drsingle

:noevil:

Excellent.

I won't disagree with anything you've said. I just want to point out that Legionnaire was responding to a poster that had indicated that it really took at least a generation to successfully judge whether a market will support hockey. Being a generation is about 25 years, Legionnaire was pointing out that Nashville has only been on the ice for 8 seasons to this point. David

Fair enough. You have a great weekend as well. Thanks! David

I provided no spin. I provided facts- both the good and the bad: it's called the whole story. I praised the level of non-corporate based season ticket holders- deservedly so, don't you think? I also pointed out that the city of Nashville made this bed they are now being forced to lay in, yes? You are well aware that this is a gate-driven league and the increase is due to the rise in ticket prices in several markets (including Nashville, which still increased attendance over last season), yes? Just how much further do you think ticket prices can go up? Apparently not too much further in Detroit around playoff time. Before you're offended, it's not an indictment of the Detroit fans. There is only so much rope left along the path of raising ticket prices. There's no denying that city leaders and the corporate community have dropped the ball- similar to the problems Edmonton and Calgary have gone through previously. I hope that problem can be corrected- if not the team will be eventually written off as a failure. However, it's very telling about the league when you look at who has had even lower attendance than Nashville. This goes back to the league's goals that began in the early nineties to broaden the game. Unfortunately, they did not support the effort and moved too fast. That is why I wrote my article at PredNation regarding the NHL being at a crossroads. Thanks.

That is certainly a fact. There's also a lot of truth that he was a relatively new commissioner and he got what the owners wanted at that time. Your comment is misleading as it implies that the CBA instituted in 1995 was entirely his fault. I'm not sure that the results of the new NFL CBA were known less than three years after its implementation. While late, it's obvious that they've learned their lessons with this latest CBA. Another aspect of the NHL that is damaging is the commanding influence of the "old-timers" like Colin Campbell. Things in the league office, particularly discipline, isn't done openly or consistently. That does not lend credibility to the league. The game is fantastic. The league has instituted a very good CBA. The league does have marketing and credibility issues, however. David

Anyone that expects to start a business and make money immediately hasn't started one before. The NHL should have have been more supportive of its franchises from day one (meaning early nineties) in order to have been more supportive of their goals of expanding into "non-traditional" markets. That takes a lot of effort and money that the NHL put primary responsibility on the owners in those areas. Truth is, if the NHL had been more supportive from day one (meaning again, the early nineties), it would be more likely to have achieved that elusive television contract, or two- to the benefit of all the owners. There's a reason the NFL is the success it is today- they took off when they recognized the need for all franchises to operate on near-equal footing and to be promoted as equally as possible. The NFL has grown exponentially since revenue sharing and the salary cap (combined with one of the best marketing machines in the world). Thanks.

Hank, let's not get carried away here. There's no point going to the opposite extreme and just throwing junk into a post. Let's examine the Nashville market please. The capacity of the Sommet Center (newly named two months ago, pronounced so-may) is 17,113. This past season (our third straight season in the playoffs and third straight of increased attendance), our average paid attendance was 13,800 (rounded down). That is better than 80% capacity with a ticket-buying base that is 70-30 slanted toward non-corporate ticket sales. That is one of the best (if not the best) non-corporate ticket bases in the league. There's no doubt that corporate Nashville and city leaders have dropped the ball. In today's world, a professional franchise must be supported by the area corporations and city leaders to succeed. That was understood by all parties going into this and the ball was dropped. Unfortunately, it sometimes takes this type of wake-up call for everyone to understand. Edmonton and Calgary have both had a similar process occur. Few people will argue that the growth of the NHL, in terms of the number of markets that have been added over the past seventeen years, was properly marketed and supported by the league. Some will argue, however, that the league should not have expanded that much (although they typically argue from the standpoint of on-ice talent, not from the business perspective). Given the poor marketing that ensued, the league probably should not have expanded to that degree. That is more of an indictment on the league, however, than the indvidual markets themselves. Is Nashville a horrible market? I don't think so, but my definition of horrible appears to be more realistic than most. It's also based on the league as a whole. As I stated in my last article on PredNation.com, the NHL is not a healthy league right now- despite an excellent CBA. There are several franchises in trouble- traditional, non-traditional, competitive, non-competitive. The marketing of the league is horrible and revenue only increases due to franchises pushing the limit on ticket prices (as Detroit did too far in this years playoffs). This league will continue to tread water until larger television contracts are signed. (Again, I present more detail along this line of thought in my article.) Is Nashville a key market to achieve that television contract? No, but that does not make them a horrible market. If Nashville moves to Hamilton, will the other owners be able to pocket more money instead of committing it to revenue sharing? Possibly some, but not a lot more. Until this league is on firmer footing, franchises will continue to struggle. Anyone that doesn't believe that Balsillie has angered some other others as well as Commissioner Bettman is naive. Nobody likes to be bullied and that's most certainly what Balsillie is trying to do. Will it have negative ramifications? I don't know the answer to that. If another option presents itself to the other owners, they would probably be more inclined to listen I would suspect. Beyond that becomes really murky speculation. Finally, I acknowledge that it would hurt me tremendously to lose the Predators. That said, I have no ill will towards Leipold nor towards Balsillie. They are business men that are looking out for their best interests. For anyone to expect otherwise is foolish (not saying it can't happen, but do not expect it). There's no doubt that team owners are cut from the same cloth as politicians (working in Tennessee state government, trust me in this). There's also no doubt that Balsillie does not fit that mold. This is another reason that the BOG and Bettman (an "uber-politician") would love to have another legitimate option. I've attempted to approach this issue from an educated standpoint. I welcome any discussions counter to my opinions. Thanks.

