Podcast of the Ohio - Podcast #4.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
It's really been over a year and a half since I did one of these, huh?
But this is a very special day. And to be honest, I couldn't think of any better way, as a sport fan, hockey fan, or Blue Jackets fan, to express myself.
Like I said in the cast, I originally just planned to write, then read. But it didn't seem right. False, even. I just wanted to express things in the here and now, with an hour to go before the Jackets' first ever playoff game.
But this is a very special day. And to be honest, I couldn't think of any better way, as a sport fan, hockey fan, or Blue Jackets fan, to express myself.
Like I said in the cast, I originally just planned to write, then read. But it didn't seem right. False, even. I just wanted to express things in the here and now, with an hour to go before the Jackets' first ever playoff game.
A little rambly, a little emotional, but still some thoughts on my heart and on my mind as the clock winds down.
Go Blue Jackets.
Labels: Blue Jackets, playoffs, podcasting
Here comes the Central Division.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
It was just a few years ago that, amongst the hockey world, fans and writers alike bemoaned the fact that the Detroit Red Wings, winner of three of the last four President's Trophies, feasted upon a weak group of Central Division teams. The Blackhawks were in nothing short of disarray, and the Predators, while competitive, have never done better than .500 against the Wings since the season before the lockout. The Blues have fared just about the same, as well. And the Jackets? Well, this will be the first season they ever finish, at least, at .500 against the Winged Wheel.
This season? Well, true, the Hawks have been swept in their first four against the Wings, and so have the Blues for that matter in five of their six games. But in spite of this, the Central Division has ultimately found itself in a rather unique situation:
Barring the Hawks record in the last 10, as well as the current downtrend of the Predators, all of the teams in the Central have been scrapping it out rather diligently. The Blues, who could be considered the "worst" of the lot, are still just 2 points out of a playoff spot (this will change to at least 3 after tonight's games, it should be noted).
Of course part of this is related to the overall mediocrity of the teams vying for their part in the playoff picture, with some rather low point totals overall. But even factoring that in, there is the outside chance that each team in the Central Division -- yes, every team -- could get in to the playoffs.
Of course with so many inter-divisional match-ups in this final stretch, that is some tricky math to figure out, and I'm not going to even try and figure out how all that in-fighting between the Northwest is going to affect the final standings, as in seasons past it has definitely made things rather wonky. Going by Aaron Portzline of Puck Raker's recent post, in which he downgrades the minimal points needed to get to the playoffs to 90 (by the way, Porty, the Jackets need 12 more points, not 14), this is how it would shake out for each team:
Detroit: lolwut? They already have 99 points. Just move along, everyone.
Columbus: Of course the team we care about amongst all others, so whether or not the other Central Division teams make it is not important to us for the most part. So having said that, this team needs to settle in for about a .500 record over the next 13 games. Some examples of this are by going 6-7-0, or 5-6-2. Of course getting just the projected points needed is never what one is aiming for.
Now even though, record-wise, the Jackets seem to have the easiest path (excluding the Blackhawks), they also hold a lot of team's lives in their own hands in the Central. They have 2 more games against Nashville, and 3 more games against the Hawks and Blues, respectively. You'll see when I get to the Blues how a mere 3 games can mean life or death to St. Louis right now, as they have the most precarious hold on hopefully clawing in to the top 8.
Chicago: Barring a total collapse by the Hawks, there really isn't any way they can not get 90 points, as they sit with 83 in the bank and 16 games to go. A whole 3 wins and an OTL will get them to that magic number, but expect them to win more than just a fifth of their last 16.
Nashville: Now we start getting in to the teams that are definitely going to have a harder time of it. The Predators, in spite of their torrid pace in the recent weeks, have lost 3 straight, and as a result now sit a point out of a playoff berth today. Even a win against Phoenix tonight may not be enough, as they could still be out of the top 8 depending on who else wins tonight (if both Edmonton and Dallas win, suddenly the bar is 74 and no longer 72, and 7th seed will be either 73 or 74, factoring in potential OTLs or if Minnesota can beat Dallas).
