NHL Thread

[Jones31]

Detroit didn't seem to want to play until the 3rd IMO, and it cost them. If they lose tomorrow, I'd venture to say Hossa is gone come July.

[Titanico]

http://wwwcache.wralsportsfan.com/assets/hockey/nhl/2009/05/12/5132344/61407-Aaronward-290x217.jpg
For all the fecking whining Boston has done about suposed damage from one measly punch, and a oops my stick touched Chara's leg broke it acting the Bruins. They've quickly become a hated team by me. I only hate Vancouver.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/CharlieJ1/loser.jpg

Oh well...now we are even. We both hate one team from that area now! :lol

[Jones31]

LOL!

[Titanico]

LOL!

:)

[Toronto]

The NHL sent out a press release that the conference semis have been their most competitive since 1986 - 3 game 7s and the other went 6. What a shame it has to end. I have a bad feeling the conference finals will not live up to the play this round.

[Jones31]

I agree we will probably all sleep through it. If Ovie and Crosby were in different conferences...... I think the level of excitement would still be high.

[Jones31]

The Star released the documents filed by the NHL, showing where the NHL owns 91% of the Coyotes.
I'd like to see how Moyes thinks he's going to be able to pull this off now.....

[Toronto]

The Star released the documents filed by the NHL, showing where the NHL owns 91% of the Coyotes.
I'd like to see how Moyes thinks he's going to be able to pull this off now.....

Yeah, meanwhile, the NHL is taking a financial bath on the team, but the owners/BOG should go ahead and continue to trust the current regime to get it right. :crazy

To be honest, I have no clue why Basillie wants this so bad. I wouldn't want to be partners with a lot of these jerks that have done absolutely nothing to advance the league anyways.

In other news, man was Game 7 of PIT/WSH a letdown...

[Jones31]

Jim is like any agressive businessman.... he wants what he wants. Just doesn't always get it.
Yeah WSH/PIT made me want to puke. Hope CAR can end BOS tonight. I'm split on the DET/ANA.

[Toronto]

Jim is like any agressive businessman.... he wants what he wants. Just doesn't always get it.
Yeah WSH/PIT made me want to puke. Hope CAR can end BOS tonight. I'm split on the DET/ANA.

I want DET - DET/CHI is very tasty...and I want west coast hockey to be over.

[Jones31]

Yeah no late nights would be great. Detroit is actually boring me right now though.

[Jones31]

Paul Devorski and Marc Joanette should never referee another game.................. ever.

[don28]

Once Detroit got screwed on their game-tying goal you knew that they would get the benefit of every call after that.

[Jones31]

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w8a6bIv6CMs/SA4pzNEyXbI/AAAAAAAAAfk/VUAiyipey7s/s320/bruins.jpg

[Titanico]

No matter the loss. Thomas should be proclaimed the Goalie of the year. He saved his team several times through the OT.

The Bruins didn't have the stamina to overcome the Hurricanes' pressure.

[Toronto]

I did the Wings/Ducks game last night for Sportsnet. Was given a full three minutes for the hilight pack, which is an eternity. (gives me about 15 plays or so). I was able to break down the game bigtime and really tell a story. Was a terrific game and I am no fan of either team, so this is a neutral point. The last goal was fine IMO. Hiller never had control, the whistle doesn't blow nor should it. The blame is on the Ducks D for not tying up Cleary in front with 3 minutes left and leave themselves even the chance....

I'm actually really surprised that the B's lost. For some reason, I couldn't see them losing last night, but it was obvious in OT who had the better legs/goaltending.

Really looking forward to Hawks/Wings. Of the two series, definately the one that has the potential for that raw emotion we want out of playoff hockey.

[Toronto]

BC NHL Financier Fraud@
code:4
See Photo CAJOS501 502@
INDEX:Sports@
HL:Disgraced financier William (Boots) Del Biaggio III faces prison
sentence@
By Paul Elias@
THE ASSOCIATED PRESS@
SAN FRANCISCO _ Silicon Valley financier William (Boots) Del
Biaggio III was scrambling during the summer of 2007 to buy a
significant portion of the NHL's Nashville Predators.
The 24 per cent piece of the team he was after would have
achieved a long term goal, cementing his status as a major player in
the NHL. Authorities allege he wanted the franchise ownership so
much that he turned to crime.
Today, he faces more than six years in prison after pleading
guilty to one charge of fraud for using forged financial documents
to obtain US$110 million in loans from several banks and two NHL
owners.
Del Biaggio's lawyer did not immediately return telephone
messages. In court papers, Del Biaggio admitted to the fraud and
said he will attempt to pay back his victims.
The rise and demise of the flamboyant 41 year old high roller is
chronicled in federal court records, including a Securities and
Exchange Commission lawsuit that outlined the fraudulent loans and a
separate $19 million Ponzi scheme in which he used investors' money
to finance his lavish lifestyle.
Hockey was Del Biaggio's passion. In 2002, he bought a two per
cent ownership stake in the San Jose Sharks. Two years later, he was
part of an investment group involving Pittsburgh Penguins owner
Mario Lemieux and Los Angeles Kings president Luc Robitaille that
purchased the minor league Omaha Lancers in Nebraska.
Del Biaggio and Lemieux were frequent golf partners and the two
purchased a $2 million home in Santa Monica, court records show. And
Del Biaggio and Robitaille opened a $2 million real estate
investment fund.
Del Biaggio, the son of a respected banker and grandson of a
successful beer distributor, lived with his three children and
socialite wife in a gated home in San Jose's Almaden neighbourhood.
An elaborate fundraising event there turned his tennis court into a
stage for the singer Seal and brought in $400,000 for the American
Heart Association. He maintained his office on Silicon Valley's
famed Sand Hill Road and was considered a high roller in Las Vegas.
Nevertheless, the millions he needed in 2007 for his 24 per cent
share of the Predators was far beyond his means.
So Del Biaggio turned to David Cacchione, a financially strapped
stockbroker who owed him $2 million. According to federal
prosecutors and the SEC, the duo hatched a simple, lucrative and
illegal scheme.
Cacchione emailed Del Biaggio account statements from several
wealthy clients showing tens of millions of dollars worth of stock
holdings.
Del Biaggio then doctored the account statements by cutting out
the clients' names and pasting in his own.
Using the falsified documents, Del Biaggio obtained about $110
million in loans and loan guarantees from two NHL owners and various
banks, including $4 million from the Heritage Bank of Commerce,
which he and his father launched in the mid 90s.
Del Biaggio also showed the account statements to NHL authorities
to back his ownership bid. And that has led some to question whether
the league adequately examined Del Biaggio before authorizing the
sale of the Predators to his ownership group.
``What kind of due diligence did the NHL do on this?'' said
Jeffrey Citron, a Toronto lawyer who served as the NHL union's No. 2
lawyer for five years ending in 2000. ``Typically I would expect
them to be much more thorough.''
The NHL defended its handling of Del Biaggio's ownership
application and said that his influential hockey friends had no
bearing on the approval process.
``Del Biaggio's application received the normal level of due
diligence done on investments of the same size,'' said NHL deputy
commissioner Bill Daly. ``Del Biaggio was not given any special
treatment.''
Court records show that Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold and
AEG, which owns the Los Angeles Kings, loaned Del Biaggio a combined
$17 million to buy the team without the permission or knowledge of
the commissioner's office.
The league has since changed its policy to require owners to
disclose all financial deals with each other.
``The situation was unfortunate and regrettable, but it has not
had a huge effect on the league or how we conduct business,'' Daly
said. Lemieux declined to comment and a spokesman for the Los Angeles
Kings said neither Robitaille nor an AEG representative would
comment.
Del Biaggio's world began crumbling a year ago. New York based
Modern Bank demanded repayment of its loan in late May after
discovering that the accounts Del Biaggio used as collateral did not
belong to him.
Then his father's bank and several other lenders sued him. Del
Biaggio filed for bankruptcy. And his wife filed for divorce.
Del Biaggio, who has pleaded to a federal fraud charge, is
scheduled to be sentenced in July to at least 6 1/2 years in prison.
Del Biaggio's fraud of more than $100 million is not in the
league of the billions stolen by Bernie Madoff, but his greed has
devastated his victims.
Lawyer Ronald Laupheimer has to continue working because most of
the $600,000 retirement nest egg he invested with Del Biaggio was
lost in the Ponzi scheme.
The 63 year old is considering selling his San Francisco home of
35 years and, like other Del Biaggio victims, he worries that the
banks and NHL owners Del Biaggio defrauded will be awarded the
lion's share of his estate.
``I was pretty close to retirement,'' he said. ``It's been tough
and we don't know what we are going to do.''

