Bill Meltzer: Christmas Quick Hits: WJC Starts, Lucy's Bike, Nasty Knuckles & More

Merry Christmas Bill.
And yes "Let's Go Red Wings!"

Bill Meltzer: Christmas Quick Hits: WJC Starts, Lucy's Bike, Nasty Knuckles & More
- bmeltzer

You know what I want for Christmas? Gary Bettman out of office. As a fan, aren’t you guys tired of Hockey never getting respected on the same level as Football, Basketball and baseball? I mean Basketball isn’t even remotely as fun to watch as the 80’s or 90’s. They barely play defense today in basketball...but the NBA knows how to sell the game. I’m watching Michael Jordan the Last Dance right now. That show says Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Babe Ruth are on their own levels and nobody else can be in that conversation. Why not Wayne Gretzky? Bettman has been around for like 3 decades. Isn’t it time for a new perspective?

You know what I want for Christmas? Gary Bettman out of office. As a fan, aren’t you guys tired of Hockey never getting respected on the same level as Football, Basketball and baseball? I mean Basketball isn’t even remotely as fun to watch as the 80’s or 90’s. They barely play defense today in basketball...but the NBA knows how to sell the game. I’m watching Michael Jordan the Last Dance right now. That show says Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Babe Ruth are on their own levels and nobody else can be in that conversation. Why not Wayne Gretzky? Bettman has been around for like 3 decades. Isn’t it time for a new perspective?
- SuperSchennBros

The Festivus airing of grievances was December 23rd. Today is for giving and thanks.

Merry Christmas all 🎅🏻

You know what I want for Christmas? Gary Bettman out of office. As a fan, aren’t you guys tired of Hockey never getting respected on the same level as Football, Basketball and baseball? I mean Basketball isn’t even remotely as fun to watch as the 80’s or 90’s. They barely play defense today in basketball...but the NBA knows how to sell the game. I’m watching Michael Jordan the Last Dance right now. That show says Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Babe Ruth are on their own levels and nobody else can be in that conversation. Why not Wayne Gretzky? Bettman has been around for like 3 decades. Isn’t it time for a new perspective?
- SuperSchennBros

Bettman makes the owners money. He ain’t going anywhere until he decides to leave.

You know what I want for Christmas? Gary Bettman out of office. As a fan, aren’t you guys tired of Hockey never getting respected on the same level as Football, Basketball and baseball? I mean Basketball isn’t even remotely as fun to watch as the 80’s or 90’s. They barely play defense today in basketball...but the NBA knows how to sell the game. I’m watching Michael Jordan the Last Dance right now. That show says Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Babe Ruth are on their own levels and nobody else can be in that conversation. Why not Wayne Gretzky? Bettman has been around for like 3 decades. Isn’t it time for a new perspective?
- SuperSchennBros

I get this and agree somewhat. There are some decisions he has made over the years that just baffle my mind. That being said, while many of us especially up north grew up playing ice hockey or (more likely) street hockey, its still somewhat of a regional sport.

When you look at basketball, everywhere I go all over the country, north south east west, I can see a pick up game of basketball being played somewhere. All the kids wearing the sneakers all day endorsed by some NBA star. We have ALL probably owned a pair of Air Jordans or know someone who did.

Cant really do that with a pair of skates, especially south of the Mason Dixon line where it starts to get warmer. And I doubt any of us are wearing our skates to school or out to the club that night.

And one complaint I hear from people who dont really get hockey is that it is kind of hard to watch on TV. They cant follow the puck, blah blah blah.

Of the 4 major sports, hockey is by far the best to watch IN PERSON, even my non hockey fan friends agree to that.

Its a tough conundrum for any commissioner. Especially when ESPN refuses to really cover it. ESPN knows what drives their ratings and hockey isn't it.

Be thankful we still aren't having to search out games on VS. Now with Comcast and NBC behind the sport it does get way more coverage on TV than when I was younger, and on much bigger networks.

I think at this point it is what it is.

Schenn Bros you're in the wrong country. Hockey will NEVER get over football or basketball. Baseball I would imagine can be surpassed because it's a dinosaur league because it hardly evolves and the average age of its fans is 65.

