Are Things Aligning?

 

 

I am enthused to see the Sound Tigers come together recently to improve their record to 15-12-1-2.  Thats good enough for second in the Northeast Division and eigth in the Eastern Conference.  This improvement comes off home at home wins vs. the rival Whale.  Kevin Poulin was awesome, including a 36 save shutout in game 2 of the series.  It's his 3rd straight win, getting him to the 9-5-2 mark.  Several players have stepped up and added scoring recently.  Chad Costello's 1st AHL goal was a game winner with Donovan, Persson, Niederreiter, Ullstrom, McDonald and Sundstrom getting points for Bridgeport.
 

 

Moving to the 2013 World Juniors, the Isles prospects are making an impact.  The New York Islanders report, " Strome scores 3 pts, hits +4. Reinhart grabs an A, goes +2. Pokka picks up A. Isles prospects playin well."  These are the fruits of the draft and signs of solid depth in the Isles organization.

 

 

 

We have another proposal of the CBA from the NHL to the PA in play this evening.  Once again, I have read about some positive elements on behalf of the league, but they may very well be buckling to the pressure imposed by the Owners desire to have a season.  We shall have to see how the PA responds.  Lets hope for productive negotiations so we can try to recover our fandom by starting to forget the mess caused by the lockout.  The bad taste won't go away easily for most, and for some it may already be too late.

 

 

 

I just want a return to an NHL season to help me forget the family health challanges I have been enduring latey.  It would be nice to see some friends again and cheer for my team.  Lets continue to see the Isles develop, put some prospects into the line up, go for a free agent or two and make some trades to get back to where the team needs to be.

 


 

Sound Tigers Notes:

 

12/27
 

BST vs. Whale

 

Forwards: Persson-Cizikas-McDonald, Ullstrom-Sundstrom-DeFazio, Combs-Watkins-Costello, Gallant-Campbell-Riley.

 

Jack Combs, Chad Costello & Jordan Hill in the lineup. Nathan McIver sits, as does Nino Niederreiter (clipped w/ a high stick last night).  Mike Halmo is the final BST scratch.

 

Starters: Persson-Cizikas-McDonald, Cantin-Landry. Poulin in net (8-5-2, 3.14 GAA, .905 SV%).

 

Sound Tigers WIN! @KevinPoulin60 unofficially with 36 saves and the shutout, Sound Tigers beat the Whale 3-0 and sweep the home-and-home!

 

Poulin had this to say on Twitter after the game, " That rink as never been so quiet #poulinyousuck #whogotthelastlaugh #booyahhh"

 

 

12/26
 

BST vs. Whale
 

Forwards: Persson-Cizikas-McDonald, Ullstrom-Sundstrom-Niederreiter, Halmo-Watkins-DeFazio, Gallant-Campbell-Riley.
 

Sound Tigers starters: Persson-Cizikas-McDonald, Donovan-Wishart. Kevin Poulin in net.

 

Niederreiter took a high-stick, left game in 2nd period.

 

Sound Tigers WIN! Ullstrom w/ an empty-netter at the buzzer, Ullstrom posts a 4-point night, BST win 5-2 over the Whale!

 

 

12/22
 

BST vs. ADK
 

Sound Tigers scratches - Hamonic, Campbell, de Haan, Cantin, Backman, MacKay, Nelson, Halmo, and Kabanov.

 

Sound Tigers furious charge in the final moments falls just short. Munroe w/ a pair of big saves late, Phantoms beat Sound Tigers 3-2.
 

 

 

 

NHL Notes:

 

 

The NHL submitted a new CBA proposal to the NHLPA.

 

BD Gallof reposted the following:

 

 

' NEW YORK (December 28, 2012) -- Bill Daly, Deputy Commissioner of the
National Hockey League, released the following statement regarding a new
proposal to reach a Collective Bargaining Agreement with the National
Hockey League Players' Association:

“In light of media reports this morning, I can confirm that we
delivered to the Union a new, comprehensive proposal for a successor CBA
late yesterday afternoon. We are not prepared to discuss the details of our
proposal at this time. We are hopeful that once the Union's staff and
negotiating committee have had an opportunity to thoroughly review and
consider our new proposal, they will share it with the players. We want to
be back on the ice as soon as possible.” '

 
 

Per Darren Dreger, "Among the changes in the new proposal, the NHL adjusted its max contract length from 5 to 6 yrs. Boosted the variance from 5% to 10%."

