Monday, December 31, 2012
Things to do during the lockout, part 4
The NHL Network is at least providing coverage of the World Junior Championships from Russia. If you're a Bruins fan like me, you've got to be excited, especially watching Canada. Dougie Hamilton scored a power play goal against Russia in their 4-1 win and Malcolm Subban has been superb in goal since shaky performances against Germany and Slovakia. He's only given up 2 goals in beating the U.S. and Russia. Canada now automatically advances to the semi-finals.
Things to do during the lockout, part 3
Well, I figured I'd catch up with my favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, and watch as they went to Washington to try to win the NFC East title. Their play reminded me of an old Living Colour song, "Cult of Personality." In my version, I change the title to "Cult of Mediocrity." Here are a few things I think the Cowboys need to do to try to bring back the glory days:
1. Give up the GM job Jerry. I know this won't happen, but I can dream. Jerry Jones' ego won't allow him to give up the reins of control and bring someone in that actually knows something about football. Jerry, look around football. The teams that are really successful year in and year out have GMs and people that know football; you don't. You didn't help the Cowboys win 3 Super Bowls in the 90s, Jimmy Johnson did (you can throw out the year Switzer won the SB, they were still Johnson's players). Bring in a GM that knows football. You said it yourself, you would fire yourself as GM for the sorry job you've done. Look at the Yankees as an example. The Steinbrenners have egos bigger than yours but they have Brian Cashman running the club. They've won repeat World Series over the years. You haven't. Give it up, sign the checks, and watch the games from your luxury box.
2. Bench or trade Tony Romo. I don't care how often he throws for 4000+ yards and 25-30 touchdowns. He flat out can't win the big game. He often chokes in the clutch. Anyone who witnessed his last interception against the Redskins can testify to that. He felt pressure, he threw the ball away carelessly. As is the norm, he was completely and thoroughly outplayed by his opponent, RGIII. Just look at the stats for RGIII; no fumbles, no interceptions. Romo, 3 interceptions. That's Romo's career in a nutshell. It's easy to look great against the Cleveland's and Tampa Bay's of the league. He can't win the high stakes games that really count for something.
3. Sorry, fire Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan. Clock management for the Cowboys is abysmal. They got the ball back against the Redskins down 28-18 with 1:02 on the clock. They ran 3 plays in that time. There was no sense of urgency, no apparent effort to try to win the game. You can't win if you throw the ball to receivers who CLEARLY will not be able to stop the clock. They didn't even look as if they had plays called ahead of time. I don't care how many injuries you have, you must stop the running game. 200 yards for Alfred Morris is unacceptable. Goodbye Jason, goodbye Rob.
Into another offseason of hoping for the best. Since 1996, the Cowboys have exactly 2 playoff victories. The New York Giants have 10, including 2 Super Bowls. The Jacksonville Jaguars have 3. The Carolina Panthers have 5.
For the Dallas Cowboys, mediocrity should be the exception, not the rule. Since 2000, the Cowboys are 104-103 in the regular season. If that isn't mediocrity, what is?
1. Give up the GM job Jerry. I know this won't happen, but I can dream. Jerry Jones' ego won't allow him to give up the reins of control and bring someone in that actually knows something about football. Jerry, look around football. The teams that are really successful year in and year out have GMs and people that know football; you don't. You didn't help the Cowboys win 3 Super Bowls in the 90s, Jimmy Johnson did (you can throw out the year Switzer won the SB, they were still Johnson's players). Bring in a GM that knows football. You said it yourself, you would fire yourself as GM for the sorry job you've done. Look at the Yankees as an example. The Steinbrenners have egos bigger than yours but they have Brian Cashman running the club. They've won repeat World Series over the years. You haven't. Give it up, sign the checks, and watch the games from your luxury box.
2. Bench or trade Tony Romo. I don't care how often he throws for 4000+ yards and 25-30 touchdowns. He flat out can't win the big game. He often chokes in the clutch. Anyone who witnessed his last interception against the Redskins can testify to that. He felt pressure, he threw the ball away carelessly. As is the norm, he was completely and thoroughly outplayed by his opponent, RGIII. Just look at the stats for RGIII; no fumbles, no interceptions. Romo, 3 interceptions. That's Romo's career in a nutshell. It's easy to look great against the Cleveland's and Tampa Bay's of the league. He can't win the high stakes games that really count for something.
3. Sorry, fire Jason Garrett and Rob Ryan. Clock management for the Cowboys is abysmal. They got the ball back against the Redskins down 28-18 with 1:02 on the clock. They ran 3 plays in that time. There was no sense of urgency, no apparent effort to try to win the game. You can't win if you throw the ball to receivers who CLEARLY will not be able to stop the clock. They didn't even look as if they had plays called ahead of time. I don't care how many injuries you have, you must stop the running game. 200 yards for Alfred Morris is unacceptable. Goodbye Jason, goodbye Rob.
Into another offseason of hoping for the best. Since 1996, the Cowboys have exactly 2 playoff victories. The New York Giants have 10, including 2 Super Bowls. The Jacksonville Jaguars have 3. The Carolina Panthers have 5.
