Dee Karl: Isles Sale, Pre-Sale and NHL Epic Fail Always something to talk about, even when there isn't.

Dee Karl: Isles Sale, Pre-Sale and NHL Epic Fail
Always something to talk about, even when there isn't.
- Dee Karl

"As for the General Manager's job security, I'm pretty sure he's not worried."


Well he should be. If the new owner has any intelligence whatsoever Snow will be gone along with everyone he hired the instant the deal is complete. Hopefully it's done before the draft and we have a competent GM in place by then.

Funny thing is, Last year MLS TV ratings were lower than those of the WNBA. Apparently more fans (including me) watch the EPL or other foreign leagues than follow MLS. Even with the NYCFC coming on board, MLS is far from achieving mainstream support, even with immigration from soccer -mad countries. I think it will be 50 years before soccer takes a spot among the major sports, which for me includes the NHL. Just watch this summer when the World Cup is played, there will be almost as much derision as interest, especially once the U.S. is knocked out. They play about 34 games, March to October, (regular season.) I don't think MLS is the competition as much as the other sports and non-sports activities are. NHL sure has work to do, but I can't think what might be the thing that will bring more fans on board
Re the decline in hockey participation, off the top of my head I wonder if it is partly due to the lagging economy. Quick, someone point me to the recovery, because I sure don't see it. As you say, soccer is a cheaper alternative for participation.

Really good article.

I have no doubt the NHL has badly miscalculated price increase tolerance. I pay $120 for a decent seat to watch the Senators play in Ottawa. I can get a similar seat for less than $40 at Sunrise to watch Ottawa visit the Panthers.

Melnyk is telling fans that Ottawa needs to be a budget team. Florida is telling their fans they plan to spend up to the full cap level. Why should we believe any of these guys?

Dee Karl: Isles Sale, Pre-Sale and NHL Epic Fail
Always something to talk about, even when there isn't.
- Dee Karl

I think a deal could be done by this summer for sure, Wang doesn't want to have to pay that huge tax that every team owner has to pay when they own a team for more than 15 years. Most owners don't care about the tax, because the product is so good on the ice that sold out arenas and other revenue will make the tax an afterthought. Charles hasn't seem to get that. And also, I'm pretty sure the new owner would want to clean house, no? I read an article http://hockeythisweek.com...le-is-close/#.U1fC2l7F9g1 that says the potential new owner has already reached out to former players (assuming a Shanahan/Linden type) to take job(s) within the new organization, if thats true its a sign that they feel a deal is imminent. Hopefully.

pretty good article dee...way to go.

i agree...hockey is definitely pricing itself out. they should actually go the exact opposite direction with pricing, especially for a preseason game. sell the tickets for $20 and sell the place out. draw attention to the new arena; nice amenities and of course solid hockey team...bad job by the people who price the tickets.

youre right; if the nhl is too expensive, no one is going to go or watch. what a shame.

Dee,

would you have written this "hockey malaise" blog if the Islanders were in the playoffs right now?

The NHL is not down right now because the Islanders aren't playing and their exhibition game in Brooklyn in September is expensive.

The playoffs have been fantastic and the rating are higher than ever, the league isn't in danger because of MLS.

Dee,

would you have written this "hockey malaise" blog if the Islanders were in the playoffs right now?

The NHL is not down right now because the Islanders aren't playing and their exhibition game in Brooklyn in September is expensive.

The playoffs have been fantastic and the rating are higher than ever, the league isn't in danger because of MLS.
- jimbo83

This.

Dee,

would you have written this "hockey malaise" blog if the Islanders were in the playoffs right now?

The NHL is not down right now because the Islanders aren't playing and their exhibition game in Brooklyn in September is expensive.

The playoffs have been fantastic and the rating are higher than ever, the league isn't in danger because of MLS.
- jimbo83

I guarantee you she hasn't watched one second of playoff hockey this year. And not for nothing but this blog was just another excuse to female dog and moan about the Brooklyn move.

MLS is a well run business making money in a lot of markets. It does not have the ability to compete with the rest of the world and the likes of the BPL. The MLS is not threat to the nhl