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Ever since the lock-out I have told anyone who asked me about the NHL and its future that it was a “buy” stock, that it was on the up-tick in the U.S. and that its entertainment value would push the sport to its greatest public prominence since the Gretzky era.
It wasn’t really a stretch. I knew with salaries tied to revenue that NHL players would make concerted efforts to grow the sport as never before. They have. Access and cooperation have exceeded even my expectations. It was also pretty easy to feel the buzz Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin created when they arrived.
While I still struggle with some of the itsy-bitsy teensy-weensy hooking and slashing penalties that are being called, the rules changes have been a gift from the hockey gods. Ok, the Competition Committee. Not sure you agree? Pull out a tape from a pre-lockout game.
The only element of our sport that hasn’t contributed to its overall growth in recent years is the Stanley Cup Final. The last three featured Anaheim, Ottawa,
Carolina, Edmonton, Tampa Bay and Calgary.
By typical measuring sticks all are considered either small or secondary NHL markets. The match-ups were invigorating tonics for each franchise that provided spectacular hockey, but they didn’t captivate the attention of a continent. This year’s finalists will.
Sidney Crosby is, as Wayne Gretzky was, Canada’s son. Detroit is an original six and is America’s team. One could even make the case that because the Wings perch is on the Canadian border, the franchise is North America’s team. This is the best match-up for hockey since Eric Lindros and the Flyers met Detroit in the ’97 Final.
My Pick
I have said all along that this year has been the toughest yet to pick winners. It sure doesn’t get any easier now. Nevertheless….here it is: Detroit in 7.
Three factors proved to be the tie-breakers when I was sorting this out.
1.Detroit’s defense -They have the best defenseman in hockey in Lidstrom and high-quality depth right behind him.
2.Chris Osgood – He’s been here, done this and probably still has the faded T-shirt.
3.Home ice – If the Penguins had it I would have picked them.
Sit back and enjoy the ride. This is going to be special.
It wasn’t really a stretch. I knew with salaries tied to revenue that NHL players would make concerted efforts to grow the sport as never before. They have. Access and cooperation have exceeded even my expectations. It was also pretty easy to feel the buzz Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin created when they arrived.
While I still struggle with some of the itsy-bitsy teensy-weensy hooking and slashing penalties that are being called, the rules changes have been a gift from the hockey gods. Ok, the Competition Committee. Not sure you agree? Pull out a tape from a pre-lockout game.
The only element of our sport that hasn’t contributed to its overall growth in recent years is the Stanley Cup Final. The last three featured Anaheim, Ottawa,
Carolina, Edmonton, Tampa Bay and Calgary.
By typical measuring sticks all are considered either small or secondary NHL markets. The match-ups were invigorating tonics for each franchise that provided spectacular hockey, but they didn’t captivate the attention of a continent. This year’s finalists will.
Sidney Crosby is, as Wayne Gretzky was, Canada’s son. Detroit is an original six and is America’s team. One could even make the case that because the Wings perch is on the Canadian border, the franchise is North America’s team. This is the best match-up for hockey since Eric Lindros and the Flyers met Detroit in the ’97 Final.
My Pick
I have said all along that this year has been the toughest yet to pick winners. It sure doesn’t get any easier now. Nevertheless….here it is: Detroit in 7.
Three factors proved to be the tie-breakers when I was sorting this out.
1.Detroit’s defense -They have the best defenseman in hockey in Lidstrom and high-quality depth right behind him.
2.Chris Osgood – He’s been here, done this and probably still has the faded T-shirt.
3.Home ice – If the Penguins had it I would have picked them.
Sit back and enjoy the ride. This is going to be special.
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