"It’s not the same in basketball": Denis Leary compares 4 Nations to Olympic Hoops

Denis Leary praised the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off on The Rich Eisen Show, highlighting its excitement and competitive intensity. He also commented on how international hockey differs from basketball at the Olympics. The tournament, held from February 12–20 in Montreal and Boston, was a huge success, with Canada defeating the U.S. 3–2 in overtime. It drew 16.1 million North American viewers, making it the second-most-watched hockey game in a decade.

International hockey at its best, replacing the NHL all-star game

The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off was a highly successful international hockey tournament held from February 12–20 in Montreal and Boston. It replaced the NHL All-Star Game and featured top NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States.

"Loved it—totally locked in. It’s great," Leary said. [5:18] "I'm pissed that we lost Charlie McAvoy with the Bruins, right? And Tkachuk getting hurt too. But at the same time, the intensity is unmatched. There's nothing like the Olympics or international competition. It's the best. It’s not the same in basketball when we go out and play in the Olympics—this is on another level."


Denis Leary previously reshared a fun interview clip of Brad Marchand on his X account, adding to the tournament's entertainment. Canada’s 3-2 win over the U.S. gained extra attention due to political tensions between the countries, with emotions running high as fans even booed national anthems. The tournament followed NHL rules, with 23-player rosters selected by national governing bodies. After its success, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman confirmed that NHL players would participate in the 2026 and 2030 Olympics.

Brady Tkachuk revealed on Pardon My Take that Team USA planned to show unity, with Matthew Tkachuk starting a fight and Brady following. “Matthew Tkachuk looks at me and goes…he’s like, ‘alright, I’m first shift. I’m going at him.’ And then he tells me, ‘I’m gonna grab Benny [Sam Bennett] off the bench,' who’s his teammate in Florida and ‘you’re coming out.’ So we’re going next," Brady said about the three fights in first 9 seconds.”

Brady Tkachuk shared that Matthew Tkachuk planned the first fight. He then grabbed teammate Sam Bennett, setting up three fights within the first nine seconds.

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The 2025 4 Nations Face-Off delivered intense competition, passionate rivalries, and high drama, drawing massive viewership. With Canada’s OT win, heated USA-Canada clashes, and Denis Leary’s praise, the event reinforced hockey’s global appeal, securing NHL participation in the 2026 and 2030 Olympics.

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