NHL Collective Bargaining Agreement: The 'So Called' Elephant in the Room

There are only a few games left in the 2011-12 NHL season, and I am getting excited about the playoffs. My Wings need to retain 4th spot, which translates into owning home ice advantage through the first round. One of the reasons that this is important is the fact that they are the best in the league at home with a 31-6-2 record. The other reason is that they are among the worst in the league on the road with a terrible 17-21-3 record.

But amid all of this excitement there is an anxiousness and a sense of dread that, come October, I, along with millions of other fans, will not be enjoying hockey involving their favorite teams.

The way I see it, the fans and their role are totally ignored during the renegotiation process. Who pays the players? You say the owners. I say the fans. Who buys the merchandise? WE do. Who buys tickets?? I'll give you one guess. It is US.

It also seems pretty obvious to me that Don Fehr has a point to prove. And a reputation to keep. Bulldogs are like that.

Have I met Don? No. But statements like 'ready to take on NHL' and '...pretty hard to see players give up a lot again...' make me think that Fehr will be relentless in proving his point.
The one thing that I think should be put in place is an independent arbitrator to force a decision by a certain deadline so that there will be hockey this year. And it should happen every CBA year to follow. This would also force the two sides to cut out any nonsense and needless delay and take care of the issues at hand.

And that's my tho'ts on the CBA...

'Til next time...

L8r,

J

My NHL Awards Picks

HART- Malkin

Vezina- Lundqvist

Jack Adams- Hitchcock

Calder- Landeskog

Norris- Weber

Selke- Bergeron

GM- Doug Armstrong

Lady Byng- Loui Eriksson

Abada, abada, abada...that's all folks!

L8r,

J

Today's Random Hockey Thot's

First off, a 'hats off' to Detroit Red Wing [now official back-up] goalie Joey MacDonald for the the awesome stint as #1 goaltender in the absence of Jimmy Howard...you deserve a lot of credit for our present record of 23 home wins! http://on.freep.com/AqwZld

*On a side note, I am somewhat disappointed that Ty Conklin didn't have a better run with us this time around...http://bit.ly/y6I4N9 Good luck Ty, where ever this takes you...Conklin trivia: Did you know that Ty Conklin is the only goalie to start in two Heritage Classic outdoor games? One with the Penguins, and one with the Red Wings. He won both games.

Nice to see former Red Wing defenceman Kyle Quincey return to the fold. The Red Wings gave up a prospect and a 1st round pick [I'm not worried about losing the pick: the Wings have just as much success in later rounds in finding gems]. Not losing much. But Quincey was a top pair defenceman with the Avs, so he can only deepen the Wings' blueline, shoring it up for a lengthy playoff run. http://bit.ly/wM4PZk Wings GM Holland 'glad to have him back'... http://bit.ly/xgwATv

The trade deadline looms on the horizon, and fans of each team are salivating at the thought of landing some who will a] possibly strengthen their team for a legitimate run at Lord Stanley, or b] add important pieces to their team for future seasons. NOTE: these teams are not expecting much of a playoff run.

Eyes are on a short list of players, since some of the more glittery prospects available are either no longer available, or are not a viable option. Some of these options have even been referred to as 'Deadline Targets Guaranteed to Disappoint'...the following article is short, but thought provoking, so I thought I'd point you in it's direction... http://bit.ly/zKRxog

Are you a twit? Here's something that may interest you... http://bit.ly/xIuZat

Since I became a true hockey fan back in the late 70's, there have been many team logos that have passed through the NHL. Many that I had seen for the first time in becoming a hockey fan were inspired, representing it's team perfectly. Others...uh...not so much. Here's a little look at some of the worst in hockeydom... http://bit.ly/ynfRdm

Want all of the rumors, scores and news about your favorite teams in one place? These are articles gleaned from all over the internet, from a lot of really good writers and articles... http://www.sportspyder.com/

Now, being a Wings fan, my opinion on this matter is biased, but I don't think the Canucks will end the Wings' home streak. Just saying...what do you think? Cast your vote here> http://bit.ly/yKRGNk

Well that's probably enough for you to chew on for now. Just one more thing: Did I tell you that my Wings are #1 in this week's power rankings? :) http://bit.ly/zqWMan

And for all of your trade news...http://nhltradereport.com/

L8r,

J

Sounding Off: Changes I Would Make To The All Star Weekend

I think we can all agree that the All Star Weekend could use a little bit of...something. Something other than just a bunch of talented professionals getting together for the weekend.

