Could it be Thrashers are going nowhere soon?
According to this tweet by John Kincade, it would seem that there is possibly an ownership group interested in the Atlanta Thrashers…one that would be interested in not only taking the NHL team off the hands of the Atlanta Spirit, but keep them in Atlanta as well. Not only that, but this group is also interested in the Hawks and Philips Arena too.
I spoke with Kincade earlier this morning and he told me, “All I can say is I can confirm that there is legitimate interest in someone buying control of the Hawks, Thrashers and Philips”.
“Serious candidate”, the co-host of 680 AM The Fan’s Buck and Kincade Show went on to add. “Not like a guy like Rollins”.
When I pressed a little more for additional information, Kincade only said, “There are reasons of confidences shared as to why I am not naming names. I will let this scenario play out”.
OK John, you have our attention. Hopefully this story has some wings to it.
LeBRUN SAYS THE CLOCK IS TICKING
Also on the topic of the Thrashers and their current ownership crisis…last weekend, ESPN’s Pierre LeBrun indicated that the clock is ticking for new owners to be found for the Thrashers.
I did not listen to the “Hot Stove” segment on Hockey Night in Canada, but from what I’ve been told and have read, he indicated that the NHL league office is trying their best to keep the Thrashers in Atlanta, but that there must be new ownership found within the next 6-8 weeks.
Now, I don’t know if that means a deadline has been set to resolve this issue or the NHL will allow the team to be sold to anyone even if that means relocating them…or that the league will step in and take over the problem themselves. Maybe someone who did here the comments can shed some light.
What I do know is that the league is fully aware that the main problem down here is indeed the AS, LLC and they would like to be rid of them just about as much as we do.
NOW…ABOUT LAST WEEKEND
One thing we Thrashers fans have had to learn over the last several seasons is to govern our emotions. When the team is playing very well…as they were last fall…we have to keep reminding ourselves that they really aren’t that good. Eventually, things will moderate out.
The same is true when the team goes through rough patches, the kind every team experiences. Just like when things are going well, things will moderate out. 82 games is a long time and in the end, a team’s true talent level will emerge.
The Edmonton Oilers celebrate Taylor Hall's game winning goal Saturday afternoon. It was Hall's third goal of the period and first hat trick of the rookie's career (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, John Ulan)
However, when we witness a stretch like the Thrashers are going through for two months now…going 6-14-5 over 25 games, winning only three times in regulation since New Years and only once at all since the all Star game…you can’t help but wonder if what we are seeing is indeed the true measure of this squad. And it’s disheartening to say the least.
Saturday’s latest debacle only adds to the general sense of gloom and doom in Thrasherville. The schedule affords the team a matchup with the worst team in the league…points-wise at least…and did so at a time they really needed it. Those two points in northern Alberta were as close to “must have” as it gets for a team looking to turn their fortunes around and try to get back on the winning track.
But it’s not just that they lost to Edmonton in as much as how they did. It was once again a game where they played well enough to take a lead…2-0 and 3-1…but also found a way to allow just enough mistakes to cost then dearly.
SAME SONG DIFFERENT VERSE
That old familiar sinking feeling began as it normally does, in the latter stages of the second period. With Atlanta up 2-0, Chris Mason, (getting his first start since being injured in Dallas a month ago), failed to shut the five-hole in time to stop Magnus Paajarvi’s shot from the right side.
However, that sickening feeling in the pit of our collective stomachs was eased a bit early in the third when Evander Kane danced his way through the Oilers’ defense and deposited the puck into the net past Devan Dubnyk. And with a 3-1 in the third on the Oilers this season, most teams can pretty much fill out the deposit slips to take the two points to the Bank of NHL Standings.
Yes, most teams…but not these Thrashers.
Just 7 tics of the clock after Kane’s highlight real goal, Chris Thorburn then takes a tripping penalty in the offensive zone…and then the Taylor Hall power play show was underway. The unraveling commenced from there.
“We gave them life”, coach Craig Ramsay said of the third period collapse. “Everything was going in our favor and then we take three penalties and give them those power play chances and get behind”.
“They walked them out and stuffed them in the net”, Ramsay continued. “It was really disheartening to see that. We didn’t get it done killing penalties and we didn’t get it done on the power play”.
“Disheartening” indeed.
It’s this type of loss in this type of fashion to this type of team that can kill off any hopes of climbing back into the playoff race. No they haven’t been mathematically eliminated, so they technically are not “dead” yet…but losing a game like that must certainly put them on life support. As such, whatever hopes they had of living life in the postseason is slipping away fast.
