The Hockey Thread

[FancyMike]

I think the CBA is 10 years and either side can opt-out after 8.

The league probably isn't giving fans shit though. If this lockout has proven anything it's that the owners don't give a single fuck about us. Maybe they'll paint "Welcome Back Fans!" or something like that on the ice. Prorate the cost of Gamecenter Live (we're still not getting playoffs of course) and Center Ice. I wouldn't expect any more. They gotta make up for that lost revenue somehow and I don't see them making that money up from sponsors after throwing out several years of solid growth.

[Haki]

Yup, 10 years with out after 8, think the deadline to opt out is in year 7.

I think the league does give a shit, because it ties directly into their profitability. They needed the longer term CBA in order to get/retain sponsorship contracts. Also at least 50% of revenue goes to those annoying players that held out. So teams offering ticket packages on the cheap as amends is essentially done at half cost with the players ponying up the other half. Hell, if I was an owner I'd do that just to spite the players with lower revenue to share from.

[FancyMike]

Well the league is playing a long term game so maybe in a few years they'll be making more money. But I don't know. Increasing profits and the NHL is more relevant than it's ever been and they go and blow up half a season. After cancelling an entire season just eight years ago and there aren't even new reals and a more exciting product on ice to market coming out of this one. Plus the 90's lockout. It's gotta hurt them with the casual fans who've only been following the NHL for a couple years or since the last lockout. Why watch a league that's ok with taking .5-1 year off every time the CBA needs renewed?

I like this:
http://espn.go.com/nhl/story/_/id/88179 ... rreparable

McDonald's (in the United States) was supposed to be a key NHL sponsor with an ad campaign tied to the Winter Classic, All-Star Game and other high-profile events, but it moved on and signed a two-year deal with the NFL after the lockout started.

Still excited to get drunk and stream a hockey game opening night though

[warwick.hoy]

This Flyers Team Sucks Balls (Right Now)

[magiclawnchair]

Kaner learned there is a back end of the ice!

[warwick.hoy]

Yeah? Can you have him send that knowledge to the entire Flyers team? I don't think that even the Flyers D got that memo.

[magiclawnchair]

I met Coach Q at a cigar lounge today!

[warwick.hoy]

Nice!

[Haki]

[warwick.hoy]

lulz

[bigchiefbc]

Fuck him, fuck everything, fuck the world. I still can't talk about this.

[Haki]

I'll be glad when the trade deadline has passed and Barstool didn't get fleeced in any trade. Aside from the Troll having the price be low cause of his NMC what's being paid for decidedly average players is not something I want any part of. That said, the Ducks could really use a center like Ribeiro or Roy to setup Selanne and have a legitimate 2nd line again rather than whatever black hole it is now.

[warwick.hoy]

I would like to say that it's kinda shitty that a player of Iginla's character (whom I respect a ton) is going to a team I absolutely hate and IMO doesn't need any additional talent.

Of course; who knows how long Crosby will be out.

How about Brayden Schenn knocking Lurch Chara on his ass yesterday.

[Haki]

Got a link for the Schenn hit? I like that kid, he's feisty.

Chiefy might disagree with you on Iginla's character. In Iginla's defense I can't recall the Flames ever having a legitimate center since I started watching hockey and as far as set up guys go it's not much of a choice between Crosby/Malkin and Bergeron/Krejci. That was before karma broke Crosby's jaw.

I'm enjoying this lock-out schedule. There's a game every other day at least and playing the same team 2-3 times in a row gives that play-off feeling plus allows to get a bit more familiar with their players.

[warwick.hoy]

Can't find a highlight,...for the Schenn on Chara hit. It wasn't anything spectacular beyond a 6'1" 190 lb forward knocking a 6'9" 250 lb D-Man.