NHL at the All-Star Break

With the NHL season resuming tonight, here's a refresher of the first half of the season and a preview for the second half.

Eastern Conference Team to Beat: New York Rangers (32-12-4 66 pts.)- The Rangers have the second best defense in the NHL and goalie Henrik Lundqvist is having a career year (.937 save %, 1.87 GAA) and the Rangers are playing their best hockey in years. Look for the Rangers to compete with Detroit for the President's Trophy.

Western Conference Team to Beat: Detroit Red Wings (33-16-1 67 pts.)- The veteran-led Red Wings are running through the Central Division right now. The Wings have 5 players who have over 30 points and their defense is ranked 6th in the NHL. The Wings look to be a complete team and a force to be reckoned with in the West.

Surprise Team: Florida Panthers (22-15-11, 55 pts.) In a division that includes Washington and Tampa Bay, no one saw the Panthers sneak up and end up in a tie for first place. Behind Kris Versteeg (19 goals, 24 assists), who is well on his way to a career year, the Panthers have been able to generate enough offense to ride pleasant surprise Jose Theodore (2.50 GAA) to atop the division. The Panthers have considerably cooled off from their hot streak, but they have enough talent to hold off a listless Capitals team. The Southeast Division is shaping to be one of the top races of the second half.

Most Disappointing: TIE: Washington Capitals (26-19-3, 55 pts.) and Anaheim Ducks (18-23-7, 43 pts.) Both of these teams had high expectations heading into this season. The Capitals blazed out of the gate at 7-0 and were living up to their lofty preseason expectations. But soon, they collapsed. Their stars weren't scoring, their defense was crumbling, Tomas Vokoun was letting in soft goals, and Coach Bruce Bodreau lost control of his team. The team has since fired Bodreau and under new coach Dale Hunter the Caps have played better but have not reached their full capabilities yet. We'll see if they can turn it around and regain control of the division.

The Anaheim Ducks are another team that was predicted to do very well this season and with reigning MVP Corey Perry and steadfast goaltender Jonas Hiller the Ducks were sitting pretty. However a lackluster performance from Hiller and the entire Ducks' defense has been their downfall. They went through a 32 game stretch where they won only 6 games, and still have not fully recovered from that disastrous slump.



MVP: Pavel Datsyuk, C, Red Wings- With 14 goals, 39 assists, and a +20 rating, all while leading the first place Red Wings. Datsyuk also doesn't take bad penalties (only 12 penalty minutes) and has 17 points on the power play. He is also 5th in faceoffs won and has 58 hits this season.

Vezina Trophy- Henrik Lundqvist, Rangers. Lundqvist is having an incredible year ranking third in GAA (1.87) and save percentage (.937). Lundqvist is also anchoring the New York Rangers and has carried the team to their current conference lead

AFC Championship Preview

In the AFC Conference Championship game we have the top two teams in the conference, the #1 seed New England Patriots will host the #2 seed Baltimore Ravens in what promises to be an epic game.

Patriots Offense vs. Ravens Defense: This is the matchup that will decide the day. The Patriots are led by arguably the best QB in the league, Tom Brady. Brady has been dominating this season racking up 5,235 yards and 39 touchdowns. Last week versus the Broncos, Brady threw 6 touchdowns. 5 in the first half. But to compare the Broncos' defense to the Ravens is not fair. The Ravens are third in total defense (288.9 yards per game) and in scoring defense (16.6). The Ravens also have ballhawking safety Ed Reed and a fierce linebacker corps led by Ray Lewis (95 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 2 forced fumbles) and Terrell Suggs (14 sacks, 7 forced fumbles). The Ravens also have big nose tackle Haloti Ngata (5 sacks, 64 tackles). Baltimore will have to stop the Patriots dual threat of Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski who have 24 touchdowns combined. Another thing to watch is Patriots running back Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis (who has not fumbled all season) and his success on the ground.
Edge: Even