 

 

"Conference call tomorrow will involve several reps from both sides to go over NHL proposal, answer questions, make clarifications, etc."

 

Per Nick Kypreos, "Good sign NHL owners aren't willing to burn season but latest offer not close 2 getting deal done. NHLPA counter offer already in works."

 

 

Per Tom Gulitti, "Told that NHL expressed to NHLPA at start of proposal drop dead date for start of 2012-13 -- Saturday, Jan. 19."

 

Per Rob Del Muro, "Last years stanley cup champs had only 6 more regular season wins than the Islanders."

 

 

2013 IIHF IH U20 WC Notes:

 

 

12/28

 

Per Bob McKenzie, "CAN wins 6-3. RNH and Strome with beautiful 3rd period goals. Gritty comeback effort, playing with 10 F.  Mark Scheifele and Ryan Strome up front were outstanding, Xavier Oullet and Morgan Rielly were offensive forces from the blueline."

 

 

Per TSN, "Strome has had a point in all 6 pre-lim games (6G, 6A) and has a point in 7 of 8 career World Junior games (6G, 7A)."

 

Bob McKenzie adds, "RUS holds on for 2-1 win over USA. Tkachyov scores GWG on great rush/net drive by Nichushkin. RUS dodges bullet on late/dumb penalty.  Terrific goaltending by RUS Makarov and USA Gibson. Three goals given up on 72 SOG. That's a combined SPct of .950."

 
 

12/27
 

Per Bob McKenzie, "USA beats GER 8-0. Third period goals by J.T. Miller (NYR) and Seth Jones (2013 draft eligible)."

 

12/26
 

Per Christian Arnold, "Canada beat Germany earlier this morning 9-3. Isles prospect Ryan Strome had 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points."

"Isles prospect Ville Pokka had an assist in Finland's 5-1 win over Latvia."

 

 

Other Notes:

 

 

Miss Hockey? Miss cheering for the underdog? Watch FHZ!

 

fakehenrikzetterberg.com/

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Fake-Henrik-Zetterberg/219399244741419?fref=ts …

 

 

 

 

 

Disclaiming A 2013 Season?

 

Per Allan Walsh, “The media should ask Bill Daly how players can "return" to the bargaining table when last week bringing Fehr into room was "dealbreaker."

The NHL and NHLPA are still further apart than they should be.  They still, at the expense of the fans and the game they love, not even close to settling on a new CBA for NHL hockey.  After the latest cut, the NHL canceled games through Jan. 14^th.

After $3.3B and a Stanley Cup won by the Los Angeles Kings, the momentum and increased fan fare of the NHL’s most improved season to date, mean nothing.  No carry over at all.  As a matter of opinion, I would say quite the opposite.  All the new and converted fans garnered from last season’s magic have undoubtedly become frustrated and fed up with all the greed and spin doctoring during the CBA negotiations.  Even the news media and long time fans are tired of all the hurry up and wait, nothing new to report statements given week after week.

The NHLPA had a vote to disclaim interest, similar to the tactic employed in the last NBA dispute.  Today, we heard about the results of the vote.

Per PierreLeBrun, “A couple of players confirm that the vote was an overwhelming Yes to give exec board authority to file disclaimer of interest if it wants.  You want overwhelming? 706 players voted yes, 22 voted no.  A "no" vote, frankly, would show weakness in the union ranks. A "yes" vote shows continued solidarity, while not necessarily meaning the NHLPA will go ahead and file the motion.

Again, keep in mind that doesn't mean NHLPA will definitely go ahead and file it, but it now gives the board the option before Jan. 2.  If I had to guess and I'm guessing, NHLPA wont' file right away (if at all), focus right now is on getting deal done with NHL.”

Per Adam  Proteau, “The NHLPA's vote to approve a disclaimer of interest isn't a vote against the union. It's a vote against a lack of a bargaining partner.”

