged victorious in overtime against the U.S., but the tournament's true impact was the sport's renewed global excitement, amplified by unexpected early-game fights and underlying geopolitical tensions. Alex Ovechkin has surpassed the NHL career goals record, marking a historic milestone for the league. The Florida Panthers' back-to-back Stanley Cup championships set the stage for a potential three-peat next season. Anticipation is also high for the NHL's return to the Olympics for the first time since 2014, alongside an active offseason with notable players like Mitch Marner and Sam Bennett available. League officials and players agree that these events have positioned hockey for unprecedented growth and global prominence.