And while we continue to look for someone to step forward to make sure this franchise does not go anywhere anytime soon, it’s seems clear that the team is certainly going nowhere fast…at least as far as the NHL standings are concerned.
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367 comments Add your comment
World Be Free
February 22nd, 2011
1:23 pm
tonyb-now that is my nomination for post of the year.
GaVaHokie
February 22nd, 2011
1:28 pm
I hope the Islanders move to Kansas City… then we can put Nashville in the Southeast and put Washington in the Atlantic.
Atlantic Division that is… or Ocean, either is fine.
Joe McGrath
February 22nd, 2011
1:29 pm
WBF, my money is on Oduya moving on. It would make sense if Sopel went back to Chicago, but I don’t see them moving anyone else. ANybody heard anything about Mark Hagman–did he clear waivers and is he still available? I mean, c’mon. We need NHL leve fourth line players–not this bunch of…..people.
Alan R.
February 22nd, 2011
1:32 pm
Be mindful to not insult the city of Winnipeg. We hate the trolling, but I respect the polite and articulate hockey fans from Winnipeg, and I respect the city.
It is no “outpost,” and 750k isn’t anything to laugh at. Even if you compare it to Atlanta’s 6+mil.
I do not welcome insults from our Winnipeg brethren, but I do welcome them to talk hockey with us. They, like us, are NHL fans.
GaVaHokie
February 22nd, 2011
1:33 pm
Nik Hagman, and yes he cleared waivers… according to Bob McKenzie he won’t go on re-entry waivers because Calgary can’t afford to take the cap hit next season. He’ll either get moved via trade (ie. Valabik style) or they’ll keep him all year.
World Be Free
February 22nd, 2011
1:35 pm
Joe-I agree on Johnny
GaVaHokie
February 22nd, 2011
1:36 pm
Strange that we don’t hear anything about Kansas City anymore seeing how the Penguins were going to move there “at any minute”.
cousin Eddie
February 22nd, 2011
1:40 pm
I vote on Atlanta Fire as the new name.
tonyb
February 22nd, 2011
1:52 pm
World be free, thank you
Alan R. if you want to defend the fine folks of Winnipeg who are trying to take Atlanta’s team, that is your right. But sorry, facts are facts and Winnipeg is not a major city. It is what it is. It is not a major league city by any measurement applied. If they want to take on the ATL, they, you and everyone else must understand they are playing with the big boys. And if they wish to post on an Atlanta blog with their opinions, they must understand there will be return fire.
Now tell me this, what other major sports league besides the NHL would even consider, for one moment, putting a franchise in a market the size of Winnipeg. Dude, it sits by itself in the middle of nowhere. Raleigh has millions of people within a 3 hour drive, Winnipeg has maybe, a nice contingent of moose and elk, but were are the paying customers. Sorry, but those are facts. Can you imagine the NFL putting a team, in say, Boise. Or how about MLB putting a team in say, Savannah. Oh top of that, which league would even consider pulling a team out of Atlanta to place it in such a market. I will answer my own question, not a single one. The ideal would never be considered. It would be laughed at.
The NHL can do what it wants, but one thing will not change,and thats population trends. All southern teams that they move north will be passed on the freeway by millions of northern transplants moving south. Winnipeg will not grow by many, if any in the next 10 years. Atlanta will not add thousands, it will add millions in the same span. These trends will not change, whether the Thrashers are in Atlanta, Winnipeg, or Norway..
Sorry if this offends, but facts are facts.
World Be Free
February 22nd, 2011
1:57 pm
GaVa-Kansas City was a flavor of the day once, later replaced by Hamilton.
Thrashers
February 22nd, 2011
1:57 pm
We get to stay ???? HIP HIP HOOOORAY!!!!!
Tom Lysiak
February 22nd, 2011
2:18 pm
tonyb – Agree on the Winnipeg fans posting here. Nobody is going to say a word to intelligent hockey discussion or even adult debate. I have never bothered to even look at a blog from up there for two reasons. I don’t care what they think will happen and I can imagine what they are saying about this city. Some people are sensitive to the trolls since we have already had one team load the franchise on trucks and drive north. They act like they are the only city that ever happened to.
Alan R.
February 22nd, 2011
2:21 pm
Alan R. if you want to defend the fine folks of Winnipeg who are trying to take Atlanta’s team, that is your right.