It may also be a lack of confidence in the Fehr regime.

Per Adam Gretz, “The strategy is basically the same as decertifying -- it will allow the players to file an antitrust lawsuit against the league -- but it's a much faster process and can happen immediately requiring no formal vote, petition or recognition by the National Labor Relations Board. For decertification to take place it would require a formal petition to the NLRB along with a formal vote from the players.”

Some say it’s necessary to facilitate meaningful negotiations to strike up a fair deal, without the spin or misdirection.

Per Darren Greger, “Vote providing PA authorization to file Disclaimer is one thing...filing the letter is another. The season is literally days from over.”

 

Isles Notes:

Per @swissNHL, Current #NLA PPG: Brunner 1.76 Tavares 1.58 Zetterberg 1.53 Seguin 1.41 Bergeron 1.40 Kane 1.13 Nash 1.06 Thornton 1.03 Diaz 1.0 Spezza 1.0

Sound Tigers Notes:

12/19

BST vs. Albany Devils

Wohlberg and Hill are the Sound Tigers final scratches. Starters: Niederreiter-Cizikas-McDonald, Cantin-Landry. Poulin in net.

RECAP: @MattDonovan46 and @zeeker11 each scored twice,@Jsundstrom12 added two assists in a 4-3 win over Albany.
 

***

On Dec. 19^th, the Sound Tigers signed forward Scott Campbell to a professional tryout contract (PTO), he willwear number 4, the first player to do so since former captain Mark Wotton.  Scott Campbell makes his Sound Tigers debut.

Per Michael Fornabaio, BST sign, F's Chad Costello and Jack Combs, the two leading scorers in the ECHL (Colorado) to PTO’s.

Per the BST, players will wear commemorative patches & stickers to pay tribute to Sandy Hook Elementary School victims.

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers announce that Newtown residents can attend upcoming Dec. 22, 26 & 29 home games free of charge.

 

NHL Notes:

Per Steve Zipay, In 1994-95, 48-game NHL season started on Jan. 20, ended in May.

Other Notes:

Per Steve Lepore, the NHL Net will air 18 games of the World Junior Championships live. All Team USA games will be streamed on http://NHL.com . 

Per @redcrossbloodny, Come to the Isles Blood Drive! Sat 12/22 from 9 to 3 @ the Nassau Coliseum. Visit http://redcrossblood.org to make an appt.

 

 

 

Order In The Game!

 

I spent almost all of yesterday at the ER with my parents.  They are getting older and are experiencing some tough times as a result of their age.  Thankfully, their spirit has allowed them to fight through a lot of obstacles their health has thrown their way.

While I was in the Emergency room, I read a tweet from B.D. Gallof that said, “NHL FILES CLASS ACTION COMPLAINT IN FEDERAL COURT AND UNFAIR LABOR PRACTICE CHARGE WITH NLRB.”

It listed a press release issued by the league.

“Per NHL Press Release

NEW YORK (December 14, 2012) -- Today, in response to information
indicating that NHL Players have or will be asked to vote to authorize the
National Hockey League Players' Association's Executive Board to proceed to
"disclaim interest" in continuing to represent the Players in collective
bargaining, the National Hockey League filed a Class Action Complaint in
Federal Court in New York seeking a Declaration confirming the ongoing
legality of the lockout."

Simultaneously with the filing of its Complaint, the NHL also filed
an Unfair Labor Practice Charge with the National Labor Relations Board
alleging that by threatening to "disclaim interest," the NHLPA has engaged
in an unlawful subversion of the collective bargaining process and conduct
that constitutes bad faith bargaining under the National Labor Relations
Act.

Chris Botta added,”the  NHL move was in response to news that the players were to vote to authorize the PA Executive Board to proceed to Disclaim Interest.”

Guess it sounds like a preemptive strike, huh.

Maybe I’ll send my parents phone number to both the NHL Ownership and its organized players.  I think they have become so obsessed with the process that they have forgotten about what it takes to fight through adversity and reach their goal.  Working out a functioning CBA in order to bring NHL hockey to its loyal fan base.