Sure, it's cool to see guys interacting that don't normally play together -- it's actually one of my favorite things about the weekend -- and I also used to really enjoy the skills competition. But after watching it the past few years, it has left me wanting more.

The shootout aspect of the skills competition, for example, no longer holds any intrigue for me: we see the breakaway challenge all of the time when teams can't finish a game in overtime, so it has lost it's luster.

The hardest shot is the event that I like to watch. There is no luck, no chance. The hardest shot IS the hardest shot.

So, without further ado, my suggestions for making the ASG and events a thing of pride, honor and beauty.

The skills competitions and subsequent events need a very large overhaul. IDEA: Every team would hold an intrasquad competition for each event. Each team then sends one player for each event [which would be the winner] that is included in the skills competition to a pre-competition [for lack of a better term] round robin event which would progress until 3 participants from each conference per skill event are left standing.. These are the players that would then participate in the All Star Skills Competition, giving the fans a) a more accurate skills representation, and b) it would allow the fans to perhaps see lesser known players who are nonetheless skilled, even if they aren't considered all-stars.

The All Star game itself has become, in my humble opinion, boring. Yes, I enjoy seeing Pavel Datsyuk and Evgeni Malkin on the same team, and I still cheer when a Red Wing scores, but outside of that, it is dull. IDEA #1: Put together a league-wide all star team, and let them play against the Stanley Cup champs. You don't think there will be much pride on the line? IDEA #2: Make a team of 27 year olds and under and put them up against the 28 year olds and over. Even more pride on the line. IDEA #3: every 3-4 years, invite the KHL all stars or an All-European all star team to North America for the All Star weekend to play for the 'Honor Cup' or 'Paramount Cup' [just ideas guys].You think there was pride displayed in the other two previously-suggested formats? Wait until you see KHL vs NHL All Stars! [NOTE: you could even go as far as having the KHL all stars involved in the skills competition!!!]

Have an 'NHL 13' videogame competition that culminates on the Saturday afternoon. Top fan/winner of the competition wins tickets to next years' All Star weekend which includes a 'back stage' pass to the events and gets to 'hang out' with player(s).

A big aspect is to get the fans involved in the weekend too. Meeting a player or even seeing a player in person is an awesome experience, and some fans may only experience it once in their lives. So, have a mini tournament on 2-3 outdoor rinks where an all star is teamed up with two [skilled] fans. Have a single elimination format where the winning players get autographed memorabelia. Talk about some happy fans.

Well, it's 2:00 am right on the button, so I'll leave you with these ideas to think about.

L8r,

J

Quick Thought: Ryan Suter to the Red Wings

I woke up bright and early this morning, and as I do every morning within a few minutes of waking up, I checked my favorite source for hockey news and updates, http://espn.go.com/nhl/. I was greeted with the headline 'No Deal For Suter'. Now, as a hockey fan and, more importantly, a Red Wings fan, this got the gears turning and the intrigue and possibilities that were apparent in the featured article got my mouth watering. Here's why.

Ryan Suter is the 'other' star defenceman in Nashville, slowly becoming an elite player in his own right, and moving out of the extra-large shadow of captain and All Star team mate Shea Weber.

To me, it seemed that Suter would want to remain in Nashville, given the fact that elite netminder Pekka Rinne signed an extension, and Weber possibly not far behind. Also given the fact that Nashville has been an example of consistency in that their coach and GM receive praise on a regular basis. I guess that's why it kind of took me back when Suter stated that 'he sees no benefit in signing a contract extension before the trade deadline.' Very interesting.

Now Nashville's possible dilemma could be Detroit's windfall.

The Wings haven't enjoyed this much cap space since the cap came into place. I know that Holland will be a buyer going forward to the trade deadline, and the Wings have always been defensive minded. So, Suter is a no-brainer. Weber is probably not an option, because we could sign Suter [$3.5 mil] and get another player for Weber's asking price [$8 mil or higher plus picks], setting us up for a deep playoff run, and in the process, becoming favorites to win the Cup. Milan Hejduk could be a cheap option [$2.6 mil], and could prove interesting considering the Avs-Wings rivalry. Jagr [$3.3 mil] could end up in Detroit after all. Or even Mikhail Grabovski [$2.9 mil], another Russian to play with Pav.