Look, not everyone there wants to take the Thrashers. Some of the folks who’ve appeared in our threads here over the past week have even said so. It is those who are respectful to us, as hockey fans who live in the South (but may or may not be from here), that have my defense.
Those who troll, who come here expressly saying the Thrashers are “Winnipeg’s team,” and so forth, do not have my respect. It is those folks who will walk away with nothing, again, and feel all butthurt over it.
This might be our blog, but if you expect some of these folks to play nice, you’ll refrain from classless namecalling and disrespect towards their hometown. The last thing we need here is some sort of childish flamefest. If you’re looking for that, there are other sites on the internet for you to scratch that itch.
Me? I’m here to hang out with knowledgeable individuals, talk hockey, and have a fun time.
Now, if you’d be so kind as to put your broad brush away and stop painting me with it, I’d be quite appreciative.
Johnny Cash
February 22nd, 2011
2:42 pm
WIth all due respect…..”Putting a franchise in a market the size of Winnipeg. Dude, it sits by itself in the middle of nowhere. Raleigh has millions of people within a 3 hour drive, Winnipeg has maybe, a nice contingent of moose and elk, but were are the paying customers.” Calling us trolls……… again really classy people. We actually used to go hunting after Jet games for Coyotes…. Penguins……Panthers……… and yes Thrashers! You forgot to add we are a city with a bunch of Indians…. I say Indians because I am one (Thank you).
Please note- THIS IS THE VERY REASON YOU WILL LOSE THE THRASHERS BECAUSE SOME OF YOU GUYS ARE NAIVE ARROGANT PEOPLE. Yes, please don’t say Atlanta is swelling at the seams when you have a whole city immigrating after Katrina (Sad people of New Orleans there). As for Hagman….. his name is Niclas Hagman (Knowledgeable hockey fans!). If Atlanta was smart and need a forward/ D-Man, they would get an old skilled vet like Kovalev and trade for John Michael Liles. Let Ladd (The torpedo) rip it up and give the puck to Kovalev while Liles is a great pass rusher.
tonyb
February 22nd, 2011
2:44 pm
Alan R. I respect that you are a Thrasher fan, and I have enjoyed your post. As I say we are all in this together, and I want me and you to be able to enjoy NHL hockey together for many years to come.
First, this is a blog ran by an Atlanta Thrasher fan in the local newspaper for fans to come on board and state opinions. I’m a season ticket holder who goes to games, takes his family, and spends his money supporting this team. I can assure you that the league office, ASG members, and media types read both these blogs and the comments sections to get a feel for fan reaction. Now, calling Winnipeg a Canadian outpost is by no means name calling or classless. As set forth in my post, facts are facts. It population and location is what it is. It had an NHL team and it lost it. The attendance figures were not good, and it did not have the corporate or civic backing to keep the team. Yet, these same people want to come on here, an Atlanta blog, and throw those type of stones at my city and my team.
Please do not expect myself and other fans sit back and say nothing. Was Rawhide classless when he said to Uncle Milty to come back next year at this time and we will talk about why the Thrashers are not in Winnipeg. I say no, he was just defending his territory. Good for him.
If they want to come on and say negative things, fine. They can expect a retort, but I like to use facts. I really don’t need to read the, “oh, we went through this to, we feel so sorry for you (but we are going to take your team)”post:, well, I can’t say I think thats really a classy thing to do either.
Nothing aimed at you Alan R. We Thrasher fans are all in this together.
ZAvalanche
February 22nd, 2011
2:50 pm
This blog happens to be pretty much the only ‘respectful’ and knowledgeable I have come across in a long time. Usually blogs consist of a bunch of a-holes spewing mental diarrhea under complete anonymity with no fear of reprisal other than a little denigration by another anonymous person.
I have never been to Winnipeg, never had a reason, but I wouldn’t say no to a trip there, just other places I would rather visit. I know you are hockey fans, so am I and have been playing for quite some time – best game on the planet hands down. I truly welcome posters from other markets and value a well constructed opinion, which is why I love this blog. We have gals and guys here who know what they are talking about and that makes it fun and a tremendous distraction from all of the crap that life requires.
I won’t trash ‘Peg or the vast majority of it’s citizens as I am sure that when it comes down to it, they you all are probably much like me. However, to the abusive trolls I will hold back not a bit (though Trixie’s filter may hold me back if I typed what I thought
. I won’t trash a city till I have experienced it (looking at you Auburn, Butte, Miles City, Louisville, LA, Sacramento, Plano, etc.).
So troll aggressively if you like, but it does nothing to me except reassure me that I have better places to visit. Cheers and rock ‘em Thrashy!