I really wonder if Bill Daly can actually smell his own bull****.

[Jones31]

Hell no he can't.

[Zephyr]

Scotty Effin Walker!

[don28]

If he hadn't had gone against the NHL's wishes and lied about his intentions with Pittsburgh and Nashville, he would not be given the finger by Gary Bettman. I'm sure the other owners aren't that enamored with Basillie.

The other owners probably don't want the Coyotes to become the league's welfare child, but I don't think they want Basillie in their clubhouse. Just my opinion.

[Toronto]

If he hadn't had gone against the NHL's wishes and lied about his intentions with Pittsburgh and Nashville, he would not be given the finger by Gary Bettman. I'm sure the other owners aren't that enamored with Basillie.

The other owners probably don't want the Coyotes to become the league's welfare child, but I don't think they want Basillie in their clubhouse. Just my opinion.

The other owners already allowed the Coyotes to become a welfare child. The real question is why Basillie keeps beating his head against the wall. IMO he can't win. Even if he does get the franchise, MLSE and the Sabres will force him to pay millions, hell tens of millions. And he's overestimating the market in SW Ontario too. Windsor is full of Leafs and Wings fans. Niagara Falls is also full of Leaf/Sabre fans. Kitchener-Waterloo and Hamilton have a combined population of maybe 1.5M, and I think that's being generous.

He'd be better off moving the team to Winnipeg, back where it started.

Bettman has made some ridiculously dumb decisions over the years, and watching this fight has just shown me how badly the league needs new leadership and a better BOG. These guys have just done a disastrous job running their business.

[Jones31]

No businessman in their right mind is going to touch PHX, word is Reinsdorf might backout.

[Jones31]

The Pens are dirty. That is all.

[Toronto]

The Pens are dirty. That is all.

I know I shouldn't say this, but I won't mind at all if Brooks Orpik gets whats coming to him. I don't know what the hell Erik Cole did to deserve this, but a broken neck was enough FFS.

I didn't really care about the series until now. Now I just want the Pens to lose, which automatically means the NHL's poster child is gonna be hoisting the cup and nauseating me for months.

[don28]

May 27 Deadline (http://http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=4180789)


A bankruptcy judge has ordered the NHL and Phoenix Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes to mediation in an attempt to resolve their fight over who is in control of a franchise that both sides agree is insolvent.

The league and Moyes are to report their progress at a status hearing May 27. Meanwhile, Baum said to relocate the team anywhere must be decided before the franchise is sold.

[Jones31]

They are still in court right now.

[Toronto]

Our guy in PHX made a funny observation - there are several Cdn. media in the courtroom, none from the US.

Missed game 2, was doing Lakers/Nuggets...heard it was a damn good game though...

[Jones31]

There was one from the AZ Republic and one from the AP at least one from local tv. That's what I got from Twitter from one guy from the Star and another guy who I don't know who he writes for.
But from the buzz out there.... it seems like most have no clue what yesterday meant.


Which turned out to be nothing.

[Toronto]

There was one from the AZ Republic and one from the AP at least one from local tv. That's what I got from Twitter from one guy from the Star and another guy who I don't know who he writes for.
But from the buzz out there.... it seems like most have no clue what yesterday meant.


Which turned out to be nothing.

The guys tweeting were Mark Spector of our network, The Star and I think the Globe and Mail. Not sure if TSN was there, I suspect they were. Hell, they would send a guy/gal just because we did. How else can you explain the 10 hrs of coverage we both give on NHL Trade Deadline Day, or the several we now both give on the first day of NHL Free Agency?

Yes, its really that stupid up here.:lolhit

[Toronto]

As a sidenote, really dumb move by the NHL having 2 full days off in between games. They don't understand - mid June? Hockey doesn't sell. Anywhere.

[Jones31]

Well that's been going on for years. Asking them to change (gasp)?

[Jones31]

So riddle me this, I've read that if the Yotes move it will have impact in all of sports, explain to me how. In the last 15 years the NFL, NBA, NFL have had teams move for various reasons.

[Toronto]

So riddle me this, I've read that if the Yotes move it will have impact in all of sports, explain to me how. In the last 15 years the NFL, NBA, NFL have had teams move for various reasons.

My guess, and this is an un-researched one, is that the other leagues are all watching this for anti-trust purposes. If the NHL loses, my guess is that their collective fear is that anytime an owner wants out on their terms, they can go this route and circumvent their own BOG/Commissioner.

What I don't understand is why on earth the NHL believes its entitled to force an owner to accept up to $90 million dollars less for their property. That's not arrogant, that's worse. And on that note, I have to say this....other than maybe 6 or 7 teams, I don't understand why anyone would want to own a NHL team unless they really don't give a **** about money.

There is no national TV contract. There are a lot of troubled markets. There are lowered franchise values. Makes me even scratch my head more that Basillie wants in, especially knowing how much he's not welcome in their no 'Jim's club'. IMO he's nuts. :crazy

[Jones31]

Al Davis challeged this and won..... did everyone for get that?
Second part I agree with.
As far as the TV contract the league won't see one with payrolls this high. There just isn't that much money to toss around for a "regional" telecast.

[Toronto]

Al Davis challeged this and won..... did everyone for get that?
Second part I agree with.
As far as the TV contract the league won't see one with payrolls this high. There just isn't that much money to toss around for a "regional" telecast.

The NHL shut down business claiming that they couldn't get any of that until they achieved cost certainty. Well, they got it - but nothing's changed. That's why I laugh when anyone compliments Bettman. The man's a joke and the fact that he's still in charge means the BOG is a joke too.

[Jones31]

Only certainties they got were certain caps on players and a pool of money, but in the end run overall salaries we're back were we are before hand. Yeah sure teams are given a cap, but most are spending because they have to these days not because they want to. Bettman has got to go, the BoG must have been promised something since they re-elected him last year. (I think it was last year)


I know I'm in a non-trad market and I'm agreeing with you.



Hell must be freezing over. :)

[Toronto]

We both love the sport, just hate the idiots running it.

God, I can only dream of a Pete Rozelle coming in and running the NHL 20 years ago. Imagine what he could have done with Gretzky/Lemieux

[Jones31]

Clean or not?

[Toronto]

Clean or not?

Clean. We did a superslowmo for our post-game reports. He had not left his feet when he contacted Havlat. No elbow. Just an awful collision obviously. He won't be suspended.

Havlat will not play again this year IMO. That looked like a grade 3 concussion.

[Jones31]

Thank you.
I agree, I was shocked when they tossed the book at him. Havlat twittered he was ok last night. That hit reminded me of Campbell smoking Umberger in 06.

