RedFX

I like the soccer system. 3 points for a win (of any kind) 1 point for a OT/Shootout loss I like the extra point for a win, as it further separates the winning team from the losing team.

The good news is NHL and ESPN are talking, and hockey can possibly be on ESPN next year. The problem with versus is that alot of the country doesn't get it. ESPN is more popular and can attract more casual fans than VS.

Just out of curiosity, does LeClaire remind you guys of anyone?

Blame that on the price spike. Before he left, Leipold started the Premium and Premium-Plus game system. This system raises ticket prices for the games that tend to draw the highest crowds. Premium games are 30-40% higher than normal, and the majority of those are against Central Division foes, or teams like Colorado, Dallas, Anaheim, or San Jose. There are 6 Premium-Plus games; opening night, the finale, and all four Red Wings games. These have always been sellouts, so ticket prices are nearly double what they have been. For instance, against the Wings, lower bowl tickets now cost $140 each, whereas last year, those same seats were $75. Naturally, this system created a huge uproar, and as a result, alot of people stayed home this time. This was the first time in the Predators history that they have not sold out a home Wings game. The system was erased by the new owners this week, and attendance has gone up since then.

Any welcoming statements made by the Red Wing faithful are hereby retracted....

Signed today actually. Making nearly 9 million a year

Without question, the Nashville faithful is less than pleased about this. And by less than pleased, I mean everyone here wants his heart on a plate. After gutting the team and raising ticket prices more than 40% because he was in a bad financial situation, he goes and pulls this deal out of his hat.

Aurie must have ran over Ilitch's dog as a kid or something. ESPN Sports Almanac states "The Red Wings have not officially retired the jersey numbers of Larry Aurie (#6) and Vladimir Konstantinov (#16), but have kept them 'out of circulation'." I guess the only person that will ever know is Mike.

Though I live in Nashville, and would love to see Ovechkin play here every night, this trade won't happen in a million years. Leonis is pretty stupid, but not that stupid.

Two questions on that video 1. How did the refs miss that when it was right next to the play 2. When Blake was on the ice for that last 50 seconds, how did he not get pounded by the entire Penguins line-up.

I don't know whats funnier. The fact that Downie still has a roster spot, or the fact that Jason Blake was in a fight. And for the record, Tootoo is not a dirty player.

Yeah, I can't wait to here SI start talking about how the Wings should move to Vegas because 'its a better market for hockey'. Bottom line, UM hurt the Detroit ratings. But on a whole, hockey fan should be happy at how this turned out. Highest US-rated TV game since the 2001 finals and highest rated regular season game since 1996. Events like these really raise awareness for the sport and hopefully this will attract in a new generation of fans.

I would personally love to see an all original six matchup. The classic is supposed to be about hockey going back to its roots, so put up an old-time NHL rivalry on the main-stage. I'd love to see us play either Chicago or Toronto. The problem with hosting a game in Detroit is where to play. The Lions play indoors and Tiger Stadium is getting torn down. Maybe Comerica, but MLB teams are very sensitive about activities in their stadium, as they have concerns about field damage and maintainance (probably why Boston couldn't get it done), plus lack seating might be a concern. I'd love to see a hockey game at the Big House, but getting it straightened out between the NHL and the University might be tricky. And Like someone said, Ann Arbor is not Detroit.

I'd like to see St. Paul fill 20,000 seats with ticket prices starting at 100 bucks.

Listed on the roster. When did this happen?

BTW, I hate those new jerseys.

I'm guessing Kopper will go back to #32 that he wore last year. 21 would look good.

I'm not disagreeing with you, but I think Mason has proved himself capable of being the number #1. I agree that he's still got alot to prove and this is his chance to prove to everyone that he can carry the team.

He did allright in '06 playoffs given the circumstances. And he did a great job this year while Vokoun was hurt (for a time was second in the NHL in save percentage and fourth in GAA). He'll be fine in goal. The backup will be Pekka Rinne, who had a good couple years in Milwaukee and has looked pretty good in training camp.

I really wouldn't have considered Philly a bust. He was plagued with injuries, but whenever he played he was always productive (he killed us this year). I can still see him in a Avs jersey, but it depends how much they want to put down on him after Svatos and the other big signings, and (if the rumors are true) another defenseman.

Just about to post this. Here's the Tennessean link. http://tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/articl...ORTS02/70703052 It does not say for sure how much the offer was, but I've heard reports that it ranges somewhere between 125-175 million, about the same as Del Biaggio.

The initial word was that he would return to Philadelphia. But now with the Hartnell-Timonen-Briere signings, I'm not sure if they could afford him. Apparently now there are rumors that he could indeed return to the Preds on a one year contract, despite earler reports that he was all but done there. He hasn't made his intentions known yet and he probably won't for another couple weeks. I really don't see him in a Wings jersey, and although I'm sure he would love to return to Colorado, I don't know how much cap-space they have left after Smyth and Hannan. My guess is either Flyers, Preds or retirement

Yeah, Poile said that it is unlikely that they would get any big name free agents. He said the team is concetrated on getting a couple of role players. Although the Preds aren't as deep as they were last year, they stll have a dangerous team. They won't put down 110 points again, but they still have alot of talent, and they can very easily make a playoff run.

I think this is pretty strong evidence that Shanny is going elsewhere.

No they didn't.