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Editor’s note: This article contains spoilers for Amazon’s “Faceoff: Inside the NHL” documentary series, which will be made available to the public on Friday.
As NHL commissioner Gary Bettman’s voice reverberated throughout the ecstatic Amerant Bank Arena, a disheveled and exhausted Connor McDavid slowly entered the small visitors’ locker room, appearing somewhat dazed. Bettman was announcing the captain of the Edmonton Oilers as the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the playoff MVP—an accolade that could define a legacy. Yet, McDavid’s expression seemed to reflect none of this significance. Just moments earlier, he had been informed by the NHL’s chief content officer, Steve Mayer, outside the locker room that he had secured the trophy, even though it came on the heels of an excruciating loss to the Florida Panthers.
“I wouldn’t have gone out there for a million dollars,” he stated later.
Thus, the world’s best player stepped into the quiet dressing room, sank onto his stall, and gazed vacantly ahead as he tried to stifle his emotions. Leon Draisaitl, sitting to his left, reached out and placed his hand on McDavid’s leg, offering a reassuring pat. To his right, Ryan Nugent-Hopkins wrapped an arm around him. It was then that the weight of it all struck him—the relentless effort, the sacrifices made, the blood, the sweat, the anxiety. Everything culminating in a journey that fell one goal short of achieving greatness. With that realization, he could no longer contain his tears.
McJesus cried.
At that moment, a voice pierced through the atmosphere: “Get the f—ing cameras out of here.”
The cameras in question belonged to Box to Box Films, the team behind the acclaimed Netflix series that chronicles the intensity and characters of sports such as Formula 1, golf, and tennis. Last spring, the company shifted its focus to the NHL, producing a six-episode series for Amazon Prime Video titled “Faceoff: Inside the NHL,” set to premiere on Friday. Unlike recent behind-the-scenes documentaries like “Road to the Winter Classic,” this new series did not allow teams and the league any editorial influence over the content. As a result, it captures much of the engaging essence reminiscent of HBO’s earlier “24/7” series, complete with the drama, emotion, and, naturally, the expletives.
GO DEEPER
Jeremy Swayman discloses doubt over Bruins future in Amazon’s NHL series — ‘Is this the last time?’
Although Matthew Tkachuk of the Panthers seems to have a significant amount of screen time, it is clear that McDavid takes center stage throughout the series. In Episode 5, he describes himself as an introvert and acknowledges that others often label him as “boring” and a “robot.” However, the show reveals that he is anything but. His demeanor is passionate and charged, particularly during the playoffs where he appears to be on the verge of a breakdown, characterized by fierce glares“`html
William Nylander and David Pastrňák dining together.
Episode 1: Best of Rivals
Featuring William Nylander and David Pastrňák
Overview
Let’s kick things off with the most headline-grabbing moment. Indeed, Nylander said precisely what we all suspected during that notorious playoff bench dispute with Mitch Marner and Auston Matthews: “F—ing shoot it! Stop f—ing crying! This is the f—ing issue, you guys f—ing b—- about s—-. Let’s f—ing go!”
Since this is an NHL-associated program, it’s virtually a requirement to start with a segment focused on the Toronto Maple Leafs. In fact, this episode might lean towards the Leafs more than any hockey podcast out there. Pastrňák and the Boston Bruins play a significantly minor role. The producers showcased William Nylander—larger than life by hockey standards—as the focal point of a narrative leading up to the Bruins’ first-round victory over Toronto in seven games. The focus is on Nylander’s friendship with Boston’s star player David Pastrňák and the migraine that kept Nylander sidelined for the first three games of the series.
Best exchange
Following a late-season match, Nylander and Pastrňák enjoy dinner while discussing the playoff standings.
Pastrňák: “Right now, we’d be facing each other in the playoffs.”
Nylander: “That’d be exciting.”
Pastrňák: “Always enjoyable, Toronto-Boston.”
Nylander: “Only because you guys always come out on top. For us, it’s been nothing but terrible losses.”
Pastrňák: “It doesn’t matter. If you don’t win the Cup, it doesn’t make a difference who makes it past the first round.”
Highlights
• Nylander appears nonchalant, sporting sunglasses and a puffy jacket, casually driving with one hand while resting his left leg against the door.
• The childhood clips of Nylander and Pastrňák are utterly charming.
• Witnessing Nylander during Games 1-3, anxiously watching from home and reacting to every“`html
Get accustomed to it. Although Box to Box followed around approximately 20 players, including Matthews, Sidney Crosby, and Connor Bedard, those three, along with many others, were completely omitted from the final cut.