[Jones31]

The hockey gods frown upon the fans. Penguins are in the Final.

[Toronto]

The hockey gods frown upon the fans. Penguins are in the Final.

I did the Jays game and for the first time in the playoffs, didn't bother checking the score. Just knew it was ending tonite. The Canes simply had no gas left and all due respect, the Pens are a much more talented team pretty much everywhere.

My nightmare that Crosby cliches his way to a Cup is almost reality.

[Toronto]

Doing Game 5 tonite - so will offer full commentary...

expecting a good game, even minus the injured...

[Jones31]

Wings win.
Game 1 Saturday Night NBC

[Toronto]

I think it's absolutely disgusting that they are making these teams play both Saturday and Sunday.

But then again, look who we're talking about. :crazy


My pack ran 2 minutes 45 secs - was a lot of fun...

[Jones31]

It was either that or wait 8 days. It's all about when NBC wanted to show the games. I would have been fine with a Monday start.

[Sect309Fan]

Wings win.
Game 1 Saturday Night NBC

You were right. :bowdown

And I agree that this is the right move. A week layoff is way too long.

[Toronto]

It was either that or wait 8 days. It's all about when NBC wanted to show the games. I would have been fine with a Monday start.

No problem with that - I agree. But back to back? Ugh.

[Jones31]

Yeah that's rough, but either way they were going to do a B2B. Why..... probably NBC. You know Nothing But Crosby.

[don28]

First, you were right, Toronto! I doubted the Wings' chances in the playoffs, but they proved me wrong by making the Finals again.

Second, a big, gigantic YAWN over this series. I don't see anything different that would make me believe that Pittsburgh can do any better than they did last year against the Wings.

Looks like I'll be giving the XBox 360 a workout from now until football season.

[Jones31]

First, you were right, Toronto! I doubted the Wings' chances in the playoffs, but they proved me wrong by making the Finals again.

Second, a big, gigantic YAWN over this series. I don't see anything different that would make me believe that Pittsburgh can do any better than they did last year against the Wings.

Looks like I'll be giving the XBox 360 a workout from now until football season. the RROD hits

There fixed that.

[t1tan5]

Gotta love how NBC totally calls the shots. Why are there back to back games (for the first time in 55 years) in the Stanley Cup Finals? Conan is premiering the new Tonight Show on June 1st at 11:35 pm, a good hour after the game would end.

[don28]

There fixed that.

May a diseased yak fly over your vehicle while having diarrhea! :lol :slap

[Jones31]

LOL, maybe then I'll actually wash it.

[Toronto]

First, you were right, Toronto! I doubted the Wings' chances in the playoffs, but they proved me wrong by making the Finals again.

Second, a big, gigantic YAWN over this series. I don't see anything different that would make me believe that Pittsburgh can do any better than they did last year against the Wings.

Looks like I'll be giving the XBox 360 a workout from now until football season.

Too deep, too talented and too well coached. That simple.

In a sense, glad the series starts Saturday - both teams will still be in stride and should produce better hockey. Also, maybe better ice.

[Toronto]

Here's your finals -- what's your hurry?

BY MITCH ALBOM
FREE PRESS COLUMNIST
Dear NBC and NHL:
I'll begin with a simple question. Do either of you actually like hockey?
I think I can answer for NBC (a.k.a. "Nothing But Conan"), because it is clear the network would rather break out in a deadly skin rash than show the Stanley Cup finals on a weeknight.

Honestly, NBC (a.k.a. "Not Bleepin' Canadians!") treats this sport like an ugly cousin it has to take to the prom. There are shotgun marriages that have more love. NBC doesn't even pay the NHL to broadcast its games. In fact, the NHL has to wait until NBC has recouped its production costs before getting a penny (and has to help sell the advertising, which is a bit like having to bake the Girl Scout cookies, then buy and eat them, too).

And this includes the championship round!
Which now begins Saturday night -- a fast three days after the Red Wings won the Western Conference finals -- with Games 1 and 2 a mere 24 hours apart, thus wiping out much of the home-ice advantage the Wings fought so hard to earn during the regular season.

Or at least that's the news as I write this. Until a few days ago, we all thought the finals were starting June 5. Then, suddenly, a new schedule -- as if they're arranging a play date during flu season.

Imagine if the NFL worked this way?
"You going to the Super Bowl?"
"Not sure. When is it?"
"Maybe Sunday. Maybe Wednesday."
"I dunno. Who else is going?"
Hey, this isn't a pizza party, guys. It's the Stanley Cup finals. It's the biggest stage for the greatest sport in the world -- at least to hockey lovers.

Which we in Detroit are.
And which TV -- in New York and L.A. -- is not.
Expected to work overtime
But that's no reason to punish the players. During the postgame media sessions after Detroit eliminated Chicago, coach Mike Babcock and several Wings seemed bewildered at the timing of the finals.

"Normally, when you win in five games, you get this little break -- normally," Babcock said. "I don't know if we're making up for lost time ... or whatever we're doing. They don't ask me these questions."

Of course not. Players and coaches should just shut up and do as they're told -- even though they ARE the sport. So the Wings, despite their captain Nicklas Lidstrom and superstar Pavel Datsyuk ailing with injuries, have to suck it up and be ready for Saturday night and then -- bang! -- Sunday night because NBC likely doesn't want to use a weeknight and run the risk of an overtime game that -- heaven forbid! -- might cut into Conan O'Brien's debut week on "The Tonight Show."

This way, by broadcasting Games 1 and 2 this weekend and Game 5 next Saturday -- Games 3 and 4 are on Versus -- NBC (a.k.a. "Never Been Checked") won't even use up a weeknight.

And it can pray this ends before a Game 6.
Better than a monologue
Of course, NBC always could do what it did a few years ago during a conference finals game -- just dump the overtime onto a cable channel, which it did to Buffalo and Ottawa. The reason? It had commitments to show the Preakness two-hour prerace coverage.

Listen, Gary Bettman, when your league counts less than horses warming up, you better wonder about the relationship.
Here's a question: Do you think if Sidney Crosby were nursing an injury, they would rush into these finals? Don't expect an honest answer.

Hey, I understand ratings, star power, advertising, revenue sharing. I just don't think they should dictate something as important as the Stanley Cup finals. Years from now, when nobody remembers what TV show was on what network, the results of this series will be in the books, part of hockey lore. That should matter. That should be protected.

But Bettman, desperate for league credibility, will do whatever the networks want -- even though they would laugh him out of the office if he actually asked for, you know, money in exchange one of the greatest traditions in the history of sports.

As Wings forward Marian Hossa said, "You get the Stanley Cup finals once a year. Why do you rush it? What if the first game goes to three or four overtimes? Then we have to start again the next night? I don't think that's smart."

Smart exits when you're begging for coverage. But protecting the game and its history should not. Maybe one day, this league and a network actually will find each other attractive. Till then, it's four games in six days, and lots of black coffee.

[t1tan5]

...and there is still a debate about having more Canadian teams.

[Jones31]

http://cdn.nhl.com/redwings/images/upload/2009/05/1SCF-tickets0527.jpg

The calm before the storm............ this blows already.
Who had the ingenious idea of having 3 different playoffs/Cup Final emblems in 4 years?

Pre-lockout
http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/1/486/thumbs/5311.gif

Post Lockout
http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/1/486/thumbs/6863.gif

http://www.sportslogos.net/images/logos/1/486/thumbs/vmrmtwwz83mec1kssdmhb5lj4.gif

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y27/CharlieJ1/cupfinalslogo2009wa3.png

[Toronto]

I've been assigned Game 1. :toast

[Jones31]

Freaking sweet!