For the Dallas Cowboys, mediocrity should be the exception, not the rule. Since 2000, the Cowboys are 104-103 in the regular season. If that isn't mediocrity, what is?
Friday, December 28, 2012
Things to do during the lockout, part 2
Word came out today that the NHL made a new offer to the NHLPA. Details are that the league changed their contract demands from 5 to 6 years, changed variance per year from 5% to 10%, and allowed 1 buyout during the next year. The $300 million "make whole" offer is still part of the plan. However, the salary cap would still be around $60 million, much lower than what it is right now. We'll have to see if the players accept or make a counter offer or continue with their certificate of dislclaimer.
Here's something else to do during the lockout. I'm working on a master's degree with Kansas State University. One of my classes involved conducting an analytical review of a book relating to violence prevention. I chose a book called "I am Nujood, age 10 and divorced." If you're looking for a quick read and a fascinating look into a foreign culture, grab this book. Nujood is a young Yemeni girl, forced into marriage by her father at the age of 10. It details her early life, her marriage, and then the details of her divorce in Yemeni society. It sounds made up, but it is in fact a true story. Damn good read, you might be able to finish it in a day.
Here's something else to do during the lockout. I'm working on a master's degree with Kansas State University. One of my classes involved conducting an analytical review of a book relating to violence prevention. I chose a book called "I am Nujood, age 10 and divorced." If you're looking for a quick read and a fascinating look into a foreign culture, grab this book. Nujood is a young Yemeni girl, forced into marriage by her father at the age of 10. It details her early life, her marriage, and then the details of her divorce in Yemeni society. It sounds made up, but it is in fact a true story. Damn good read, you might be able to finish it in a day.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Things to do during the lockout, part 1
About a year ago, I decided to catch up on a series that had run on the FX network. If you're a Bruins fan, you'll know why. The series is called "Rescue Me." It's a series that revolves around a group of firefighters in New York City, many of them directly affected by the tragedy of 9/11. The main character, Tommy Gavin, is played by none other than Denis Leary, native of Worcester, Mass and huge Boston Bruins fan. During the show's run, Leary brought in former Bruins Cam Neely and Lyndon Byers as guest stars. So far, I'm through season 5, episode 14. If you haven't seen it yet, it's a series that will make you laugh and cry with each show. I highly recommend it and will be catching up on it until we get the NHL back on the ice.
Where's the common sense in all this?
I think we're somewhere in the area of day 103 of the NHL lockout. Someone please tell me, where's the common sense gone in this whole thing?
I scan the TSN.ca website, and it seems Canadian fans clearly side with the NHL in this matter.
Personally, I side with the players. Exactly what concessions have the owners given to the players? Under the old CBA, they were getting 43% of revenue; that will bump up to at least 50%.
I get the whole "the owners run things, they can give the players whatever they think is fair" thing. One of my biggest peeves comes along when I hear or read of people saying they don't need the NHL, they can watch the OHL, AHL, WJC, KHL, blah blah blah, bring on the replacement players. Really? Replacement players?
Let's face it, there is no replacement for the NHL. It's the best professional hockey league in the world, bar none. I'll watch it when it comes back, if for no other reason than I really don't like the NBA and the NFL will end in late January/early February.
I scan the TSN.ca website, and it seems Canadian fans clearly side with the NHL in this matter.
Personally, I side with the players. Exactly what concessions have the owners given to the players? Under the old CBA, they were getting 43% of revenue; that will bump up to at least 50%.
I get the whole "the owners run things, they can give the players whatever they think is fair" thing. One of my biggest peeves comes along when I hear or read of people saying they don't need the NHL, they can watch the OHL, AHL, WJC, KHL, blah blah blah, bring on the replacement players. Really? Replacement players?
Let's face it, there is no replacement for the NHL. It's the best professional hockey league in the world, bar none. I'll watch it when it comes back, if for no other reason than I really don't like the NBA and the NFL will end in late January/early February.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Great story about revenue sharing
Joe Haggerty from CSNNE discovered this great article from Time Magazine detailing why the owners and Gary Bettman are at fault for the current lockout. The story details revenue sharing and why NHL owners, especially of the big market clubs, must be more willing to share profits across the league. The story can be found at:
http://business.time.com/2012/12/19/hockeys-wealth-redistribution-problem-whats-really-behind-the-nhl-lockout/
http://business.time.com/2012/12/19/hockeys-wealth-redistribution-problem-whats-really-behind-the-nhl-lockout/
Disclaimer of interest
Results are expected in today from the vote of the NHL players regarding a disclaimer of interest. I think the vote will be for a disclaimer with at least 90% of the vote.
If you're a Bruins fan, the upcoming WJC tournament will be something to keep track of. The Bruins will have 5 prospects playing in the tournament:
Dougie Hamilton (D), Canada
Anthony Camara (F), Canada
Malcolm Subban (G), Canada
Matt Grzelcyk (D), USA
Alexander Khokhlachev (F), Russia
Peter Chiarelli informed Team Canada that in the event the NHL and NHLPA come to an agreement before or during the tournament, the Bruins maintain the right to recall Hamilton up to the big club. Personally, I'm hoping we get an agreement so we can see if Hamilton can make the Bruins.