BTW, Brendan, a preemptive congrats on beating the Avs tonight…….
Alan R.
February 22nd, 2011
2:50 pm
THIS IS THE VERY REASON YOU WILL LOSE THE THRASHERS BECAUSE SOME OF YOU GUYS ARE NAIVE ARROGANT PEOPLE.
Incorrect. If arrogance was a reason for losing a team, Toronto will have been without one now for over a generation.
tonyb
February 22nd, 2011
2:55 pm
THIS IS THE VERY REASON YOU WILL LOSE THE THRASHERS BECAUSE SOME OF YOU GUYS ARE NAIVE ARROGANT PEOPLE.
No, the only reason we would ever lose the Thrashers is money. And trust me, we tend to find the money when we need it. The buyers are starting to line up.
GaVaHokie
February 22nd, 2011
3:03 pm
Yes, please don’t say Atlanta is swelling at the seams when you have a whole city immigrating after Katrina (Sad people of New Orleans there).
Wow. *shaking head*
I don’t even know where to begin with such an assinine comment, much less your horrible hockey analysis of what the Thrashers ‘need’.
Change your name to Stompin’ Tom and leave Johnny Cash’s good name alone.
Tom Lysiak
February 22nd, 2011
3:07 pm
Hokie, Johnny Cash isn’t a very smart troll is he? Just a troll, from wiener-peg.
ZAvalanche
February 22nd, 2011
3:09 pm
Not sure what makes us naive or arrogant. I consider myself pretty knowledgeable on hockey and I am certainly not arrogant. Perhaps you meant naive and……..passionate? Who the hell cares if somebody loves hockey but doesn’t know all the rules, not like they will ever be refs so get over it. We love the game and we love the team and you can’t have it so you b!tch constantly and deride us because we are “southern”. Got news for ya buddy, it is rare for a person in Atl to meet another person that grew up there. The northern transplants run the place and it continues to grow. So be bitter, I understand. But don’t expect any condolences from me
Alan R.
February 22nd, 2011
3:16 pm
Was Rawhide classless when he said to Uncle Milty to come back next year
Did he disrespect the city of Winnipeg?
My answer to your question, and the answer to this one, is one in the same.
No disrespect intended, but If you don’t understand now what I’m getting at, then you never will.
tonyb
February 22nd, 2011
3:19 pm
Johnny Cash “Calling us trolls……… again really classy people. We actually used to go hunting after Jet games for Coyotes…. Penguins……Panthers……… and yes Thrashers!”
You went hunting for Thrashers? I mean, a Thrasher is this little tiny sparrow type bird. Its like maybe 6 ounces, and really, kinda hard to see unless your right on top it. You guys really hunt them? LOL
Was your post written in some kind of new English. Was it English. Not quite getting it. Just curious.
ZAvalanche
February 22nd, 2011
3:19 pm
Johnny, you are ignorant. Liles is the poster boy for the AVS D, he will not be traded and Atl doesn’t have anything to trade him for except maybe Buffy or Bobo or Pav. The D is the Avs problem and losing lilies WILL NOT HAPPEN. Figure it out, and do some research moron. And yeah, Atl IS bursting at the seams. When was the last time you have visited? When was the last time, without a storm, that it took you 2.5 hours to drive 25 miles? Yeah, “that is bursting at the seams”. Atl is 10 times the size of ‘Peg and growing constantly. Come on down and witness the awesomeness!
Joe McGrath
February 22nd, 2011
3:23 pm
“As for Hagman….. his name is Niclas Hagman (Knowledgeable hockey fans!).”
Hey Jimmy Cash, wrong first name typed in because I’m high on Red Bull and I’ve got five things going on at once, but it doesn’t mean I don’t know all the words to “Ring of Fire.” Pah-leeeeze!
Red Light
February 22nd, 2011
3:28 pm
Please let me know when the incessant back-and-forth ceases! Maybe then we can begin to talk about on-ice affairs, as none of us can control what happens off the ice, except for creating a better atmosphere inside Philips Arena.
james c.
February 22nd, 2011
3:32 pm
Sincerely hope the Thrashers stay in Atlanta….having lost the Jets here in Winnipeg I know firsthand as a season ticket holder how painful it is for a city to lose a franchise.My advice…buy lots of tickets to the remaining games and get your voices heard in the community..your mayor and city council need to be on side.
