Faceoff: Inside the NHL is a six-part docuseries streaming on Prime Video that dives into the lives of the NHL’s top players, both on and off the ice. One of several new sports documentary shows and featuring stars like Connor McDavid, David Pastrnak, and Matthew Tkachuk, the series provides an intimate look at their journeys through the 2024 postseason, including behind-the-scenes moments from the Edmonton Oilers’ and Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup Final run.
Produced by NHL Productions and Box to Box, the team behind Formula 1: Drive to Survive, the series captures the grit, talent, and sacrifice it takes to thrive in the NHL. With unprecedented access to players, their families, and inner circles, Faceoff offers fans a closer look at the individual personalities driving hockey’s biggest stage.
12 William Nylander
Toronto Maple Leafs Forward
William Nylander, a forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs, is featured prominently in the opening episode of the docuseries. The episode offers a glimpse into Nylander’s return to the playoffs after missing three games due to eye migraines. Viewers are given behind-the-scenes footage of his intense performance, including a heated moment where he urges teammate Mitch Marner to “Stop f—–‘ cryin’, bro,” during Game 4 against the Boston Bruins.
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Nylander’s migraines, which began during a regular-season game against the Florida Panthers, were severe enough to affect his vision, contributing to his absence in the series’ early stages. Despite this, he led the Leafs’ offense upon his return, scoring key goals in critical elimination games. The episode contrasts his everyday life with his playoff intensity, showcasing his dedication to the game and his influence on the Leafs’ bench.
11 David Pastrnak
The Boston Bruins Forward
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David Pastrnak, a forward for the Boston Bruins, plays a significant role in the docuseries, which highlights his long-standing friendship with fellow NHL star William Nylander. The series explores their shared experiences, beginning with their time on the Södertälje SK J20 team in Sweden. It emphasizes how they developed a close bond both on and off the ice while facing personal challenges.
Pastrnak’s move to Sweden at age 16 was difficult, but his chemistry with Nylander became a pivotal aspect of their early careers.
The series also addresses Pastrnak’s profound personal losses, including the death of his father when he was 17 and the tragic loss of his first-born son, Viggo, just six days after birth. He speaks candidly about these challenges, expressing gratitude for his daughter and emphasizing that family is more important than hockey.
10 Filip Forsberg
Nashville Predators Forward
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Filip Forsberg, a forward for the Nashville Predators, is also featured in Faceoff. The second episode highlights Forsberg’s recovery from a painful foot injury that hindered his performance last season. As the documentary explains, he follows an extremely strict schedule, even when it comes to extremely mundane activities, all for the purpose of preparing himself for hockey.
The episode also covers the birth of Forsberg’s son, Felix, nine days after the Predators’ Game 6 loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Forsberg remarked,