If you're a Bruins fan, the upcoming WJC tournament will be something to keep track of. The Bruins will have 5 prospects playing in the tournament:
Dougie Hamilton (D), Canada
Anthony Camara (F), Canada
Malcolm Subban (G), Canada
Matt Grzelcyk (D), USA
Alexander Khokhlachev (F), Russia
Peter Chiarelli informed Team Canada that in the event the NHL and NHLPA come to an agreement before or during the tournament, the Bruins maintain the right to recall Hamilton up to the big club. Personally, I'm hoping we get an agreement so we can see if Hamilton can make the Bruins.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
The end of the Mayan calendar...
goes hand in hand with the cancellation of the NHL season.
Well, today we learned that Gary Bettman cancelled the NHL schedule through January 14th. No surprise to anyone, it was something totally expected. I'm not sure how many people out there even care anymore.
While I was home today from work (cancelled because we had a huge snow storm roll through eastern Kansas), I changed channels over to the NHL network in time to catch a rerun of the Bruins run to the Stanley Cup in 2011. It still feels great to watch that, even though a lot of the show revolves around Tim Thomas. I don't care what Thomas' political affiliations are or how he left the Bruins. I know that he led them to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years.
Thanks Tim. Take care, I hope we see you in the NHL again (whoever you play for, I hope the Bruins beat them).
Well, today we learned that Gary Bettman cancelled the NHL schedule through January 14th. No surprise to anyone, it was something totally expected. I'm not sure how many people out there even care anymore.
While I was home today from work (cancelled because we had a huge snow storm roll through eastern Kansas), I changed channels over to the NHL network in time to catch a rerun of the Bruins run to the Stanley Cup in 2011. It still feels great to watch that, even though a lot of the show revolves around Tim Thomas. I don't care what Thomas' political affiliations are or how he left the Bruins. I know that he led them to their first Stanley Cup in 39 years.
Thanks Tim. Take care, I hope we see you in the NHL again (whoever you play for, I hope the Bruins beat them).
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
This kind of says it for me
While looking on the internet for information about the NHL lockout, I came across an interview Don Fehr did with Mike Brehm of USA Today sports. Mike asked Don what he thought of the league saying it has nothing more to give. Don's reply was:
"They've given us lots of take-it-or-leave-its and deadline negotiations, and they know that on the substance, we're not very far apart. When they say we've got nothing left to give, what exactly have they given? When you look at the measurement of the last agreement, all the giving has been done by the players."
For me, this is probably why I throw my support to Don Fehr, the NHLPA and the players. Can someone point out exactly what the owners are giving up or have given up? The players are dropping from 57% of revenue to 50%, it seems the salary cap will go down, contracts will be limited to 5 years with a low variance. I keep hearing alot about how the owners pay for so much of the game. Do the owners realize without Crosby, Ovechkin, Stamkos, Seguin and others, there is no game? The NHL is the best professional hockey league in the world, period. The greatest players in the world come here because they know it's the best place to play. The players make the NHL what it is, not Gary "Lockout Meister" Bettman and the owners. Rules to protect the owners from themselves should not be part of the CBA. If the owners can't be trusted, get rid of them. Sell their team, move them to Canada.
There was a reason the Flames "flamed" out in Atlanta; professional hockey doesn't belong there.
There was a reaon the Jets crashed and burned in Atlanta; professional hockey doesn't belong there.
Phoenix Coyotes? Send them to Canada where they will get support.
How much support will the Blue Jackets get after a lockout and after trading superstar Rick Nash?
How much support will Tampa get, and other small market teams?
I've watched hockey in St. Louis, it was a wonderful experience. It seems each home game is sold out, over 19,000 screaming fans every night. How can they be losing money when they're selling out every night? How do you lose money when you sell out every night and have one of the lower payrolls in hockey?
This lockout is driving me crazy. Get a deal done or cancel the season, I don't think I care anymore.
"They've given us lots of take-it-or-leave-its and deadline negotiations, and they know that on the substance, we're not very far apart. When they say we've got nothing left to give, what exactly have they given? When you look at the measurement of the last agreement, all the giving has been done by the players."
For me, this is probably why I throw my support to Don Fehr, the NHLPA and the players. Can someone point out exactly what the owners are giving up or have given up? The players are dropping from 57% of revenue to 50%, it seems the salary cap will go down, contracts will be limited to 5 years with a low variance. I keep hearing alot about how the owners pay for so much of the game. Do the owners realize without Crosby, Ovechkin, Stamkos, Seguin and others, there is no game? The NHL is the best professional hockey league in the world, period. The greatest players in the world come here because they know it's the best place to play. The players make the NHL what it is, not Gary "Lockout Meister" Bettman and the owners. Rules to protect the owners from themselves should not be part of the CBA. If the owners can't be trusted, get rid of them. Sell their team, move them to Canada.
