With buzz about Amazon Prime Video’s NHL docuseries “Faceoff: Inside The NHL” rampant throughout NHL fan bases, attention is shifting to the next edition of the concept. Who should we be asking to be put in Amazon’s spotlight for a new version of the show? We’ve got a handful of suggestions.
The time to watch is now. ⏰
All episodes of FACEOFF: Inside the NHL available now on Prime Video. pic.twitter.com/mJz2LQsuzM
— NHL (@NHL) October 4, 2024
Let’s start with Pittsburgh Penguins icon Sidney Crosby. As one of hockey’s all-time greats, Crosby doesn’t often reveal his private thoughts, but if Crosby could be convinced to pull back the curtain and give his fans a glimpse of how he goes about his business at this late stage in his Hockey Hall-of-Fame career, that would be must-see TV for hockey fans of all generations.
Other suggestions we have for a second “Faceoff” series are all players who’ve earned a reputation for being controversial in one way or another. For starters, St. Louis Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington has become known for being a hothead, but he’s also a Stanley Cup winner who is cemented as the Blues’ starting netminder for the foreseeable future. He’d be a terrific example in terms of the most high-stakes position in the game, and the pressure he’s under this season will make for compelling viewing.
Similarly, another Amazon series could focus on Washington Capitals forward Tom Wilson, who is one of the most-hated competitors in recent history. Wilson also has a Cup to his credit, and he has the security of a long-term contract that starts this season and keeps him in D.C. until the summer of 2031. Wilson’s willingness to approach the line of acceptable behavior – and to occasionally cross that line – makes him an intriguing personality and a true outlaw numerous fan bases take great pleasure in loathing.
The other player we want to see in Amazon’s docuseries is arguably the biggest villain in his generation: Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand. Few, if any NHLers have achieved what Marchand has achieved, including his comfort with being an antihero and a player with no regrets about getting under the skin of opponents and their fans. Marchand will be leading the way for the Bruins once again this season, and seeing how he carries out his captaincy duties – as well as how he motivates his teammates in his position of leadership – will appeal to hockey fans regardless of what teams they support.
Of course, Amazon has a slew of other potential docuseries stars to choose from, but we’d definitely tune in to see a season of the show in which Crosby, Binnington, Wilson and Marchand ply their trade. The Pens, Blues, Caps and Bruins all intend to be playoff teams this season, so providing looks into their key performers makes sense for the series producers to focus on.
On a basic level, all sports are now putting together behind-the-scenes programs to place on streaming platforms and appeal to hard-core fans as well as casual fans. And that’s why the NHL needs to keep generating new shows like “Faceoff”. The more the league and its broadcast partners humanize elite hockey players, the more consumers will want to invest their disposable income into their particular brand of entertainment.
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News Summary:
- Amazon's "Faceoff" Docuseries Needs To Focus On These NHL Stars In Next Version Of Show
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