Playoff hockey is what every NHL player plays for. They give it their all for 82 games just to have an opportunity to win a Stanley Cup, but the fact of the matter is that not there will be a number of very good players not playing in the playoffs due to a variety of reasons.
That being said, there is still something to play for around playoff team, even if it's not the Stanley Cup. While the IIHF World Championships aren't as big as the Olympics, it's another opportunity for hockey's best to represent their country on an international level and bring home a medal.
Last year in Russia, Canada won gold after beating Finland in the finals. When the tournament rolls around in May again in 2017, it's all about repeating as champions for those players that aren't competing in the playoffs.
The 2017 tournament is being held in Germany and France, and in honour of hosting the tournament, a hockey rink has been installed in the Eiffel Tower.
The hockey rink will only be on the first floor of the Tower for a limited time, and it will be open to the public from December 15th to February 19th, so if you're planning a trip to France during that time, make sure to bring your skates with you.
According to the website for the Eiffel Tower, the rink is 57 meters above the ground, and it won't be used solely for hockey. It will also be used for public skating so everyone can enjoy the experience, not just hockey players.
(H/T: The Eiffel Tower)