Best use of profanity
Nylander: “For many years now, we’ve suffered losses in Game 7. People keep saying, ‘Next year. We’ll improve next year. Next year.’ Forget that.”
Episode 2: As Tough As It Gets
Featuring Filip Forsberg and Jack Eichel
Overview
This episode highlights Nashville Predators’ Filip Forsberg and Vegas Golden Knights’ Jack Eichel as they approach their first-round playoff exits. However, it is Forsberg’s pregnant wife, Erin Alvey Forsberg, who stands out as the MVP of the series. Her articulate and thoughtful insights on the sport from a partner’s perspective — including observing her husband’s struggles, dealing with concussions, adapting to life with a detail-oriented pro athlete, and coping with disappointment — represent the most compelling off-ice content in the series. Additionally, she has a car air freshener featuring Forsberg’s face. She truly steals the show.
Moreover, the episode recounts Eichel’s journey to be the first NHL player to undergo artificial disk replacement surgery and his transition to Vegas from the Buffalo Sabres. The narrative strongly emphasizes Eichel’s dissatisfaction in Buffalo and his newfound happiness in Las Vegas. There’s also a notable mention of Nashville’s canceled trip to see U2 at Sphere, alongside their impressive record of 16-0-2 during that period.
Best exchange
During a double date with Noah Hanifin and his partner, Eichel calls over a server and places the following order for the table: shrimp cocktail, meatballs, calamari, penne alla vodka, rigatoni bolognese, sliced New York strip, creamed corn (?!), chicken parm, and a presumably quite expensive bottle of Sassicaia. Keep in mind“`html
Good enough reason to prevent someone from doing something.
• Forsberg, just days after being eliminated by the Vancouver Canucks, is proudly holding his newborn child while wearing a hat that reads, “Hey, I’m Here For You.” He reflects, “The only silver lining of losing in the playoffs is that I’ve been at home every single day.” It’s quite touching.
Quibbles
• Were you aware that the Stanley Cup is the most challenging trophy to win in sports? You will be after hearing it approximately 342 times.
• The extreme close-ups of Forsberg’s foot and ankle during acupuncture and electric stimulation therapy might not be suitable for the faint of heart.
• The celebratory postgame line dance performed by the Predators is even more difficult to watch than the acupuncture session.
Best use of profanity
• Ryan O’Reilly of Nashville in the locker room prior to Game 7 stated, “I can guarantee you’re gonna get my f—ing best. I expect it from every single one of you motherf—ers.”
Episode 3: Learning to Win
Featuring Jeremy Swayman and Matthew Tkachuk
Overview
If you were questioning whether goaltender Jeremy Swayman would concede in his contract discussions with the Bruins, this episode will clarify that he will not be yielding. As he states in the episode before being eliminated in the second round, “I’ve still got so much more to offer, and I haven’t proven s—.” Meanwhile, Matthew Tkachuk appears to be the happiest person alive, gliding around Fort Lauderdale in his golf cart and literally jumping into the ocean and then his pool before every home game.
Best exchange
While grilling outside Tkachuk’s residence in Florida, his father, Keith, engages in a conversation.
Matthew Tkachuk: “He practically lives here. It’s f—ing annoying. Hey, Dad, a little smoky there.
He stated, “I’m not paying,” despite earning $9.5 million annually.
• Tkachuk asked Bruins forward Brad Marchand, who was ailing on the bench, “You all right? You all right? I’ve never seen a captain give up on his team.” Pastrňák replied, “Heh. Just ignore that.”
• Swayman reflected on the arbitration process and the hostility it creates following his stellar playoff performance: “The arbitrator on their side is there to tear players down. Hearing you’re not seen as deserving of what you believe you deserve is tough. You remember those words. I noted them down, and I revisited them recently. I had a few checkmarks. The biggest criticism I faced was being deemed untrustworthy in the playoffs. Check.” Swayman also mentioned his admiration for Tkachuk. “He inspires his team to triumph. I aspire to be that way.”
• Much like the character from “A Christmas Story,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice uses profanity with an artist’s finesse, making it his signature style.
Quibbles
• N/A. There isn’t much to critique here.
Best use of profanity
Swayman: “We don’t need to avoid it. A contract is at stake. … I’m going to be a force to be reckoned with in the net.”