There was a reason the Flames "flamed" out in Atlanta; professional hockey doesn't belong there.
There was a reaon the Jets crashed and burned in Atlanta; professional hockey doesn't belong there.
Phoenix Coyotes? Send them to Canada where they will get support.
How much support will the Blue Jackets get after a lockout and after trading superstar Rick Nash?
How much support will Tampa get, and other small market teams?
I've watched hockey in St. Louis, it was a wonderful experience. It seems each home game is sold out, over 19,000 screaming fans every night. How can they be losing money when they're selling out every night? How do you lose money when you sell out every night and have one of the lower payrolls in hockey?
This lockout is driving me crazy. Get a deal done or cancel the season, I don't think I care anymore.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
I can feel the apathy setting in
I love college football. I love college football bowl games. I used to love the NFL, until Jerry Jones decided he knows more about football than just about anyone on Earth. Since the Cowboys last Super Bowl win many years ago, I get more pain than joy from watching the NFL. I always knew, when the Stanley Cup playoffs were over, a new season wasn't that far away. First, we'd have the draft. Next, we'd watch free agent frenzy taking place. After that, I'd watch for Bruins development camp to see the next generation of B's and what they brought to the table. After development camp, training camp was just a few months away. As the air turned cooler, I knew training camp started and that I would get to see some pre-season games. I hate NFL, NBA, and MLB pre-season games. Just drives me crazy to watch them. I'll watch NHL pre-season, if only to see the guys trying to make the team giving it all they got. Right after that, BINGO, the season starts! The last season opener I watched was when the Bruins took the Stanley Cup banner to the top of TD Garden. How times change.
Here we are, 90+ days into the NHL lockout, owners filing lawsuits, players voting on getting rid of the union, no talks in sight.
I'm starting to not really give a damn if they play or not.
Here we are, 90+ days into the NHL lockout, owners filing lawsuits, players voting on getting rid of the union, no talks in sight.
I'm starting to not really give a damn if they play or not.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
I really did not believe this at first
As part of the NHL lawsuit against the NHLPA and players, the NHL included a little tidbit that reflects the stupidity of the owners. In their lawsuit, the NHL is asking that contracts signed before the last CBA expired be made null and void, as if they never existed.
Take some time and read that again.
THE NHL IS ASKING THAT CONTRACTS SIGNED BEFORE THE LAST CBA EXPIRED BE MADE NULL AND VOID.
Is it just me, or does that make Jeremy Jacobs (henceforth known as Scrooge) and Craig Leopold (henceforth known as Craig Leopold) look like utter and complete buffoons? No one forced Jacobs to approve new deals for Tyler Seguin (which wouldn't meet the requirements of the new CBA the owners have proposed) and for Leopold to approve the signings of Parise and Suter (way over the 5 years owners want).
As Dr. Brown said in "Back to the Future,"
When this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit!
Take some time and read that again.
THE NHL IS ASKING THAT CONTRACTS SIGNED BEFORE THE LAST CBA EXPIRED BE MADE NULL AND VOID.
Is it just me, or does that make Jeremy Jacobs (henceforth known as Scrooge) and Craig Leopold (henceforth known as Craig Leopold) look like utter and complete buffoons? No one forced Jacobs to approve new deals for Tyler Seguin (which wouldn't meet the requirements of the new CBA the owners have proposed) and for Leopold to approve the signings of Parise and Suter (way over the 5 years owners want).
As Dr. Brown said in "Back to the Future,"
When this baby hits 88 miles per hour, you're gonna see some serious shit!
Off to court we go
By now, any hockey fan knows that Gary Bettman and the NHL owners decided to take the NHLPA to court, filing a suit against the union and submitting a complaint to the NLRB. What is not clear is whether or not the league's action was taken prior to it finding out that the NHLPA executive committee decided to put to a vote the players rights to file a disclaimer. The NFL and NBA used similar tactics last year in their labor disputes; new CBAs were completed within days after such action. What is not clear is how these actions will affect talks between the NHL and NHLPA.
Personally, I believe the NHL and Gary Bettman have "screwed the pooch" royally from the beginning of talks. Their initial offer, in which they were being "magnanimous" by offering the players 43% of HRR, sent the talks straight downhill. Each and every stupid move the NHL takes seems to steel the resolve of the players and actually increases player support of Don Fehr. To call Gary and the owners "boneheaded" would be an insult to true boneheads around the world.
I don't know how other fans feel, but here's what I think. I've supported the players in this dispute from the beginning. I believe if the NHL had begun the process with a reasonable initial offer, things would have progressed much better than they have. Gary and his crew of owners have really botched up these negotiations. Seriously, how many times can the owners say "this is our best offer" and then turn around and improve their next offer? This whole lockout feels like the movie "Spaceballs" because we're "traveling at ludicrous speed" towards a cancelled season.