[ZachLV27]

I can understand the fans being upset and the thinking of that Mitch Albom article, but can you really blame NBC? Hell, can you really blame the NHL? He asks if NBC actually likes hockey. The simple answer to that is yes, if airing the games makes them money. They don't give a damn about the NHL lore. They don't give a damn about what's in the best interests of the league unless those decisions effect their bottom line. The simple fact is that Conan's premiere will most likely bring in many more viewers than the NHL games will and that's all they care about. NBC doesn't really have any other shows that people are watching. They definitely have to support the one show that shows some signs of life.

As for the NHL's decision to air games on NBC and their decision to let NBC dictate when the games are. What do you expect? NBC is the only network (Versus is far from a network) that showed any interest in showing their games and the NHL needs whatever money they can get from NBC to help the league survive. Lets also face the fact that outside of Detroit and a few other markets the NHL just isn't popular in the U.S.. If it wasn't for ESPN then a majority of sports fans here wouldn't have the slightest clue about who is even playing. The NHL is failing as a league right now and it needs to do whatever it can to just make some money.

[Toronto]

I can understand the fans being upset and the thinking of that Mitch Albom article, but can you really blame NBC? Hell, can you really blame the NHL? He asks if NBC actually likes hockey. The simple answer to that is yes, if airing the games makes them money. They don't give a damn about the NHL lore. They don't give a damn about what's in the best interests of the league unless those decisions effect their bottom line. The simple fact is that Conan's premiere will most likely bring in many more viewers than the NHL games will and that's all they care about. NBC doesn't really have any other shows that people are watching. They definitely have to support the one show that shows some signs of life.

As for the NHL's decision to air games on NBC and their decision to let NBC dictate when the games are. What do you expect? NBC is the only network (Versus is far from a network) that showed any interest in showing their games and the NHL needs whatever money they can get from NBC to help the league survive. Lets also face the fact that outside of Detroit and a few other markets the NHL just isn't popular in the U.S.. If it wasn't for ESPN then a majority of sports fans here wouldn't have the slightest clue about who is even playing. The NHL is failing as a league right now and it needs to do whatever it can to just make some money.

This is where my disconnect with Gary Bettman and the NHL's growth strategy comes in....

http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2007/03/27/3844918-sun.html
CBC pays about $100M to the NHL per year

TSN and Rogers Sportsnet ante up around the same combined. TSN for national and playoffs, Sportsnet does FSN-style deals with local markets.

So these three networks ante up $200M to the league and do whatever the hell is necessary to promote the **** out of the game, its players, the rivalries, etc.

What does NBC do? Protect Conan O'Brien's new show. Look, as someone that is in TV and understands what pays the bills, I understand their position. I just don't understand why Bettman and the league doesn't call a spade a spade and go back to ESPN, where even on ESPN2, he is guaranteed a fairer shake and a similar audience, with the finals on ESPN's main channel.

Will comment more later.

[ZachLV27]

I was under the assumption that ESPN didn't want the NHL back. You'd know a hell of a lot more on that than I would though.

ESPN / ESPN2 did do a hell of a lot better of a job at promoting the league and showing its games.

[315]

A little off topic but why in the heck has Ontario not gotten a NHL team long before the likes of Nashville, Atlanta, Phenoix...etc?

[Jones31]

The Province of Ontario has 2 NHL teams already.
Toronto
Ottawa

Granted they are spread apart, but someone thinks Southern Ontario near Hamilton needs another one.

[Toronto]

A little off topic but why in the heck has Ontario not gotten a NHL team long before the likes of Nashville, Atlanta, Phenoix...etc?

Few reasons...

1) Territory - Toronto and Buffalo both don't want it
2) Growth strategy was to the US Sunbelt - specifically any market that does actually applie for Nielsen TV ratings, which Ontario doesn't.
3) Back in the mid 90s - Canada wasn't as 'in.' Quebec City and Winnipeg taxpayers both refused to build new arenas, so the franchises went to cities that would. Funny thing that no one is talking about - Basillie's plans to re-build/design Copps Colisuem come with a bill for taxpayers. Stunned there hasn't been any backlash already. I'll be damned if some billionaire is going to try and scam me out of a penny for his new toy.

OK, Game 1 preview comes on shortly - let the fun begin. BTW, I have 4 minutes for this script. That is an eternity in broadcasting.

[Toronto]

Wanna know what a script looks like before it goes to air? Here is mine tonite - with explanations...

Team ISOs
FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1983-84...
THERE IS A STANLEY CUP FINAL REMATCH...
(note - ISO means visuals of each team, either coming out of the dressing room, or on the bench)

ISO
MARIAN HOSSA.
THE 1ST PLAYER SINCE 1964 TO SWITCH SIDES IN A STANLEY CUP FINAL REMATCH
(john macmillan)
(no explanation needed)

ISOS
TAKING ON SIDNEY CROSBY...
AND EVGENI MALKIN...
RANK 1-2 IN PLAYOFF SCORING (WITH 28 POINTS IN 17 GAMES...)


EARLY 1ST PERIOD...
PENS WITH THE FIRST CHANCE...
SERGEI GONCHAR...
SHOT FROM THE POINT GOES WIDE...
MAXIME TALBOT...
AT THE DOORSTEP....
DENIED BY CHRIS OSGOOD...

31 (nbc #35 over)
BACK COME THE WINGS...
DAN CLEARY...
CROSS-ICE FEED FOR...
HENRIK ZETTERBERG...
HE BEATS MARC-ANDRE FLEURY...
BUT CAN'T BEAT THE IRON...
(we used both CBC and NBC, I had a junior helping me to find better replays or sound from Mike Emerick)

35 (nbc replay 33)
THEN THE HITS START...
soundup
INQ: take that!
OUTQ " signing with the red wings!" 20:33:54
HOSSA...
WAS SHAKEN UP...
BUT WOULD NOT MISS A SHIFT...
(the Orpik hit on Hossa, used CBC's call)

2 HIT MONTAGE

38 (cbc replay 42, nbc replay 41)
THE PHYSICAL PLAY WOULD CONTINUE...
SIDNEY CROSBY...
LEVELS ZETTERBERG...

39 (cbc replay 42, nbc replay 41)
THEN BRAD STUART...
TAKES A RUN AT KRIS LETANG...

41 (44 nbc)
UNDER 7 MINS LEFT...
HAL GILL...
FAILS TO CLEAR THE PUCK...
BRAD STUART (2)...
INNOCENT SHOT FROM THE POINT...
GOES WIDE...
BUT CAROMS OFF FLEURY....
AND IN...
DETROIT...
DRAWS FIRST BLOOD AND LEADS 1-0...

44 (nbc #48, good slow nbc replay on 50)
UNDER 2 MINS LEFT...
BACK COME THE PENS....
MALKIN...
INTERCEPTS THE STUART PASS...
THEN LETS IT RIP FROM THE SLOT...
OSGOOD...
CAN'T CORRAL THE PUCK...
ALLOWS RUSLAN FEDETENKO (7)...
TO BURY THE REBOUND...
WE'RE TIED AT 1 THROUGH 1...

(2nd period transition)

48 (nbc replays 56)
UNDER A MINUTE IN...
PENS...
COME OUT FLYING
CROSBY...
BACKHAND FEED TO CHRIS KUNITZ...
HIS SHOT...
STOPPED...
BY OSGOOD...
THEN BILL GUERIN...
DENIED AT THE DOORSTEP...

