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Post by StPetersburgHoya (Inactive) on Jul 13, 2005 19:39:00 GMT -5
Waits quitely in the Molson horse with 007 and other soccer fans secure in the fact that at least MLS has an ESPN and ABC contract ...
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2005 15:45:02 GMT -5
So the NHLPA not surprisingly ratified the new CBA. Owners will tomorrow. So here's a few questions going forward for you puckheads out there.
1) Who does the NHL benefit most by winning the draft lottery tomorrow and securing the ability to land Sydney Crosby (who is the real deal... I've seen him in a few QMJHL games)? The easy answer is the Rangers, but any other suggestions? (Imagine the Rangers getting Crosby then landing free agent Jarome Iginla?! Talk about marketing).
2) In the interests of league health and building a true partnership between owners and players, do Goodenow AND Bettman need to get axed? Either? Neither?
3) What do you look forward to most about the upcoming season? Shootouts? Crosby? Leveled economic playing field? The free agent bonanza?
4) Who's your favorite team, how do they look heading into the draft and the bonanza, and what would you like to see them do in free agency?[/i]
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Jul 21, 2005 17:21:35 GMT -5
1. Far be it from me to dispute the master of the NHL sound bite, Jeremy Roenick, who said the NHL should just cancel the draft and give Crosby to the Rangers.
That guy is just a classic. He needs to either get a job at ESPN or run for office when he's done playing.
Seriously though, the Rangers really don't need to "win" (wink, wink) Crosby in the draft. No matter what they do, the organization is in disarray for this year & he's not going to fix that. They need to A) keep Dunham, B) let a lot of their salaries go (obviously), and C) get some young, but somewhat experienced players (stay away from my Bruins, New York!).
I'd like to see Crosby go to a slightly smaller market, but a market with a rabid hockey following (yes, New York has that too, but they're rabid about anything - I think it's something in the water). Selfishly, Boston, of course, but I wouldn't mind seeing him in Pittsburgh or Minnesota. Chicago would be a good location, they've got lots of young guns for him to develop with over many years - if Chicago can get their heads out of their a$$e$.
I don't think going to one of the non-hockey markets will help, like LA or Phoenix or Dallas. Fans in those other cities will appreciate him more.
2. I've wanted Bettman to go for a long time, mainly because I never thought he was interested in making real improvements to the game, just in making it more and more like the NBA. However, I think he's won a pretty big battle (granted with unprecendented casualties), and he's earned a short leash. I think he's now shown an interest in doing what's best for the game going forward and I'll give him one more chance to prove it. If he does go, bring in someone from the NFL, definitely. I don't know who there is to choose from in the NFL head offices, but Tags has to have a couple of proteges who can handle the job.
Goodenow could buy every single player a new home in Hawaii and it wouldn't make a difference. He's a dead man walkin'.
3. I both look forward to and dread with gorge rising the upcoming free agent period. I think it's going to be frenetic, but I also fear that Boston will make a complete muck of the whole thing. Either way, it will be exciting. Aside from that, I think this season will be a lot of fun, hopefully with a balanced league and lots of new faces in new places.
4. The Bruins look awful heading into this situation & Joe Thornton isn't sure he wants to come back. Say it ain't so, Joe, but I don't really blame him. I would like to Bruins, first and foremost to focus on their strong young core: Thornton, Bergeron, Raycroft, Samsonov, Hilbert, Boynton and Girard. OK, maybe they can't keep everyone, but they should try to keep as much of this group together as they can. (in all honesty, I think a couple of the above are among the 4 Boston has under contract, but I can't remember which; I know it's not Thornton or Raycroft).
As for other remaining Bruins, I expect to see Gonchar and Murray probably leave. Hal Gill they'll probably get back. I'd like to see Rolston back. I'd like to see them go after a Tanguay or Hejduk if they can, but they're going to be tough (and I am also trying to resist the urge to play Dan Snyder and come up with a fantasy team).
And c'mon now. It just wouldn't be the Boston Bruins without tough little P.J. Stock now, would it?
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SFHoya99
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Post by SFHoya99 on Jul 21, 2005 22:15:27 GMT -5
Not sure puckhead applies, but...
1) Canadiens. I am violently nationalistic in almost any sport setting, but it is their freaking game. Cut Phoenix, Nashville, Columbus and whatever backwater city has a team and give one back to the ultimate backwater town: Winnipeg. And give Crosby to the Habs.
I'd also like to say that I like to say "Jarome Iginla." Not as much as saying "Sergei Gonchar," though, since his name sounds so much like an STD.
2) Like Boz said, Goodenow is a dead man walking. But Bettman is the worst commissioner that I can remember. On one hand, that's a rough comp because Stern and Tags have been so good, but since he's worse than Bud, he's gone.