Hoping we get an expansion team along with Quebec City in a few years…
tonyb
February 22nd, 2011
3:38 pm
JamesC I really think that an expansion team is in the realm of possibility. I also think that if Edmonton does not build a new arena, you would be on the short list as I don’t see the NHL relocating that team out of Canada.
Joe McGrath
February 22nd, 2011
3:39 pm
JARED ROSS for God’s sake. The Flyers had enough confidence to call him up last two years. Why isn’t he getting the call from Duds?
JoeFriday
February 22nd, 2011
3:43 pm
Winnipeg fans showing up here are like rubber neckers on the highway, only difference is you’re hoping the corpse is brought to you, enough of the nonsense already, it’s pointless to argue amongst fans. Our fans simply need to stop responding to them, and they’ll go away.
Has anyone else emailed, called, etc any politicians or the NHL? Any replies? I only have one reply, from the Governor’s office who said he will continue to work on building a good business and economic environment in Georgia, but the Thrashers are a private enterprise over which he has no control. Then he (his staff member anyway), advised me to contact the owners of the Thrashers, the Atlanta Spirit Group, with my concerns. Oof.
Like Smoothie, Bettman’s lack of directly addressing us is giving me the impression that this is a fait accompli . . . only thing left to do is show up for the games. If Friday’s game isn’t a standing room only sellout, we might as well help them start packing at the end of the game. Anyone have a ticket rep that will tell them how sales are going for Friday?
Red Light
February 22nd, 2011
3:44 pm
Rissmiller has a one-way contract that pays him $1 million, regardless of where he plays (AHL or NHL). Ross has a two-way deal. So, if you’re paying a million to someone already, why pay two players concurrently? Same thing with Stapleton, who miraculously has a one-way deal (at least for next year).
Thanks for the hockey question!
james c.
February 22nd, 2011
4:13 pm
With all due respect tonyb the Edmonton Oilers will NEVER move to Winnipeg from oil rich Alberta…would make zero sense.Plus Edmonton’s metro area is over 1 million people,they have 5 Stanley Cup Championships,rivalry with Calgary,tradition etc.etc.Just like the Islanders will NEVER move from the NYC market….unless the move is lateral to the Barclay Center in Brooklyn when it opens in a few years and they can join the NBA’ s New Jersey Nets there.
Bettman is right in trying to stabilize the various franchises where they are.Nashville,Carolina,Tampa,San Jose,Dallas,Florida and Anaheim are all drawing well and prove that the NHL can work in a non-traditional market.Phoenix’s problem is the arena’s location…40 miles from Scottsdale….maybe the new owner there will solve some of their issues.Hopefully Atlanta works itself out and in a few years a more stable NHL expands to Winnipeg,Quebec City,Houston,Kansas City,Seattle and either Hartford,Cleveland, Milwaukee or Portland. I would like to see the NHL at 36 teams eventually (2015 to 2020) and back in some of the markets that previously supported it.
Red Light
February 22nd, 2011
4:14 pm
How about that farm system?
Top Wolves scorers (not drafted by Atlanta, and therefore not deemed prospects)
Jared Ross AGE: 28
Nigel Dawes AGE: 26
Jason Krog: AGE: 35
Top Wolves scorers (drafted by Atlanta)
Machachek: AGE: 22 (currently in Atlanta)
Postma: AGE: 21
World Be Free
February 22nd, 2011
4:29 pm
Red Light-back to talking hockey? Good move
Johnny Cash-if you are going to be from Winnipeg, change your name to Ian Tyson please.
tonyb
February 22nd, 2011
4:31 pm
JamesC I based my comments on Bettman’s statement at the Heritage classic that Edmonton must have a new arena, or they will leave. I appreciate your imput.
I would like to see the NHL expand. This would allow Canada to add 1 or 2 teams, and add 1 or two American markets. This would stop all of the relocation talk, which is poison to pro sports leagues, and stabilize the league. I will agree that Phoenix is a terrible hockey market. I will tell you if the Atlanta Thrashers had the year the Phoenix team is having, coupled with last years playoff team, we would be averaging a solid 16000 plus. We just never had the opportunity to taste any amount of success here. Tell me how many markets would draw 18000 per game for a team that never won a playoff game in over a decade. Not many.
Smoothie
February 22nd, 2011
4:32 pm
Surely any name change should involve the word “FURY”!!! We had it first and our fans our FURIOUS!!! LET’S GO ATLANTA, HOCKEY IS NEEDED HERE, NOT JUST DESERVED. READ THIS AND PLEASE COMMENT!!
http://hockeyindependent.com/blog/jbartyhi/31676/
james c.