Episode 4: The Captains
Featuring Quinn Hughes, Gabriel Landeskog, and Jacob Trouba
Overview
This episode is undoubtedly the weakest in the series, as it makes a strenuous effort to glorify the concept of the NHL captain. Can Hughes lead effectively at just 24? Will Landeskog recover from a significant injury? Is Trouba able to navigate the fine line with his physical play? Can we manage to stay engaged during the broadcast?
Best exchange
During a moment on the bench after a scoring opportunity was thwarted, the New York Rangers’ Braden Schneider received praise from Trou“`html
Kog informed his son that the large scar on his leg was caused by a shark attack.
• Hughes mentioned how he has “gone full health-freak mode this year” and read between 20 and 25 books. “I just want to put my phone down.” When it’s cooking time: “I’m ready to chef it up.”
• Before each game, Hughes receives a short pep talk from his dad lasting “about 40 seconds.” That’s adorable.
• Trouba, attempting unsuccessfully to feed his baby a bottle, exclaimed: “Come on, we’re on camera, man. Just this once!” The baby promptly accepted the bottle. “You legend! Dad of the year.”
• In a talking head segment, “What Chaos” host Pete Blackburn stated: “The Washington Capitals effectively stumbled their way into the playoffs.”
Quibbles
• For those cynical individuals who scoff at discussions about leadership and intangibles, this episode might be detrimental to your well-being.
• Trouba, known for a history of borderline injurious hits, remarked: “If you watch hockey and believe I’m a bad guy, that’s beyond my control. I’m simply doing my job.”
• It must be said: the Trouba painting where he jumps into a canvas was not particularly impressive.
Best use of profanity
Absent. This episode lacked substance.
Connor McDavid under pressure.
Episode 5: Cup or Bust Part I
Featuring Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, and Zach Hyman
Overview
We are now delving into the most captivating content. The material surrounding the Stanley Cup Final is the best of the series, even if it heavily favors Edmonton. On the ice, in the locker room, and within the minds of the league’s biggest stars — this is where the show truly excels.
Best moment
During an intermission in the Stanley Cup Final, Panthers coach Maurice borrowed one of his goalies’ gloves and sticks, dropped to his knees in the“`html
Like Christmas morning” — a sudden cut to McDavid, visibly anxious and restless during the bus ride to the arena. Although somewhat exaggerated, it certainly resonates.
• McDavid’s evident affection for his dog, Lenard, is utterly charming. “He’s my most prized possession.” Photographs of Lenny adorn various spots in the house.
• At home, McDavid features a custom-built weight room along with a basketball court.
• On the topic of being the best in the world, McDavid states: “When I’m at my best, it’s a tough level to match.”
• Draisaitl comments on the fanfare the Oilers receive in Edmonton: “It’s hard to put into words. We don’t go about thinking we’re the Beatles. We’re just like any other guy at home, munching on chips or watching ‘Friends.’”
• Media personality Blackburn remarks about Oilers fans: “When the team struggles, their lives feel affected.”
• Maurice, during the first intermission of Game 2, encourages, “Breathe through your nose, not through your a–hole. Let’s go, baby!”
Quibbles
• We could have benefited from a bit more presence of Zach Hyman. He appears to be fantastic.
• It seems Tkachuk is the only player from the Panthers featured. Couldn’t we have heard from Aleksander Barkov or Aaron Ekblad? Anyone?
Best use of profanity
There’s no contest; McDavid’s infamous outburst after the Oilers fell to the Panthers in Game 2 takes the prize. “Right f—ing now! RIGHT F—ING NOW. RIGHT F—ING NOW. This happens so many f—ing times. But that’s not f—ing good enough. It’s the f—ing finals! DIG THE F— IN. RIGHT F—ING NOW. WHATEVER THE F— YOU HAVE. THAT IS NOT F—ING GOOD ENOUGH.”
An unforgettable moment that will be remembered forever.
Matthew Tkachuk on playing in Stanley Cup Final Game 7: “
The moment Mayer, the NHL’s chief content officer, engaged McDavid regarding his Conn Smythe victory is quite intriguing.
Mayer: “You’ve won the Conn Smythe.”
McDavid: “They want me to go out there?”
Mayer: “Yes.”
The audio cuts out for the remainder of their discussion, but McDavid swiftly turns and enters the room. Following this, the producers transition to a subsequent interview where McDavid remarked, “I wouldn’t have gone out there for a million dollars.”
Highlights
• McDavid, reflecting calmly on his emotional outburst after Game 2: “It’s a high-emotion scenario.”