The Festivus airing of grievances was December 23rd. Today is for giving and thanks.
- Gogol

Best response of the day. Lmao.

I get this and agree somewhat. There are some decisions he has made over the years that just baffle my mind. That being said, while many of us especially up north grew up playing ice hockey or (more likely) street hockey, its still somewhat of a regional sport.

When you look at basketball, everywhere I go all over the country, north south east west, I can see a pick up game of basketball being played somewhere. All the kids wearing the sneakers all day endorsed by some NBA star. We have ALL probably owned a pair of Air Jordans or know someone who did.

Cant really do that with a pair of skates, especially south of the Mason Dixon line where it starts to get warmer. And I doubt any of us are wearing our skates to school or out to the club that night.

And one complaint I hear from people who dont really get hockey is that it is kind of hard to watch on TV. They cant follow the puck, blah blah blah.

Of the 4 major sports, hockey is by far the best to watch IN PERSON, even my non hockey fan friends agree to that.

Its a tough conundrum for any commissioner. Especially when ESPN refuses to really cover it. ESPN knows what drives their ratings and hockey isn't it.

Be thankful we still aren't having to search out games on VS. Now with Comcast and NBC behind the sport it does get way more coverage on TV than when I was younger, and on much bigger networks.

I think at this point it is what it is.
- MBFlyerfan

Although hockey’s been around for a long time it’s not engrained in American culture like the NFL, NBA & MLB. It’s never going to be, just the reality of it.

Schenn Bros you're in the wrong country. Hockey will NEVER get over football or basketball. Baseball I would imagine can be surpassed because it's a dinosaur league because it hardly evolves and the average age of its fans is 65.
- Pelle31Forever

Not a chance hockey can surpass baseball. Hockey is a wealthy white mans sport. Also hockey isn’t a big gambling sport; that playable a factor.

You know what I want for Christmas? Gary Bettman out of office. As a fan, aren’t you guys tired of Hockey never getting respected on the same level as Football, Basketball and baseball? I mean Basketball isn’t even remotely as fun to watch as the 80’s or 90’s. They barely play defense today in basketball...but the NBA knows how to sell the game. I’m watching Michael Jordan the Last Dance right now. That show says Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Babe Ruth are on their own levels and nobody else can be in that conversation. Why not Wayne Gretzky? Bettman has been around for like 3 decades. Isn’t it time for a new perspective?
- SuperSchennBros

I prefer hockey being a second tier pro sport. I can still fool myself into feeling like the players are there for the love of the sport. I don’t want it to become the NFL or NBA.

bingo on the gambling.... a shame really. as I have gotten older the big 3 have become incredibly boring. well I have always found baseball god awful... would rather watch paint dry.

Not a chance hockey can surpass baseball. Hockey is a wealthy white mans sport. Also hockey isn’t a big gambling sport; that playable a factor.
- login

I love betting on hockey. The oddsmakers aren’t as well versed in the sport imo and don’t always account for injuries and backup goalies getting the start. Easy money.

I do feel like baseball is definitely trending downwards but it’s still a pretty sizable gap between them and the NHL.

I love betting on hockey. The oddsmakers aren’t as well versed in the sport imo and don’t always account for injuries and backup goalies getting the start. Easy money.

I do feel like baseball is definitely trending downwards but it’s still a pretty sizable gap between them and the NHL.
- hereticpride

I agree; easier money not easy!! ...if you follow hockey and have patience you can def make some Coin betting on it.

Schenn Bros you're in the wrong country. Hockey will NEVER get over football or basketball. Baseball I would imagine can be surpassed because it's a dinosaur league because it hardly evolves and the average age of its fans is 65.
- Pelle31Forever

Well your country is backwards. We’re talking about hockey. Black eyes, broken noses and spitting teeth. We’re talking 82 game schedule, best of 7 through 4 rounds. We’re not talking 16 games and one game elimination through 4 rounds. Hockey is about Blue collar, go into work everyday. No reason why this sport can’t be more respected, or the personalities can’t be allowed to shine through the media. I think a new voice in office would work wonders in the nhl.