Personally, I believe the NHL and Gary Bettman have "screwed the pooch" royally from the beginning of talks. Their initial offer, in which they were being "magnanimous" by offering the players 43% of HRR, sent the talks straight downhill. Each and every stupid move the NHL takes seems to steel the resolve of the players and actually increases player support of Don Fehr. To call Gary and the owners "boneheaded" would be an insult to true boneheads around the world.
I don't know how other fans feel, but here's what I think. I've supported the players in this dispute from the beginning. I believe if the NHL had begun the process with a reasonable initial offer, things would have progressed much better than they have. Gary and his crew of owners have really botched up these negotiations. Seriously, how many times can the owners say "this is our best offer" and then turn around and improve their next offer? This whole lockout feels like the movie "Spaceballs" because we're "traveling at ludicrous speed" towards a cancelled season.
Baby B's in first place
The Providence Bruins topped Albany in a shootout today 2-1. With the win, the Baby B's are now in first place in their division, having won 7 of 8 games. The Bruins continue to surge. If we do see and NHL season this year, Chris Bourque is making a push to make the big club. This weekend, he tallied his team leading 20th point (2 G, 18 A). Bruins finish off Sunday with a home game.
More to follow.
More to follow.
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Providence Bruins and Bruins in Europe
Well, the Providence Bruins finally look like they are playing up to their potential. They are on a 4-0-0-1 streak right now. After their 3-2 shootout win over Worcester on Saturday, they moved up to 3rd in their division.
Now for some Bruins in Europe.
Patrice Bergeron's HC Lugano team beat SCL Tigers 8-2 Saturday night. Bergeron collected 4 assists. Ex-Bruin Glen Metropolit scored a goal to go along with 4 assists.
Tyler Seguin's EHC Biel team lost to Geneve-Servette 3-0.
Big Z scored the only goal for his HC Lev team in the KHL. They lost to Slovan Bratislava 2-1.
Daniel Paille's Ilves team beat IFK Helsinki in the Finnish SM liiga 1-0. Paille did not score.
Rich Peverley's JYP Jyvaskyla team beat SaiPa 3-0 Friday night in the Finnish SM liiga. Rich netted an assist.
Johnny Boychuk assisted on a goal in Red Bull Salzburg's 4-1 win Friday night over TWK Innsbruck in the Austrian EBEL. Ex-Bruin Alex Auld was the winning goalie.
I'll track down more info on the Bruins in Europe and post it on Sunday. As the lockout continues, I will update this blog with info on them and also the Baby B's in Providence.
Now for some Bruins in Europe.
Patrice Bergeron's HC Lugano team beat SCL Tigers 8-2 Saturday night. Bergeron collected 4 assists. Ex-Bruin Glen Metropolit scored a goal to go along with 4 assists.
Tyler Seguin's EHC Biel team lost to Geneve-Servette 3-0.
Big Z scored the only goal for his HC Lev team in the KHL. They lost to Slovan Bratislava 2-1.
Daniel Paille's Ilves team beat IFK Helsinki in the Finnish SM liiga 1-0. Paille did not score.
Rich Peverley's JYP Jyvaskyla team beat SaiPa 3-0 Friday night in the Finnish SM liiga. Rich netted an assist.
Johnny Boychuk assisted on a goal in Red Bull Salzburg's 4-1 win Friday night over TWK Innsbruck in the Austrian EBEL. Ex-Bruin Alex Auld was the winning goalie.
I'll track down more info on the Bruins in Europe and post it on Sunday. As the lockout continues, I will update this blog with info on them and also the Baby B's in Providence.
Do the owners REALLY want a season?
Ron Hainsey said the owners threatened to walk away if Don Fehr was brought back into the meetings. Bill Daly clarified the owners position with an email to TSN. Here's what was said:
Hainsey and the players indicated that the small group dynamic was over, that Don Fehr was coming back in. He says the owners told them that could be a deal breaker. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly clarified the league's position via e-mail to TSN, saying "totally within their rights to do, but response of our owners was "if that's the case, don't expect us to stay involved."
Does it really sound like the owners want a season? Fehr represents the players. Doesn't it make sense for the players to bring Fehr back in if they think they're close to a deal?
Go ahead and cancel the season Gary. Watch the popularity of the NHL plummet. Great leadership. I can't wait to watch the next time you present the Stanley Cup, if there is a next time.
Hainsey and the players indicated that the small group dynamic was over, that Don Fehr was coming back in. He says the owners told them that could be a deal breaker. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly clarified the league's position via e-mail to TSN, saying "totally within their rights to do, but response of our owners was "if that's the case, don't expect us to stay involved."
Does it really sound like the owners want a season? Fehr represents the players. Doesn't it make sense for the players to bring Fehr back in if they think they're close to a deal?
Go ahead and cancel the season Gary. Watch the popularity of the NHL plummet. Great leadership. I can't wait to watch the next time you present the Stanley Cup, if there is a next time.
Friday, December 7, 2012
If it smells like a skunk...
I like to follow the Bruins, read up on them when I get a chance. During this lockout, I go to the TSN.ca website, CSNNE, NESN, just about any link I can find to keep up with the lockout. Today I read a story at CSNNE that read as if the lockout is Don Fehr's fault and that he's to blame for not having a signed agreement right now.