• Tkachuk’s vivid retelling of sustaining a broken sternum during the 2023 Final is intense; his brother Brady had to help him out of bed to participate in the games.
• Witnessing the significance of Tkachuk’s Cup victory for his father, who had never won it himself, is heartwarming. Brady Tkachuk expressed that having the Tkachuk name inscribed on the Cup would be “huge for our family.” The sight of Keith in tears after Game 7, alongside Matthew proudly presenting him with the Cup on the ice, was truly special.
• Tkachuk before Game 7, following the Panthers’ dramatic 3-0 series lead collapse: “You dream about this. I never envisioned winning the Cup in Game 4, 5, or 6. Or scoring the decisive goal or making the significant play in those matches. It was always … Game 7. Always. Every single time.”
• The audio and on-ice action was exceptional, as anticipated.
Quibbles
• Honestly, how did the Panthers manage to clinch the Stanley Cup with Matthew Tkachuk as the sole player on their roster?
• Avoid taking a drink every time a Tkachuk family member mentions “the dream.” You could end up seriously regretting it.
• The five commentators chosen for exposition and analysis were Bissonnette, Blackburn, PK Subban, Jackie Redmond, and Sarah Nurse. All performed admirably (with Redmond carrying much of the burden), but Nurse seemed underutilized. Her insights as an elite professional athlete and as the cousin of Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse were missed.
Best use of profanity
Hyman, after Game 7, while McDavid weeps: “There’s nothing I can say that’s gonna make this feel better. But I know we’ll be back. I f—ing KNOW we’ll be back. I believe it in my f—ing heart.”
(Photos courtesy of Amazon MGM Studios)
Inside the Ice: A Spoiler-Filled Dive into Amazon’s ‘Faceoff: Inside the NHL’ Documentary Series
Overview of ‘Faceoff: Inside the NHL’
Amazon’s ‘Faceoff: Inside the NHL’ is an engaging six-part docuseries that provides fans with a unique glimpse into the professional hockey world. Released on Prime Video on October 4, 2024, this documentary series promises to captivate both die-hard hockey enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
Key Themes Covered in the Series
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: With exclusive footage from locker rooms, training sessions, and team meetings, viewers will experience hockey like never before.
- Player Insights: The series features personal stories and interviews with NHL players, shedding light on their journeys, struggles, and triumphs in the league.
- Team Dynamics: Explore how teams work together to build chemistry and strategy, highlighting both the challenges and successes that come with teamwork.
- Fan Engagement: The documentary delves into the relationship between players and fans, showcasing how passionate supporters influence the sport.
Episode Breakdown
| Episode | Title | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Behind the Glass | Introduction to NHL arenas and fan culture. |
| 2 | Training Days | In-depth look at player training regimens. |
| 3 | Game Day | What players experience on game day. |
| 4 | Beyond the Ice | Exploring players’ lives off the ice. |
| 5 | The Rivalry | Iconic NHL rivalries and their backstories. |
| 6 | Future of the Game | Innovations and the future landscape of the NHL. |
Benefits of Watching ’Faceoff: Inside the NHL’
This documentary series offers numerous benefits for viewers:
- Enhanced Understanding: Gain a deeper comprehension of the intricacies of hockey and what it takes to succeed in the sport.
- Inspiration: Learn about the perseverance and dedication required by players, which can motivate viewers in their own lives.
- Community Connection: Strengthen your connection to the hockey community by appreciating the stories of players and fans alike.
Real-Life Experiences: Player Stories
Throughout the series, fans will encounter personal anecdotes from players that highlight their unique journeys:
- Overcoming Injury: Players discuss their rehabilitation processes and mental challenges post-injury.
- Family Support: Many players attribute their success to the unwavering support from family members, revealing touching backstories.
- Career Transitions: Some segments feature players transitioning from the NHL to other career paths, emphasizing the versatility of athletes.
Tips for Enjoying the Series
To maximize your experience while watching ‘Faceoff: Inside the NHL’, consider these practical tips:
- Watch with Friends: Gather fellow hockey fans to discuss your thoughts and reactions as you watch.
- Take Notes: Jot down interesting facts or player stories that resonate with you for later discussion.
- Engage on Social Media: Share your favorite moments from the series using hashtags and join the conversation with other viewers.
Conclusion: A Must-Watch for Hockey Fans
‘Faceoff: Inside the NHL’ not only showcases the sport but also celebrates the human stories behind each game. With its compelling narratives and insider access, this series is a pivotal addition to the hockey documentary genre.