Ravens Offense vs. Patriots Defense: The Ravens will run the ball. They know it, the Patriots know it, I know it, you know it, and they're going to do it well. Ray Rice (1,364 yards, 12 TDs)  is perhaps the best back in the league and he has carried games for the Ravens before and will be a huge part in determining if the Ravens can put up enough points to win. Expect him to have success against the Patriots' 17th ranked rush defense. Now comes the question of Joe Flacco. Flacco has had a decent season (3,610 yards, 20 touchdowns) and has the talent to win games for the Ravens. But with increasing pressure both from the media and his own teammates, can he block it all out and still play good solid football and lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl? I think he can thanks to the Patriots atrocious pass defense (31st in the leauge) and the fact that he is a great playoff quarterback (4 wins on the road in the playoffs: tied for an NFL record).
Advantage: Ravens Offense

Special Teams:Both teams have solid kickers. The Patriots Stephen Gostkowski has better range and I give the edge to him in terms of field goals. Both teams punters average 46.5 yards per kick. The Ravens have a slight edge in the return game, but this category is very even.
Advantage: Even




Prediction: It's an instant classic and both teams have big plays that swing the momentum back and forth all game. But at the end of the day I think it's the Ravens 30-27

NFC Conference Championship Preview

In the NFC we have the upstart Giants fresh off their beat-down of Green Bay at Lambeau traveling to face the San Francisco 49ers. Both teams are playing at a high-level right now and I expect this game to be almost as good as the New Orleans-San Francisco game from last week.

 

Giants Offense vs. 49ers Defense: Eli Manning is playing out of his mind right now (607 yards, 67.7  completion %, 6 touchdowns, 1 interception in the two playoff games this season) and despite the 49ers great run defense (league best 77.3 yards per game) their pass defense is average and with a great QB like Eli that defense becomes even more susceptible. The Giants must be wary, however, of the 49ers great turnover margin. The 49ers rank in the top 10 in both interceptions (23) and forced fumbles (20). Eli must be sure to avoid the turnover issues that can ruin a game for him.

Advantage: Giants Offense

49ers Offense vs. Giants Defense:Alex Smith has had doubters his entire career and throughout this entire season he has been putting them to rest. He had perhaps the best game of his career in his biggest test to date (299 yards, 3 touchdowns, 0 interceptions) and is playing with a lot of confidence right now. The 49ers also have bruising tailback Frank Gore who also had a big day against the Saints (89 yards) despite only carrying the ball 13 times. The battle here will be to see if the 49ers offensive line can stop arguably the best pass rush in the NFL. The cleaner Alex Smith's jersey is the better chance the 49ers have to win. 

Advantage: Despite the Giants shutdown of Green Bay last week, the 49ers Offense is more balanced than the Packers' and is playing their best football of the year right now.

Special Teams: Some of you may remember the last time these two teams met in the playoffs (for those of you who don't: The Giants muffed two snaps on field goals and the 49ers won 39-38). So the game could very well come down to special teams and if it does the 49ers have the edge. David Akers is one of the best kickers in the league and is 7-9 from 50+ this season. The Giants kicker Lawrence Tynes can be clutch (see his game winning kick that sent the Giants to the 2008 Super Bowl) but does not have the consistency to give him the edge over Akers. In the return game there is virtually a wash as the 49ers and Giants rank almost identical in yards allowed.

Advantage: 49ers

Final Score Prediction: San Fran stays hot and moves into the Super Bowl as they best the Giants thanks to great defense and Alex Smith having another great game. 49ers 27-19

National Title Preview

You all have heard tons about this game, #1 LSU vs. #2 Alabama. SEC vs. SEC. Rematch. Defense vs. Defense. Two of the best coaches in the country. Time for the Danger Zone Sports Breakdown

Offense: LSU's ground attack is led by the two headed monster of Michael Ford (755 yards and 7 touchdowns) and Spencer Ward (700 yards, 8 touchdowns). The Tigers rank 17th in the country with 215.2 rushing yards per game and dual-threat quarterback Jordan Jefferson (248 rushing yards, 684 passing yards, 9 total touchdowns) is trusted to not make mistakes and move the Tigers' offense when they are faced with long-yardage situations. Alabama is led by arguably the best back in the country, Trent Richardson (1,583 yards, 20 touchdowns) and as Richardson goes, so does the offense. Under center for the Tide is AJ McCarron (2,400 yards, 16 touchdowns, 5 interceptions) who has served as a great complement to the Tide's dominating rushing attack.
Edge: Alabama is more consistent but this game will be won on big plays, so I'll give a very slight edge to LSU.

