Bingo. You got it. No one expects loyalty these days, it is a business. Big business. But the guy got it wrong, and not just a bit wrong, 100% wrong.

I think its great they booed Bettman, he is an asshat.

I am also interested in seeing if Hossa stays in Detroit, I think he will. As long as Brad Stuart goes away, a long ways away.

Bill

What do folks have against Bettman, especially Detroit?

Bettman has not been good for the league. How he manages to stay in power is beyond me. He has stuck to his 'southern expansion' plan, even though it is almost a complete failure. He has allowed numerous criminals and deadbeats to buy teams. He will not allow expansion into the areas that have the highest fan interest. He will not allow failing teams to relocate. He has made multiple TV contracts in the US, all of which have failed miserably. CBC pays $100,000,000 per year for hockey rights, NBC pays zero, yet NBC sets the playoff TV schedule. He 'broke' the union then negotiated a deal that is killing the owners. He instituted a revenue sharing plan that the owners hate and does not work. He does not allow the players union input into the game and the rules, although he is contractually obligated to do so. He does not protect the health and safety of his players. I could go on, I suspect you get the point now.

That pretty much sums it up! I will say that I would have hated to root for the Kansas City Penquins, (or whatever they may have been called). I'm glad the Pens didn't relocate. Pretty interesting about the tv contracts but I'd submit they are better than no tv at all. Thanks for the reply.

I kept it short. I could have gone on. ;)

I think all hockey fans have a reason to hate Bettman, but I think Canadians have more reasons than Americans. Bettman regularly snubs the Canadian market, which is his bread and butter, while pandering to a US market that simply ignores him and his product.

I am aware the the NHL is run by a small clique of powerful owners. But how he stays in his position of power is beyond me. His 'game plan' has failed miserably. I think he has a couple of hot spots ready to erupt, Phoenix is just the tip of the ice-berg.

It nice to see the trophy go to cities that appreciate it, like Detroit and Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh had 375,000 turn out for a parade on a Monday afternoon. Although I like that other cities have equal chances of winning, It irks me that cities like Tampa Bay, Atlanta, and other (usually southern belt) can hoist the cup where as towns like Toronto, Buffalo, and other Canadian teams that live and breath hockey fall short. Is Bettman to blame here?

Big party at Mario's house with the Cup. Had these forwarded to me. Enjoy Pen fans.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281051.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281064.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281078.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281095.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281112.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281176.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281206.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281221.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281240.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281256.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281337.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1245281350.jpg

Atlanta? No, they've never one. Tamps, yes. Anaheim, yes. Carolina, yes.

I like your point, but heres a different view: Winning in 'non-traditional markets' builds the game. Canadian cities do not need to build the game. Lots of American cities do need a 'boost'.

Is Bettman to blame? Only for actively helping to move teams from Canada to the U.S. And for actively preventing failed southern teams from returning to Canada. But he can not (by any reasonable stretch) be accused of preventing, or even hindering, a Canadian team from winning the cup. They have only themselves to blame in that department. I will be receptive to arguments to the contrary, but I don't expect to hear any.

Still, I blame about 85% of the worlds problems on G.B, 10% on Barry Mannilow, and 5% on rap music/teenagers.

:eek: That is just wrong. It hurts to look at that.

My brother was at Mario's party with his son's. Said he had a great time. Got to see a lot of friends from the old days. (He has two cup rings with the Pens from the 90's)

Man thanks for the pics! Very cool. I'm tellin' ya we need to get the Steelers and the NHL to have a picture taken of the two trophies together!!

wonder how the chlorine and the Cup will get along?

Didn't Atlanta win a cup with Rod Brind'amour?

Throw in the Phillies and we could have all three in one pic. I'm sure Govnah Rendell has had the idea already.

Perhaps you are thinking of Carolina? As Atlanta has never won the cup, nor has Rod Brindamour played there.

Yeah, i guess it was Carolina.

Hossa came to Detroit for many years LESS than and a couple million $ LESS than Pittsburgh offered.

How do you say "whoops" in Russian?