51 (nbc looks on 58 and 82)
MORE FROM MALKIN...
soundup
INQ: "evgeni malkin!21:18:14
OUTQ: by osgood!" 21:18:19
THE HUGE GLOVE SAVE BY OSGOOD...
KEEPS THIS GAME KNOTTED AT 1...
(Hughson sound from CBC)

64 (cbc replay 65, nbc side angle 69)
LATER IN THE FRAME...
ITS CROSBY'S TURN...
ONE ON ONE..
THE SPIN-ORAMA...
ON BRIAN RAFALSKI..
LETS THE BACKHAND GO..
OSGOOD...
ABLE TO MAKE THE PAD SAVE...
(osgood 13 saves in the period)

67 (cbc slowmos on 70)
MORE FROM CROSBY...
BUT ON DEFENSE...
AS HE MAKES TWO BIG
BLOCKS ON JOHAN FRANZEN...

78 (use nbc sound if possible on #80, cbc realtime on 79)
FINAL MINUTE...
MORE WINGS PRESSURE...
soundup
INQ: 21:50:09 "another shot
OUTQ: detroit" 21:50:24
FRANZEN'S 11TH OF THIS POST-SEASON...
GIVES THE WINGS A 2-1 LEAD THROUGH 2...
(NBC's call)

(3rd period transition)

(nbc 94)
DETROIT...
9-0 IN THE PLAYOFFS WHEN LEADING AFTER 2 PERIODS...
(used Babcock/team bench pan)

88 (use side slowmo from cbc on same clip)
1ST MINUTE...
KRONWALL...
LINES UP MALKIN...
AND JUST MISSES ON THE HUGE HIT...

91 (ise fletch slowmo)
MORE WINGS...
JUSTIN ABDELKADER (1)...
MISSES ON THE INITIAL SHOT...
JORDAN STAAL...
CAN'T FIND IT...
BUT ABDELKADER DOES...
AND PUTS IT PAST FLEURY...
WINGS...
OPEN UP A 3-1 LEAD...

93 (use slowmo overhead, crosby arguing, 94 has looks as well)
PENS...
NOT GETTING THE SAME BOUNCES...
SCRAMBLE IN FRONT...
CROSBY...
FINDS THE POST..
THEN AFTER THE WHISTLE BLOWS...
CROSBY....
ARGUES THAT THERE SHOULD BE A PENALTY SHOT...
(replay)
AND FOR GOOD REASON...
AS ZETTERBERG...
DID PUT HIS HAND ON THE PUCK IN THE CREASE...

109
THERE WOULD BE NO MORE SCORING...
DETROIT...
TAKES GAME ONE....
WINNING 3-1...

We closed with a shot of Crosby hacking Maltby as the celebrations started....spot shadowing the incident...

This ran approximately 3 mins and 30 seconds total....

Hope you now all get a glimpse what I do :)

[Jones31]

Dallas Stars Owner Thomas O. Hicks announced today that he has restructured the NHL club’s hockey management staff, naming Joe Nieuwendyk as the team’s new General Manager. As part of the reorganization, Co-General Managers Brett Hull and Les Jackson have been reassigned within the organization into positions that focus on their respective strengths. Hull will serve as Executive Vice President and Alternate Governor while Les Jackson will return to his long-time role as Director of Scouting and Player Development

[shadowboxin']

Wanna know what a script looks like before it goes to air? Here is mine tonite - with explanations...

....

This ran approximately 3 mins and 30 seconds total....

Hope you now all get a glimpse what I do :)

Only thing standing between you and ESPN is Barry Melrose's hair... :thumbsup

[Jones31]

Wings lead 2-0. Half way there.

[Toronto]

Wings lead 2-0. Half way there.

Two straight games there should have been a penalty shot. Cmon man. I'm no Pens fan, but how the hell do you blow that in two straight games?

I've got game 3....

[Toronto]

STATEMENT FROM COLIN CAMPBELL
NHL EXECUTIVE VP/DIRECTOR OF HOCKEY OPERATIONS

DETROIT (May 31, 2009) -- National Hockey League Executive Vice President and Director of Hockey Operations Colin Campbell issued the following statement regarding the instigator penalty assessed to Pittsburgh's Evgeni Malkin at 19:41 of the third period of tonight’s Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final:

Rule 47.22 states: "A player who is deemed to be the instigator of an altercation in the final five minutes or at any time in overtime shall be suspended for one game, pending a review of the incident. The director of hockey operations will review every such incident and may rescind the suspension based on a number of criteria. The criteria for the review shall include, but not be limited to, the score, previous incidents, etc..."

Following that review, Campbell said: "None of the criteria in this rule applied in this situation. Suspensions are applied under this rule when a team attempts to send a message in the last five minutes by having a player instigate a fight. A suspension could also be applied when a player seeks retribution for a prior incident. Neither was the case here and therefore the one game suspension is rescinded."

NHL Hockey Operations also determined that Malkin should have been assessed a game misconduct for not having his jersey tied down.

No suspension is coming it appears

[Jones31]

Talbot should have got an instigator for spearing Osgood. Someone is going to get ****ed up by a stick job, because they are allowing this **** to continue. I hope the hacks get swept.

[Jones31]

Two straight games there should have been a penalty shot. Cmon man. I'm no Pens fan, but how the hell do you blow that in two straight games?

I've got game 3....
Interpretation on the first one, they thought Zetterberg was going to swipe it off. Tonight, didn't matter the whistle blew and never should have been reviewed. IMO.

[Toronto]

Interpretation on the first one, they thought Zetterberg was going to swipe it off. Tonight, didn't matter the whistle blew and never should have been reviewed. IMO.

Whistle blew but after Zetterberg had already cradled the puck at the goalline.

Impossible for the refs to get right on that one - the first one was a terrible mistake.

[Toronto]

Talbot should have got an instigator for spearing Osgood. Someone is going to get ****ed up by a stick job, because they are allowing this **** to continue. I hope the hacks get swept.

Both CBC and NBC showed a few montages - the refs have let these teams, especially Detroit, get away with murder. I'm no Sid fan, but he has been hacked and interfered with so much that I forgot the NHL even had rules anymore.

To Crosby's credit, he has sucked it up and continued to look like a dominant player.

I don't think the series is done for some reason. I see this going 6 or 7 still - neither game was dominated by Detroit and they got every conceivable bounce.

[Jones31]

The obstruction is going both ways. A guy who was watching Gm. 1 with me noticed that the Pens were getting away with it to no end.
If you can give me a shot of hank covering the puck last night, I'll change my stance on it. Every NBC commentator agreed he didn't cover the puck.

[Toronto]

The obstruction is going both ways. A guy who was watching Gm. 1 with me noticed that the Pens were getting away with it to no end.
If you can give me a shot of hank covering the puck last night, I'll change my stance on it. Every NBC commentator agreed he didn't cover the puck.

The truck melt (long story on how to explain it, but in a nutshell it's realtime replays without any ticker, commentary etc. - just clean visuals with a bunch of different angles) shows that at best, he closed his glove on the puck - but the uglier truth is that he did a helluva job making it impossible for any ref or replay to show the puck had crossed the line.

Ok, enough, I'm not a Pens fan, don't want to act like I want Crosby to win a cup, because I really really don't

[Jones31]

LOL, I know you got yer Crosby bobblehead right there next to ya. I agree he did do a good job on making it impossible for replay.

[Jones31]

Ugh, I don't want to complain because the Wings lost but the standard of officiating is about to embarrass the sport.

[Toronto]

Ugh, I don't want to complain because the Wings lost but the standard of officiating is about to embarrass the sport.

Thx to being on call for my wife in case it was time....I got pulled off the game and did a baseball doubleheader. Didn't watch the game at all.