Defense: The defenses were the highlight of the first game (a game won in overtime by LSU 9-6), and tonight's game shouldn't be any different. Alabama has the best scoring defense in the country allowing a minuscule 8.8 points per game. The Crimson Tide also rank number one in total defense, allowing less than 200 yards a game. The second best scoring defense in the nation belongs to LSU who allow 10.5 points per game, the second best total defense in the country also belongs to LSU who allow 252 yards per game. The only edge in defense that LSU has is turnovers. LSU has forced 12 fumbles and picked off 18 passes as compared to Alabama's 18 total forced turnovers.

Edge: Despite LSU's turnover capabilities, Alabama is overall too strong defensively to not give them the edge.

Special Teams: LSU has the edge in returns thanks to cornerback Tyrann Mathieu who has brought back 2 touchdowns so far this season and ranks second nationally with 16.2 yards per punt return. In the kicking game the teams are very even. LSU's kicker Drew Alleman is hitting 88.9% of his field goals and Alabama's Jeremy Shelley is hitting 80%. The game could come down to field postion and in the punting game the edge goes to LSU and their Austrailian punter Brad Wing who ranks 14th in the country averaging 44.4 yards per punt.

Edge: LSU has the edge here and the game could come down to special teams just like the first time.

Intangibles: LSU won the first game and did end the year as the only undefeated team in the nation, they are playing for pride and to prove that they are truly the best team in the country. Alabama looks to prove that they deserved another shot at the Tigers so this game promises to be a hard-fought contest. I also give LSU the edge in coaching department as well, Les Miles always has something cooking under that hat of his and I expect LSU to pull out some trick plays that will turn the momentum of the game.

Edge: LSU


Prediction: LSU 20 Alabama 14

NBA Lockdown

Yes, the lock out is over. But these recent moves of power by the NBA Front Office, from their Ivory Tower in the Third Reich has made this fan sick to his stomach. David Stern, is easily the worst Commissioner in Sports History. Let's break down the league's recent moves as of late.

The Houston-LA-New Orleans trade situation. Which brought young talent, as well as a core group of role players, and 2 first round draft picks to the city. Just wasn't good enough for David Stern. Even though when the league took over the Hornets, they had told GM Dell Demps they would let him do his job, and support him.

Looks like that now right?

Then recently the league pressured Demps into making the trade with the Clippers asking for, Center Chris Kaman who is one of the underrated big men in the league even though he's creeping up in age. Reserve Guard Eric Bledsoe who has a solid potential in the league, Forward Al-Farouq Aminu, who I'm pretty sure is a Jedi Master. Reports also have indicated that the Hornets wanted to add Clippers Star Guard, Eric Gordon to the mix. As well as a first round pick.

The Roster Size for an NBA team is 15 players. 4 players, 3 of which are starters and a 1st round pick (From Minnesota, which could be a lottery pick).

So the question I'm left as a fan is...what the hell are the league thinking?

David Stern will reportedly ask for a involving 25 teams to send all their first round draft picks, cash exemptions, and their leading scorer to the New Orleans Hornets by next week. #Sarcasm

Needless to say talks with the Clippers have died, especially since they were able to get Chauncey Billiups off the Waiver wire, and were able to match the offer sheet for Center DeAndre Jordan. The Clips right now look to be the better LA team, despite not having Kobe Bryant. Due mostly to the fact that everyone in the world is scratching their heads on why you send Lamar Odom to rival Dallas Mavericks for a draft pick and cash.

Look Stern, as much as you want to grow a little mustache and have complete control over your players. You can't, they're human beings, Paul has never stopped playing for New Orleans, he just wants to go to an contender, do you really think keeping him around for the last year of his contract knowing that he will go elsewhere come the summer? Once his contract is up, David Stern, you cannot do anything to control Chris Paul anymore. I hope he goes to Miami at this point, just so he can be in driving distance of your front office and throw eggs at your door. You're ridiculous

Then the league, who warned Chauncey Billiups of the repercussions of him not admiring his contract obligations if someone claimed him off the waivers. But the simple fact is, Billiups is a veteran player who doesn't deserve to be floated from team-to-team as bait, or just space to fill. You can't respect one side of the fence and not the other, that's not what the CBA was founded on.