I have been following the reports of a lot of talented media professionals who have helped me understand that although there are many angles to the CBA, the parts of the NHL and NHLPA machine seem to be incapable of meshing at all.  It also seems that as a collective negotiation, with or without a mediator or specific people in the room, there is no solution to be found between these two groups.  In the meantime, cities that usually host these NHL franchises are leaving millions of dollars on the table as well.

Katie Strang is reporting that the PA will have a vote Sunday to decide whether or not to disband the Union.   She states, “NHLPA vote to authorize Executive Board discretion to dissolve union begins tomorrow. NHLPA has until Jan 2 to disclaim interest.”  This is an amazing development to me.  Does it say that Fehr is no longer appreciated or is it a recognition by the players the league WILL NOT deal Fehr?

Per John Willis, “The NHL's class action complaint is almost identical to the NBA's, but the differences are interesting.”  This article is an interesting follow up to the one I reposted by Dave Zirin about the Lockout Lawyers.

One thing is certain.  The NHL and its players need to end this lockout soon while it still has some fans left.  Has the well been poisoned?  Time will tell.

 

 

Isles Notes:

Per Corey Pronman, “Niederreiter tied for 3rd in AHL scoring. Funny thing what prime ice time in an ideal development environment can do.”

Per Mark Masters, Team Canada cut Isles prospect, Adam Pelech.

Rick DiPietro has not played much for his German squad.  Alst week, BD Gallof said,” t's 12/10 & do you know where the 15yr goaltender is? Still not played since groin denial,11/5. Swollen knee likeliest culprit.”

“Per German site, DiPietro has flown home along with some other US players from team to spend holidays in US.”

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

Dec 15^th

BST vs Norfolk Admirals

Brock Nelson is out after leaving last night's game in the 2nd period. Casey Cizikas will center top line, remaining lines shuffled as well.

Forward lines: Niederreiter-Cizikas-McDonald, Persson-Sundstrom-Riley, Ullstrom-Watkins-Backman, Gallant-Halmo-MacKay.

Sound Tigers will skate seven defensemen - Jordan Hill is in, while Mike Halmo is the final scratch.

Sound Tigers starters - Niederreiter-Cizikas-McDonald, Donovan-Wishart. Kevin Poulin between the pipes.

Smith-Pelly w/ the winner in 8th round of shootout, Admirals beat Sound Tigers 3-2. Poulin w/ 50 saves in regulation, stops 6-of-8 shooters.

Dec 14^th

BST vs Norfolk Admirals

UPS line back together as David Ullstrom rejoins Persson & Sundstrom

Forward lines: Niederreiter-Nelson-McDonald, Persson-Sundstrom-Ullstrom, Riley-Cizikas-Backman, Gallant-Watkins-Halmo.

Sound Tigers scratches tonight are Travis Hamonic, Calvin de Haan, Max MacKay, Jordan Hill, Brandon DeFazio and Kirill Kabanov.

Starting lineup - Riley-Cizikas-Backman, Donovan-Wishart, Nilsson in net.

Sound Tigers WIN! After review, ref determines puck crossed goal line before net came off moorings. Cizikas w/ the GWG, 4-3 BST in OT!

Dec 11^th

Forward lines: Niederreiter-Nelson-McDonald, Persson-Sundstrom-MacKay, Riley-Cizikas-Backman, Gallant-Watkins-Halmo.

Sound Tigers final scratch is Jordan Hill. Starters: Niederreiter-Nelson-McDonald, Cantin-Landry. Nilsson in net, Poulin backs up.

Rundblad fires from the slot to beat Nilsson with five seconds left on Nelson penalty. Portland wins 2-1 in overtime.

Dec 9^th

BST vs Syracuse Crunch

Today's starters - Niederreiter-Nelson-McDonald, Cantin-Landry, Nilsson. Scratches are 3,12,24,25,42,77

Cizikas is a reported upper-body injury, though different from the last upper-body injury that cost him six games.

Colin McDonald posts four points in first home game as captain, Sound Tigers power past Crunch 7-2.

Dec 8^th

BST vs.  Alabany Devils

Colin McDonald wore the "C" for the first time, Casey Cizikas and Matt Watkins were the assistant captains.