Really?
I've read Ron Hainsey's account of what took place during negotiations. It sounds as if the NHL decided to pull everything off the table once the players requested bringinig Don Fehr back into the negotiations. Who can blame them? The players pay Don Fehr to represent them in all negotiations. If the players felt they were so close to a deal that they wanted Don in there, I say go for it. If I have hired a lawyer, do I want him to show up in court to defend me or after the trial is complete?
Personally, I fault both the players and the owners for the situation the NHL is in right now, with most of the blame falling on the owners. I like the quote from Bettman about the NHLPA really not wanting to end the lockout. I believe that. I believe all those NHL players that have gone to Europe want to spend time away from their families back here in the U.S. and Canada. I believe the NHL players not in Europe stayed back because they really didn't want to collect any paychecks. I believe older players like Daniel Alfredsson and Marty Brodeur really don't want to play at least one more year in the best hockey league in the world. You're right Gary, the players have all kinds of reasons to avoid playing hockey. Let's follow the bouncing hockeypuck:
Who wanted to continue under the old CBA until a new one could be signed? The players.
Who wanted to continue talking when Gary Bettman wanted to take a 2 week break? The players.
Who wanted to continue talking even after the owners left out yesterday and the day before? The players.
Do I really need to go any further to show who really wants a hockey season and who doesn't?
I give the owners credit for ponying up the extra $100 million for make whole and meet the players in the middle. What I don't like is tying it into a 10 year CBA. To me, that's just dirty pool. That's slight of hand that's often seen in our U.S. Congress.
I'm tired. This lockout is bullshit. The owners are bullshit. The NHL is going to become a niche sport like jai lai and badminton. See you on ESPN 8 (The Ocho) (shout out to "Dodgeball")! Oops, I forgot, ESPN wants nothing to do with the NHL.
Really?
I've read Ron Hainsey's account of what took place during negotiations. It sounds as if the NHL decided to pull everything off the table once the players requested bringinig Don Fehr back into the negotiations. Who can blame them? The players pay Don Fehr to represent them in all negotiations. If the players felt they were so close to a deal that they wanted Don in there, I say go for it. If I have hired a lawyer, do I want him to show up in court to defend me or after the trial is complete?
Personally, I fault both the players and the owners for the situation the NHL is in right now, with most of the blame falling on the owners. I like the quote from Bettman about the NHLPA really not wanting to end the lockout. I believe that. I believe all those NHL players that have gone to Europe want to spend time away from their families back here in the U.S. and Canada. I believe the NHL players not in Europe stayed back because they really didn't want to collect any paychecks. I believe older players like Daniel Alfredsson and Marty Brodeur really don't want to play at least one more year in the best hockey league in the world. You're right Gary, the players have all kinds of reasons to avoid playing hockey. Let's follow the bouncing hockeypuck:
Who wanted to continue under the old CBA until a new one could be signed? The players.
Who wanted to continue talking when Gary Bettman wanted to take a 2 week break? The players.
Who wanted to continue talking even after the owners left out yesterday and the day before? The players.
Do I really need to go any further to show who really wants a hockey season and who doesn't?
I give the owners credit for ponying up the extra $100 million for make whole and meet the players in the middle. What I don't like is tying it into a 10 year CBA. To me, that's just dirty pool. That's slight of hand that's often seen in our U.S. Congress.
I'm tired. This lockout is bullshit. The owners are bullshit. The NHL is going to become a niche sport like jai lai and badminton. See you on ESPN 8 (The Ocho) (shout out to "Dodgeball")! Oops, I forgot, ESPN wants nothing to do with the NHL.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
There's a fresh turd in the punch bowl
Well folks, I'm willing to bet we won't have an NHL season this year. I like Daly's comment about "contract length is a hill we're willing to die for." What kind of crap is that? Are you seriously comparing playing a kids game to someone dying in war? I don't know if you've worn a uniform for your country Mr. Daly, but I have. Don't compare playing a stupid game to "something you're willing to die for."
I think it's time to face facts that these millionaires and billionaires don't realize when they have it good. Didn't we just come off of a history making year in revenue? Aren't players making more money now then they ever have? Hasn't the popularity of the game spiked, with recent Stanley Cup wins by Original 6 members Chicago and Boston and the newcomer LA Kings?
Sorry guys, I've had it. You kill the season over stupidity like this, and this is one NHL fan you'll never get back. You don't deserve my loyalty. I live in the good old USA, I've got plenty of sports I can follow. Thanks to you, now I have more time to watch English Premier League soccer too! Don't you clowns realize that if you're not playing, your popularity is dropping more and more? You're going to wish for the days when you were the 4th most popular sport in the U.S. Say goodbye to them now!
Go ahead and decertify NHLPA. Decertify, demystify, dehumidify, deep fry for all I care.
Sayonara sports fans...
