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I agree about too much expansion, even if it does mean a dozen little kids in Nashville are playing roller hockey in their driveways. Did anyone see Rick Mercer talking to the residents of Tampa Bay after they won the Cup? Hardly anyone even knew there was a professional hockey team in Tampa. If Toronto won the cup our whole Country would still be going crazy about it. It's a fact.
The problem is that Bettman is trying to Americanize a Canadian game. Hockey is Canadian. The majority of the interest in hockey comes from the Canadian teams, the Original Six teams and a few teams in teh Northern States. I agree there are exceptions. San Jose for example has had a great fanbase for a while. But it's clear to see that there are too many teams in too many weak markets. Brian1975's comment about diluted talent is exactly right. All I need to say is Jonas Hoglund. Or Nik Antropov ( a first round pick!) Both of those useless tits do not belong in the NHL imo.
It's apparent that hockey is not selling well in the US. And as we know if a product doesn't sell well in the US it dies. I don't know how Bettman plans to get Americans reinterested in hockey, but I hope he doesn't think that expansion is the only way. Retraction to me seems the best solution at this point. Hopefully not at the expense of a Calgary or Vancouver.
The quickest way to get some American interest and $ in hockey is for Detroit, New York and L.A. to stop sucking and start winning.
GO LEAFS GO! Leafs in 200_????
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I have faith in a few things - divinity and grace
But even when I'm on my knees I know the devil preys
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