In any case, it will be nice to see Detroit in the mix this year, instead of the usual bargain-basement shopping that we usually are used to [although Holland usually turns those acquisitions into positives].

L8r,

J

More Random Rantings RE: The All Star Game, Veteran Participation & The Great One

A Collection of Thoughts, Videos and Random Stuff...For Hockey Fans

At this very moment, as I am about to partake of the game involving the Pens and the Blues [via http://myp2p.pe/ ], there are countless thoughts swirling around in my head. The following is a snapshot of the mental mess that is presently my 'sports side' of the brain:[side note: Pens need to win tonight...my Wings will love them for it...well, maybe that's a bit much...]

First off: Two words, or rather, names: Tim Thomas. He is presently being scorned for 'Obama slight' [see article http://bit.ly/xhX17I ] I still believe in the freedom of speech, in the freedom of choice.

Even the freedom of political views. Maybe the days of speaking out against the government are completely dead. But maybe it is just that more people need to start. [More pertaining to this soon @ Nuts & bolts, life and death...want a preview? Take a look here>http://www.scn.org/ccapa/pa-meta.html]

Yeah, I know...this blog is about 'Hockey'...gimme a minute...

Just maybe too many people are oblivious, or don't have the desire to dissect or scrutinize the government, which is the obligation of the PEOPLE...is 'The Constitution' still relevant in American society? [Once again, take a look a the 'loophole' Patriot Act...]

OK, back to hockey...

The All Star Skills Competition should be as follows:

Each teams holds their own intrasquad skills competition. If East vs West format is used, then top 3 finalists from each conference go to the All Star competition. If the present All Star format is used, then the top 6 finalists for each event go to the All Star competition. This would potentially create more interest in the event, and it would allow fans to possibly see some lesser names that are still big on talent. It can only be good for the game.

I honestly thought that Ovie was going to escape that vicious check without consequence, after the no-call. I'm glad to see that even the stars have to pay their dues. Hope to see consistency.

THEN, he gets all sour and pulls out of the All Star game. http://yhoo.it/xr9Gcd Can you say 'spoiled brat'? That's like if my kid said he wasn't going to play in the annual charity soccer game because he was sent to detention...and then the entire Caps organization stands firmly behind him amid everything that happened...if it had been me, it would have been 'Mr. Ovechkin is a big boy and can make his own decisions' or at least 'no comment'...

So, if he pulls out, shouldn't he receive ANOTHER suspension, not unlike my boys Lidstrom and Datsyuk?? http://es.pn/yggmm8 Add an extra game for the attitude...

YES! Pens are up 2-0!

The Wings' Central Division rivals without Sharp, now Toews too?!? Bad for them, good for us!

Red Wings are at the top of the League. They recently defeated the Blues to extend their home streak to a team record 17th consecutive victory [the NHL's longest single-season streak in 36 years], while winning their last 7...Jimmy Howard's league-leading 30th win...they will go into the All Star break leading the NHL...

Blues score...2-1...

The Penguins to unveil a statue on March 7 in honor of former star and current team co-owner Mario Lemieux...

If the Preds beat the Hawks tonight, who are presently leading Chicago in the 2nd period 2-0, and the Blues lose, Nashville will move into 5th in the West with 30 wins.

Don't blink, because the standings change so quick you might miss it...

Blues tie it up 2-2 on a penalty shot...crap...

I'll stop here, but I'll leave you with a little bit of magic...

http://bit.ly/ywyM4q

http://bit.ly/A7AWBp

...and...

http://bit.ly/yw9A7M

P.S.

Blues end up losing in shootout, getting one point in the process...Nashville beats Chicago [6th in West, 4th in Central] 3-1, putting the Preds at 5th in the West [3rd in Central] with 30 wins, and the Blues in 4th in the West [2nd in Central] with 65 points, one behind the Wings [1st overall NHL] going into the All Star break...

whew...

L8r

J