I think it's time to face facts that these millionaires and billionaires don't realize when they have it good. Didn't we just come off of a history making year in revenue? Aren't players making more money now then they ever have? Hasn't the popularity of the game spiked, with recent Stanley Cup wins by Original 6 members Chicago and Boston and the newcomer LA Kings?
Sorry guys, I've had it. You kill the season over stupidity like this, and this is one NHL fan you'll never get back. You don't deserve my loyalty. I live in the good old USA, I've got plenty of sports I can follow. Thanks to you, now I have more time to watch English Premier League soccer too! Don't you clowns realize that if you're not playing, your popularity is dropping more and more? You're going to wish for the days when you were the 4th most popular sport in the U.S. Say goodbye to them now!
Go ahead and decertify NHLPA. Decertify, demystify, dehumidify, deep fry for all I care.
Sayonara sports fans...
Did you hear...
the screeching from the train coming to a stop? That could have been the train taking us to "We'll have a season ville." We might end up with a detour to "Another season without hockey ville."
The owners offered a bump up in their make whole provision, from $211 million to $300 million. Of that $300 million, $50 million would go into a players pension fund. The problem is that in order to get that, the players must agreed to a 10 year CBA with an opt out at 8 years.
Sounds kind of like the U.S. Congress and how bills get passed (or not passed). Here's a spoonful of sugar to take with that bitter pill we just gave you to swallow.
On the bright side, pitchers and catchers start reporting in about 3 months.
The owners offered a bump up in their make whole provision, from $211 million to $300 million. Of that $300 million, $50 million would go into a players pension fund. The problem is that in order to get that, the players must agreed to a 10 year CBA with an opt out at 8 years.
Sounds kind of like the U.S. Congress and how bills get passed (or not passed). Here's a spoonful of sugar to take with that bitter pill we just gave you to swallow.
On the bright side, pitchers and catchers start reporting in about 3 months.
Latest NHL proposal
Apparently, the players submitted some type of proposal to the owners sometime Wednesday. According to TSN, the counterproposal from the owners went something like this:
"The league's offer Wednesday night offered a raise in money devoted to the 'make-whole' provision. The number in the latest offer jumped to $300 million, up from $211 million in the league's previous offer. The players had previously asked for $389 million, making the owners' latest offer an exact middle ground between the previous offer and the players' demands. However, of that proposed $300 million only $250 million would go towards a 'make-whole' provision with the remaining $50 million going towards pension funding that would not come out of the players' share.
The proposal submitted was for a 10-year term for the next CBA with an opt-out clause after eight years. The rules governing unrestricted free agency and salary arbitration would remain unchanged from last season. The league did not budge on its request for a five-year term limit on player contracts and held firm to a maximum year-to-year salary variance of five per cent.
The league's offer did, however, offer an exception on contract lengths for the re-signing of free agents. Teams would be allowed to re-sign their own free agents to contracts up to seven years in duration."
On the face, I like this proposal. I think the players will try to work on two areas. First, I'm not so sure about the owners meeting them halfway on "make whole" but then saying $50 million of it will go towards pension funding. I could agree to that if the owners are matching the pension funding. Second, I don't think the players will go for a 10 year CBA. As a fan, I love the idea. No threat of a lockout a few years down the line. The owners want 10 with a opt out at 8; the players want 5. I say they agree to 7 with an opt out at 5.
I like the proposal of free agents signing with their own teams for 7 years. This kind of system seems to work well in the NBA.
"The league's offer Wednesday night offered a raise in money devoted to the 'make-whole' provision. The number in the latest offer jumped to $300 million, up from $211 million in the league's previous offer. The players had previously asked for $389 million, making the owners' latest offer an exact middle ground between the previous offer and the players' demands. However, of that proposed $300 million only $250 million would go towards a 'make-whole' provision with the remaining $50 million going towards pension funding that would not come out of the players' share.
The proposal submitted was for a 10-year term for the next CBA with an opt-out clause after eight years. The rules governing unrestricted free agency and salary arbitration would remain unchanged from last season. The league did not budge on its request for a five-year term limit on player contracts and held firm to a maximum year-to-year salary variance of five per cent.
The league's offer did, however, offer an exception on contract lengths for the re-signing of free agents. Teams would be allowed to re-sign their own free agents to contracts up to seven years in duration."
On the face, I like this proposal. I think the players will try to work on two areas. First, I'm not so sure about the owners meeting them halfway on "make whole" but then saying $50 million of it will go towards pension funding. I could agree to that if the owners are matching the pension funding. Second, I don't think the players will go for a 10 year CBA. As a fan, I love the idea. No threat of a lockout a few years down the line. The owners want 10 with a opt out at 8; the players want 5. I say they agree to 7 with an opt out at 5.
I like the proposal of free agents signing with their own teams for 7 years. This kind of system seems to work well in the NBA.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Can we get an agreement?