Forward lines: Niederreiter-Nelson-McDonald, Persson-Sundstrom-MacKay, Halmo-Cizikas-Riley, Gallant-Watkins-Backman.

New look Defensive pairs: McIver-Ness, Donovan-Wishart, Cantin-Landry

Jordan Hill is indeed the Sound Tigers final scratch. Starters: Niederreiter-Nelson-McDonald, Donovan-Wishart, Nilsson in goal.

Albany 3, Sound Tigers 1

 

NHL Notes:
 

NHL announces cancellation of 2012-13 regular-season schedule through December 30th. That’s over 43% of the 2012-13 season.

Adam Proteau adds, “With its cancellations today, the NHL is now one day away from making the 2012-13 season the 2013 season.”

Per Check The Ticker, Dec 10^th  marks the 500th day of the 3 combined NHL lockouts under Gary Bettman.

Per Daniel Tolensky, “Since 02-03 as league revenue grows from 1.996 bil to 3.4 bil: Players' share +13.8% Owners' share +238.6%.”

 

 

A Hill To Die On and Isles Notes

After a couple of days, basking in a media sun shower, the NHL lockout looked as if it just might be close to ending.  But after a few more hours and the NHL podium taking center stage on Twitter, it was over.  Rain clouds filled the sky and the lockout continued.

 

 

Per Pierre LeBrun, Daly says term limit on player contracts is so important to league it's "the hill we'll die on."  LeBrun wrote a great article that simplifies it for the rest of us.  It basically said the CBA term, Contract term limits and No compliance buyouts or caps on escrow in transition are the three main sticking points.

For the new CBA, the NHL requires a 10-year deal (with opt. out after eight years) while the NHLPA offered an eight year deal (with opt. out after 6 years.)  He explains it goes back to money for the owners over a guaranteed and longer period of time.

On Player contracts, the NHL wants their 5 year contract term limit over 10 years (w/ 5% variance) while the PA want an 8 year ceiling.  This was what Daly called the “hill they would die on.”  It was the owners after all who time and time again blew the contract terms higher and higher with more and more money to attract or steal players away from other would be suitors in today’s NHL.  They set the bar for agents and players to work with, and since it has spun out of control, they want to undo it.  That would include the many ridiculous contracts signed over the summer.  Zach Parise and Ryan Sutter to Minnesota come to my mind here.

Per Capgeek, 89 players currently are on contracts longer than 5 years.

Bob McKenzie adds, “But of those 89, just over half are on 6 or 7 yr deals signed as UFA or RFA with their own club.  So it's obviously a projection, but 5 yr term limits on contracts could conceivably only apply to just over 40 players.  Why would the PA be so adamantly opposed to 5 yr term limit when it affects so few, relatively speaking, of the membership.  And without doing number crunching, many of those 40+ contracts are "backdiving" and likely not do-able in new CBA. So # is further reduced.”

And basically, the third sticking point would include the ability to “either limit escrow early on in the new CBA and allow teams to buy out players but not have that payment count against the salary cap.”  With the NHL offering a generous 300 million outside system to bridge the fiscal gap, they are not willing to spend any more.  Instead, the want to have the first 12 months of the new CBA as an amnestry period of sorts to balance their books and make the cap budgetary constraints of the new CBA.  This, they feel will eventually level the field and allow them to adjust gradually to the new system.  Which Bob McKenzie said, the “$300M Make Whole, up from $211M offer, which more or less splits difference on NHLPA ask $393M.”  That’s a fair offer in my opinion.

Per Andy Strickland, “When NHLPA wanted Fehr back in room to close out deal yesterday, owners said it would be a deal breaker. Derailed process.”  So what will happen with the NHLPA?  Will they really consider the last offer, make an appeal to compromise and keep Fehr out of the final stages of negotiation?

 

Adam Proteau posted a few excerpts from his interview with former Isles Defensemen, Mathieu Schneider.  He offers his insider take on the CBA negotiations so far.