[Jones31]

Well a crappy day would end without being crappier at the finish... I still hate the Pens. They are probably going to win this series, since all the Wings can muster up is showing up for about 3 minutes a game.

[Toronto]

Well a crappy day would end without being crappier at the finish... I still hate the Pens. They are probably going to win this series, since all the Wings can muster up is showing up for about 3 minutes a game.

They get Datsyuk back, and that is a big big deal. Will keep Zetterberg fresher.

Don't forget as well, in a series like this, last change is a great advantage for the home team, so that means Malkin is gonna have a shadow all nite tomorrow.

[ZachLV27]

I'll wait and see if Datsyuk coming back is actually a good thing. If he does come back and play significant minutes we'll see if he can go longer than one game. You can bet that every minute he's on the ice he's going to get whacked in the foot with a stick over and over. Also, last I had read he's still having trouble turning left which is kind of important.

[Toronto]

I'll wait and see if Datsyuk coming back is actually a good thing. If he does come back and play significant minutes we'll see if he can go longer than one game. You can bet that every minute he's on the ice he's going to get whacked in the foot with a stick over and over. Also, last I had read he's still having trouble turning left which is kind of important.

Without a doubt, his foot is broken - they just won't say it.

[Jones31]

I heard on XM it was, that's the only place I've heard it. When they were talking about getting his foot in the boot after it happened, I had a good feeling it was broken.

[don28]

Detroit 5, Pittsburgh 0

So much for Pittsburgh grabbing the momentum and Detroit looking tired...good call media--NOT!

[Jones31]

No Fleury, your neck isn't that red.
OWNED!

[Toronto]

I say this goes 7....

Missed most of it, but watched on PVR in bed, looked like men vs. boys....

[Jones31]

Please?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3062/2557255051_1840457de8.jpg

[Toronto]

From court today...

Great back and forth here between Judge Baum and NHL lawyer

Baum: "here we have a basic question: we have someone wanting to pay 212 million for the team"

NHL lawyer: "We don't subscribe to the good faith efforts made to sell the club"

Baum: "you may not... But I didn't see any offer. That's hearsay."

[Jones31]

The judge is hammering all sides today.

[Toronto]

The judge is hammering all sides today.

As he should. Both sides have acted like complete children and are wasting millions on legal fees that could be spent fixing the league.

I wouldn't mind if all parties were forced to quit - Bettman, Daly, the BOG and Basillie not allowed in.

[Toronto]

More gold from our reporter in the courtroom...

"NHL lawyers questioning health of NFL because there is no team in LA.

Just so we're clear, NHL lawyers are questioning the business health of the National Football League.

I guess my plane crashed last night and I'm living in the twilight zone."

[Toronto]

knew this was going 7...had that feel after game 3....

I'm hoping to get the call from the bullpen for this one! Lord knows I want to watch it

[Jones31]

That's what happens when you fart around for 40 minutes.....

[Jones31]

Marc Crawford.............. what the fook?

[Toronto]

Marc Crawford.............. what the fook?

Nothing changes - NHL GMs are deathly afraid of making original decisions, so keep hiring re-treads.

For every Bylsma there are 15 Keenans.

[Jones31]

Yep...

[Toronto]

I got game 7....

Gonna knock this one outta the park tonite....:thumbsup

[Jones31]

Sweet!!

[ZachLV27]

Real fun first period to watch.

The Penguins had a number of opportunities in front of the net where it looked like they either missed the puck or the puck bounced off their stuck when they were trying to control it. None of them really resulted in a good shot.

The Red Wings produced quite a few good opportunities for themselves. A few good saves by Fleury and a few missed shots are probably the only reason this game is still scoreless.

[ZachLV27]

Two periods down and 2-0 Penguins lead.

The first goal most likely shouldn't have been allowed. The second goal was just a good defensive play that lead to a break.

The story for the Red Wings that period is pretty much the same as the first period. They are getting plenty of opportunities that they just aren't doing anything with. They also killed what looked like a few good opportunities with a lack of discipline / timing by jumping offsides.

Lets hope Crosby can come back and finish this game. I am rooting for the Penguins and have been throughout the playoffs, but even if I was a Red Wings fan I'd like to see him come back in the game(I somewhat am since I have loved watching them play for years, but never really rooted for them. They have just been a lot of fun to watch for quite a few years now.). I like seeing all stars playing at all times no matter what team they play for....except for the Yankees and Cowgirls that is.

[ZachLV27]

That's what a game 7 should look like. Hell of a game and hell of a final period by the Red Wings. In that final period they had chance after chance after chance. If that period was 5 minutes longer there was no way in hell the Penguins would have held on.

That shot that hit the crossbar towards the end of the game is a perfect description for how this game went for the Red Wings. They kept missing by "that much".

[TitansGiantsBears]

Hell yeah! Red Wings fold like GM in a global market!

[Toronto]

Am exhausted - our highlight pack is over 4 mins long.

Both Talbot goals were fine, not sure what any fuss is about.

Good solid game 7 with both teams not playing too tentative. The Fleury save in the last 2 seconds is gonna be on the front page (well, in hockey markets) everywhere. Incredible finish and CBC's call of it up here was phenomonal.

The Crosby stuff added to the intrigue of the game - could feel a Willis Reed-esque moment potentially developing and I am certain he took a shot of cortisone in the knee in between periods to try and play...

http://www.sportsnet.ca/hockey/2009/06/12/stanley_cup_final_game7/ - Watch the highlights if you wish, my script/highlight choices...

[Jones31]

It was also a hard loss to swallow for Red Wings winger Marian Hossa, who left the Penguins as a free agent last summer because he felt he had a better chance to win in Detroit. Hossa was held without a goal in the final.

"Regret? I don't have any regrets," said Hossa. "Whether your like it or not, in life, there's going to be pressure. It squeezes you. It's very difficult to play like that."

Choker talk.

[Toronto]

Choker talk.

Goat of the year. Period. I got a great shot of Hossa sulking right after the buzzer went..

[Jones31]

Yep... I told a Wings friend that I'd put my Hossa shirt on eBay, but would probably have to pay someone to take it.

[Jones31]

AP: Judge rejects sale of Coyotes to Canadian billionaire

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=281971

[Toronto]

AP: Judge rejects sale of Coyotes to Canadian billionaire

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=281971

Yeah, we're all over it - I'm running our Sportsticker tonite and needless to say it's the top story on a day where nothing is going on.

I have to wonder why Balsillie bothers - look at how much energy and money the NHL is willing to lose to NOT let him in.

[Jones31]

Well he wanted to go through the court.... he lost. The his way or the highway screwed him once again.

[Toronto]

Well he wanted to go through the court.... he lost. The his way or the highway screwed him once again.

Yeah no doubt. I just find it laughable that now they have to find an owner willing to buy this team and keep it there. There are financial planners that have gone on record saying this team cannot be profitable there.

Bettman may win the battle, but ultimately he will lose the war. You cannot preside over a league with teams having their franchise value lowered. Sooner or later he will become the scapegoat.

[Jones31]

I'm not in disagreement with that.

[Toronto]

I'm not in disagreement with that.

LOL a boring-ass nite up here became mighty interesting....:lolhit

[Toronto]

http://multimedia.thestar.com/acrobat/58/ef/9fa676434959a4de525fe6a8a7c3.pdf

Have fun, this will put you to sleep.

[Jones31]

There's a new drink at the bar called the "Marian Hossa" pretty hard to drink though since it doesn't come with a Cup!

[Jones31]

NHL Awards= lame
Lidstrom was robbed.

[Toronto]

NHL Awards= lame
Lidstrom was robbed.

