NHL can wait, USA Hockey deserves its victory lap |

While many worry that the American hockey player's holiday will slow his return to the NHL, others see it as just that: a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

While the NHL waits, America's hockey players must win

If these players want to spend the next 72 hours basking in their glory, I say let them.

As expected, the United States men's Olympic hockey team will head to Miami on Monday after winning the gold medal in Canada, not New York, and the men in red, white and blue will be celebrating in style.

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I tried to tell you this was happening.It was as predictable as the sun rising in the East, especially with a guy like Florida Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk leading the way.

We all know what happened the last time a team celebrated a championship at Miami's E11even Stadium.

And that's not all.

After their thrilling victory over their northern neighbours, the Americans jumped into the ring with none other than President Donald Trump, who performed an all-time comedy routine and then extended a special invitation to the newest members of the gold medal club.

As noted many times, the NHL season starts on Wednesday, so it can be a logistical nightmare for many players on Team USA.

Most of the players in question are among the best, if not the best, on their NHL team, so partying for 36 hours in Miami and then heading to the White House to meet Trump at the State of the Union address could put that team in an awkward position.

It wouldn't be a popular choice for a guy like Auston Matthews, who plays for the Toronto Maple Leafs, to miss a game to hang out with Canada's mortal enemy.

With all due respect to the fans of this NHL team, take your complaints where they don't shine

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for each of these players.

They just beat the hockey equivalent of Space Jam's The Monstars and now face the most deserving rival in sports history.

These men won a gold medal for the greatest country in the world.Who cares if they get busted in a bar in Miami and then travel to the White House?

We should promote such fun.It is considered to be welcoming a true hero!

I'm a huge Panthers fan and right now my cat is watching playoff pictures.

They could use all the help they can get, and Matthew Tkachuk is one of their best players.But I'd feel bad if he missed out on celebrating America's first gold medal in hockey in nearly half a century.

It's all about perspective, folks.

These men did something that will be remembered until the heat of death in the universe.If they want to spend the next 72 hours sulking in their own dignity, I say so.

If they lose a game or two in the NHL, so be it.

A wise man once said, "Warriors are remembered, but legends never die."

They will be legends, guys.

The NHL will be here when you all get back.