Schneider stated, “"It was a new cast of characters, but it was the same old story. It was a take-it-or-leave it offer and they walked out of the room … We had a counter-proposal ready for them, the owners wouldn’t even come and listen to it. They sent Bob Batterman and Bill Daly ... (t)hey essentially said they were not going to accept our proposal in the morning before they even knew what we were going to say.  The new owners wanted to come in and say, you know, we are where we are, let’s get this done, let’s forget how we got here and we said, 'We’re $182 million apart, guys, we should be able to get in a room and figure this out tonight.' They came back in with this ridiculous set of numbers and said, ‘No, we’re actually over $900 million apart.’  Their first offer was five years. We were at three & an option. We moved up to 5 years, they moved to six. In this last negotiation … this past week, we moved up to six, they moved up to 10. There’s no rhyme or reason for it … It’s been the case throughout the negotiations. They come in with a take-it-or-leave it, walk away, they try to pressure the guys … And (owners) essentially said, ‘If Don’s in the room, it’s a deal-breaker’. And I don’t know what you do with that."

It is speculated that the NHL will cancel the next bunch of games tomorrow and no meetings are reported to be on the docket for this weekend.

 

Isles Notes:

John Tavares has 12 and 19 for 31 pts in 20 games with bern.  (Same team as Mark Streit.)

Josh Bailey has 3 and 8 for 11 pts in 6 games with Bietigheim-Bissingen SC.  (Same team as Rick DiPietro.)

Per Anthony Stabile, Isles “have 3 Invites to the Canada's WJC tryouts. Griffin Reinhart, Adam Pelech and Ryan Strome.”

Ryan Strome has 22 and 40 for 62 pts in 31 games this season in the OHL.

Per @NYIslanders84, “Ryan Strome named player of the month. Leads OHL in scoring (20 g 39a) in 30 games played. 9 ahead of the 2nd leading scorer.”

Per the New York Islanders, “Anders Lee Named Warrior CCHA Player of the Month.”

Per Joe Yerden, former Islander, Mark Parrish retired from professional hockey on November 26^th.  “Over 700 games, 200 goals and an All-Star appearance …”

Per @nhlhistorygirl, “On this date in 1988, Isles fired Terry Simpson and re-hired Al Arbour.”

“On this date in 1996, isles retired Clark Gilles' no. 9. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O28I1457VCc …”

"We'll play, and win, by any style we have to." – Isles Bob Nystrom, 1980 playoffs”

“During one game in 1980 Isles vs. Sabres semi-finals, ref Andy von Hellemond ordered Billy Smith to the dressing room before handshake line.”

“On the day of a game...I'll go for a walk to talk to myself. I need to keep my mind a blank-so I watch Laverne & Shirley – Isles  Billy Smith”

“Billy Smith butt-ended Canucks, Tiger Williams, who then pinned him and tried to choke Smith with the chain he was wearing.”

“On this date (Dec 6^th.)  in 2010, (Former Isles Capt.) Bill Guerin announced his retirement.”

Former Islander, “Tommy Soderstom has Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome, and required 3 heart catheterization procedures over a 2 month period.”

Per nhlfreeagents.com, Manchester Monarchs Signed former Isles (G) Peter Mannino to a Standard Player Contract.

Per Dan Weiss, “Rampage announce they've signed former NHL (Isles) veterans Jon Sim and Mike Mottau to professional try-out agreements.”

Per Matias Strozyk, Former Islander, “Alexei Yashin has been appointed General Manager of Russia women's national team. Will work in both athletic development and management.”

Per Kevin Schultz, “Hey Isles fans there may not be hockey but at least nobody left the gate open. AMMIRITE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VE4bcq8Plzk …”    Amen Brother.

 

Sound Tigers Notes:

The Tigers have a game in Albany on Saturday, and home Sunday vs, Syracuse.

Hamonic is day to day.

Forward lines in practice today: Niederreiter-Nelson-McDonald, Persson-Sundstrom-MacKay, Watkins-Cizikas-Riley, Gallant-Backman-Halmo (DeFazio)

Per @TheSoundTigers, “Sound Tigers announce @ColinMcDonald13 has been named team captain for the 2012-13 season.  Second-year pro @zeeker11 named assistant captain; @JonnyLa27 named 2nd home asst. captain, Matt Watkins named 2nd asst. captain on road.

