crotty99

I just love how people are so certain that there's not anything fishy going on.  I wonder if they said the same thing about basketball before that ref was caught.

esteef

I just love how people are so certain that there IS something fishy going on. As for "that ref" that is not really the issue being discussed. That is a case of an individual committing a crime, not a league pushing an agenda.

I also love how every other fan base think the Red Wings are the league's golden team. In fact, have a read through some Pittsburgh GDTs and you'll find they think the league doesn't want the Pens winning the cup. You'll find similar claims in Vancouver forums,Chicago forums..the list goes on. Every fan base has a problem with officiating because the calls can be highly inconsistent and the interpretations are often confused, everyone thinks the league is "Out to get them". It's actually pretty funny.

there is no bias towards Detroit exclusively. They are just making business decisions that sometimes coincide with Team A winning and Team B loosing. We were successful for approximately two decades, we have strong fan base, our generation of Red Wings fans will never switch off TVs, etc. So why should we continue winning from a business point of view? They will not generate any additional profit if we'll make SCF of WCF again as we already bought all the merchandise they generated. Our market is already saturated. Teams like Boston and San Jose are a different question.

Getting back to your question. Yes, there is no reason to watch Red Wings next 5-7 years. Perhaps, even more. Still we are fans and more importantly fans of hockey. I'll watch this year's finals featuring San Jose and Boston. Moreover, both teams more or less deserve it. It is not like we are going to have Pens there again.

In my opinion, I do not think the officiating is in anyway influenced by financial decisions. In fact if it were, surely Detroit would make it to the SCF every year? The ratings on those games will be far better than finals featuring Columbus/Phoenix/Nashville/Florida/Tampa etc. Sure, their might be some growth in the smaller markets if their successful but it won't be anything on the revenue generated by any of the original six teams for example.

Business decisions aren't just financial ones, the NHL is a business built on a game of sport. If they are making decisions which undermine the integrity of the game itself, then that would be the worst business decision they could possibly make.

You're point about being a fan of hockey is a good one, however do you really believe there is no reason to watch the wings for a few years? Seems crazy to me.

Just finished watching the game.
A very frustrating game to watch for many reasons. Wings were badly outplayed for 80% of the time but only lost 2-1. Still like our chances.

We will win game 2.

There's no way Flip would shoot first.

I'd be embarrassed if I were a Vancouver fan. Less whining, more winning.

Just play the game.

Fine incoming..

Filppula.

Filppula!

Cleary is due a goal...

Not one to brag, but I'm feeling pretty happy right now

We really miss Z on these empty nets

Cleary is due a goal...

Will miss the mule. Hopefully we can win and give him the rest he needs. I'm assuming it's his ankle and not his face?

Just woke up, got my lucky Zetterberg Tshirt on. Let's Go Red Wings!

[I know this isn't really a Yotes war thing either, but oh well.  I thought I would try to complement St Nick.]

You are genius kook. We are not worthy. You and doc should get started on a collaboration site

First time since game 1 that I can watch it live. Hopefully we can finish them off.

Go Wings!

Not great with photoshop (Datsyuk's head is way to big haha) But I think you get the idea..