The here and now aside, to make it to the nifty 90 the Predators have to go 9-4-1, or potentially 8-3-3. Either way, they have a real fight on their hands, especially with the way their offensive output has crashed right back to earth, with a total of 4 goals in their previous 3 losses. Pekka Rinne -- who I simply do not like on the grounds that the idea of him winning the Calder Trophy is ridiculous babble (in my homer opinion) -- can only carry this team for so long, after all.
St. Louis: It would have been a lot easier to make a case for St. Louis if they hadn't continued to choke against the Red Wings, like they did today when the Wings dropped a three-ton weight on their playoff hopes by hammering them for 3 goals in less than a minute, and going on to lose 5-2. But that is simply how it goes sometimes, and with 20 points separating them and 90 with 14 games to go, it's even uglier for the Blues than it is the Predators.
This team really has no more room for error, and if this late-season surge of theirs is going to pay off, they have to grab at least 10 wins in their final 14, going 10-4-0. Or if you want to show them a little leniency, they could potentially go for 9-3-2. But either way, they need six more wins than regulation losses.
Focusing specifically on what Nashville and St. Louis have to do, and from the position of someone who would be rooting for all five teams to make the playoffs in the division -- the first time ever in the NHL in who knows how long -- there's one small blessing in the fact that the Predators and the Blues do not face one another any more this season.
Both teams are in the unfortunate position of having a great majority of games on the road, too. The Blues and the Predators both have 9 road games and 5 home games left, and neither has a winning record when away from the confines of their home rinks, either.
Funny how the more and more we dissect this, the further and further away from getting 90 points these two teams are, huh?
Let me just close this topic up by saying that I really have no idea what could potentially happen over the next month. Logic would have dictated -- and certain bloggers from years past have even said this -- that the total points needed to get in to the playoffs would have risen due to the 3-point games that every team now plays thanks to the shootout. But instead, we've seen teams with as low as 94, 92, and even 91 points (Nashville last year) squeak on in, defying what should have been a rational assumption about points needed to get in.
I don't have the time, nor the energy to try and get in to what the current minimal point total could be to get in to the playoffs if we crunched every potential game conclusion between now and April, but with the way things have been going now, I almost wonder if we really will see a team make it in with 90, or even 89 for that matter. We'll just have to wait and see, right?
This season? Well, true, the Hawks have been swept in their first four against the Wings, and so have the Blues for that matter in five of their six games. But in spite of this, the Central Division has ultimately found itself in a rather unique situation:
Barring the Hawks record in the last 10, as well as the current downtrend of the Predators, all of the teams in the Central have been scrapping it out rather diligently. The Blues, who could be considered the "worst" of the lot, are still just 2 points out of a playoff spot (this will change to at least 3 after tonight's games, it should be noted).
Of course part of this is related to the overall mediocrity of the teams vying for their part in the playoff picture, with some rather low point totals overall. But even factoring that in, there is the outside chance that each team in the Central Division -- yes, every team -- could get in to the playoffs.
Of course with so many inter-divisional match-ups in this final stretch, that is some tricky math to figure out, and I'm not going to even try and figure out how all that in-fighting between the Northwest is going to affect the final standings, as in seasons past it has definitely made things rather wonky. Going by Aaron Portzline of Puck Raker's recent post, in which he downgrades the minimal points needed to get to the playoffs to 90 (by the way, Porty, the Jackets need 12 more points, not 14), this is how it would shake out for each team:
Detroit: lolwut? They already have 99 points. Just move along, everyone.
Columbus: Of course the team we care about amongst all others, so whether or not the other Central Division teams make it is not important to us for the most part. So having said that, this team needs to settle in for about a .500 record over the next 13 games. Some examples of this are by going 6-7-0, or 5-6-2. Of course getting just the projected points needed is never what one is aiming for.
Now even though, record-wise, the Jackets seem to have the easiest path (excluding the Blackhawks), they also hold a lot of team's lives in their own hands in the Central. They have 2 more games against Nashville, and 3 more games against the Hawks and Blues, respectively. You'll see when I get to the Blues how a mere 3 games can mean life or death to St. Louis right now, as they have the most precarious hold on hopefully clawing in to the top 8.
