"The Rematch": There's Nothing The NHL Does Better Than Pump Out Elite Commercials Heading Into The Cup Final
You can say what you want about the league's ability, or inability, to market its biggest stars. You can say what you want about the league not finding a way to truly capitalize off the buzz from the 4 Nations FaceOff, and had one of the least viewed playoffs in recent memory. You can say what you want about ESPN's broadcast being as bland as a piece of 5-day old bread sitting out in the hot summer's sun.
But what you can't say is that the NHL doesn't know how to do commercials once it comes time for the Stanley Cup. Whether it's the "No Words" spot, or the "History Will Be Made", the NHL always delivers when it comes time to hand off the Cup to another champion.
"The Rematch" isn't necessarily a commercial, but I don't remember the league ever giving us a full trailer heading into a Stanley Cup Final. At the end of the day, I don't give a shit about the Florida Panthers. At the end of the day, I don't give a shit about the Edmonton Oilers outside of Connor McDavid's legacy. But am I juiced to the max for this series after watching that trailer? You goddamn bet your bottom dollar I am. This trailer was smelling salts for the soul.
Dynasty vs Destiny might have been the coolest possible way to phrase the context of this series. Do the Florida Panthers put themselves on the trajectory that so few teams have ever been able to travel? Or do the Hockey Gods finally award the greatest player in the world with the greatest trophy in sports? No matter what the outcome is of this series, it's going to rule. It would be nice if more people cared about it. But for all of us who do, this trailer gets you right where you need to be heading into tomorrow night.