Owners and players are back in meetings right now. Owners have proposed a 10 year CBA with an out at 6 years, NHLPA is against it. Let's hope we can agreement so we can get a hockey season going. I love college basketball, the NFL, and college bowl season, but I need some NHL hockey!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Players
I read over the list of 18 players the NHLPA sent to the meeting with 6 owners. I am impressed by the group, many of them leaders not only for their clubs but the NHL in general. The list includes:
Sidney Crosby
Ryan Miller
Mike Camalleri
Martin St. Louis
Brad Richards
Jonathan Toews
If this highly respected group cannot make any headway with the owners, I think the NHL season is doomed. Turn out the lights, the party never even got started.
Sidney Crosby
Ryan Miller
Mike Camalleri
Martin St. Louis
Brad Richards
Jonathan Toews
If this highly respected group cannot make any headway with the owners, I think the NHL season is doomed. Turn out the lights, the party never even got started.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Will it be fair?
The NHL identified the 6 owners that will attend the owners/players meeting being held 4 December. Here's how there teams rank as far as operating income:
TEAM LEAGUE RANK OPERTING INCOME
Toronto 1 $81.9 million
Boston 9 $14.2 million
Winnipeg 10 $13.3 million
Calgary 11 $11.0 million
Pittsburgh 13 $9.1 million
Tampa Bay 27 -$13.1 million
Where are the owners, like those in Tampa Bay, with a negative operating income? Where is Terry Pegula from Buffalo, with their -$10.4 million operating income? How about the owners of the Anaheim, New York Islander, Florida Panther and St. Louis Blues organizations, all with negative operating incomes? I said it before and I'll say it again; owners and players must be fairly represented across the board. Sidney Crosby is the face of the NHL and should attend, along with Patrick Toews. However, guys like Shawn Thornton, players who have specific roles to fill in the NHL but don't make the type of money Crosby does, need to be represented. Young and old must be fairly represented. Get some players involved who went through the last lockout. I'd like to see Marty Brodeur ask Jeremy Jacobs why the NHL isn't budging and the players are making the majority of concessions.
I wish I could be optimistic, but I think we're going to lose this season. I hope I'm wrong.
TEAM LEAGUE RANK OPERTING INCOME
Toronto 1 $81.9 million
Boston 9 $14.2 million
Winnipeg 10 $13.3 million
Calgary 11 $11.0 million
Pittsburgh 13 $9.1 million
Tampa Bay 27 -$13.1 million
Where are the owners, like those in Tampa Bay, with a negative operating income? Where is Terry Pegula from Buffalo, with their -$10.4 million operating income? How about the owners of the Anaheim, New York Islander, Florida Panther and St. Louis Blues organizations, all with negative operating incomes? I said it before and I'll say it again; owners and players must be fairly represented across the board. Sidney Crosby is the face of the NHL and should attend, along with Patrick Toews. However, guys like Shawn Thornton, players who have specific roles to fill in the NHL but don't make the type of money Crosby does, need to be represented. Young and old must be fairly represented. Get some players involved who went through the last lockout. I'd like to see Marty Brodeur ask Jeremy Jacobs why the NHL isn't budging and the players are making the majority of concessions.
I wish I could be optimistic, but I think we're going to lose this season. I hope I'm wrong.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Bruins in Europe
Here's a list of the Bruins currently playing in Europe (or have agreed to contract with European teams):
Patrice Bergeron – currently in the Swiss National
League A with HC Lugano, see his stats at http://eurohockey.com/player/491894-patrice-bergeron.html
Johnny Boychuk – currently in the Austrian EBEL
with EC Red Bull Salzburg, see his stats at http://eurohockey.com/player/494556-johnny-boychuk.html
Zdeno Chara - currently in the KHL with Lev Prague,
see his stats at http://en.khl.ru/players/20524/
Andrew Ference – currently in the Czech Elite League
with Ceske Budejovice, see his stats at http://eurohockey.com/player/50064-andrew-ference.html
Chris Kelly – currently in the Swiss National
League B with HC Red Ice, however, it appears he hasn’t played yet. http://eurohockey.com/player/494535-chris-kelly.html
Anton Khudobin - currently in the KHL with Atlant
Moscow Region, see his stats at http://en.khl.ru/players/9453/
Daniel Paille – recently signed with Ilves Tampere
in the SM liiga in Finland, his player page can be found at http://eurohockey.com/player/494528-daniel-paille.html
Rich Peverley – playing with JYP Jyvaskyla in the
SM liiga in Finland, see his stats at http://eurohockey.com/player/491823-rich-peverley.html
Tuukka Rask – played with HC Skoda Plzen in Czech
Elite League, left team end of November.
See his stats at http://eurohockey.com/player/73189-tuukka-rask.html
Tyler Seguin – currently in the Swiss National
League A with EHC Biel, see his stats at http://eurohockey.com/player/494098-tyler-seguin.html
Dennis Seidenberg – currently in the Deutch Elite
League with Adler Mannheim, see his stats at http://eurohockey.com/player/15878-dennis-seidenberg.html
The Euro Hockey website updates their information pretty quickly. It's an easy place to go to keep track of all the B's in Europe.
What gives???
Hey NHLPA, where's the answer? It's been a few days now since Gary Bettman's proposal. Come on now, let's get this going, time to get the players together with the owners and try to settle this thing.
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