Chicago: Barring a total collapse by the Hawks, there really isn't any way they can not get 90 points, as they sit with 83 in the bank and 16 games to go. A whole 3 wins and an OTL will get them to that magic number, but expect them to win more than just a fifth of their last 16.
Nashville: Now we start getting in to the teams that are definitely going to have a harder time of it. The Predators, in spite of their torrid pace in the recent weeks, have lost 3 straight, and as a result now sit a point out of a playoff berth today. Even a win against Phoenix tonight may not be enough, as they could still be out of the top 8 depending on who else wins tonight (if both Edmonton and Dallas win, suddenly the bar is 74 and no longer 72, and 7th seed will be either 73 or 74, factoring in potential OTLs or if Minnesota can beat Dallas).
The here and now aside, to make it to the nifty 90 the Predators have to go 9-4-1, or potentially 8-3-3. Either way, they have a real fight on their hands, especially with the way their offensive output has crashed right back to earth, with a total of 4 goals in their previous 3 losses. Pekka Rinne -- who I simply do not like on the grounds that the idea of him winning the Calder Trophy is ridiculous babble (in my homer opinion) -- can only carry this team for so long, after all.
St. Louis: It would have been a lot easier to make a case for St. Louis if they hadn't continued to choke against the Red Wings, like they did today when the Wings dropped a three-ton weight on their playoff hopes by hammering them for 3 goals in less than a minute, and going on to lose 5-2. But that is simply how it goes sometimes, and with 20 points separating them and 90 with 14 games to go, it's even uglier for the Blues than it is the Predators.
This team really has no more room for error, and if this late-season surge of theirs is going to pay off, they have to grab at least 10 wins in their final 14, going 10-4-0. Or if you want to show them a little leniency, they could potentially go for 9-3-2. But either way, they need six more wins than regulation losses.
Focusing specifically on what Nashville and St. Louis have to do, and from the position of someone who would be rooting for all five teams to make the playoffs in the division -- the first time ever in the NHL in who knows how long -- there's one small blessing in the fact that the Predators and the Blues do not face one another any more this season.
Both teams are in the unfortunate position of having a great majority of games on the road, too. The Blues and the Predators both have 9 road games and 5 home games left, and neither has a winning record when away from the confines of their home rinks, either.
Funny how the more and more we dissect this, the further and further away from getting 90 points these two teams are, huh?
Let me just close this topic up by saying that I really have no idea what could potentially happen over the next month. Logic would have dictated -- and certain bloggers from years past have even said this -- that the total points needed to get in to the playoffs would have risen due to the 3-point games that every team now plays thanks to the shootout. But instead, we've seen teams with as low as 94, 92, and even 91 points (Nashville last year) squeak on in, defying what should have been a rational assumption about points needed to get in.
I don't have the time, nor the energy to try and get in to what the current minimal point total could be to get in to the playoffs if we crunched every potential game conclusion between now and April, but with the way things have been going now, I almost wonder if we really will see a team make it in with 90, or even 89 for that matter. We'll just have to wait and see, right?
Labels: central division, playoffs, statistics
Counting for dummies, deja vu, and the NHL dropping the ball on online video.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
I'm ashamed of you all, folks. I've been hearing about just how hard these Dis or Dats have been for a lot of you. You just can't handle a little pop culture trivia, can you? Can you!?
Fine, then. Let's give everyone here a Dis or Dat more on their level for today:
And when you're done with that, maybe we can all take a nap after having some milk and cookies!
Playful mocking of my (very few) wonderful readers aside, how about those Eastern Conference Finals, huh? And here I thought that I was crazy for saying that either Buffalo or Ottawa was going to pull off a series win in just five games. If things continue the way they've been going, we'll see a series sweep of the Sabres by sometime tonight!
Actually, as I watched Monday's game, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity wash over me as the game progressed. The low shot count (15) ... the horrible power play (that even led to a 2-on-0 for the shorthanded Senators!) ... no scoring ... an absolutely discombobulated defense that was only kept in the game because of a goalie fighting for his dear life ...
... and then it hit me!:
Yeah, that's right. Welcome to the ice ... your Buffalo Yellow Sabres!!
