[ts8586]

Anything is possible with that weasel Bettman in charge.

 

[Adama0905]

Um yeah, at least now we know that it isn't a conspiracy, since Edmonton is almost done kicking out Anaheim, and Carolina will probably also get kicked out.

 

[panoo]

YES!!! I believe it is totally rigged!!

Here are some of my reasons!! I apologize now, if I offend anyone!!

Reasons why I cheer for ANY CANADIAN team.

1. I'm so tired of the Americans taking over our sport!!!

2. Letting the CANADIAN teams fold, never trying to help them out!!! NO! We'll just send them to a state that knows nothing about the sport, but they have all the money!!! And we all know, MONEY TALKS, who cares if they never heard of the sport!!!

3. Moving the benches around and trying to make it look like Basketball on ice, after-all, Bettman was the Commissioner of Basketball before he came to the NHL, and he knew nothing about the sport!!!

4. Why do the CANADIAN teams have to pay salaries in American dollars, when the teams only bring in CANADIAN dollars???

5. Changing the broadcasting of games to regional only!!! Unless you buy the Centre Ice Package here in CANADA. The weekly games you do get for free are American teams playing!! But they have to show them, because they have CANADIANS on them, and it's the only way their families can see them play!!!

6. Ever since Bettman took over, it's become the only sport that changes it's rules every year!!! What's up with that.

7. The fact that a CANADIAN team isn't allowed to win the cup. I mean really, do you honestly believe that Tampa was the better team two years ago? No! Tampa had to win, the team wasn't getting any fan support, just like I don't believe Edmonton will win this year for the same reason [I hope they do]. The CANADIAN teams have fan support and always will, and they know that. Sure, they will tease us by letting one of them go to the finals, but that's as far as it will go. I hope I'm wrong!!

8. Isn't it ironic that the only American teams left are teams that never won a cup, and all the top teams in the west went out in the first round, which by the way, all have won a cup!! I mean, Anaheim was dead and gone two years ago, no fans to speak about, the owner couldn't even give the team away. Sure Ottawa went out in the second round, but they have the fans. They need these teams to go far, they need the fans there. Why does Minnesota and Atlanta get All-Star games before Ottawa, when they came into the league after Ottawa did?

9. Yes, I like the Salary Cap, but how long will it actually last? They will keep raising the amount and CANADA won't be able to match... AGAIN!!! Check out the contract that Brad Richards just signed, $35 Million over 5 years, that's nuts!!!! He's only been in the league 4 years!!!

10. IT'S CANADA'S GAME, AND WE ARE SLOWLY BUT SURELY LOOSING IT!!!!

If this is to much for this thread, I apologize!!! But Hockey is a real passion for me!!!! And it hurts like hell, that we are loosing the CANADIAN way of playing!!!

 

[lil_azn_dragun]

YES!!! I believe it is totally rigged!!

Here are some of my reasons!! I apologize now, if I offend anyone!!

Reasons why I cheer for ANY CANADIAN team.

1. I'm so tired of the Americans taking over our sport!!!

2. Letting the CANADIAN teams fold, never trying to help them out!!! NO! We'll just send them to a state that knows nothing about the sport, but they have all the money!!! And we all know, MONEY TALKS, who cares if they never heard of the sport!!!

3. Moving the benches around and trying to make it look like Basketball on ice, after-all, Bettman was the Commissioner of Basketball before he came to the NHL, and he knew nothing about the sport!!!

4. Why do the CANADIAN teams have to pay salaries in American dollars, when the teams only bring in CANADIAN dollars???

5. Changing the broadcasting of games to regional only!!! Unless you buy the Centre Ice Package here in CANADA. The weekly games you do get for free are American teams playing!! But they have to show them, because they have CANADIANS on them, and it's the only way their families can see them play!!!

