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Amazon Prime’s FACEOFF: Inside the NHL is a six-part docu-series that delves into the league’s biggest players and most memorable moments. The series focusses on the highs and lows of the sport while giving fans never-seen-before information about some of the NHL’s biggest moments.
The series has a total of six episodes and has been produced by Box to Box Films, the same company that produced the Formula 1 and tennis documentaries under the same banner. The season deals with the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It features some of the biggest names from the NHL.
This includes David Pastrnak, Jeremy Swayman, and Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog. Key players like Edmonton Oilers captain Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Zach Hyman, and Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk also take center stage. Other notable appearances include Nashville's Filip Forsberg, New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba, Toronto's William Nylander, Vancouver's Quinn Hughes, and Vegas Golden Knights' Jack Eichel, among others.
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FACEOFF: Inside the NHL delivers exactly what it promises. A never-seen-before, inside look into the intricacies of the sport, and how various superstars respond to pressure in different ways.
FACEOFF: Inside the NHL presents poignant commentary on some of the sport’s biggest moments
The 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs finished with the Vegas Golden Knights defeating the Florida Panthers 4-1 in the best-of-7 series. The docu-series focussed on some of the biggest moments from the playoffs. Opening with Gary Bettman’s speech felicitating Connor McDavid as the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy.
However, a disappointed McDavid was seen receiving his award in fury almost after his team, the Oilers lost to the Florida Panthers. McDavid was informed by Steve Mayer that he still had to receive the trophy. However, the player breaks down in the locker room following the felicitation, setting things on a heartbreaking note.
Episode 1, which notably featured the likes of William Nylander and David Pastrňák, focussed on the rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins. The two superstars are friends, but end up getting into an argument on the field.
Nylander was also seens struggling with an injury, as he could not play the first three games of Toronto’s playoffs. However, the two close camaraderie was on full display, which is often missed out on live coverage by fans.
Further, the two’s close friendship was also delved into further. Nylander and Pastrňák were friends long before they made it to the NHL, as the latter’s loss of his first child was also delved into, in the episode.
The episode also dealt with the struggles of Jack Eichel and Filip Forsberg, exposing how stars are expected to be at their best despite struggling with various personal issues.
The series also dealt in detail with the famous contract negotiations between the Bruins and Jeremy Swayman. It showed the delicate balance that exists with respect to players and their teams. Further, the series also delved into various pre-game rituals that different athletes follow.
This includes Matthew Tkachuk’s unique pre-game ritual, which involves him dipping into the ocean and his private poot at Fort Lauderdale. The episode attempted to contrast the laid-back nature of Tkachuk, with Swayman’s constant hunger for success.
The fourth episode dealt with various NHL captains and featured the likes of Quinn Hughes, Gabriel Landeskog, and Jacob Trouba. It focussed on how the stars attempt to lead their teams both on and off the pitch. In a nutshell, the series attempts to focus on the various individuals in the NHL.
It delved into the off and on-field pressures players have to deal with, to be at their best when it matters most. Breaking away from the traditional method of documenting sports, the series presented a poignant, emotional narrative that focussed on various individuals, each struggling with their issues and attempting to be at their best for their teams.
A must-watch especially for NHL fans, FACEOFF: Inside the NHL presents a heartwarming and insightful look into one of the planet’s biggest leagues.