Columbus Sabre Jackets, Buffalo Blue Sabres, and various other name plays are also acceptable. Either way, they played as bad as -- if not worse than -- the Blue Jackets prior to the hiring of Ken Hitchcock. Ironic, since it was a 1-0 loss that forced the Jackets' to make that coaching change. Maybe that means they'll fire Lindy Ruff before game four? Well, probably not ... but I have a feeling his job security is under some serious fire right about now over in Buffaslug, U.S.A.
But don't worry, Buffalo. Columbus is just a few hours drive away. And we have some pretty nice golf courses around here! Maybe Rick Nash and Daniel Briere can link up on the greens to decide off the ice who should have won the All-Star MVP award from this season, eh?
But enough about the lowly Sabres and their soon-to-be finished playoff run. I have a bone to pick with the NHL, and in particular, the way they've gone about their use of YouTube to branch out to potential hockey fans.
As most everybody knows by now, the NHL came to an agreement with YouTube some several months back, where the league would regularly upload clips of games, plays/goals/saves of the week, and even the occasional special video. For a while, this was good. In fact, for a time, I could regularly rely on NHL Video-related uploads to be in the Top Viewed slots on YouTube. At least in the Top 100.
But the thing about such a venture is that you can't just sit on your hands and expect simple recap clips to do the work for you.
Let me use as an example the NBA; for anyone who hasn't noticed, since the latter part of the basketball season, the NBA has been aggressively pursuing the use of YouTube for their own clips. Imitation is a form of flattery, I suppose, and so the NHL should feel flattered that their closest competitor in the sports market would follow in their footsteps.
But here's the thing ... here's the important part about taking advantage of YouTube while the rest of the professional sport's leagues are only now catching up in terms of internet video; the presentation is as important as the content.
Compare the user page for the NBA to the page for the NHL. A simple enough start to my point, where you'll see that even for something as simple as a userpage, the appearance can breed a positive impression if it looks professional, but a negative impression if it looks amateur.
But let's also compare the videos, too, since those are the most important aspects of YouTube and using the site in the first place. Take a look at an NBA video ... pretty much any NBA video. What do you see? That's right; they don't use a simple, re-aired feed of a game, or just splice together a bunch of top plays. No, they actually use their feed from NBA TV, which allows for commentary during their daily playoff coverage, as well as replaying of top plays.
And look at how fast they update, too! It's Wednesday, April 16th, and already they've been able to throw up their pre-game capsule of what to expect today, the recap of the previous day's games, and the top 10 plays from yesterday! Obviously the people who work for the NBA in this division are on the ball when it comes to quick yet quality updates.
The same can't be said for the NHL, sadly. And don't think I am taking for granted what I am getting from the NHL via YouTube, either ... because honestly, I'm happy that they're even trying to bring me video highlights and weekly/monthly top plays. But the problem is that when you compare it to other leagues such as the NBA, and what they're doing on sites like YouTube? It's like comparing peanuts to a chicken parmesan sandwich when trying to figure out what you want for dinner.
The frustrating part is that if the NHL actually had people who were willing and able to update their videos in the wee hours of the morning like the NBA does, this wouldn't be an issue. The NHL has the NHL Network, which means it isn't impossible for them to do something similar to, if not on par with, what the NBA does by using clips from NBA TV.
I don't know, man. It just seems to me like this whole "Once they see the product, they won't need all the bells and whistles" mentality of the NHL isn't working. They need to evolve their method of posting on YouTube ... not just stick with what they've been doing since the beginning.
But, hey. Just my opinion.
Fine, then. Let's give everyone here a Dis or Dat more on their level for today:
And when you're done with that, maybe we can all take a nap after having some milk and cookies!
Playful mocking of my (very few) wonderful readers aside, how about those Eastern Conference Finals, huh? And here I thought that I was crazy for saying that either Buffalo or Ottawa was going to pull off a series win in just five games. If things continue the way they've been going, we'll see a series sweep of the Sabres by sometime tonight!
Actually, as I watched Monday's game, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity wash over me as the game progressed. The low shot count (15) ... the horrible power play (that even led to a 2-on-0 for the shorthanded Senators!) ... no scoring ... an absolutely discombobulated defense that was only kept in the game because of a goalie fighting for his dear life ...