3) If there is really economic parity -- to the point that poor teams don't sell off their stars every freaking off-season to the Red Wings or Avalanche, then that might get me back into the swing.
4) The Red Wings were my team in NHL Live (since I originally sucked and thus my friends gave me Federov and Crew), but my only real team was the Caps. I may have to find new allegiance if I am to become a fan again.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2005 8:40:13 GMT -5
1) I think the NHL obviously benefits most by having Sir Sydney in New York. Same reason Ewing SOMEHOW landed with the Knicks. But as its been mentioned, New York fans will come out no matter what - they just need SOME competence rebuilding the team from the back forward. Crosby won't instantaneously make them the best. For the sake of the NHL, I'd like to see Sydney in LA or Chicago - the next biggest markets with moribund franchises for the most part. If the NHL gets more offensive and goals go up and they market that way, Crosby in LA could be what The Great One was in the last century (at a time when the NHL was immensely popular). Chicago has possibly the worst owner in sports, but with cost certainty he should be able to throw together a team that competes with the rest of the league consistently, and Crosby there gets everyone excited. Obviously I'd love to see my Sabres win the lottery today at 4pm live on NHL.com, but the NHL would never let that happen. Crosby on a line with Drury and Vanek would be so freakin' nasty... for years to come. Plus, if I know the Sabres they won't hesitate to play Sydney in the AHL for a year or half a year just to get his legs under him at the highest level, bring him along when he's ready. Of course, the NHL might want him going right away and pressure whatever team gets him to play 'im...
One wild card - if I'm a GM and I get the first pick, I'm on the phone right away to Iginla and his reps saying "we want you and Crosby, we'll give you the max 7.5% of the payroll contract or whatever, come play in X." Imagine that... the next Lemieux (allegedly) and the minority face of hockey (who also happens to be one of the best I've seen in a while) on the same line? Yikes.
2) I think Goodenow is gone simply because his tactics stunk - he WAS on orders from the players presumably, but all the evidence points to mass miscommunications, NO communications... and that starts at the top, and he's gone. However, I think Bettman SHOULD go simply because the players hate him - and you need someone the players like to truly build this partnership they are talking about. I really wish someone would get in Wayne's ear and tell him to forget coaching the Coyotes, and run the damn league. Him or someone like Ken Dryden, Don Cherry (although he might ban Euro players altogether), hell even my boy Jim Schonfield... hockey guys who know the game, its traditions and have a sense of the business side of things (I left off Bobby Clarke for a reason, that goon).
3) I'm looking forward to EVERYTHING - shootouts, Crosby, a level economic playing field... if they can only market this thing right, they should be able to build it back to a level of respectability. Remember, the sporting public has a REAL short memory.
4) The Sabres are sitting REAL pretty right now - nine players under contract at only $9 million. And they are KEY names: Drury, Kalinin, Roy, restricted free agents Satan (who they should still buyout) and Danny Breire... just need to keep guys like Tallinder, Afinogenov, Hecht, Kotalik and Dumont. Plus, guys like Vanek and Paillie should be coming up this season to provide some MORE young blood for one of the NHL's already youngest teams. The big question is (again) goaltending - if they can buyout Biron and get good play from Miller with the spot start from Mika Noronen, we'll be playoff bound.
But the best part of the Sabres this year is the jerseys - bye bye ugly red and black, HELLO OLD SCHOOL BLUE AND GOLD!!
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2005 8:41:27 GMT -5
SF - if you need a new team, I'm here to help. Let me be the Match.com for you and a new hockey team. What are you looking for in a match?
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Jul 22, 2005 9:13:16 GMT -5
But the best part of the Sabres this year is the jerseys - bye bye ugly red and black, HELLO OLD SCHOOL BLUE AND GOLD!! La-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-LAFONTAINE! Agreed! Hey, I'm obliged to hate the Sabres, it's part of the deal, but those old colors need to come back. I think the best part of the salary cap is the relatively high floor for the minimum. Granted, salaries don't always equal talent (see "Rangers, New York") but its a very strong step to help ensure all organizations are making serious investments in their talent. As for SF, why stray too far from home? The Sharks were in the final four the last time there were playoffs, they've got a lot of players coming back and they have some room to spend (will they spend? that is the question) If geography is not an issue, any of the original six (except New York - you don't want that kind of misery) will do. I'll leave the matchmaking to Buffalo though. (Modified: Sorry, if you pick the Canadiens, however, you will have earned a blood enemy right here - Buffalo too, probably)
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2005 10:10:27 GMT -5
Look at Boz busting out an old Rick Genarette gem! Don't forget he invented "TOP SHELF WHERE MAMA HIDES THE COOKIES!!" as well as MY personal favorite (and something you may HATE, Boz) "MAY DAY! MAY DAY! MAY DAY!" - Speaking of which, I have that game on tape and could probably make you a copy if you'd like to see the B's lose any time you want I am obligated to hate the Habs, but don't despise them like I do the Leafs and Bruins, about which I hate everything there is to hate about them... fans, teams, arenas, old players, all that junk. Boz - what is your take (or any Bostonian's for that matter) on the new name of the Fleet Center? "TD Bank North Garden" might be the dumbest thing I've ever heard... and an insult to all the history of the old Garden, especially considering how ugly and plain and sh---y the Fleet Center is.