February 22nd, 2011
4:41 pm
Agreed tonyb that all the relocation talk is not good for any sports league…
R. Stroz
February 22nd, 2011
4:49 pm
Red Light – I’d like to see Esposito brought up. He’s not getting time in Chicago. Not surprised.
DWTOO
February 22nd, 2011
4:55 pm
You usual good job Smoothie. Sage-r words? LMAO
Smoothie
February 22nd, 2011
4:59 pm
Thanks DWTOO!! You just knew I was going to go there!
Speaking of which, he’s been eerily silent lately. Wonder if he’s really serious about buying his own tkt for Friday or Sunday.
Stroz – you better read my damn article, I quoted YOU!!
Al
February 22nd, 2011
5:01 pm
You will see both the New Jersey Devils and the New York Islanders finish ahead of Atlanta Thrashers at the end of the regular season. You heard it here first!
Spud Webb
February 22nd, 2011
5:08 pm
WBF, wow, you see this???
http://sports.espn.go.com/nhl/news/story?id=6147411
I’m SHOCKED and this is awesome. This guy is a real fan!! I was born in Olean, pretty cool stuff.
Next hope, that a true rich fan comes out of no where and buys the Thrashers!!!!!!!!!!! Please god, I’ve been good!
RL, we’re OUT for Friday, Baby will be here, induced Friday morning!!!
glovesave29
February 22nd, 2011
5:19 pm
There were many teams that almost failed from the 67, 70, 72 and 74 expansions because the business model was messed up by the emergence of the WHA. I cannot see the NHL expanding again until they have a better hold on both the current markets, and to see what will happen with the KHL. From a distance, it would appear the Russian league will not be much of a factor, thus players not continue to use it as a bargaining chip to get a better deal in the NHL. Each season they have become less of a factor, so we will see…
See everyone Friday night. Come and say hi, will be at the “Mac” early and sitting in 120 E.
LAC
February 22nd, 2011
5:24 pm
Tampa gets a good owner, Buffalo gets on too, WHY NOT HERE ????
Where IS the NHL in assisting Atlanta, If these LIARS want to sell the team so damn bad, where is
Gary Bettman ? Asleep at the wheel or trying to be on TV too much. I am losing a lot of respect for Bettman, he seems to give a crap abpout Atlanta and it’s FANS !
P.S. winnipeg is smaller than Asheville,N.C. area 100 mile radius, so is Anniston,Alabama,
plus lots to do and see in those towns, Nothing to see or do in out of the way winnipeg, Sorry Folks.
If Thrashers have to move, move to Birmingham, then we could all still attend !
Red Light
February 22nd, 2011
5:34 pm
james c: “Agreed tonyb that all the relocation talk is not good for any sports league…”
What’s worse for any sports league is having more snot-nosed kids parading as NHLers long before they should have been brought up or taught to play the game as professional. There are a ton of great young hockey players, but there are scads more kids, 21-and-under who should not be playing at the NHL level. It would pain us all to review that sizable list. Added to that, to keep fans engaged in the sport and with their team, further expansion not only means a watered down product, but less revenues shared amongst the existing teams, of which probably only a little more than half are at break-even or better. Plus, you likely would have to add more teams to the Stanley Cup playoffs so that the bandwagon fans wouldn’t jump off too soon.
Before more teams are added, you have to help fix those that are already broken, many of which have been mentioned in the recent past. Teams with a strong financial footing are few and a few years of losing could render some that are in the same position of those that are bleeding money.
More than 30 NHL teams? Don’t bet the ranch on that anytime soon!
Red Light
February 22nd, 2011
5:35 pm
Sorry GS29, was typing as you posted!
Rhythmnpenguin
February 22nd, 2011
5:36 pm
Anyone see this on c-viv’s blog: from ATLFAN1
“I will have a major update right around dinner time on a big trade rumor I am tracking this afternoon between one Canadian team out West, and a team in the Southeast Division.. (I could tell you who is involved but I would have to kill you:) In all seriousness I will have an update for you on this one…just was told to keep it hush until this evening..”
Interesting…
Rhythmnpenguin
February 22nd, 2011
5:40 pm
I have been a fan long enough to not get excited by rumors.
R. Stroz
February 22nd, 2011
5:41 pm
Smoothie – Well done and you can’t go wrong quoting me.
glovesave29
February 22nd, 2011
5:51 pm
RP – that’s what’s on Eklunds latest posting, so you KNOW it is wrong!