... and then it hit me!:
Yeah, that's right. Welcome to the ice ... your Buffalo Yellow Sabres!!
Columbus Sabre Jackets, Buffalo Blue Sabres, and various other name plays are also acceptable. Either way, they played as bad as -- if not worse than -- the Blue Jackets prior to the hiring of Ken Hitchcock. Ironic, since it was a 1-0 loss that forced the Jackets' to make that coaching change. Maybe that means they'll fire Lindy Ruff before game four? Well, probably not ... but I have a feeling his job security is under some serious fire right about now over in Buffaslug, U.S.A.
But don't worry, Buffalo. Columbus is just a few hours drive away. And we have some pretty nice golf courses around here! Maybe Rick Nash and Daniel Briere can link up on the greens to decide off the ice who should have won the All-Star MVP award from this season, eh?
But enough about the lowly Sabres and their soon-to-be finished playoff run. I have a bone to pick with the NHL, and in particular, the way they've gone about their use of YouTube to branch out to potential hockey fans.
As most everybody knows by now, the NHL came to an agreement with YouTube some several months back, where the league would regularly upload clips of games, plays/goals/saves of the week, and even the occasional special video. For a while, this was good. In fact, for a time, I could regularly rely on NHL Video-related uploads to be in the Top Viewed slots on YouTube. At least in the Top 100.
But the thing about such a venture is that you can't just sit on your hands and expect simple recap clips to do the work for you.
Let me use as an example the NBA; for anyone who hasn't noticed, since the latter part of the basketball season, the NBA has been aggressively pursuing the use of YouTube for their own clips. Imitation is a form of flattery, I suppose, and so the NHL should feel flattered that their closest competitor in the sports market would follow in their footsteps.
But here's the thing ... here's the important part about taking advantage of YouTube while the rest of the professional sport's leagues are only now catching up in terms of internet video; the presentation is as important as the content.
Compare the user page for the NBA to the page for the NHL. A simple enough start to my point, where you'll see that even for something as simple as a userpage, the appearance can breed a positive impression if it looks professional, but a negative impression if it looks amateur.
But let's also compare the videos, too, since those are the most important aspects of YouTube and using the site in the first place. Take a look at an NBA video ... pretty much any NBA video. What do you see? That's right; they don't use a simple, re-aired feed of a game, or just splice together a bunch of top plays. No, they actually use their feed from NBA TV, which allows for commentary during their daily playoff coverage, as well as replaying of top plays.
And look at how fast they update, too! It's Wednesday, April 16th, and already they've been able to throw up their pre-game capsule of what to expect today, the recap of the previous day's games, and the top 10 plays from yesterday! Obviously the people who work for the NBA in this division are on the ball when it comes to quick yet quality updates.
The same can't be said for the NHL, sadly. And don't think I am taking for granted what I am getting from the NHL via YouTube, either ... because honestly, I'm happy that they're even trying to bring me video highlights and weekly/monthly top plays. But the problem is that when you compare it to other leagues such as the NBA, and what they're doing on sites like YouTube? It's like comparing peanuts to a chicken parmesan sandwich when trying to figure out what you want for dinner.
The frustrating part is that if the NHL actually had people who were willing and able to update their videos in the wee hours of the morning like the NBA does, this wouldn't be an issue. The NHL has the NHL Network, which means it isn't impossible for them to do something similar to, if not on par with, what the NBA does by using clips from NBA TV.
I don't know, man. It just seems to me like this whole "Once they see the product, they won't need all the bells and whistles" mentality of the NHL isn't working. They need to evolve their method of posting on YouTube ... not just stick with what they've been doing since the beginning.
But, hey. Just my opinion.
Labels: Dis or Dat, nhl videos, playoffs
This post needs more cowbell.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
Apparently David Hasslehoff continues to be videotaped doing the most embarrassing things, if today's Dis or Dat is any indication. I may just start relying on these as my source for pop culture news. Better than sleazy celebrity magazines, right?
