Benefits of a 28 game season
Update: Things aren’t looking good anymore at 4:20. Fan 590 reported that talks broke off at a bad point with players pretty angry. I’m getting really frustrated with this insane rollercoaster. If they keep this kind of stuff up, more and more fans are just going to give up and leave. This isn’t good…
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As of 3:41pm (eastern), I’m hearing too many positive media comments about a deal being reached. Team 590 reportedly found the place of the bargaining and there were wires and everything going out to prepare for a press conference. Eklund (if you choose to agree or disagree) says that rumor has a press conference at 6pm today.
I’ve also heard many people complaining about having a 28 game season. I think it’s better then no hockey until this fall. Here are my reasons why:
1) TV Deal and advertisers. The New York Post brought up a couple of good points:
“Bettman, meanwhile, has his own issues with which to contend. Not only has ESPN made it clear that it may exercise its freedom of choice not to televise the league next year, not only have a significant number of mid- and large-market teams urged the commissioner to get on with the victory lap, but The Post has learned of warnings from a major advertiser that it will move its money elsewhere if a deal is not completed in timely fashion.”
2) Players are going to be rusty whether it’s now or this fall. For some, they’re not playing league hockey. Another 7 months isn’t going to help their conditioning, probably worsen it. Plus, if the players over in Europe leave to come back for NHL hockey- some players get their jobs back on the team. Same with UHL/AHL players.
3) If the rumors are correct, the NHL can test out new rules on the shortened season. Referees will probably be more likely to consistently make calls in a shortened season. If the rules don’t seem to be working or making the changes wanted, it’s only a 28 game season plus playoffs. Better that then an 82 game season plus playoffs to see how new rules would work.
4) There would be a draft, which is in jeapordy as long as they can’t come to an agreement. We could see the likes of Sidney Crosby and others fulfilling their childhood dreams of making it to the NHL.
5) Like someone mentioned on the LetsGoWings.com forum, this is the most publicity hockey has received since the Bertuzzi incident. I mean the news about the lockout has actually been everywhere in the US, the likelihood of drawing curious onlookers is heightened. On the flip side, with this emotional roller coaster some previous fans may leave the sport.
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