6. Ever since Bettman took over, it's become the only sport that changes it's rules every year!!! What's up with that.

7. The fact that a CANADIAN team isn't allowed to win the cup. I mean really, do you honestly believe that Tampa was the better team two years ago? No! Tampa had to win, the team wasn't getting any fan support, just like I don't believe Edmonton will win this year for the same reason [I hope they do]. The CANADIAN teams have fan support and always will, and they know that. Sure, they will tease us by letting one of them go to the finals, but that's as far as it will go. I hope I'm wrong!!

8. Isn't it ironic that the only American teams left are teams that never won a cup, and all the top teams in the west went out in the first round, which by the way, all have won a cup!! I mean, Anaheim was dead and gone two years ago, no fans to speak about, the owner couldn't even give the team away. Sure Ottawa went out in the second round, but they have the fans. They need these teams to go far, they need the fans there. Why does Minnesota and Atlanta get All-Star games before Ottawa, when they came into the league after Ottawa did?

9. Yes, I like the Salary Cap, but how long will it actually last? They will keep raising the amount and CANADA won't be able to match... AGAIN!!! Check out the contract that Brad Richards just signed, $35 Million over 5 years, that's nuts!!!! He's only been in the league 4 years!!!

10. IT'S CANADA'S GAME, AND WE ARE SLOWLY BUT SURELY LOOSING IT!!!!

If this is to much for this thread, I apologize!!! But Hockey is a real passion for me!!!! And it hurts like hell, that we are loosing the CANADIAN way of playing!!!

i toatally agree!
There are only 7 canadian teams in the nhl now.
The cup hasent came home to canada in YEARS!!
Things need to change!

 

[panoo]

i toatally agree!
There are only 7 canadian teams in the nhl now.
The cup hasent came home to canada in YEARS!!
Things need to change!

Actually there are only 6 teams in Canada.:laugh:

 

[Hkyfn]

If hockey really was such a passion for you, then you ought to be better informed!

Who's fault is it if a Canadian team hasn't won the cup in years? Perhaps the GM's of the CDN teams should do a better job of drafting players, just a thought.

You may not like the idea of an American team winning the cup, but get used to it. The NHL will always have many more US teams than Canadian teams, that's just a fact of life. Canada is a small country, and it could be argued that small market cities like Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa, in the long run may not exist. Who can blame the owners if they move to greener pastures, where they will earn more income. Afterall, it IS a business, and the last time I looked, making a PROFIT is what drives businesses! You socialist Canadians seem to have a problem with this concept. Oh well....

Bettman was NEVER the basketball commish, he worked in the NBA's legal arena, but never was a commissioner, in any sense. He has done an admiral job with the NHL, in what has been very trying times. He has basically saved the sport, by forcing a lockout and bringing a SC to the league. With this accomplished, ALL teams are capped with what they can spend on salaries, therefore, creating balance in the league. He is really, in the purest sense, saving the small market teams from either folding or moving, and most of the small mkt teams reside in Canada.

How can you say that a Canadian team isn't "allowed" to win the cup!? Man , that statement is so off the wall!! To win the cup, you must EARN it, and of course, if you have a team in the league, you have every bit of a chance as the next team, so long as you have good team management, with sound scouting/drafting. Tampa won the cup, and certainly deserved it. They were 1st in the east, 1st overall, and when the dust settled after the playoffs, 1st there as well! That's called a trifecta!! They had a great team 2 years ago, but lost vital components this past off season, and never were the same. They still have a good core group, but they are still missing parts to be a solid contender.

How long will the salary cap last? Wow, are you serious!! The cap is now set in stone, it's here for good. It will fluctuate year by year, dependant upon league revenues, but this is a good thing, because as the league draws better revenues, so too will the players (who will get 55% of the revenues). Name any other private sector business where this is the norm!! Go ahead, I'm waiting.

 

[voxel]

Almost the perfect cup matchup...

7. The fact that a CANADIAN team isn't allowed to win the cup. I mean really, do you honestly believe that Tampa was the better team two years ago?

Yes - I watched majority of the playoff games (that I could) in that year and I thought Tampa kicked most teams butts: faster, better scoring touch, solid goaltending, etc. Calgary was a fluke and I hated their clutch and grab style of playing. They were lucky to make it to seven.