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Jul 22, 2005 10:31:34 GMT -5
Well, I'm not a Bostonian. My love of the Bruins is a complete aberration, and I'm the first to admit it. But, my guess is that most real Bostonians - including my brother, that BC traitor - have pretty much the same take as you do (and as I do, for that matter). The Fleet Center sucks and "sort of" naming it after the Garden is somewhat akin to blasphemy.
May Day. Sheesh. Yeah, you can stick that call you know where! Frickin' Andy Moog! (Bruins fans tend to blame any and all mishaps - even sweeps where the entire team didn't show up - on Andy Moog, just in case you didn't know).
The chunks are rising thinking of that abomination. Still, not as bad as the complete collapse against those woosie Habs last year. (OK, it wasn't last year, but from here on out, I am operating under the illusion that 2004-2005 simply didn't happen). I didn't even want to watch game 7 of that series. Once it went that far, I already knew the outcome.
Well, let's see how much work I can get done before 4, I guess. Probably not much, but I suppose I should try, seeing as how I'm being paid and all.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2005 13:21:16 GMT -5
Bozo Bettman comes on around 3pm-ish to talk about god knows what. I'm guessing he'll give us the "brand new day" crap, talking about going forward, partnership with players, etc. Company line. I'm HOPING he talks about rule changes and other things fans care about, though... give us a little appetizer for the main course at 4. I'm so tired at work for some reason... can't keep eyes open... starting to... dream... a little... dr... (snore)
Bucigross: "Well, Barry, it looks like the Commish is ready to announce the winner of the 'Sydney Crosby Sweepstakes' as he steps up to the podium."
Melrose: "Start of a new era in the NHL, Booch. I think I might bring back that ol' early-90's hockey hair to ring in the season come October."
Bucigross: "Face it, B... its a mullet. Ok, let's throw it up to the commish."
Bettman: [After naming the teams with pics 30-3] "And the second pick in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft will go to... [opens envelope]... the Phoenix Coyotes, which means the top pick in the 2005 NHL Entry draft goes to [speaking as he opens the final envelope] the Buffalo Sabres."
[Cut to Sabres GM Darcy Regier pumping his fist, smiling ear to ear...
... meanwhile, somewhere in Washington DC a loud "WOO HOO!!" is heard for miles and miles around, seemingly originating from the 1100 block of 17th street...][/i]
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Jul 22, 2005 14:01:02 GMT -5
Yeah, I pretty much gave up trying to work today too.
It held together for a couple of hours, but with this afternoon's activities, added to the fact that it's already a Friday...well, it was pretty much a lost cause from the opening faceoff for me today.
So, here is a question I've been pondering. Great news for the Caps on their draft pick from last year, Ovechkin. Having lived here for as long as I have, the Caps are kind of an adopted team for me. The Bs will always be number one in my heart, but I kind of like it when the Caps have a good team.
On the other hand, with the possible exception of Atlanta, I'm not sure there is a city in the U.S. less deserving of a good hockey team than Washington, D.C. There is no appreciation for hockey in this city, none whatsoever, except maybe from Elliott in the Morning (is he still around? can't remember the last time I turned on an FM radio station).
They've been this city's most successful franchise in the last decade, outperforming the lowly Skins and Wizards year after year (the Boulez finally seemed to be headed in the right direction, and then they go and lose Larry Hughes - WTF? ) . But yet, when the Caps make the Stanley Cup finals, who goes to the games? Detroit fans, that's who.
Anyway, in thinking of the upcoming events, I find myself hoping the Caps get a good draw and can sign some good players. Sure, they've still got that Jagr albatross hanging around their necks and most people think a lot of good players wouldn't want to come here, but I kind of hope they make out OK. Then, a moment later, I say, screw it, this city doesn't deserve it. I can't seem to decide on this one.
No point to all this really, just killing time until the big to-do.
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Jul 22, 2005 14:20:54 GMT -5
Someone should tell Gary Bettman what happened to Craig Esherick after he also said, "I'm not going anywhere."
I want details on the TV.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2005 14:35:46 GMT -5
Watch it stream live on NHL.com.