Football is an American thing. Hockey is international.

Football is an American thing. Hockey is international.
- SuperSchennBros

The sport of hockey may be an international one. But the NHL is an American enterprise (more than it's a North American one).

You know what I want for Christmas? Gary Bettman out of office. As a fan, aren’t you guys tired of Hockey never getting respected on the same level as Football, Basketball and baseball? I mean Basketball isn’t even remotely as fun to watch as the 80’s or 90’s. They barely play defense today in basketball...but the NBA knows how to sell the game. I’m watching Michael Jordan the Last Dance right now. That show says Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali and Babe Ruth are on their own levels and nobody else can be in that conversation. Why not Wayne Gretzky? Bettman has been around for like 3 decades. Isn’t it time for a new perspective?
- SuperSchennBros

Basketball sells and pushes their stars. It’s completely personality driven.

How is hockey gonna do that when the biggest “sports network” wants nothing to do with them?

You don’t wanna strike a deal with ESPN? Fine. You’ll find their 2 month old stories just after bull riding and women’s bowling.

Well your country is backwards. We’re talking about hockey. Black eyes, broken noses and spitting teeth. We’re talking 82 game schedule, best of 7 through 4 rounds. We’re not talking 16 games and one game elimination through 4 rounds. Hockey is about Blue collar, go into work everyday. No reason why this sport can’t be more respected, or the personalities can’t be allowed to shine through the media. I think a new voice in office would work wonders in the nhl.

Football is an American thing. Hockey is international.
- SuperSchennBros

So why are you surprised hockey isn't the biggest here then? Especially over football.

Well your country is backwards. We’re talking about hockey. Black eyes, broken noses and spitting teeth. We’re talking 82 game schedule, best of 7 through 4 rounds. We’re not talking 16 games and one game elimination through 4 rounds. Hockey is about Blue collar, go into work everyday. No reason why this sport can’t be more respected, or the personalities can’t be allowed to shine through the media. I think a new voice in office would work wonders in the nhl.

Football is an American thing. Hockey is international.
- SuperSchennBros

Basketball and baseball are way more popular internationally. I’d bet American Football is more popular than ice hockey worldwide. Field hockey is probably more popular worldwide than ice hockey.

Well your country is backwards. We’re talking about hockey. Black eyes, broken noses and spitting teeth. We’re talking 82 game schedule, best of 7 through 4 rounds. We’re not talking 16 games and one game elimination through 4 rounds. Hockey is about Blue collar, go into work everyday. No reason why this sport can’t be more respected, or the personalities can’t be allowed to shine through the media. I think a new voice in office would work wonders in the nhl.

Football is an American thing. Hockey is international.
- SuperSchennBros

I would suggest that Hockey may actually have peaked and will begin a viewership decline based on the following:

1. Here is the US it is not a blue collar and lunch pail kinda sport, as login pointed out. It requires an investment of time and money, more than other sports. It is a sport that does not come to you naturally during your life for most parts of the US - you have to seek it out. My school, with a long tradition of collegiate hockey, closed its men's hockey program many years ago. Because of title IX, other schools and colleges will likely follow as things like x-sports become more and more popular.

2. It is heavily ethnically correlated. In 30 odd years of being in Philly, I have seen no more than 5-10 non-white kids wear a hockey jersey. Since the white population is shrinking as a % everywhere in the world, the % of viewership would naturally shrink too.

3. Economically, the biggest growing markets in the world are in countries like China and South Asia followed by Africa and South America. Hockey culture there is nil and I don't see a sport taking off there that kids have no connection with whatsoever. The NBA and the NFL are seen as "American" sports. Kids follow them for the glamour, just like many casual fans follow Dallas Cowboys across the US.

Canada, bless its soul, is not a glamorous country. Kids in Asia don't know what it stands for.

4. Global warming will mean that local games of shinny will become harder to find, even along southern Canada. A cold game will seem more and more distant.