This years finals should have been Edmonton vs. Buffalo (what an awesome team - but killed by injuries). Anaheim was darn strong too (awesome goaltending and good defense and a dangerous offense), but Roloson kept them at frustrated. Edmonton is all fire when they are hot. I watched a few of the Carolina games with NJ and Buffalo and found them lacking. They are most dangerous in the 3rd period but can be quite lazy at times.

Tampa and Calgary were garbage this year playoffs nor was I impressed by Ottawa (no grit) nor NJ (too average) nor Philly (too slow). Detroit was okay at times, but I think they lost out of shock (i.e who are these young gritty Oilers?). Buffalo this year reminded me of Tampa in 03 - maybe next year they'll win it?

Having grown up in Edmonton in the 80s, I love to see explosive fast hockey. I hate the "NJ Devils trap" style hockey of old and especially teams like the Leafs and Flyer (both the worst). At least, Detroit, Pittsburgh, and Colorado were worthy teams with skilled players.

Go Oilers! Win another for Joey!

 

[panoo]

If hockey really was such a passion for you, then you ought to be better informed!

Who's fault is it if a Canadian team hasn't won the cup in years? Perhaps the GM's of the CDN teams should do a better job of drafting players, just a thought.

You may not like the idea of an American team winning the cup, but get used to it. The NHL will always have many more US teams than Canadian teams, that's just a fact of life. Canada is a small country, and it could be argued that small market cities like Calgary, Edmonton and Ottawa, in the long run may not exist. Who can blame the owners if they move to greener pastures, where they will earn more income. Afterall, it IS a business, and the last time I looked, making a PROFIT is what drives businesses! You socialist Canadians seem to have a problem with this concept. Oh well....

Bettman was NEVER the basketball commish, he worked in the NBA's legal arena, but never was a commissioner, in any sense. He has done an admiral job with the NHL, in what has been very trying times. He has basically saved the sport, by forcing a lockout and bringing a SC to the league. With this accomplished, ALL teams are capped with what they can spend on salaries, therefore, creating balance in the league. He is really, in the purest sense, saving the small market teams from either folding or moving, and most of the small mkt teams reside in Canada.

How can you say that a Canadian team isn't "allowed" to win the cup!? Man , that statement is so off the wall!! To win the cup, you must EARN it, and of course, if you have a team in the league, you have every bit of a chance as the next team, so long as you have good team management, with sound scouting/drafting. Tampa won the cup, and certainly deserved it. They were 1st in the east, 1st overall, and when the dust settled after the playoffs, 1st there as well! That's called a trifecta!! They had a great team 2 years ago, but lost vital components this past off season, and never were the same. They still have a good core group, but they are still missing parts to be a solid contender.

How long will the salary cap last? Wow, are you serious!! The cap is now set in stone, it's here for good. It will fluctuate year by year, dependant upon league revenues, but this is a good thing, because as the league draws better revenues, so too will the players (who will get 55% of the revenues). Name any other private sector business where this is the norm!! Go ahead, I'm waiting.

I'll give you the Bettman thing, my mistake. He wasn't commissioner, he's still an ASS!!!

NO!! It had nothing to do with GM'S of Canadian teams drafting badly, it had to do with dollars, as soon as the Canadian team got their draft picks were they are worthy NHL players, the American teams take them and sign them to a contract that is way to much for the Canadian teams to afford, so they have to let them go. So we train them and you guys buy them.

Isn't it funny how you didn't comment on the fact that ALL CANADIAN teams have to pay their contracts in AMERICAN dollars, they don't take in American dollars!!! IS THAT FAIR!!!

Why does the NHL keep bailing out the Penguins? Why don't they move them to Winnipeg or Quebec? Who do want teams!! These 2 teams showed the slightest bit of trouble and they were gone to the States. Why not give Hamilton a team? They've only been asking for one for about 20 years now!!

As far as the cap...Well...time will tell on that one, won't it? If they keep raising the amount, we'll be back to where we were before!! We will also see if the NHLPA re-open the agreement in 2008-09, or see if it lives for the duration 2010-11.