The Bridgeport Sound Tigers have lost 7 consecutive games dating back to November 21^st.

Brandon DeFazio has been suspended 6 games for leaving the bench to fight Brandon Segal of the Connecticut Whale in a 4-2 loss on December 6^th.

“The Bridgeport Sound Tigers announced (11/28) that defenseman Jordan Hill has agreed to terms on a one-year, American Hockey League deal.”

On December 3^rd, “The New York Islanders have reassigned Jason Clark from the Sound Tigers to the Gwinnett Gladiators of the ECHL.”

Per Christian Arnold, “If the NHL doesn't solve this lockout thing soon, a game between the Whale & Sound Tigers at Barclays would be a fun experiment.”

 

NHL Notes:

My thought:   How about ending the lockout and having an NHL Christmas Eve or Christmas day game marketed like the Winter Classic to entertain a captive sports audience?

Per Darren Dreger, Quebec Labour Board hearing in Montreal has been postponed due to latest CBA talks.

Per John Shannon, The NHLPA requested the return of Federal Mediators to the CBA process.

Per Katie Strang, “Forbes article on 2012 NHL team values makes good case for PA's stance on revenue-sharing. Says 30 teams never been further apart on $$.”

“According to article, top 5 teams (TOR, NYR, MTL, CHI and BOS) worth avg $605M while bottom 5 (CAR, NYI, CBJ, PHX, STL) avg at $145M.”

“Rangers are second most profitable team ($74 million). Coupled with TOR and MTL, those three teams account for 83% of NHL's income.”

Steve Zipay adds, “Forbes: Isles worth $155 million, up 4% on anticipated Bklyn move. Estimated revenue 2011-12: $66 milion. Operating income: minus $16 mil.”

Per Adam Proteau, “Forbes says the average NHL team is worth 18% more than it was worth last year & only 3 teams saw their value decrease. Worth a lockout, eh?”

Per Craig Custance, “Had 1 exec examine Forbes valuation of his team. Gate receipts were off appx. $6 million; operating income appx $12 mil. They're estimates.”

Anthony Stabile points out a great article by Joe Haggerty, “Another lockout gem by @HackswithHaggs http://www.csnne.com/hockey-boston-bruins/bruins-talk/Haggerty-Jacobs-should-be-held-responsib?blockID=807091&feedID=3352 …”.

And another by Dave Zirin.  A must read!

Minnesota Wild goaltender Josh Harding has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.

 

 

Computer Problems

12/8 UPDATE:  My Asus laptop is dead.  In the meantime, Im borrowing an Inspiron mini which minimally serves my purpose, but tortures my large hands during use.  Please bear with me and I promise to do my best until I can secure a new Rig.

Joe

*********************************************************************************

My laptop is down and I am working to correct the problem.  Isles and NHL input will be limited for the next few days. 

Hopefully, I should be close to normal by this week.


Thanks,

Joe


#endthelockout

Lockout Continues And BST Fan Experience

Yesterday, “The National Hockey League announced today the cancellation of the 2012-13 regular-season schedule through December 14. The NHL also announced the cancellation of the 2013 NHL All-Star Weekend scheduled for Jan. 26-27 in Columbus, Ohio. The cancellations are necessary due to the absence of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NHL Players' Association and the NHL.

A total of 422 regular-season games -- 34.3 percent of the season -- were scheduled for Oct. 11 through Dec. 14.

‘The reality of losing more regular-season games as well as the 2013 NHL All-Star Weekend in Columbus is extremely disappointing," said NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly. "We feel badly for NHL fans and particularly those in Columbus, and we intend to work closely with the Blue Jackets organization to return the NHL All-Star events to Columbus and their fans as quickly as possible."

If a miracle doesn’t happen very soon, that probably leaves only a cancellation of the season as the next official announcement.  And even if it does, the bad blood is everywhere.  Although some fans probably side more or less with the League or the NHLPA, everyone is disgusted at the inability to put greed, entitlement or political  position aside in order to start the season.  Neither side wants to give in and let the other win.  I get that.  The players deserve certain conditions, while the owners should be able to protect their interests as owners.  OK.

