The NHL Has A Golden Opportunity

If the NHL is smart they will defuse all of these conspiracy theories around the refereeing of the Winter Classic by revealing on 24/7 what was said between the referees and what went on at the situation room in Toronto. If any of the above is omitted from the episode it will do nothing to fan the flames.

PS – It’s amazing how sensitive the NHL is to words (fining Torts $30K, suspending Avery, etc.), yet hits to the head yield a paltry $2,500 fine and a two game suspension. Unfriggan-believable.

Key Financial Information Leaked

In a bit of underrated news, supposedly some financial information involving ticket sales was leaked to the Toronto Star. To no surprise the bottom feeders were the Phoenix Coyotes and the Florida Panthers.

Bloggers at SBNation Tampa Bay seem to think that the NHL is purposely leaking this information to either prove that Florida teams aren’t in the dire straits the media makes them out to be or perhaps to amp up the pressure for Phoenix’s eventual relocation.

Let me assure you that no professional sports organization leaks financial information on purpose. Trade rumors perhaps, but not financials. There are many reasons why the NHL wouldn’t do this and I could sit here and list them for you, but you would eventually lose interest and close our webpage.

But here’s one reason to take with you. The NHL does not want the NHLPA to have any insider figures, especially this close to negotiation season.

Time Warner & The Situation w/ Local Blackouts

A lot of people are angry at Dolan & Company for pulling MSG off of Time Warner, as they should be, and obviously there are a lot of questions about how fans living in the Time Warner footprint will be able to access MSG telecasts.

Unfortunately, those who have the NHL Network or subscribe to NHL Center Ice still won’t be able to watch upcoming Rangers games as all live telecasts are blacked out in local markets. This is done with all sports leagues and they are intended to protect the rights of the league’s national and regional broadcast partners. There are certain websites that will have the feed for free, but be aware, they are not legal.

Are The Rangers Ready To Contend?

Finally, one last bit about the Rangers since this is after all a Rangers blog. Has the Rangers dominance this season changed your pre-season expectations for this team? If so, will you be disappointed if the Rangers fail to contend, even though most of us said 2013 or 2014 would be the year to do so? Let’s hear it.

*Side note: I want three chants started at MSG tonight. “These refs suck!” Followed by “You can’t fine us!” And finally “Get Well Neal!”

Make it happen Rangers fans.

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