Believe me, I'm used to the AMERICANS winning the cup, HAVE NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT!!!

It's the American way or no way, they have to be on top of everything or they aren't happy. You call it the world series in baseball, and they can't even beat the world.

 

[OLYMPIA STADIUM]

Pittsburgh

I'll give you the Bettman thing, my mistake. He wasn't commissioner, he's still an ASS!!!

NO!! It had nothing to do with GM'S of Canadian teams drafting badly, it had to do with dollars, as soon as the Canadian team got their draft picks were they are worthy NHL players, the American teams take them and sign them to a contract that is way to much for the Canadian teams to afford, so they have to let them go. So we train them and you guys buy them.

Isn't it funny how you didn't comment on the fact that ALL CANADIAN teams have to pay their contracts in AMERICAN dollars, they don't take in American dollars!!! IS THAT FAIR!!!

Why does the NHL keep bailing out the Penguins? Why don't they move them to Winnipeg or Quebec? Who do want teams!! These 2 teams showed the slightest bit of trouble and they were gone to the States. Why not give Hamilton a team? They've only been asking for one for about 20 years now!!

As far as the cap...Well...time will tell on that one, won't it? If they keep raising the amount, we'll be back to where we were before!! We will also see if the NHLPA re-open the agreement in 2008-09, or see if it lives for the duration 2010-11.

Believe me, I'm used to the AMERICANS winning the cup, HAVE NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT!!!

It's the American way or no way, they have to be on top of everything or they aren't happy. You call it the world series in baseball, and they can't even beat the world.

Leave the penguins in pittsburgh. the league can move teams in Nashville, Columbus, Carolina, Tampa, Florida. the NHL does not belong in these markets. i agree the NHL needs to go back to winnipeg, quebec and harford but leave the penguins in pittsburgh.

 

[lil_azn_dragun]

Actually there are only 6 teams in Canada.:laugh:

opps i messed up there sorry.

 

[Hkyfn]

I'll give you the Bettman thing, my mistake. He wasn't commissioner, he's still an ASS!!!

That's your opinion, and you're entitled to it.

NO!! It had nothing to do with GM'S of Canadian teams drafting badly, it had to do with dollars, as soon as the Canadian team got their draft picks were they are worthy NHL players, the American teams take them and sign them to a contract that is way to much for the Canadian teams to afford, so they have to let them go. So we train them and you guys buy them.

This is no longer the case with a SC, hence the Oilers signing Pronger, as one example. In the old system, you're right, as the small mkt CDN teams could not compete on a financial basis with the US teams.

Isn't it funny how you didn't comment on the fact that ALL CANADIAN teams have to pay their contracts in AMERICAN dollars, they don't take in American dollars!!! IS THAT FAIR!!!

Here's a simple business lesson for you: ALL CDN BUSINESSES CONVERT THEIR RECEIPTS INTO US $$$$ The American greenback is what makes the world go round, it is the currency of choice for all countries in the world. Have you ever wondered why the CDN Loonie is quoted how it is valued against the US $$? Why do so many CDN companies complain when the CDN Loonie is gaining strength against the US $? Hmmm, I wonder....

Why does the NHL keep bailing out the Penguins? Why don't they move them to Winnipeg or Quebec? Who do want teams!! These 2 teams showed the slightest bit of trouble and they were gone to the States. Why not give Hamilton a team? They've only been asking for one for about 20 years now!!

The NHL is not bailing out any team. The Penguins are PRIVATELY owned, NOT OWNED BY THE NHL!!!! Get your facts straight please before commenting. If the owners of the Pens, or ANY team for that matter has a better option by moving to a new city, that's life in the business world. Again, you seem to have this socialist mindset! Why doesn't Hamilton get a team? Ask Buffalo and Toronto! They will not allow Hamilton to have a team, as a team there would infringe upon their market. Winnipeg and Quebec both had team, but simply couldn't compete. Both of these cities are too small for professional sports, with low income fans, and no real corporate support to make a team work. You can keep wishing for the "good old days" but they will most likely not return. Sorry!!!

