SCREAMIN' FROM THE CHEAP SEAT. So, what am I screamin' about today? I'm yellin' at the NHL but in a good way and here's why.

Shuttering the All Star Weekend for the Four Nations Face Off was stroke of genius. Instead of a boring exhibition of figure skating where the next check will be the first, the players chosen to represent their country are getting after it. 

Let me give you an example. In the contest between the USA and Canada at the Bell Center in Montreal Saturday, it took a grand total of 9 seconds for three fights to commence. If their was any question as to whether the players were going to take it seriously representing their country it was emphatically answered with a yes. Putting on the sweater with the emblem of their country has brought out Stanley Cup playoff level intensity and it is the shot of adrenalin that the National Hockey League needs right now.

With the USA clinching a spot in the finals tonight with a 3-1 triumph over Canada, the opponent will be determined by the winner of the contest between Canada and Finland on Monday in Boston. No matter who the victor happens to be, they will be facing a hostile pro-USA crowd in Beantown. And, if it's Canada that advances to the finals on Thursday, it will be a war. 

If that comes to fruition, I'm guessing the over/under for the first fight will be 10 seconds. I'm taking the under.

Book it Dano!