Here is Gary Bettman's potential saving move: Competing Ownership Bid for Predators- Local to Nashville The rumors are swirling around billionaire Todd Wagner, formerly of Dallas and once looked into buying the Stars before Tom Hicks. Wagner is now a resident of Franklin Tennessee (about 20 minutes from Nashville). Wagner is a former partner to Mark Cuban as well. This is a very interesting turn of events made possible by the Nashville corporate community and city leadership finally waking up. If true, this provides Bettman the possiblity to solidify the Nashville market and move forward with expansion- with or without Balsillie as I laid out in my PredNation article. What an amazing soap opera. David

I've not chimed in on the boards since prior to the announcement of the pending sale of the Predators for a myriad of reasons. Here are my thoughts regarding the NHL as a whole, moreso than the Predators itself. As for the Predators sale and potential move, this is fascinating process. Bettman is a politician that likes to work behind the scenes to achieve his aims. Balsillie is attempting to bully Bettman, and the league owners (mostly politicians similar to Bettman), by purposely overpaying for the franchise to entice the owners into backing down to his demands. There is definitely an internal struggle that I believe is happening. I think if Bettman could find a way to counter Balsillie's enticements while being able to tell Balsillie where to go, he'd jump on it. If not, it comes down to how much Bettman and the BOG are willing to compromise. Any comments are appreciated. Thanks. David

First, I believe Balsillie wants his team in Hamilton. If the sale is approved, and Balsillie fights to move the franchise (assuming the lease is valid), an injunction would be sought after to prevent the team from moving until the case is settled- and we all know how long that would take. Balsillie is throwing that kind of money around to entice the league owners into allowing the move, or providing himself leverage in obtaining an expansion franchise at a similar price that he could place in Hamilton. My gut feeling is that he would take an expansion franchise in a heartbeat to avoid all hassles. That doesn't solve whatever problems exist in Nashville (or other struggling markets), but it alleviates the Balsillie issue while providing the revenue increase (while also bringing another franchise to get to that magical number of 32). Make no mistake that Balsillie is attempting to bully his way into the league on his terms. Nobody likes to be bullied, whether they give in or not. So, yes, I don't think he's making too many friends regardless of the money he brings. He will always be watched with a wary eye by the other owners. As for exposure for the league, it's not always good. This, the saga with the Penguins, and attendance issues in other markets, is bringing focus to the franchise instability in the league. A league looking to have an American network invest heavily by agreeing to a substantial contract does not want this kind of publicity.