David Stern, you're a crazy old man, you're a control freak, and you have a Nazi Ego Mentality. You in the last week have done more to defecate on the CBA then you ever did to get a deal done during the lock out. You ARE THE WORST COMMISSIONER IN ALL OF SPORTS. I don't have sponsors, advertisements, or contracts. You are an idiot.

I know that was highly unprofessional, but the fact is this man is not only destroying the integrity of the front office of the NBA, he is slowly killing a good team down in New Orleans. As a matter of fact, the owners who complained about the Paul to LA trade, should also be ashamed of yourselves. Dell Demps was able to complete that trade, don't be upset because no one wants to talk to you, or your half-assed assembled teams. I'm looking at you Cleveland.

On a side note, Dwight Howard talks started to heat up a few days ago, only to cool off. Howard has handled this in the classiest way possible. He wants to play for a winner, and still has belief that the Orlando Magic can make the right moves and put themselves in a position. Howard being dealt before the season starts is highly unlikely. But depending on what their record looks like come February if their record has shown know improvement, and nor has their roster, look for Howard to be dealt quickly. Its starting to become highly unlikely that Dwight will go the Lakers.

He doesn't want to be Shaq v.2 He wants to be DW12. Going to New Jersey/Brooklyn Nets would only improve Dwight as a superstar. He pairs himself with Deron Williams, becoming instant Playoff Contenders. The Nets WILL make the right moves to surround their superstars with the right talent. Dwight Howards brings the first championship in Nets history, in the new Brooklyn Arena. Sounds storybook to me.

In Other News.

Marc Gasol will stay in Memphis for 4 more years.

J.J. Barea and Minnesota are working on terms of a 4 year deal themselves.

Kwame Brown has signed a 1 year 8 million dollar deal with the Warriors

David West has signed a 2 year deal with the Pacers, making them a very dangerous Dark-Horse in the East.

Gilbert Arenas has cleared the Waivers, the Magic still owe him a pretty penny. Atlanta may be a destination for the scoring guard.

Jason Richardson is reportedly staying with the Magic for 4 more years, worth roughly about 25 million.

Mike Bibby has been added to the New York Knicks Roster.

The Chicago Bulls are eyeing newly free agent Rip Hamilton, who will provide defense, and veteran experience to that team. Rip has one of the highest motors in the NBA, he may not be the fastest player on the court, but his speed never changes.

Dallas Mavs seem to be the only suitor for Guard Vince Carter, reuniting him with former teammate Point Guard, Jason Kidd. This adds a pure scorer to the lineup, but makes me scratch my head, does Jason Terry really need a backup?

That's all for my ranting, raging, and free agent buzzes. G-G-Goodnight Folks.

"We're not leaving, if you don't want us to."- US VP Joe Biden to Afgan President Hamid Karzai

NBA Hot Stove

In a few hours, the Lakers had just traded away Pau Gasol, and Lamar Odom, to acquire Hornets Guard, Chris Paul, that was until David Stern decided to run it off the rails faster than Charlie Sheen....Well you can insert whatever kind of drug related joke you want there.

Some protest this is a complete overuse of power. In fact, I was talking about this trade, and the repercussions with co-writer on Danger Zone, Marshall Lancey. Avid Lakers fan, and neck-beard enthusiast. David Stern has had a shadow cast over his character since the lockout started, to the extent that NBA Star Dwayne Wade and the Commish got into a shouting match during the CBA Negotiations. Lancey brought up the point of this being a complete power struggle. Chris Paul isn't going to re-sign with a team he can't win a championship with, nor is he going to re-sign with the Hornets who traded away his teammate Tyson Chandler, which that duo lead them the furthest they had gone in recent history. So to blame a player for wanting to get out of a bad situation....Are you kidding me? Let's take a look at this trade and break it down.

Three Teams: Lakers, Rockets, and Hornets

Houston gets the great Spaniard Pau Gasol.

LA obviously would receive Chris Paul.

New Orleans would receive two first round picks in the upcoming draft (NYK via Hou/Hou). So you're looking at two potential 10-15 pick slot. Then you get forward Lamar Odom, who is the definition of a X-Factor in the NBA. You also gain Kevin Martin who has been one of the more underrated players in the NBA, Luis Scola who provides solid minutes of productivity and the ability of a F/C. Then Goran Dragic, who was Steve Nash's back up in Phoenix for a few years and has the ability to be explosive, like a watered down J.J. Barea.