It's a shame that I can't watch any more of the IIHF World Championships, since the rest of the games don't exactly mesh well with my work times the rest of this week. Even as we speak, Rick Nash and Jason Chimera have potted a point apiece in the ongoing game against Sweden. If I knew how to use proxy IPs I'd sneak a viewing of it through TSN Broadband, since only Canadian IPs are allowed to watch online. Oh well ... Team Canada's currently up 3-1 at the time of this writing, and so barring a collapse, I'll continue to be able to hear about Nasher and Chimmer tearing it up in Russia. Too bad I won't be able to see or hear any more about David Vyborny's exploits, as the Czech. team was thumped by Russia. But Finland plays Team USA later today, and maybe ol' Freddy Norrena will be between the pipes.
Back in North America, the Eastern Conference Finals start tonight against the two teams that the Blue Jackets whooped in the regular season; the Sabres and the Senators. Just think, it was a little over three months ago that hordes of Sabres fans Columbus left in a beer-chugging, car window-smashing, chuld abusing delusional rage after losing to the lowly Jackets. Man, those were some memories. Though the memories of just outright thrashing the Senators 6-2 a month before are also pretty delightful.
Man, I almost want to root for the Senators, based solely off of that nasty experience. Almost. But in the end, I really have no real preference to either team one way or the other. I just know that this is going to be one helluva series. Then again, I'm sure even people who don't follow hockey can assume that much, just from how much attention the bad blood between these teams got after that itsy bitsy kerfluffle they had near the end of February.
I'm not going to make any predictions about who will win ... but even so, I'm going to buck the trend of guesstimating that this will be some long, drawn-out series that goes the distance. Whoever wins is going to do it in five games.
Overtime: And on a completely unrelated subject, I caught Eric at Off Wing's comment about how the Jackets won't even sniff the playoffs until 2011 (that's a whole four seasons away, by the way) while he was making a point about how a penny saved now might just save a season somewhere down the road. I certainly agree with that ... but even so? Dude ... four seasons? Just ... dude. Dude, no. No, dude. Three seasons is my over/under bet, based off of hopefully freed cap space after this year. I'd go with four seasons if, say ... the new GM turns out to be Bobby Clarke or Craig Patrick, though.
It's a shame that I can't watch any more of the IIHF World Championships, since the rest of the games don't exactly mesh well with my work times the rest of this week. Even as we speak, Rick Nash and Jason Chimera have potted a point apiece in the ongoing game against Sweden. If I knew how to use proxy IPs I'd sneak a viewing of it through TSN Broadband, since only Canadian IPs are allowed to watch online. Oh well ... Team Canada's currently up 3-1 at the time of this writing, and so barring a collapse, I'll continue to be able to hear about Nasher and Chimmer tearing it up in Russia. Too bad I won't be able to see or hear any more about David Vyborny's exploits, as the Czech. team was thumped by Russia. But Finland plays Team USA later today, and maybe ol' Freddy Norrena will be between the pipes.
Back in North America, the Eastern Conference Finals start tonight against the two teams that the Blue Jackets whooped in the regular season; the Sabres and the Senators. Just think, it was a little over three months ago that hordes of Sabres fans Columbus left in a beer-chugging, car window-smashing, chuld abusing delusional rage after losing to the lowly Jackets. Man, those were some memories. Though the memories of just outright thrashing the Senators 6-2 a month before are also pretty delightful.
Man, I almost want to root for the Senators, based solely off of that nasty experience. Almost. But in the end, I really have no real preference to either team one way or the other. I just know that this is going to be one helluva series. Then again, I'm sure even people who don't follow hockey can assume that much, just from how much attention the bad blood between these teams got after that itsy bitsy kerfluffle they had near the end of February.
I'm not going to make any predictions about who will win ... but even so, I'm going to buck the trend of guesstimating that this will be some long, drawn-out series that goes the distance. Whoever wins is going to do it in five games.
Overtime: And on a completely unrelated subject, I caught Eric at Off Wing's comment about how the Jackets won't even sniff the playoffs until 2011 (that's a whole four seasons away, by the way) while he was making a point about how a penny saved now might just save a season somewhere down the road. I certainly agree with that ... but even so? Dude ... four seasons? Just ... dude. Dude, no. No, dude. Three seasons is my over/under bet, based off of hopefully freed cap space after this year. I'd go with four seasons if, say ... the new GM turns out to be Bobby Clarke or Craig Patrick, though.
