*You couldn't tell the show was in Vegas. Get a lounge act, Elvis impersonator, comedy act, hell, a white tiger or two. Not Chaka Kahn. As an entertainment reporter said to me, 'wow, big get, if it was 20 years ago.'*Comedy would have been huge as the audience looked like a bunch of bored, mildly annoyed people sitting in a lobby waiting for a job interview.
*Things were so boring that I was hoping Jerry Bruckheimer would announce his intention to bring a team to Vegas while he was on-stage. At least then we would have something to talk about.
*And it looked terrible. Versus, or whoever produced it on site, had trouble balancing the bright colours and most shots looked waaaayy too saturated. Plus, like the Versus game broadcasts, the directors made many questionable camera cuts. At one point when Jean Beliveau was on stage they picked an overhead shot that looked down - we weren't trying to decide if someone scored, we want to see how well respected the elder gentleman of the NHL is.
*On that note, why were there no identifier lower thirds? They splashed this ridiculous thing that covered two-thirds of the screen when the winner was about to speak but not once did they show something that IDed whoever that smug host was (not Roenick). And why was that guy shaking hands afterwards? Is he running for mayor?
*This should have been on the NHL Network instead of Versus, or Versus should have at least allotted more time for it. They could have done so much more with the broadcast, gotten into more detail. Tim Thomas' Vezina acceptance speech (my favourite moment in the show) was truly touching when you consider what he went through to get to the NHL. But how many people know that? *I know that the players themselves don't get to keep the original trophies - they get those small replicas - but you don't get those good photo ops where the winners would hold those up. Everyone took their little toy and walked away.
*It was incredible seeing Vlad Konstantinov on stage. He should have helped give out the Norris - but I understand the Russian thing early on. I do wonder what was backstage that distracted him so that Igor had to keep getting his attention.
*While hearing Pavel Datsyuk's broken english is amusing, perhaps it would be better to allow him to do his speech in Russian with a translator - then it wouldn't be so awkward. The bilingual Julien did a nice job covering both bases.
*BOOOOOOOO BETTMAN BOOOOOOOOO. Someone had to do it and apparently the folks who paid $500 a ticket weren't about to. What a loathsome little man.
*Kelly Hrudy had problems reading the prompter and Mark Messier ignored it. Mess ... dude, that was terrible. The Captain looked ready to break into tears (of course) as he reflected upon his career and the cold medicine trophy he was about to give out.
*Did I miss it or did they not announce the first, second and all rookie teams on the broadcast? That should have been part of the ceremony - if it wasn't, that's a shame.
And yes, I think Hank got screwed for Vezina. Sure, he didn't deserve to win - that rightly went to Timmy - but he carried a terrible team into the playoffs. Steve Mason had a better defense in front of him and Nik Backstrom's entire team played defense. Hank had Wade Redden. Ah well, there is always next year ...
"NHL Goes Bust In Vegas: A Look at the Challenges and Consequences"
The National Hockey League's (NHL) venture into Las Vegas, Nevada, was once seen as a bold and exciting move, promising to bring the fast-paced sport of ice hockey to the entertainment capital of the world. However, as time has passed, the NHL's presence in Vegas has faced several challenges and controversies, leaving many to question the long-term viability of professional hockey in the desert city. In this article, we will delve into the challenges faced by the NHL in Las Vegas and explore the consequences of its struggles.
Section 1: The Promise of Vegas
1.1. The Expansion Hype
Explain the excitement and enthusiasm surrounding the announcement of the NHL's expansion team in Las Vegas, the Vegas Golden Knights.
1.2. Unprecedented Success
Discuss the surprising success of the Golden Knights in their inaugural season, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in 2018.
Section 2: Challenges Faced by the NHL in Vegas
2.1. Fanbase and Attendance
Analyze the struggles in building a consistent fanbase in a city known for its transient population and entertainment options.
2.2. Competition with Other Sports
Discuss how the NHL's presence in Vegas has to compete with other major sports leagues and events for attention and attendance.
2.3. Arena Location and Accessibility
Address the challenges presented by the location of T-Mobile Arena and the difficulties fans face in accessing it.
Section 3: Financial Struggles and Ownership Issues
3.1. Operating Losses
Explore the financial challenges faced by the Vegas Golden Knights and the significant operating losses incurred.
3.2. Ownership Concerns
Discuss controversies and concerns surrounding the team's owner, Bill Foley, and his business dealings.
Section 4: Potential Consequences
4.1. Relocation Rumors
Examine rumors and speculations about the potential relocation of the Vegas Golden Knights due to their financial woes.
4.2. Impact on Expansion Plans
Consider how the struggles in Vegas may affect the NHL's future expansion plans and decisions.
4.3. Community Engagement
Discuss the importance of community engagement and outreach in building a sustainable NHL franchise in a non-traditional market.
FAQs
1. Is the NHL's struggle in Vegas solely due to the location?
Explain that while location plays a significant role, other factors such as competition and ownership issues have also contributed.
2. Can the Golden Knights turn things around and become a successful franchise in the long term?
Highlight that with the right strategies and community support, it's possible for the team to overcome its challenges.
3. How does the NHL view expansion in non-traditional markets like Las Vegas now?
Mention that the NHL may become more cautious in its approach to expanding into non-traditional markets, considering the Vegas experience.
The NHL's venture into Las Vegas was a bold experiment that initially showed promise. However, the challenges faced by the Vegas Golden Knights have raised questions about the long-term viability of professional hockey in the city. While it's too early to declare the NHL's presence in Vegas a failure, it is clear that significant obstacles must be overcome to ensure the sport's continued success in this unique and challenging market. The league and the franchise will need to work together to address these challenges and find sustainable solutions, or else the NHL may find itself going bust in the desert.
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