The big deal is that LA would shed both Pau and Odom's salaries saving them A.) Luxury Taxes and B.) Roughly about 40 million.

This move would have shredded LA's front court, as well as Houston's bench. Wait...

Has anyone figured out exactly what they're doing in Houston? The Grizzlies couldn't center a team around Pau Gasol, which is why he was traded for his brother (basically) a few years ago. What does Houston have up their sleeve down there, or are they just hoping. You know what who cares, Yao Ming, and T-Mac are gone. Go Texans.

But many owners felt like, this trade violated what the CBA worked so hard for. To prevent the Big Market Evil Empire teams from ravaging Small Market Ma and Pa teams for talent. But....honestly, do I detect a hint of annoyance and jealously from many owners in this situation. Think about it, the Hornets get 4 good role players, and possibly court David West to stay, or say screw it, trade him to Memphis get Marc Gasol, and pick up soon-to-be Free agent Chauncey Billups to replace Paul. You got yourself a good team right there.

But no. No. Let me take my GM hat off, and put on my "Look Dan Gilbert, just because LeBron basically stole your wallet for multiple years, and ran the Cleveland Cavaliers, doesn't mean you get to bitch' hat.

In fact. It turns my stomach that Dan Gilbert has the audacity to even speak to the public. Owners should be able to speak to the media, have opinions, they're important part of the sport itself realistically. But there is no excuse for Dan Gilbert's idiocy, and pure ignorance. Oh boo-hoo, you know what. How about next time your team finishes with the worst record, you don't get 2 lottery picks. You get one, and have to give the other to LeBron who gets to draft the player, and recommend great beach houses in Miami. Hmm?

Not to mention, these owners want to protect small market teams. It rarely gets smaller than the New Orleans Hornets. They had a chance to make something out of nothing, because Paul has openly expressed he is not resigning. Why not allow them to get SOMETHING out of it. But No, because they can't make blockbuster trades, and the strong get stronger, and the weak get better than them, they get their torches and pitchforks, and run to David Stern's office.

You know what, I'm going to defend David Stern right here. More than likely there are very few players who respect that man, and due to the fact that the league basically 'runs' the Hornets until a new owner is found, he had to agree with the Owners, or else he would be a third party in the show, and more than likely be replaced as Commissioner in the foreseeable future. (Shaq '13)

Honestly, the League dropped the ball. The Hornets literally got screwed out of this trade, they didn't bat an eye when the Lakers basically put a bow on Kwame Brown, and kidnapped Pau Gasol. It's just ridiculous.

So....

Back to the Hot Stove.

ESPN's Chris Broussard reported that Dwight Howard will put in a request to be traded to the Nets. The trade offer the Nets have assembled a few weeks ago includes C, Brook Lopez, and 2 First Round Picks. I love the Nets, I love the fact that they have a bad-ass Russian Owner, and Jay-Z. They're going to Brooklyn, and if IF they can get Dwight Howard (Depending on Adolf Stern) They greatly increase their chances to re-sign Deron Williams. New Look, New Arena, New Talent. Another plus for the Magic in this trade, is the Nets would take back Hedo Turkaglu's salary, freeing up the Magic to try to fill the void in the paint.

Tyson Chandler appears to be headed to New York, to join Amare "Where the ' go?" Stoudemire, and Carmelo "I make my own trades" Anthony in MSG. This could be one of the more potent offensive front courts the NBA has seen in a long time. Amare has never been the 'best' Center, he dominates guys at the PF position, signing Tyson Chandler will allow S.T.A.T to move into that slot, and blossom under D'Antoni's offense. Melo will be Melo. The worry there is ego, it apparently was Tyson 'Too Big' Chandler to ask Mark Cuban to mail him his ring at MSG.

Shane Battier and Eddy "All U Can Eat" Curry have reportedly decided to becoming the newest groupies for the Miami Heatles. Shane Battier will provide a pure defensive presence, he is a tenacious defender, who will do dirty work. Imagine a less crazy Ron Artest. Eddy Curry, has played 10 games in 3 season. Has had plenty of work ethic issues, and basically is just an attempt to fill the void that is needed because Chris Bosh is kind of a wimp. Lets be honest. However, if Curry can play to his potential, stay in shape, he will be some kind of monster in the Miami front court.