Details from the press conference so far:
- New NHL logo - October 5 start date, all 30 teams will be playing - perpetual joint league-player competition committee - will emphasize offense at every turn (rule changes, etc.) - taking OUT the red line completely - re-institute tag-up off-sides - restrict room behind the net for goalies to play the puck - move nets two feet closer to end boards - smaller goalie equipment - strict standard to enforce obstruction and interference - SHOOTOUTS!!! (two points for any kind of win, one point for losing in 4-on-4 OT or shootout) - scheduling will emphasize rivalries and in-conference play - greater access in both TV and in-arena presentation of the sport - good apology by Bettman - no All-Star game in any Olympic year
More to come...
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Jul 22, 2005 14:53:25 GMT -5
Yeah, I've been listening to it. They didn't talk much about the deal with NBC. Or any pending cable deals. I was hoping for some more on that.
I'm not sure what "rail cam" is, but it sounds good.
I like play behind the net, so I'm not too big a fan of moving the goals back, but they got rid of the red line and that's far more important, so overall, I'm happy.
Penalty killing is going to be much more difficult now, though, with no icing on PKs.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2005 14:56:21 GMT -5
More on scheduling:
-Each club will play eight games against each of its four division rivals (32 total).
-Each club will play four games against each of the 10 non-division clubs in its conference (40 total).
-Each club will play 10 inter-conference games, hosting one game each against all five clubs from a designated division and traveling for one game each against all five clubs from a different division. For the 2005-06 season, Northeast Division clubs will host the Pacific Division and visit the Northwest; Atlantic Division clubs will host the Northwest and visit the Central; and Southeast Division clubs will host the Central and visit the Pacific. Division vs. division assignments will rotate annually.
This is just pure genius on the NHL's part. Sort of adopting a modified NFL scheduling model. Just thinking about the Sabres playing four home games against Toronto, Boston, Ottawa and the Habs is making me dizzy with excitement.
I am officially buying the Center Ice Package this year. NHL is going to be sick again.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2005 15:06:57 GMT -5
Sorry Boz... Bruins at 23. Leafs at 22.
Suckers.
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Boz
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Post by Boz on Jul 22, 2005 15:14:01 GMT -5
#13. Not bad. Not enough for you to compete with the big boys though!
;D
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2005 15:22:20 GMT -5
Don't matter... Sabres are gonna be nasty anyway. Four games in Boston, four chances for me to see them smack down the B's.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 22, 2005 15:26:07 GMT -5
Crosby to the Pens! Lemieux is for SURE to play next year. The Pens had better be going back to their old school unis, their most recent ones suck ass.
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Post by StPetersburgHoya (Inactive) on Jul 22, 2005 15:33:43 GMT -5
Watch it stream live on NHL.com. Details from the press conference so far: - New NHL logo - October 5 start date, all 30 teams will be playing - perpetual joint league-player competition committee - will emphasize offense at every turn (rule changes, etc.) - taking OUT the red line completely - re-institute tag-up off-sides - restrict room behind the net for goalies to play the puck - move nets two feet closer to end boards - smaller goalie equipment - strict standard to enforce obstruction and interference - SHOOTOUTS!!! (two points for any kind of win, one point for losing in 4-on-4 OT or shootout) - scheduling will emphasize rivalries and in-conference play - greater access in both TV and in-arena presentation of the sport - good apology by Bettman - no All-Star game in any Olympic year More to come... I'm sorry, these rules changes are nice, but do you really think that they can save the NHL as it stands now? Teams were in shaky financial situations before the lock-out: Buffalo, Ottawa and they now have teams in markets that have never proven they can sustain a hockey team: Columbus, Atlanta. The cap, rollback, and buy out rules all mean that teams are going to have to buy out the high priced veterans that many fans identified with - especially hurting successful franchises like Colorado. There are currently over 400 free agents and that number will get higher as the buy outs continue. The league is looking to redevelop its fans and they have a comissioner in place who saw the game shrink in importance during his time in office. The league has no contract for the vast majority of its games to be televised in the United States and there has been no indication from ESPN that it is going to forego the higher rated college basketball coverage from last year to show NHL games. The league also seems to be resting a lot of its hopes on a QMHL kid who hasn't touched a puck in the NHL yet. How can anyone be sure that this is the wunderkindt that will sustain the Gretsky-era southern expansion of the NHL? Even if he is good, it is unlikely that he will have the power that Gretsky had to bring hockey to all of the United States. I think that in the next year or 2 years there will be at least 2 teams in the NHL folding, despite the higher teams values that the owners have garnered from this deal. That will be a black day in hockey because no professional sports league in the United States has had to fold a team in the last 40 years.
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