Comments on: So…about the CBA

By: kitshky

kitshky — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:30:39 +0000

I agree, I was just commenting on the overly simplistic yet extremely determined way he was making his “points”.

My point with realignment is that yes it should happen, but there are ways it can be done wrong, and when the NHL is involved … they’re probably gonna end up doing it wrong.

By: comeonnowguys

comeonnowguys — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 18:07:05 +0000

Realignment is a must.

You have 5 of the top 25 major television markets regularly watching a substantial share of games starting at 10e/9c.

Especially during the playoffs, that’s kind of ridiculous, and it’s not good for the sport.

By: miketoasty

miketoasty — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 15:49:49 +0000

As a Pens fan, I completely agree. I guarantee most GMs have at least one person they would love to get rid of.

By: barkar942

barkar942 — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:33:52 +0000

Perhaps HBO can just call it “The Road To the Summer Classic Negotiations”
Follow Donald Fehr.
“I don’t even know what icing is, but I know how to fire up any union”!
And Gary Bettman:
“Any time negotiations start getting tough with Donald, I just have to ask him “How About Them Yankees”? That gets him off on a tangent and makes him forget about what he was trying to negotiate for!”
Follow both sides into the board room for the negotiation sessions. Then, follow both sides separately while they both prepare for the next round and bash each other behind closed doors!
Donald: Bettmans’ a #%*@$!
Gary: Fehrs’ an ^@*$@
Could make for intriguing television!

By: killerpgh

killerpgh — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 04:19:08 +0000

Everything I have read has said it has been the NHLPA/Fehr that have not been willing to meet. Yet you are saying it is Bettman’s fault. I don’t see how. Have you read something that says other wise?

By: phillyphever

phillyphever — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 02:30:49 +0000

Somehow, I got a bad feeling we’re in for a shorten season come this fall. On the other hand, HBO should consider booking Bettman vs. Fehr for PPV.

By: imleftcoast

imleftcoast — Wed, 13 Jun 2012 00:23:15 +0000

Five Gary Bettman fans? I would not have bet on that. I’m dreading no hockey in October, but I’m afraid it’s possible.

NBC Sports, your dedication to hockey is underwhelming when you get the name wrong in the email selling Stanley Cup memorabilia.

————— Forwarded message —————
From: NBC Sports
Date: Tue, Jun 12, 2012 at 11:22 AM
Subject: Mavs Win!
To: [Redacted]

By: govtminion

govtminion — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:05:51 +0000

Between the Isles and the Habs, I’d bet there will be a LOT of wishing for that one. And probably a new streak of players asking for no-amnesty clauses to match.

By: chiadam

chiadam — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 22:05:47 +0000

I’m somewhere between “getting ready for the season to start on time” and “hoarding canned pineapples and dehydrated milk for NHL’s nuclear winter II). On one hand, no one could ever be dumb enough to murder a season, almost wipe the sport off the planet, come back gradually, constantly trumpet record revenues, and then plunge into another lockout at the first possible opportunity.
On the other hand, Gary Bettman is involved. So….

By: imleftcoast

imleftcoast — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:44:24 +0000

Why the negativity? Bettman wants to take away 7% of revenues from the players who gave in last time, and he’s deliberately starting the negotiations late to create a fake deadline. No hockey until December.

By: spizzjr

spizzjr — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 21:13:08 +0000

I speak for all isles fans when I say buyout amnesty clauses please

By: malkinrulez

malkinrulez — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 20:04:04 +0000

Who knew buffalo still had a team

By: sdelmonte

sdelmonte — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:19:57 +0000

As long as there is a season, the fans will forget fast. The NBA came thisclose to cancellation, and no one seems to remember that. Therefore, there is a lot of time for the owners to play hardball, and to win as did the NFL and NBA owners. Even though Don Fehr is, IMO, a lot tougher and smarter than anyone in the NFLPA or NBAPA.

By: kitshky

kitshky — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:18:43 +0000

First off … if someone earns significant revenue for their bosses they are worth their fair share of it.

Secondly … thats a pretty simplistic take on television but ultimately you’re not wrong. Look at the NBA splittling between TNT and NBC as an example. (and the ESPN blackout almost singlehandly killed the US market)

Third … that’s debatable. It all depends on how it’s structured, ruining long standing rivalries could have a worse effect on the game’s popularity than what’s already been done.

Fourth … (why I wasted my time replying to the first 3) … you want the game to grow you’re going to need stars to market. That’s how it works. If you’re serious about loving the game then you’d realize there’s nothing to be mocked about the games biggest stars suffering major brain trauma.

5th … While I disagree with and quite hate it, the fact that it’s June 12th and you’re calling out Crosby does underscore that the fans passion is alive and well so overal I think we’ll be fine.

By: buffalomafia

buffalomafia — Tue, 12 Jun 2012 19:03:13 +0000

First nobody is worth that many millions of dollars!

Second, have hockey on more channels so fans can watch it!

Third, realignment is a must! That’s if the Coyotes are moving!

Fourth have two 16 team conferences where top 8 in each conference makes playoffs! Have playoff where #1 plays #16 & so on!

Last tell Cynthia Crosby that if he can give a check he should take a check like a man & quit crying!

Remember hockey is for the fans! Make it happen!