As far as the cap...Well...time will tell on that one, won't it? If they keep raising the amount, we'll be back to where we were before!! We will also see if the NHLPA re-open the agreement in 2008-09, or see if it lives for the duration 2010-11.

The cap is set in stone, until the current contract expires. Do you really think a strike by the players will reverse this? Dream on..... The cap is most definitely here to stay, and it's a good thing, as it has proven to work.

Believe me, I'm used to the AMERICANS winning the cup, HAVE NO DOUBT ABOUT THAT!!!

I'm glad, because it most likely won't change anytime soon! :laugh:

It's the American way or no way, they have to be on top of everything or they aren't happy. You call it the world series in baseball, and they can't even beat the world.

Really!!? You're cracking me up, but this is a hockey board, so we'll all stay on topic here! :laugh:

Gotta love that Carolina cup win! It made my day!!

 

[panoo]

I know the AMERICANS own the world!!!! We see and hear about it, EVERY DAMN DAY OF OUR LIVES!!!!

 

[OLYMPIA STADIUM]

Carolina

Really!!? You're cracking me up, but this is a hockey board, so we'll all stay on topic here! :laugh:

Gotta love that Carolina cup win! It made my day!!

This is a dark day for hockey with this team winning just like how it was when tampa won.the NHL wants this to happen so they can sell hockey in markets they dont belong in.

 

[panoo]

I have said it before, Hkyfn, and I will say it again: you enjoy appearing to be the grand master of the NHL universe. But that is all it is: an appearance, a facade, a charade. When an issue comes up that you cannot deal with without risking showing your true self to this forum, you just laugh it off and call us silly. You always ask people to tell you if they don't agree with you and explain why, but you, yourself, fail to do so. My point was centered around Canadians paying American dollars when they do not make American dollars in revenue. I asked if this was fair. Instead of laughing at me, why not try the path less traveled by (in YOUR forest, anyway) and explain yourself.

You call the NHL a business, and I see that as the foundation of all hockey-related problems. It used to be fun and friendly for the players and the fans. What happened?

 

[Bondseye]

Wow, where to begin.
the thought that the league is rigged to favor US over Canadian teams is Laughable at best. What other reaction do you expect from such a statement :dunno: ANYONE who watched the finals in particular would agree thats unfounded. We could break the entire series down if none of us had a job, but here are some highlights:
Edmonton had many more power plays including numerous 5 on threes that they failed to score on.
Edmonton got away with a no call on what was clearly a goal in game seven.
Edmonton built their playoff run on sneaky holds and hooks but where rarely called on it.
If you look at the balance of the finals the refs whistles blew in favor of Emonton by far. If they could have scored on 1/3 of their 5 on 3's alone they would have crushed Carolina. Rigged my ass!

For those of you (Olympia) who didn't watch the finals Edomonton didn't score on a single 5 on 3 and they had several...

from the CBC:
“The number of penalties is going to favour the team that's got a special team advantage, and that's Carolina,” Oilers coach Craig MacTavish admitted after the Hurricanes went 3-for-9 with the man advantage in Game 5.

Edmonton's power play, meanwhile, was terrible in the Cup final. Apart from a 3-for-9 outburst in Game 6, the Oilers went 2-for-36 against a Hurricanes penalty-killing unit that was playing at its best but still far from top-notch.

 

[bruzerjeff]

Each team has Players film Promotional TV spots during off days during the season prior to playoffs. Some never get aired. Some do. As they are eliminated so are the Promos. It's all very simple TV. Not Fixed Hockey and it can be done in a matter of hours sometimes minutes if you look at the action highlight packages they close games with today from the game you just watched. All the digital graphics are added instantly. The only thing that needs to be fixed is The way Hockey is presented to the public on TV because live it's the best sport in the world but on TV thry have the WORST announcers...WELL TO WIN THIS GAME THEY HAVE TO PUT THE PUCK IN THE NET!!....No Kidding!! Boy the analysts they hire ought to be shot. Hockey rules but not on TV. It sucks on TV and thats the big problem.