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Dallas Stars Daily Links: The Tkachuk Show

The Bash Bros show out in a big way.

Posted on by Harlan Bowling
Feb 13, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) celebrates his goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images

Well. That got ugly in a hurry. The Finns, obviously missing a key cog on defense, got pounced on by a hungry USA team in the 4 Nations Face-Off last night. To be fair, the game was a lot more competitive through two periods – then the dam broke loose.

The Tkachuk brothers, Brady and Matt, spent the night trying to one-up each other as if it were pond hockey. Say whatever you want about their style, but the boys can PLAY. Now the Finnish Mafia will have to have a strong showing against Sweden and Canada (and get a little luck from other results) to have a hope at the final. That’s the way it goes with a tournament as small and high-octane as this one.

I had the thought after submitting Links yesterday – what’s the future look like for this tournament? Obviously we’re only two games in, and there’s still a lot of hockey left. But you have to admit, it’s been pretty fun so far, right?

Nonetheless, I’m still curious what this means for the traditional All-Star game. Will the 4 Nations Face-Off be an annual tournament? Or will they try to stagger it in against the Olympics? Also, what about expanding it? There’s a lot to debate – what about a “best of the rest” team of some kind? It obviously loses some of that playing-for-your-flag culture, but there’s also something to discuss about how this affects All-Stars that don’t represent a country in the 4 Nations.

There are obviously the Russians, which is a whole debate in and of itself, but what about people like Leon Draisaitl (Germany) or even Anze Kopitar (Slovenia)? Should there at least have been an All-Star team, without the actual game, so some of these players can still claim to be 5-time All Stars, or whatever?

Or is this the ushering of a new era, and it’s just perfect at four teams? Sound off.

Catch the full recap from last night here, then come back and yell at me in the comments about why the All-Star game should come back.

Dallas Stars Stuff

We didn’t get to see Otter in net last night, unfortunately, but he did get some love from the broadcast team!

It’s a shame the world isn’t getting to see Miro on a world stage, but there were still some familiar faces.

And while it wasn’t a great night for Suomi overall, it was good to see Mikael Granland (one of us!) get on the scoresheet.

Around the NHL 4 Nations

I’m trying to hit the yearly quota for Tkachuk references here at DBD.

And yeah, in case you missed it.

Greetings from Scenic Cedar Park and Beautiful Boise (with a bonus from Barrie!)

Meanwhile, as we mentioned yesterday, it’s business as usual for the prospects for the Texas Stars and Idaho Steelheads. Speaking of…

The Texas Stars will look to get revenge against the Manitoba Moose, when they hit the ice again tonight.

The Steelheads are on the road and also play this evening.

And hey, here’s a bonus from the Barrie Colts! Dallas Stars prospect Emil Hemming is looking to join his fellow Finnish Mafia pals in the coming years. Looking forward to it!

Finally

I know this was posted the other day, but it’s officially Valentine’s Day. So show some love!

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