Hockey

NHL vs KHL: the idea of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin
DansLesCoulisses.com
NHL vs KHL: the idea of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin
Credit: After the Four Nations Confrontation, we could have the right to a very different duel. The American president, Donald Trump, as well as Russia’s, Vladimir Putin, have discussed an idea for a match pitting National Hockey League (NHL) players against those of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). This is what TVA Sports reported from information […]

After the Four Nations Confrontation, we could have the right to a very different duel. The American president, Donald Trump, as well as Russia's, Vladimir Putin, have discussed an idea for a match pitting National Hockey League (NHL) players against those of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

This is what TVA Sports reported from information announced by the Kremlin.

In fact, Donald Trump would like to see American NHL players face Russian KHL players. We can therefore forget about the Sidney Crosbys, Connor McDavid, and Nathan MacKinnon of this world.

Although we are talking here about a conversation between two presidents of world powers, it remains an idea in their heads. It does not seem that there is yet concrete action taken by either of the two men for such a competition to take place.

This is what the NHL explained in comments reported by Chris Johnston of TSN.

The NHL explained that it would not be appropriate to discuss the situation at this time. We understand that Russia's geopolitical situation is one of the reasons the NHL would not want to comment.

As TVA Sports reports, it would not be the first time NHL players face KHL players. If we exclude international matches (Russia against the United States at the Olympics, for example), there have been three meetings between NHL and KHL players.

The first dates back to 2008, when the New York Rangers clashed with Metallurg of Magnitogorsk. To everyone's surprise, the Rangers had only won by one goal.

The Hurricanes and Coyotes have also played against KHL teams. The Hurricanes even lost a game to SKA of Saint-Petersburg in 2010!

As of today, it would be difficult to predict the outcome of a match between an NHL team and a KHL team. On paper, we could believe that the NHL would easily win.

We can take the example of Tony DeAngelo, who completely dominated the KHL with 32 points in 34 games at the start of the season, but who now has respectable statistics with 10 points in 19 games with the Islanders since his return to the NHL.

The difference is not striking, but it's easy to see that the level of play is clearly higher in the NHL.

If such an event were to occur, it would be a first in several years for Russia. Russian players have not had the opportunity to face Americans in an international match since 2019. Russia is still banned from IIHF international competitions and will remain so for 2025-26.


Overtime

– Connor Hellebuyck could imitate Price.

– It would be a good idea.

– Their strategy is working.

– He did a great job.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!