Friday, February 18, 2005
Skating with the Pack
Slam Sports, a good Canadian site (http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Hockey/NHL/2005/02/16/932854-cp.html) evaluates the 30 NHL teams in lockout land. In brief, the results in three categories:
Money: Boston, Buffalo, Calgary, Chicago (though not for a lack of effort), Colorado, Columbus, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Montreal, New Jersey (thanks to a new arena), NY Rangers, Ottawa, Philadelphia, San Jose, St Louis, Tampa Bay, Toronto, and Vancouver.
Questionable: Atlanta, Edmonton, Nashville, NY Islanders, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, and Washington.
Thin ice: Anaheim, Carolina, and Florida.
Obviously, some of the money teams are more solid (Detroit) than others (Los Angeles) but this list was interesting, especially some of the reasons behind the assessments. I can't say I'm heartbroken over the cancellation of the season. The impact of the NHL in my life is limited to playoff hockey on ESPN, especially trying to keep my eyes open in third overtime on a west coast start. On principle, I don't like to see the owners come out winners. It has yet to be explained to me why hockey-- or any sport for that matter-- needs more than players, coaches, and fans. Owners seem to be a luxury even they themselves can't afford.