Labels: Blue Jackets, Dis or Dat, international hockey, playoffs
A trifecta of posts over three days? Amazing!
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
You want the Dis or Dat? You want the Dis or Dat?! You can't handle the Dis or Dat!
In other news, the Detroit Red Wings beat the Sharks 2-0 last night, securing themselves a spot in the Western Conference Finals where they'll face the Anaheim Ducks. I'm sure what I'm about to say next won't come as a shock to any readers, but let me just make it abundantly clear that I want to see the Wings crash and burn in a miserably embarassing display of pathetic play against the Ducks. I do not want Hockeytown to win the Stanley Cup this season.
Of course you could presume I say this simply because I'm a Blue Jackets' fan, or that since I live in Columbus, OSU has affected my feelings towards that stupid state north of me, and thus resulted in having an innate loathing for all things Michigan. If anything, those would be just minor motivations.
To be frank, Detroit winning a Stanley Cup would not be good either for the NHL, or for fans in Detroit. Crazy logic considering just how much you hear about there being Red Wings fans across the U.S. due to the team's bandwagon appeal, huh? Mind you, this is just my humble opinion, and I'm no financial or marketing expert.
But look at what we already know: The Red Wings are desperately trying to sell out their home games, but to no avail. Of course we've all heard the reasons ... the price hike to tickets despite the sagging Detroit economy; the competition with an equally dominant Pistons team in the NBA, or the Tigers in the MLB, both of whom are taking a great, big bite in to that chewy, delicious sports market.
Furthermore, the Red Wings have been accused by some Detroit bloggers as being out of touch when it comes to marketing and fan appreciation. While other teams in the National Hockey League must regularly attempt to draw their fans through giveaways, appreciative gestures and special events, the Red Wings continue to sit on their hands and just take advantage of their playoff run. Three Stanley Cups in three years is nothing to disregard, but it isn't enough if you're still losing fans. It still amazes me how that "waiting list" that Detroit regularly touted for season tickets just ... vanished overnight.
Some things, a Stanley Cup just will not fix. A Stanley Cup for Detroit is not going to bring any more fans to their games. And do you know why? Ticket prices would once again raise the following season. If fans are already showing disapproval of the current ticket hike for these playoffs by not selling out the Joe, what makes you think they'll come back next season when those prices are made even higher, regardless of the fact that the Wings have a shiny, giant, silver trophy that doesn't float in Mario Lemieux's pool to their credit the previous season?
Detroit may be "Hockeytown", but unless it up and moves several dozens miles north in to Canadian territory through the wonders of magic relocation, the team can not afford to raise ticket prices any more, even with a new Stanley Cup win to add to their belt. After all, they're not in Toronto.
Sometimes, the best thing to happen to a team is to lose. And frankly, if Detroit wants to see Ilitch and team management do anything about the disconnection to their fans, both hardcore and casual, they need to make changes off the ice and in their financial and P.R. strategy. And for starters, they might want to try something like ... oh, I don't know ... having practices open to the public?
Besides ... I can't be the only one here who would like to see a new team win the Cup now that three of the four remaining teams have never won one, right?
In other news, the Detroit Red Wings beat the Sharks 2-0 last night, securing themselves a spot in the Western Conference Finals where they'll face the Anaheim Ducks. I'm sure what I'm about to say next won't come as a shock to any readers, but let me just make it abundantly clear that I want to see the Wings crash and burn in a miserably embarassing display of pathetic play against the Ducks. I do not want Hockeytown to win the Stanley Cup this season.
Of course you could presume I say this simply because I'm a Blue Jackets' fan, or that since I live in Columbus, OSU has affected my feelings towards that stupid state north of me, and thus resulted in having an innate loathing for all things Michigan. If anything, those would be just minor motivations.
To be frank, Detroit winning a Stanley Cup would not be good either for the NHL, or for fans in Detroit. Crazy logic considering just how much you hear about there being Red Wings fans across the U.S. due to the team's bandwagon appeal, huh? Mind you, this is just my humble opinion, and I'm no financial or marketing expert.
