Podcast Summary: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg – Hour 1: 4Nations Reaction

Podcast Information:

• Title: Don, Hahn & Rosenberg
• Hosts: Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, Peter Rosenberg
• Episode: Hour 1: 4Nations Reaction
• Release Date: February 21, 2025

1. Introduction to the Episode

In the inaugural episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg," hosts Don LaGreca, Alan Hahn, and Peter Rosenberg delve into their reactions to the NHL's 4Nations tournament. The discussion centers around the intense USA vs. Canada matchup, analyzing player performances, broadcasting quality, and the broader implications for the NHL's popularity.

2. Overview of the 4Nations Tournament

The hosts kick off the conversation by reflecting on the excitement generated by the 4Nations tournament. Alan Hahn expresses optimism about the NHL's ability to captivate a broader audience, despite mixed feelings about the game quality.

Alan Hahn [01:14]: "So we got everything I think you could ask for, other than, of course, a US Victory."

3. Key Game Highlights: USA vs. Canada

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the USA vs. Canada game, which, despite being described as an "abomination" by Hahn, ended in overtime with a thrilling finish. The hosts commend the game's ability to keep fans engaged until the final buzzer.

Alan Hahn [02:34]: "How could you possibly say we could have done better? That's his. That had to be 100 out of 100."

Don LaGreca adds his appreciation for the game's drama and the passionate fan reactions within the TD Garden.

Don LaGreca [03:52]: "How could you not get goosebumps to hear Johnny Hockey being chanted among, you know, 20,000 fans inside TD Garden?"

4. Player Performances and Impact

The discussion highlights standout performances from key players. Connor McDavid's pivotal goal and Jordan Binnington's exceptional goaltending are particularly praised.

Alan Hahn [05:25]: "Connor McDavid wins it for Canada."

Don emphasizes Binnington's crucial saves that kept the USA in contention.

Don LaGreca [06:45]: "If Binnington doesn't just throw out, like, his pad on that one Matthew shot, it's a completely different."

5. Broadcast Quality and Commentary

Don LaGreca commends the broadcasting team, especially Sean McDonough and Bobby Clarke, for enhancing the viewing experience. The hosts discuss the challenges of making hockey accessible to non-traditional fans without oversimplifying the game's nuances.

Don LaGreca [29:00]: "Sean McDonough, I'm glad you mentioned it. Last year was going through a lot of. He was sick for a lot of the conference final and the Stanley Cup Final, and I think that kind of took a little juice away from him and he got criticized for it, but he was on point."

6. Audience Engagement and Growth of NHL

The hosts explore how the 4Nations tournament has succeeded in attracting new fans, including celebrities and non-hockey enthusiasts. They speculate on the potential for increased TV ratings and a growing fanbase for the NHL.

Don LaGreca [04:50]: "But everybody said this is a thing. It was a perfect storm."

Alan Hahn adds that social media buzz from prominent figures like J.J. Watt is indicative of the tournament's reach.

Alan Hahn [04:50]: "J.J. Watts, a hockey fan. You got J.J. watt tweeting about it... these guys are like, unabashed."

7. Future Implications: Olympics and World Cup

Looking ahead, the hosts discuss the upcoming Olympics in Italy and the potential scheduling challenges due to time zone differences. They express optimism about the NHL's ability to showcase its talent on the international stage.

Don LaGreca [15:08]: "This is setting up for the Olympics next year and a rematch and everything else."

8. Team Dynamics and Potential Trades

A notable portion of the conversation revolves around player movements, particularly focusing on Brady Tkachuk and the Ottawa Senators. The hosts debate the possibility of Tkachuk joining the New York Rangers to enhance team competitiveness.

Peter Rosenberg [46:35]: "Why would they... Ottawa should do everything, everything possible to keep that guy there forever."

Don LaGreca provides a nuanced perspective, acknowledging the financial and strategic complexities of such trades.

Don LaGreca [48:36]: "But at some point over the next three years, and certainly when he becomes a free agent, I would almost guarantee he's not going to finish his career in Ottawa."

9. Personal Experiences and Stories

The hosts share personal anecdotes related to hockey fandom, highlighting generational differences in how fans engage with the sport. They reminisce about classic hockey moments and the enduring legacy of iconic games like the 1980 "Miracle on Ice."

Alan Hahn [41:10]: "I will tell you what I used to do in a household that was all Rangers fans... I had to listen on radio. That's what I did."

Don LaGreca reflects on the cultural impact of past hockey triumphs on today's fanbase.

Don LaGreca [43:38]: "I was in Minnesota for the All Star Game when that movie came out. I watched it."

10. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Wrapping up the episode, the hosts reiterate the significance of the 4Nations tournament in elevating hockey's profile in the United States. They express excitement for future NHL events and the continued growth of the sport's fanbase.

Alan Hahn [43:58]: "We got something special."

Don LaGreca [50:11]: "We are just a different generation."

Notable Quotes:

• Alan Hahn [01:14]: "So we got everything I think you could ask for, other than, of course, a US Victory."
• Don LaGreca [03:52]: "How could you not get goosebumps to hear Johnny Hockey being chanted among, you know, 20,000 fans inside TD Garden?"
• Alan Hahn [05:25]: "Connor McDavid wins it for Canada."
• Don LaGreca [06:45]: "If Binnington doesn't just throw out, like, his pad on that one Matthew shot, it's a completely different."
• Don LaGreca [29:00]: "Sean McDonough, I'm glad you mentioned it..."
• Peter Rosenberg [46:35]: "Why would they... Ottawa should do everything, everything possible to keep that guy there forever."
• Don LaGreca [48:36]: "But at some point over the next three years... he's not going to finish his career in Ottawa."
• Alan Hahn [41:10]: "I will tell you what I used to do in a household that was all Rangers fans..."
• Don LaGreca [43:38]: "I was in Minnesota for the All Star Game when that movie came out."
• Alan Hahn [43:58]: "We got something special."
• Don LaGreca [50:11]: "We are just a different generation."

Conclusion

This episode of "Don, Hahn & Rosenberg" offers a comprehensive and passionate analysis of the NHL's 4Nations tournament, highlighting its impact on both the sport and its growing audience. Through insightful commentary, personal anecdotes, and critical discussions on player dynamics and broadcasting, the hosts provide listeners with a thorough understanding of the event's significance and future implications for hockey.