Hockey Newsletter - Jan. 19, 2000
The Government has tossed a bone to the Canadian teams. A cabinet-issued federal aid package will be negotiated on a team-by-team basis but is contingent upon further aid from the league, the municipality and the province in which the team plays.
So is everybody happy? Well, chief... er... spokesowner for the cause, Rod Bryden, says he's "put the for sale sign back in his garage." Lucky us. The kudos and criticisms are being heard loud and clear in the CTVSportsnet.com fan forums:
Camilo:
It's a difficult question. Sure, Canadian teams deserve tax breaks if other "Canadian cultural organizations" such as Nortel, Bombardier, Irving Oil, and Hollywood movie studios receive them.
However, why should the government give taxpayers' money to greedy owners such as Rod Bryden just so that he can move the team in a few more years. Why should the government pay money to multi-millionaires/billionaires when thousands of people are living on the street?
Let the NHL teams go. If Canadians truly love hockey, we can create our own league where players play for the love of the game instead of the allure of the American buck.
William McEachern:
How many jobs does pro hockey make in Canada? Everyone talks about rich hockey players and owners and how they already have tons of money, but they forget the 1,200 people who work for the Ottawa team alone. They don't make much money, and they will be out of work if the team leaves.
Brad Lippitt :
The responsibility for this mess must be shared by all parties concerned. I haven't seen the NHLPA accept any responsibility at all when they are a major part of the problem. The only long term solution is a salary cap and unless the fans demand that the NHLPA accept that, nothing is going to change. How much money does an NHL player deserve? Enough is enough! FANS UNITE, SALARY CAP IN 2004!
Who's hot...
* The Washington Capitals. Where did they come from? Last time we looked at the standings they were in the No Dice Zone (TM). Not anymore. With a 5-game winning streak, including an impressive road win over the league-leading Devils, the Caps have looked more like the Stanley Cup contenders of 2 years ago. Maybe the recent AOL/Time-Warner merger has put the buzz in their shorts... Ted Leonsis, the Caps' majority partner just happens to be president of the AOL Interactive Properties Group. Coincidence? You be the judge!
* Roman Turek of the St. Louis Blues. Well, maybe he's not hot -- just solid, consistent and not going to the All-Star Game, so we thought we'd give him his due. Last year this 29-year old Czech played second fiddle to Eddie the Spreadeagle in the Stars' Stanley Cup season. This year Turek is leading the league in goals-against-average, and leading the surprising Blues to the top of the standings. And with the other more famous Czech goalie still down and out with that goofy groin, could this be the Rise of the Roman Empire between the pipes?
* Fred Brathwaite of the Calgary Flames. And no, we're not just celebrating goalies that won't be going to the All Star Game. Earlier this season, the Flames couldn't buy a win. They weren't consistent and they couldn't find a steady goalie. Freddy made them change their minds. Since December 2nd, Calgary's newest hero has had 4 shutouts, including that double donut with Dallas, and a brilliant night this past week in a 4-0 win over the Hogtown Leafs. Behind Brathwaite's play, the Flames have quietly moved into a playoff spot... ssshhh!
Who's not...
* Detroit Red Wings. We're sure it's just a mid-season blip, but these guys have slipped from first to 5th overall. This team is determined to win that Stanley Cup that eluded them last year; but championship teams, even in a slight slump, should NEVER get shut out by the Montreal Canadiens! Well, not in this decade anyway!
* Eric Lindros of the Philadelphia Flyers. It's bad enough getting your noggin jarred into concussionville for the third time in a career, but to have it happen during a1-0 loss to Atlanta?! Shameful! Poor Eric plays a tough game, and every season he keeps finding out the hard way that people love to give it back to the bully. Anyway, expect the Big E to be out for a week.
In the corners
And speaking of injuries...
Ray Bourque won't be flashing his pearly whites at any All Star photo op next month. The Boston workhorse lost 3 teeth against the Thrashers this week (what is it with this Atlanta team? Ted Turner and Jane Fonda split up and it's "look out, we're ready to carve you up!") But seriously folks, this season has been one of the worst for injuries.
Recent data:
Mike Modano, another concussion;
Jason Allison, wrist and thumb (on 2 different hands, don't you know);
Alexei Zhamnov's leg ain't right;
neither is Adam Deadmarsh's knee;
Jaromir Jagr, strained rib cage cartilage
Recent groin count (prominent groins only) 6:
Dominik Hasek
Brett Hull
Darren McCarty
Craig Rivet
Scott Niedermayer
Alexander Mogilny
The good news is, Jagr doesn't have a groin injury this time 'round, so no girdles in prime time!