 

But as a fan, I am over it.

If the season gets cancelled again, Commissioner Bettman, the NHL and the NHLPA should be ashamed of themselves.  These problems never happen, even close to this magnitude in any other sport.

#endthelockout

In other news …

I was sad to see the Bridgeport Sound Tigers lose a back and forth battle to our rival Connecticut Whale yesterday, 7-5.  To make it worse, I went to the game with Ranger fan Terry, my longtime, but Isles turncoat friend who was born and raised on the Island.  Actually, we don’t really bust on each other, we just really like good hockey and we had a good time at the Webster Bank Arena.

BST games have always been a good time for me and my family and friends.  There isn’t a bad seat in the house, the food is good and as with most Isles fans, the Tigers fans are awesome.  I used to attend around 8-10 games per season, but changes in life have limited my appearances to few or none in recent years.

You can be sure I have been reinvigorated.  I will make it a point to get back to BST games again soon.  Here are a few images from yesterdays game.

Isles Notes:

Per Dominik &LHH Friends, “Jesse Joensuu injured his hand and is out for two months.”

On 11/19, Eric Hornick wrote, “Today is 5th anniversary of Rick DiPietro's 100th NHL win (2-1 over NYR). He has 30 NHL wins since.”

Per Randi Marshall, “Mangano will make announcement today (11/20) on Hub site. Bruce Ratner to advise on arena itself, Don Monti to build on rest of site.  Isles owner Charles Wang introduced Ratner to Mangano.”

Chris Botta remarks, “So Nassau lets Isles bolt for Ratner's Brooklyn arena and now lets NVMC property be developed by Ratner? Sure, nothing fishy there...”

B.D. Gallof adds, “Not only doers Wang own Marriot, but also owns key piece of land from Marriot to Coliseum. Still player in that area in terms of real estate.”

Per NHLhistorygirl, “On this date (11/23) in 2009, Dwayne Roloson set a new #Isles record for most saves in a game, with 58.”

“Oilers GM Glen Sather heard Butch Goring was trying to make a comeback in 1986, and signed him to a 25 game AHL tryout.”

Sound Tigers Notes:

11/23

Starting Lineup: Gallant-Clark-Riley, Donovan-Wishart. Anders Nilsson in net for BST, opposed by Whale's Cam Talbot.

Final scratch is Jordan Hill.

Forward lines: Niederreiter-Nelson-McDonald, Persson—Sundstrom-Ullstrom, DeFazio-Watkins-Backman, Gallant-Clark-Riley.

Defensive pairings: Donovan-Wishart, Ness-Landry, McIver-Hamonic. Nilsson in net.

Both teams blow two-goal leads, Whale score final four goals of the game to defeat Sound Tigers 7-5.

11/21

Starting Lineup: DeFazio-Sundstrom-Persson, Cantin-Hamonic. Poulin between the pipes.

Mike Halmo back in the lineup tonight, Max MacKay is out. Marc Cantin appears to be in as well.  Jordan Hill is the final BST scratch.

Forward lines: Niederreiter-Nelson-McDonald, DeFazio-Sundstrom-Persson, Ullstrom-Watkins-Halmo, Gallant-Backman-Riley

Defensive pairings: Ness-Landry, Donovan-Wishart, Cantin-Hamonic. Poulin in net, opposed by former Sound Tiger Scott Munroe.

Final:  Nino extendshis  point streak to nine games, but Phantoms net three PPG and defeat Sound Tigers 5-1.

NHL Notes:

Per Aaron Ward, “Source,NHLPA proposal took NHL structure,50/50,no guarantee.Only difference,took $211M (make whole) to $393M over 4 yrs.This $393M works advantage gained if player retires early. Penalizes team going forward based on benefit obtained.  No need for term limits or variation.”

Per Bob McKenzie, “So, to review, NHLPA is prepared to go to 50-50 immediately, but wants $393M over four years as part of so-called "Make Whole." 

Per Chris Botta, “Player text on NHL meeting: "More wasted time. Our choice is either give up everything to the league or watch them cancel the season."