Well done. Now, go beat those Ducks! Just something about Brian Burke I do not like. David

Firstly, congratulations on beating the Flames. I got to see a couple of the games (both at the Joe) and Detroit was impressive. For those interested, I've posted my thoughts regarding the San Jose series at PredNation.com. For taking the time to read my offerings over at PredNation.com and offer support and constructive criticiscm, I thank you. David Singleton

Lots to respond to... HC3033, you're a veteran poster on this board. You and I both know that Radulov has no history, whatsoever, of being a dirty player- let alone being called a punk. This is a kid who's playing balls-to-the-wall hockey (4pts in 4 games- 3G 1A) trying to help his team. This is a physical series and he makes a mistake trying to separate Bernier from the puck. If anyone hasn't read Bob McKenzie's article this morning, please do. He addresses headshots, and provides a link to an older article that interviewed Bobby Orr on the problem. The older article is even more relevant. Essentially, they point out the problem as the players attempting to "hit up" into the opponent as opposed to hitting "through" the opponent. Very good read. I believe Radulov attempted to "hit up" on Bernier and things went bad for him- a definite possibility with that dangerous style of hitting. He missed half of that game, and will miss Game 3. I believe that the correct call in both of those situations. There's no doubt that Clowe dropped his gloves and attacked Scott Hartnell at the same time that Mike Grier attacked him. By the rulebook, one or both of the San Jose players should have received the instigator penalty. As soon as Hartnell was double-teamed, Tootoo joined in to even the odds by going after Clowe. Regardless of the outcome (as Tootoo did not win against the much bigger Clowe), it was what he should have done to protect his teammate. Radulov's offensive production will obviously be missed. The Sharks could very well win Game 3. If by "pound the piss" you mean physically dominate the Predators in a goonish fashion, I highly doubt it. Apparently the NHL has met with both teams and has instructed them to turn down the retribution talk. Colin Campbell will also be in attendance. I suspect a lot of PP's, but of the hooking/holding/tripping variety. Again, when one resorts to names like "****** bag" to talk about a player like Radulov and his history prior to that incident, they appear to be pretty childish. If you believe Hartnell should have been suspended for his knee-on-knee hit in Game 1, it's your opinion and I respect and understand it. If you believe he should have been suspended for his actions in Game 2, that doesn't make any sense. Being attacked by two players, and having your jersey torn off (and tie-down broken) does not warrant two game misconducts- and the league agrees. I agree with every word. David

I'm partial to PredNation.com. No reason. I agree. If Tootoo is to become a "marked man" by the officials, then at present, he hasn't developed other skills to compensate. He still has a lot of speed and can start offensive rushes, unfortunately he can't finish those by passing or shooting. David

Unsure what you're implying about Radulov. He's played a completely clean game until that hit. That hit was unfortunate and I hope that Bernier is OK. Hartnell was jumped by Grier and Clowe at the end of the game. Both were throwing at Hartnell and Tootoo jumped in throwing. In this instance, and this instance only, I have no objections to Tootoo coming in swinging. David

For those interesting with keeping up with the success, or lack there-of, of your Central division brethen (all one of them), I've posted by analysis of the matchup over at PredNation. Thanks. David

I'm actually rooting for either the 2 or 3 seed to be knocked out in the first round. I want to see a Detroit-Nashville series in the Conference Finals. David

:rotflmao: :rotflmao: Comic gold!

Congratulations. It's been a great race this year. Here's to seeing you guys in the Western Conference Finals. Good luck and stay healthy. David

I think he's saying you could beat us without him. David

In stormtiger's defense, that's not exactly the point of this thread.

I remember. I attended that game. It's always a little more surreal when one witnesses nights like that live. David

That's pretty much the sentiment of most Predators' fans as well. It's a damn shame that a division race as good as the one these two teams were having is diminished because the focus of both has to shift to healing several key guys (for each team). Oh well, regardless of who finally emerges with the division, I hope both teams do emerge healthy and ready for the playoffs. David

I've been on these boards a very long time and I think I can say, with a certain level of confidence, that I've earned some respect from many of the posters on this board. Apparently, however, not from you (which is fine, btw). I say all that because I was born and raised in Tennessee and have only been a hockey fan since Nashville's arrival in the NHL. That's a lot of learning to make up for, but I still enjoy it. As for the Modano incident... The whole arena was agitated with ugly incident that had just taken place (with Modano playing his part). Modano's goal was scored on the ensuing power play (in which he wasn't given a slashing penalty). Throw in Modano's feelings about having a team in Nashville, well known to Nashville fans, and to do anything to bring attention to his "record" would have been the pinnacle of stupidity. If I were to guess on Nashville's response, I would speculate that the Dallas President got a call from David Poile and/or Craig Leipold that went something like "go f**k yourself". David