Op Bevroren Blog

3 Comments

1. pepper wrote:

   The instigator penalty. Expansion to 30 teams. Allowing teams to leave Hartford, Quebec, and Winnipeg. Conference seeding for the playoffs. Creating six divisions, and eliminating the division names acknowledging history (I recognize these are relatively recent in NHL history, but not expansion history). Two referees. The obstructive (to the fan in the seats) nets above the end and corner glass. And now, I suppose, the uniform systems, f/k/a sweaters.

   Thanks for re-instating tag up off-sides at least.

   The big point, as mentioned in the article, is less tradition, i.e. less continuity. Baseball conjures up a much stronger connection to the past than does the NHL, at least as concerns pro hockey in the US.

   In the US, the message seems to constantly be how to distort the product to quickly draw the attention of the modern-day ESPN viewer, who is too focused on ultimate fighting, and the odd NHL or NBA highlight, to care. Like a desperate politician, the NHL under Bettman has always bended to what it perceives as the desire of the audience (read American audience).

   The message should be promoting a proud product rooted in a long tradition in the lower 48 and the independent spirit that brought the game here.

   Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 11:07 pm | Permalink
2. Brad wrote:

   The current product that the NHL has placed on the ice has made me turn my hockey attention to the minor leagues. It’s a more entertaining style in the low minors, actual grinding, hitting, and yes a few fights, and not fighting just for fightings sake. Stand up for your teammates kind of fights. Until the NHL stops being a European style toepick show, I’ll keep to the minors.

   Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 9:13 am | Permalink
3. Reality Check wrote:

   A great and passionate piece. You do understand that Bettman is but a mere figurehead representing the NHL Board of Governors. He’s basically there to be the fan that the sh!t hits. He’s no idea guy. All these buffooneries have been voted on by owners who are newcomers to the sport, interseted only in maximizing a profit that the NHL promised with expansion.

   Bettman was at the Dryden ceremony Monday and didn’t even know he had won 6 Cups in 8 years - he was totally surprised when told this.

   A Commissioner with some hockey knowledge is desperately needed. Despite that his influence is hands off - he’s still a blaring embarrassment to the game.

   Thursday, February 1, 2007 at 2:49 am | Permalink

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