How did the final of the 4 Nations Face-Off fare? It showcased hockey in both a fantastic and not-so-great light.

According to FrontOfficeSports.com, the thrilling matchup between the U.S. and Canada drew an impressive average of 9.3 million viewers. This figure surpasses the viewership of any NHL game ever held in the United States.

In fact, it’s the highest number recorded to date.

The NHL now faces the challenge of channeling this surge of interest into its regular and postseason games. Meanwhile, other sports leagues must strategize on how to enhance their own all-star events.

It seems logical for the NHL to establish the 4 Nations Face-Off as an annual tradition. Expanding the tournament to include eight or more teams could also be beneficial. If these matchups consistently outperform standard NHL games, why not schedule more of them?

Consider shortening the regular season while increasing the frequency of the 4 Nations Face-Off to elevate the sport’s visibility.

For leagues like the NBA and MLB, there’s potential for hosting international competitions mid-season. Unfortunately, the NFL does not have a comparable option—and likely won’t in the future.

Nevertheless, just a couple of weeks into the post-Super Bowl lull, the NHL has successfully tapped into a winning formula. This victory is one that hockey cannot afford to overlook.