But look at what we already know: The Red Wings are desperately trying to sell out their home games, but to no avail. Of course we've all heard the reasons ... the price hike to tickets despite the sagging Detroit economy; the competition with an equally dominant Pistons team in the NBA, or the Tigers in the MLB, both of whom are taking a great, big bite in to that chewy, delicious sports market.
Furthermore, the Red Wings have been accused by some Detroit bloggers as being out of touch when it comes to marketing and fan appreciation. While other teams in the National Hockey League must regularly attempt to draw their fans through giveaways, appreciative gestures and special events, the Red Wings continue to sit on their hands and just take advantage of their playoff run. Three Stanley Cups in three years is nothing to disregard, but it isn't enough if you're still losing fans. It still amazes me how that "waiting list" that Detroit regularly touted for season tickets just ... vanished overnight.
Some things, a Stanley Cup just will not fix. A Stanley Cup for Detroit is not going to bring any more fans to their games. And do you know why? Ticket prices would once again raise the following season. If fans are already showing disapproval of the current ticket hike for these playoffs by not selling out the Joe, what makes you think they'll come back next season when those prices are made even higher, regardless of the fact that the Wings have a shiny, giant, silver trophy that doesn't float in Mario Lemieux's pool to their credit the previous season?
Detroit may be "Hockeytown", but unless it up and moves several dozens miles north in to Canadian territory through the wonders of magic relocation, the team can not afford to raise ticket prices any more, even with a new Stanley Cup win to add to their belt. After all, they're not in Toronto.
Sometimes, the best thing to happen to a team is to lose. And frankly, if Detroit wants to see Ilitch and team management do anything about the disconnection to their fans, both hardcore and casual, they need to make changes off the ice and in their financial and P.R. strategy. And for starters, they might want to try something like ... oh, I don't know ... having practices open to the public?
Besides ... I can't be the only one here who would like to see a new team win the Cup now that three of the four remaining teams have never won one, right?
Labels: Detroit Red Wings, Dis or Dat, playoffs
HAIR BAND OVERLOAD!!OEN1!!NEO!!!
Sunday, April 22, 2007
I'd been looking for a reason to post this music video, and the Devils winning their opening playoff round and moving on to the next one gave me the perfect excuse. Remember that I grew up my whole life in New Jersey, and while I am now a true, Blue Jackets' fan ... that doesn't mean I don't take a glance back home to see how the team which first introduced me to hockey as a young'n is doing.
(What did we learn from this, class? Electrocution + "pride" stomping = death)
As you can see, this video is a prime example of what is about to happen to those pathetic Ottawa Senators. The Senators? Weak, frail, and scared of once again choking in the playoffs against a team which dispatched them in dramatic fashion during the 02-03 season. Here we see the sub-conscious representation of the Senators in the mind of their fans, who are always scared they'll fail:
Meanwhile, the Devils are powerful! Strong! Eeeevil! They know how to manhandle their opponents, and will crush the Senators pride (among other things) with unbridled rage! Here we see the sub-conscious representation of the New Jersey Devils, who their fans know are both intimidating and ruthless:
Count your blessings, Sherry! The Senators are going down!
(Hah! Like I said, I just wanted an excuse to post this video. It just plain cracked me up when my friend sent me it earlier this week.)
(What did we learn from this, class? Electrocution + "pride" stomping = death)
As you can see, this video is a prime example of what is about to happen to those pathetic Ottawa Senators. The Senators? Weak, frail, and scared of once again choking in the playoffs against a team which dispatched them in dramatic fashion during the 02-03 season. Here we see the sub-conscious representation of the Senators in the mind of their fans, who are always scared they'll fail:
Meanwhile, the Devils are powerful! Strong! Eeeevil! They know how to manhandle their opponents, and will crush the Senators pride (among other things) with unbridled rage! Here we see the sub-conscious representation of the New Jersey Devils, who their fans know are both intimidating and ruthless:
Count your blessings, Sherry! The Senators are going down!
(Hah! Like I said, I just wanted an excuse to post this video. It just plain cracked me up when my friend sent me it earlier this week.)