5. The sport has an aura of intensity and violence. Speaking to women who are not already fans, I have noticed they tend to misinterpret the game as something innately masculine.

6. As was pointed out, hockey is hard to follow on tv. The coverage has lagged significantly behind coverage of other sports. In football, it used to be the case that it was far better to go to games. Now when I go to games, I have trouble seeing certain plays, like behind the offensive line, and everyone turns and watches the Jumbotron anyway. The overhead drones and cameras have transformed the televising of the sports and I get more intellectual satisfaction seeing it on the screen. Similarly, Snooker, especially in the UK, has become transformed because of slick tv coverage, and millions watch the most important games. Hockey has not kept pace.

To attract more new viewers who don't have a natural connection to the game, they need to make Hockey more telegenic, with more overhead cameras and perhaps a feature that will allow you to turn on some kind of "puck tracing" for those who want it. Camera angles need to constant change and be close to overhead and focus more on the puck carrier's blade.

I suspect one reason this sort of investment is not happening is that there is little potential for new converts and so tv does not want to undertake the financial investment.

I would suggest that Hockey may actually have peaked and will begin a viewership decline based on the following:

1. Here is the US it is not a blue collar and lunch pail kinda sport, as login pointed out. It requires an investment of time and money, more than other sports. It is a sport that does not come to you naturally during your life for most parts of the US - you have to seek it out. My school, with a long tradition of collegiate hockey, closed its men's hockey program many years ago. Because of title IX, other schools and colleges will likely follow as things like x-sports become more and more popular.

2. It is heavily ethnically correlated. In 30 odd years of being in Philly, I have seen no more than 5-10 non-white kids wear a hockey jersey. Since the white population is shrinking as a % everywhere in the world, the % of viewership would naturally shrink too.

3. Economically, the biggest growing markets in the world are in countries like China and South Asia followed by Africa and South America. Hockey culture there is nil and I don't see a sport taking off there that kids have no connection with whatsoever. The NBA and the NFL are seen as "American" sports. Kids follow them for the glamour, just like many casual fans follow Dallas Cowboys across the US.

Canada, bless its soul, is not a glamorous country. Kids in Asia don't know what it stands for.

4. Global warming will mean that local games of shinny will become harder to find, even along southern Canada. A cold game will seem more and more distant.

5. The sport has an aura of intensity and violence. Speaking to women who are not already fans, I have noticed they tend to misinterpret the game as something innately masculine.

6. As was pointed out, hockey is hard to follow on tv. The coverage has lagged significantly behind coverage of other sports. In football, it used to be the case that it was far better to go to games. Now when I go to games, I have trouble seeing certain plays, like behind the offensive line, and everyone turns and watches the Jumbotron anyway. The overhead drones and cameras have transformed the televising of the sports and I get more intellectual satisfaction seeing it on the screen. Similarly, Snooker, especially in the UK, has become transformed because of slick tv coverage, and millions watch the most important games. Hockey has not kept pace.

To attract more new viewers who don't have a natural connection to the game, they need to make Hockey more telegenic, with more overhead cameras and perhaps a feature that will allow you to turn on some kind of "puck tracing" for those who want it. Camera angles need to constant change and be close to overhead and focus more on the puck carrier's blade.

I suspect one reason this sort of investment is not happening is that there is little potential for new converts and so tv does not want to undertake the financial investment.
- PT21

I am not reading all of this. Wtf

Basketball and baseball are way more popular internationally. I’d bet American Football is more popular than ice hockey worldwide. Field hockey is probably more popular worldwide than ice hockey.
- Dkos

American Football isn’t more popular worldwide. In fact European’s recent that they call football “football”. They call it American pigskin. Soccer is huge in Europe, which only proves my point. It a where you’re from thing.

I am not reading all of this. Wtf
- SuperSchennBros

Can you imagine being in a face-to-face conversation with him?

I can't. I'd have headed for zee hills as soon as he opens das Maul.

I am not reading all of this. Wtf
- SuperSchennBros

Nobody is asking you to.

But don't be surprised if you post something which is ill thought out, and somebody provides a detailed, comprehensive answer.

Even on a sports board.