Did the Yanks while training an intern....NHL season ended for me last Friday. Could care less now.

[Jones31]

Congrats to former Wings Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull & Luc Robitaille who will enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in Nov as part of the 2009 class!

Also to be inducted.... Brian Leetch and Lou Lamoriello.

[don28]

Anyone else wondering if the Predators will be icing the equivalent of a strong American Hockey League team next season? It doesn't seem that there is any positive news regarding their free agents to be, specifically Steve Sullivan and Joel Ward.

[Jones31]

Yes.... and it makes me glad I'm not wasting the money on season tickets.

[Toronto]

Congrats to former Wings Steve Yzerman, Brett Hull & Luc Robitaille who will enter the Hockey Hall of Fame in Nov as part of the 2009 class!

Also to be inducted.... Brian Leetch and Lou Lamoriello.

This is one frigging great class, and Leetch/Lamoriello are no sloutches either. I loved watching Leetch play.

[Jones31]

http://por-img.cimcontent.net/api/assets/bin-200906/17bc2b497d5f078f7765e086e4fa04ea.jpg
A comeback?

[Toronto]

http://por-img.cimcontent.net/api/assets/bin-200906/17bc2b497d5f078f7765e086e4fa04ea.jpg
A comeback?

Wonder if he was about to offer a cop another billion buck bribe again?

Sigh, gonna be a long 48 hrs for me at work - Leafs are gonna likely be fools and waste a small fortune on the Sedins or Cammallari, as well as signing Gustaffson or trading for Giguere. They have a ton of cap space.....As usual, my network and TSN are going gaga over this with a ton of coverage.

IMO the Leafs need to just chill and quietly build. It took a smart man (Cliff Fletcher) to get the team out of a bunch of moronic contracts and properly rebuild. With Schenn and Kadri they finally have two legit blue-chip prospects. I have never seen the Sedins do anything in the playoffs that tell me they are worth blowing 50 mil+ per player over.

[Jones31]

Well Burke knows how to wreck a cap faster than anyone. Gustavson was supposed to make his decision on Dallas or Toronto yesterday or today, now that's on hold. Wonder why.

[Toronto]

Lots of action...

Gomez to the Habs, Heatley to the Oilers for a LOT and Bouwmeester signs with CGY...

[Jones31]

Heatley rejected that trade.
The Oilers were not on his list of teams he would agree to be traded to.

[Toronto]

Heatley rejected that trade.
The Oilers were not on his list of teams he would agree to be traded to.

Ya, when i went home after that crazy Sox/O's game, TSN and the Net said it was done...wake up this morning, and see Heatley is screwing over the Sens so bad its disgusting.

I say keep him and send him to the minors. His attitude and holding the Sens hostage like this is just repulsive.

[Jones31]

Yeah he's a head case now.

[Toronto]

Hawks sign Hossa, Habs sign Cammalleri....

Oil sign Khabibulin...

That pretty much takes care of most of the best names out there...

[Jones31]

Noticed that the Leafs flipped Kubina for Exelby. Don't expect to much, he's too busy being out of position trying to hit people all the time.

[Toronto]

Noticed that the Leafs flipped Kubina for Exelby. Don't expect to much, he's too busy being out of position trying to hit people all the time.

That was nothing more than a salary dump to set them up to sign Komisarek. I doubt Exelby is anything more than a 6th or 7th D-man in Toronto.

BTW, out of position d-men that hit people are crowd faves in Toronto. I remember when McCabe first started here, the crowd ate up the one check he successfully made, even though he missed the previous 4.

That also summed up a lot of Wendel Clark's career in Toronto. He was a cult hero here for the thunderous hits he threw, but christ was he awful defensively.

[don28]

...That also summed up a lot of Wendel Clark's career in Toronto. He was a cult hero here for the thunderous hits he threw, but christ was he awful defensively.

Wendel Clark was too average sized to be throwing the thunderous hits he did in his career. He could have had a much longer career as a very good or even elite power foward had he not gotten himself injured so much. It's a shame as I enjoyed watching him play during his prime years.

[Toronto]

Wendel Clark was too average sized to be throwing the thunderous hits he did in his career. He could have had a much longer career as a very good or even elite power foward had he not gotten himself injured so much. It's a shame as I enjoyed watching him play during his prime years.

Don't get me wrong, I loved the guy too - no one had more heart or was a better teammate, but the man has been practically canonized here and I never really bought into the hype.

That said, here is a great clip on Clark...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heLgDptsyAk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deyINv6RY0g (2:30 for standing o after goal)

[t1tan5]

Oh boy will Komisarek ever get it when he comes back to the Bell Centre. Should be fun.

[Jones31]

Kovalev to Ottawa.

[t1tan5]

FML

[Toronto]

You have a weird team. Also, I don't know why Gainey didn't target Beauchimen, who had the same pricetag as Spacek. Glad as hell the Leafs signed him - they may not have much O, but their D finally is respectable, maybe even good.

[Toronto]

Oh boy will Komisarek ever get it when he comes back to the Bell Centre. Should be fun.

Meh, anyone wearing that jersey gets it bigtime. Komisarek was pretty popular though amongst Habs fans, so I doubt he'll get it as hard as Kovie will.

[t1tan5]

Meh, anyone wearing that jersey gets it bigtime. Komisarek was pretty popular though amongst Habs fans, so I doubt he'll get it as hard as Kovie will.

You should listen to the radio callers. What Briere got will seems like a welcome wagon compared to Komi. I think Kovy will get a standing O. General sentiment is that Ottawa is such an unremarkable city and team that there really isn't much to hate.

[Toronto]

You should listen to the radio callers. What Briere got will seems like a welcome wagon compared to Komi. I think Kovy will get a standing O. General sentiment is that Ottawa is such an unremarkable city and team that there really isn't much to hate.

Don't forget, that at every game at the Bell Ctr between these two clubs, there are usually 5,000 Leaf fans....(and vice versa at the ACC with Habs fans)

One of the reasons I love watching those games, guaranteed a loud crowd no matter what the score is.

[t1tan5]

Don't forget, that at every game at the Bell Ctr between these two clubs, there are usually 5,000 Leaf fans....(and vice versa at the ACC with Habs fans)

One of the reasons I love watching those games, guaranteed a loud crowd no matter what the score is.

It does make it fun. The chants, the banter, the animosity. It's amazing. But regardless of this, there will be massive boos for Komi everytime he touches the puck. Thinking about it that way, there shouldn't be too many boos.

[don28]

Just wanted to say great career to Joe Sakic. I thoroughly enjoyed watching him his whole career, and learned how to shoot the wrist shot by watching him. Thanks and have a great future! :toast

[Jones31]

If Sakic retires, the snow blowers win!

[don28]

If Sakic retires, the snow blowers win!

Huh? I don't get it.

[Jones31]

Sakic injures hand in snowblower accident (http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/?p=675)

[t1tan5]

Good Article by Preds Blogger (http://www.hockeybuzz.com/blog/Paul-McCann/The-VersusNBCESPN-Quandry/24/22206)

The Versus/NBC/ESPN Quandry

There have been several interesting pieces published in the last few days about the NHL extending their contract with NBC. Buried in the announcement of the Winter Classic earlier this week, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced a two year extension of the broadcast partnership between the league and NBC. The biggest reason swirling around the hockey media is that the league has set up a scenario where both of their broadcast contracts are up at the same time. This may give the league some leverage when negotiating new deals...

[Jones31]

FYI

The Preds board is down for the big change over.

Hopefully will be back up by the end of the week.

[Volunteers10]

FYI

The Preds board is down for the big change over.

