NeverForgetMac25

Yeah...to all aspiring boxers and thugs. He's a role model, alright.

Bingo. It doesn't mean you *can't* get games. That, along with the league having every right to shut down a site that was illegally streaming their feeds were my only points. I wasn't arguing any of the other points you made, because I completely agree that the obstacles we the fans of the NHL have had to deal with have become tiresome and annoying. For a sport that's trying to be as mainstream as possible it sure seems like a few too many hoops being jumped through for what their goal should be. QFT

That's not true GMR. Practically every single person no matter where they live has the option of subscribing to DirecTV or DISH which both offer Versus in their programming. It's simply a matter of people switching from cable if their provider doesn't offer it. Stating that you *can't* get games is false. The fact is, the provider *you've* chosen doesn't offer Versus. That's not the league's fault.

If find that extremely hard to believe. Are you telling me that you don't have the option of subscribing to Time Warner, DirecTV or DISH network, etc.? If that's the case, then you truly don't have the opportunity to see *every* game but as long as those (as well as others) are available *you do* have an avenue to not miss a game. It's just up to you whether or not you'll pursue. I did with the switch to DirecTV. Yes they were. It's great that you pay for CenterIce, I do as well....but do you know how many people don't since they have the option to view the games for free via a site that was streaming games illegally?

I don't disagree with any of this, because this has nothing to do with what I initially asked you in this thread. You're complaing about the fact that the NHL (which is a *business*) shut down a site that was illegally stealing money out of its pockets by broadcasting its games for free. Do you see what I'm getting at? This has nothing to do with the things you listed above.

If you truly believe that, why do you bother watching the NHL then? Bottom line is that every league makes mistakes and does things that not all fans agree with. Do I wish they could've come to a solid agreement with ESPN: Absolutely. Do I understand why they left: Without a doubt. Next you blame the NHL for shutting down sites that steal money from them illegally, which is absolutely ridiculous. Now, Versus is struggling with DirecTV which is no different than what happened to the Big10 Network last year and Fox HD for far too long. These snags happen, but to blame the NHL because DirecTV and Versus are fighting each other is ridiculous. How the hell where they supposed to foresee that over 3 years after the deal was signed? There's expectations and unrealistic complaining. TBH, you're claim falls under the latter.

Are you honestly complaining about the NHL taking down a site that was stealing money out of their pockets by illegally showing games for free?

They can't. Games broadcasted on Versus are exlusive, meaning CenterIce can't play them.

There's 9 exclusive Red Wings games on Versus during the season. That's over 10% of the Wings' regular season. In other words......I care. Bottom line, I pay what I do in order to get every single Wings game. I don't mind paying what I do, but I expect to see every game.

But local blackouts are due to ownership, not networks or providers. Correct? That just means the D-Bag owner of the Ducks is screwing his fans. Are almost all Ducks games blacked out in that case (including the ones on CenterIce) for you?

Aaah....that's a horse of a different color then. I don't need (nor would I pay for) NFL Sunday Ticket, but I'd pay practically anything for NHL CenterIce. I sure hope I don't have to switch to DISH Network though...it's just a hassle. Does DISH have as many channels in HD?

I'm *not* ok with missing 9 Red Wings games this coming regular season. I've ordered NHL CenterIce the past 4 years and I spend extra by subscribing to DirecTV in order to get NHLNetwork since they sometimes pull the Wings games from NHL CenterIce. What more do I have to do to ensure I don't miss games? You can't win no matter what you do. That being said, I hope you're right in stating that they'll get this resolved as they did with the Big 10 Network, Fox HD, etc. before we lose any games. Note: The first Wings game of the season in Sweden is being aired exclusively on Versus. I'm most certainly not ok with missing that game! Does DISH Network have NHL Network though? I know they don't have NFL Network which is another selling point for DirecTV that I like. Not as important as NHL Network though.

Just got my response as well. Same as most people's:

I knew it was broadcasted in HD, but Time Warner wouldn't show it...the same as Versus. When I switched to DirecTV I knew I was going to get Versus in HD, but it was an added bonus getting CenterIce in HD as well. Not to mention the fact that you get to choose which feed you view (I.E. FSN-Detroit or the Away-feed).

The problem there is then you lose NHL Network, which pulls games from time to time. This was one of the main reasons I left Time Warner. Not only that, DirecTV gives you CenterIce in HD. That's why DirecTV was perfect for NHL fans. Absolutely zero chance of missing a single game....until this snag.

I'm holding off until there's an official announcement, but if this is true I want to thank him for everything he's done for this organization. Tons of heart, loved by all Wings fans....including myself obviously.

I can't imagine we would. I've had Center Ice the past 4 years, the first 3 years with Time Warner and last season with DirecTV. Neither showed games on CenterIce when Versus had them. They own exclusive rights to the games they show. Basically, we're f***ed!

Dammit! This is what I get for switching to DirecTV a year ago. What a waste.

What were some of the games you found?

During a game in January last Winter I ended up tearing cartilage in my shooting wrist. The stubborn ass I can be when it comes to seeing the doctor, I put it off until the season was over simply based on the fact that I thought it was just "sore." Anyway, the doctor confirmed the tear, gave me a series of 3 cortisone shots and I let it rest from April through July. Now, I should be good to go for the start of the season. I'd say my wrist is about 95-98% healed and TBH, I don't see it ever getting any better than that without surgery....but I can live with that.

Saying they may have won as much doesn't make Lidstrom less great of a Captain. This is what you're failing to see. Sidenote: How convenient of you to edit out the remainder of my sentence. It should read, "I'm not saying they wouldn't have won as much had Z, Dats, etc been captain instead of Lidstrom, but that doesn't diminish the fact that he's been a great captain." Not to mention the remainder of that post.

I can't re-state the same thing over-and-over again.

Stevie's heart is unrivaled by anyone in my mind as well, but no one is debating that.

No I don't...don't put words in my mouth. The Wings likely would've been as successful had Z been named the Captain but we all know who would really be the guy that everyone on that roster looked at to lead them....and that's Lidstrom. What's sad is that you were proven wrong regarding Lidstrom's success as a Captain compared to his predecessor and instead of admitting it, you change the terms and say "If Lidstrom can manage 10 years Captaining a great team, I'll concede that he just might be a great captain". That's BS because you know Lids won't be around that long, so you don't have to worry about admitting you're wrong....which you are in this case. Bottom line, Lids has had more success his first three years as captain than his predecessor did in the three years before that. Admit that, micah.

You beat beat me by one minute!