Tracy McGrady somehow still has a career. I'm trying to figure out if him and former teammate/family member Vince Carter have a bet going on who will be the least important player on the least important team.

Tayshaun Prince has agreed to return to the Detroit Pistons. It seems that McGrady might have just been 'bad blood' for the Pistons, who are looking to try and rebuild off their defensive first, offensive maybe ideals. Prince is a great player who deserves a better team than the Pistons have been. But to each his own I suppose.

Shannon Brown will be catching Steve Nash passes, after opting out of his option to stay with the Lakers, he will join the Suns for a 1 year, 3.5 million dollar deal. Brown's biggest accomplishment was being on the Top 10 plays on ESPN a couple of times. Poor Steve Nash

The Mavs were gutted so far, JJ Barea and DeShawn Stevenson look unlikely to return, Tyson Chandler will be running up and down the court for the Knicks, and Caron Butler just signed a deal with the LA Clippers. Look for that team to be a force with Eric Gordon, Butler, and the Griff-Show.

So who do we got left?

Well Nene seems to be the biggest fish in the pond right now. If the Dwight Howard to New Jersey trade falls through, look for the Nets to scoop him up and add him to the mediocre talent they got so far. Grant Hill is torn between the Spurs and Suns right now. I feel like San Antonio would be a great fit for the 39 year old. Thus making the Spurs the oldest team in the NBA by leaps, bounds, and decades. Also, with the Tyson Chandler trade, look for Chauncey Billups to possibly appear in a different uniform.

In fact, if the Paul-to-La trade stays busted, you may see a version of the Houston-La-Orlando type trade with Bynum replacing Pau in the discussions, and Chauncey filling a great void for the Lakers. Though who knows how long Billiups has left in the tank.

So there is my rant. David Stern, Dan Gilbert, I'll meet either or both of you in the parking lot for a street fight. Also anyone who wants to start a fantasy basketball league, hit me up at @RobBrown50 #TeamFollowBack

"You don't give a Monkey a latte"- Will Ferrell

Goodnight folks

NHL Realignment: What Does It Mean?

On December 6, 2011 NHL officials approved a new plan that completely changes the alignment of the league. The move of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg forced the NHL to look at realignment plans and instead of simply switching few teams around the league decided to go bold. Instead of 6 divisions within 2 conferences, there are now 4 distinct conferences. The conferences are split into geographical alignments, while still keeping traditional rivalries intact. The NHL also approved a schedule change, each team will play a home and home with every team in the league, giving fans across the NHL the chance to see every team at least once.

Here are the four, yet-to-be named conferences:

Conference A: (Pacific/Northwest teams)
Anaheim Ducks
Calgary Flames
Colorado Avalanche
Edmonton Oilers
Los Angeles Kings
Phoenix Coyotes
San Jose Sharks
Vancouver Canucks

Conference B: (Midwest teams)

Chicago Blackhawks

Columbus Blue Jackets

Dallas Stars

Detroit Red Wings

Minnesota Wild

Nashville Predators

St. Louis Blues

Winnipeg Jets

Conference C: (Atlantic/Northeast teams)
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Florida Panthers
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Tampa Bay Lightning
Toronto Maple Leafs






Conference D: (Mid-Atlantic teams)
Carolina Hurricanes
New Jersey Devils
New York Islanders
New York Rangers
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Washington Capitals




The playoffs have also changed with the top 4 from each conference making the playoffs and then playing the first two rounds against each other. So, for example, let's say in Conference D the top 4 teams are the New York Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington. The first round will be New York versus Washington and Pittsburgh versus Philadelphia. The second round will be the winners of the first match ups and then the winners of each conference will enter into the NHL semifinals.

At first glance, I like the plan. At second glance, I love it. The new plan gives teams the chance to play across the country, which is great for the fans. It also benefits teams in the middle of the country such as Dallas, Detroit, and Columbus, who in years past have had to fly all over the country to meet conference play requirements. The new alignment also gives a better chance for the hard-nosed rivalries of old to either reignite or develop, another win for the fans.

Furthermore, this shows that the NHL is no longer the bungling league that lost an entire season in 2004. The league has taken adversity in stride, and has emerged as a league that can thrive long-term. Hopefully, this move helps raise the league's profile even more and will usher in an era in which the NHL is considered as a top sports league with the MLB, NFL, and NBA.