Hopefully will be back up by the end of the week.

dunno how i like it... feel like a fish out of water

[Jones31]

Yeah they missed the mark on a quality message board.

[Jones31]

Well thanks to Steve Sullivan's heads up on twitter yesterday the Preds 3rd has been unofficially unveiled.


http://www.section303.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/image_1-1024x767.jpg

http://www.section303.com/taylor-swift-debuts-preds-3rd-jersey-928

[titanup23]

Don't really like it from that view but its better than that mustard color jersey :thumbsdown

[Jones31]

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/172887/_JR29604_1.jpg
http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2009/9/17/1035606/nashville-predators-officially

[Toronto]

Leafs acquire Phil Kessel for 2 1sts and a 2nd...

Hefty price....

[Parddy]

Leafs acquire Phil Kessel for 2 1sts and a 2nd...

Hefty price....

Not to mention 27 million over 5 years. Bruins take a big hit here short term, but no way were they going to pay that kind of money for him even at age 21.

[Jones31]

Overpaid, Chiarelli keeping with tradition of trading his best players away.
Heard Boston wanted Colin Wilson, was the deal breaker for NSH.

[Toronto]

Not to mention 27 million over 5 years. Bruins take a big hit here short term, but no way were they going to pay that kind of money for him even at age 21.

I don't think the $$ was crazy, hell I like the fact they signed him to a deal under 10 years.

I thought hard about it, and to get the #5 pick of the '06 draft, already with a 36 goal season under his belt, and add that to a huge influx of youth the Leafs brought in, and there is suddenly real hope.

They brought in Tyler Bozak, Christian Hanson, drafted Nazem Kadri, landed the best goaltending prospect outside the NHL in Gustafsson, and now Kessel. Plus Komisarek and Beauchomin. Gotta give Burke credit, in one year the roster and prospects look a hell of lot brighter for a team everyone agreed was just in awful shape 2 years ago.

I still don't think Burke is god, but am on board with this roster reshaping. The preseason games also are showing the team is a hell of a lot faster and much better defensively. Watching and covering Leaf games won't be as painful this year.

[Toronto]

Overpaid, Chiarelli keeping with tradition of trading his best players away.
Heard Boston wanted Colin Wilson, was the deal breaker for NSH.

Chiarelli did well considering the fact he essentially had a gun to his head on this one. He wasn't keeping Kessel, he was capped out.

[t1tan5]

Burkey gets what Burkey wants. He got his prize when though it cost him 2 (!) first round picks and an second round pick to boot. On top of that, the salary he gave Kessel is ridiculous. 5.4 Million is far too much for a one dimensional player. This also puts the Leafs in an awkward cap position since they are technically over the cap if you figure in all the performance bonuses. Currently they have about $59 million in salary if you were to take the worst case scenario (all $3 million in bonuses paid). If this were to happen, their cap number for next year would be below the NHL cap if I remember correctly. Compound that with the cap going down and the Leafs are in deep trouble going into the future.

[Jones31]

No one can wreck a cap like Burke, and that's all I can say about that, he can build good teams, and an exceptional one in Anaheim a few years back.

[Toronto]

Burkey gets what Burkey wants. He got his prize when though it cost him 2 (!) first round picks and an second round pick to boot. On top of that, the salary he gave Kessel is ridiculous. 5.4 Million is far too much for a one dimensional player. This also puts the Leafs in an awkward cap position since they are technically over the cap if you figure in all the performance bonuses. Currently they have about $59 million in salary if you were to take the worst case scenario (all $3 million in bonuses paid). If this were to happen, their cap number for next year would be below the NHL cap if I remember correctly. Compound that with the cap going down and the Leafs are in deep trouble going into the future.

I doubt it - they have a few salaries of players they cut whose numbers come off the books after this season. (Darcy Tucker, McCabe) Also, I expect them to dump Jason Blake as well and spread his number out.

Team isn't in the cap hell it was under Ferguson. Yet.

[t1tan5]

No one can wreck a cap like Burke, and that's all I can say about that, he can build good teams, and an exceptional one in Anaheim a few years back.


You mean the team that Brian Murray built and Burke took credit for? A monkey could have convinced Scott Niedermayer to come play with his brother.

[t1tan5]

I doubt it - they have a few salaries of players they cut whose numbers come off the books after this season. (Darcy Tucker, McCabe) Also, I expect them to dump Jason Blake as well and spread his number out.

Team isn't in the cap hell it was under Ferguson. Yet.

It is true that they will try to dump Blake. But the question is: who will take that contract?

[Toronto]

It is true that they will try to dump Blake. But the question is: who will take that contract?

My guess is they will waive him and eat it. It's the last undesirable contract on the team IMO and he's the last ridiculous contract on the team.

Don't forget, they also dumped Kubina's salary. They had a ton of cap room after that, which is when they brought in Komisarek (who looks great btw from what I've seen so far), Beauochimin and now Kessel.

Also, Toskala is near the end of his deal, if he looks like he did last year, buhbye.

[t1tan5]

I see three ridiculous contracts for the Leafs:

Blake ($4M per season)
Grabovski (Overpaid IMO)
Finger (the world's richest 7th defenseman)

In terms of flexibilty, I think they will have some (not a lot) of maneuverability next year with Stempniak, Ponikarovsky, Van Ryn, and Exelby coming off the books. The problem is that with that money, Burke would have to sign equal or better talent. Looking at the Leafs right now, those are two second like players and two regular defensmen. Can it be done?

[Toronto]

I see three ridiculous contracts for the Leafs:

Blake ($4M per season)
Grabovski (Overpaid IMO)
Finger (the world's richest 7th defenseman)

In terms of flexibilty, I think they will have some (not a lot) of maneuverability next year with Stempniak, Ponikarovsky, Van Ryn, and Exelby coming off the books. The problem is that with that money, Burke would have to sign equal or better talent. Looking at the Leafs right now, those are two second like players and two regular defensmen. Can it be done?

I don't think Grabovski's contract is ridiculous, under the current salary structure.

Look, Leaf fans have waited 42 years for any signs of the end of the drought, and with Kessel, Kadri and Schenn, they may finally have legit building blocks. It's the first time I can remember the team having 3 blue chip prospects. Add Bozak, Stalberg, Gustafsson and Hanson to that, and I gotta say, for the first time in ages, I'm looking forward to hockey season. They finally have a farm system and prospects, what a concept.

[don28]

No one can wreck a cap like Burke, and that's all I can say about that, he can build good teams, and an exceptional one in Anaheim a few years back.

Somehow, even though it doesn't involve him directly, I can picture Kevin Lowe throwing things in his office because of the Kessel trade.

[t1tan5]

I don't think Grabovski's contract is ridiculous, under the current salary structure.

Look, Leaf fans have waited 42 years for any signs of the end of the drought, and with Kessel, Kadri and Schenn, they may finally have legit building blocks. It's the first time I can remember the team having 3 blue chip prospects. Add Bozak, Stalberg, Gustafsson and Hanson to that, and I gotta say, for the first time in ages, I'm looking forward to hockey season. They finally have a farm system and prospects, what a concept.

I agree that they have three nice prospects. Problem is that with this trade, they won't get another talent until 2012.

[Predarat]

The Leafs are cursed for screwing Doug Shedden, they should have kept that guy. He would have made a good head coach.

[Predarat]

That new Preds board is awful, it still hasn't improved much. The new 3rd jerseys aren't bad but i'll wait until the price goes down to buy one.

[titanup23]

I like the new 3rd jersey but I'm gonna put it on my christmas list. Too much for me

[Jones31]

Price ain't gonna go down.

[Toronto]

Well, the season starts next week...

New year, new thread?