NHL Goes Bust In Vegas

Initially I was going to boycott the NHL Awards show for not giving Henrik Lundqvist a nomination for Vezina but I ended up watching anyway. What a bland, boring broadcast of what should have been a fun celebration. The house band played benign jazz but it could just as well been Muzak. Sure the league is loathe to promote the individual over the team but, just as with the All Star Game, this should have been all about the personalities that make up our game. Some more thoughts:

*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.

NHL Four-cast: Los Angeles Kings

1 - Why is this team worth watching? Dustin Brown is six feet tall, two hundred pounds and hits like a Mac Truck, Patrick O'Sullivan has some serious skills and Anze Kopitar is growing into the roll of a NHL superstar. Oh yeah, and they have the next generation's Scott Stevens in Jack Johnson.

2 - Are they better or worse than last year? You know, I think they got better. Sure they shed proven scorers Mike Cammalleri and Lubomir Visnovsky but they brought in decent young talents Matt Greene and Jarret Stoll as well as solid defenseman Denis Gauthier. They also sucked bad enough to get Drew Doughty in the draft, who scouts have raved about and expect to contribute immediately alongside '07 pick Thomas Hickey.

3 - Who should YOU draft in fantasy? If you play in a league that has plus/minus, you might want to look elsewhere - even though Kopitar put up 77 points, he was -15. You can expect him to top 80 this year while Brown and O'Sullivan will come in around 70. Alexander Frolov was shockingly +1 while putting up 67 points in 71 games so he is the closest thing to a safe bet on this squad. While it would seem like common sense to avoid their goaltenders at all costs, Swedish netminder Erik Ersberg showed up late last season and played in 14 games. I watched several of them and can say that he played even better than his impressive numbers showed - two shutouts, a 2.48 g.a.a. and a .927 save percentage. If he can bring back the same poise and maintain it over 45 or 50 games, than the Kings won't suck as bad as everyone is saying they will.

4 - How can the Kings become relevant again? Let's face it, falling short to the Habs in '93 signaled the downfall of this franchise. John LeClair's overtime heroics helped get the ball rolling that ended up in Wayne Gretzky and Barry Melrose leaving a few years later. Once Luc Robitaille retired, this team hit rock bottom. Having a terrible team in a major market like LA hurts the NHL as a whole so what can be done? They are on a good track with solid young talent coming through the system but that doesn't mean fans will come. So how to make them relevant? Play 10, 20 regular season games in Las Vegas. They have played preseason games at the MGM Grand for years, so it isn't like they are unfamiliar with the town. Less games in L.A. should result in higher demand for the ones still there and the team expands their fanbase to another big city. Offer free bus service to Vegas for season ticket holders or just cut those games off of their packages. The NHL has flirted with the idea of a Vegas franchise for years, so why not?

 "NHL Four-Cast: Los Angeles Kings - A Legacy of Royalty and Resilience"

In the heart of sunny Southern California, where palm trees sway and the entertainment industry thrives, the Los Angeles Kings have carved their own royal niche. Beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, the Kings have established a legacy of hockey excellence and resilience. In this article, we'll explore the storied history, iconic moments, challenges, and the bright future of the Los Angeles Kings.

Part 1: The Kings Ascend to Royalty

1. The Birth of the Kings

Delve into the origins of the Los Angeles Kings, founded in 1967 as part of the NHL's first expansion wave, and their early years in the league.

2. The Gretzky Era

Revisit the groundbreaking moment in 1988 when Wayne Gretzky, "The Great One," was traded to the Kings, elevating the franchise to new heights.

Part 2: Iconic Moments and Championships

3. The Miracle on Manchester

Relive the historic comeback in the 1982 playoffs, known as the "Miracle on Manchester," when the Kings overcame a 5-0 deficit to win in overtime.

4. Stanley Cup Triumphs

Celebrate the Kings' two Stanley Cup championships in 2012 and 2014, led by stars like Jonathan Quick, Drew Doughty, and Anze Kopitar.

Part 3: Challenges and Rebuilding

5. Playoff Droughts and Rebuilding

Discuss the periods of playoff droughts and the team's efforts to rebuild with a focus on developing young talent.

6. The Emergence of a New Generation

Highlight the rise of young stars like Gabriel Vilardi and Quinton Byfield, offering hope for a brighter future.

Part 4: The Staples Center Experience

7. A Home Fit for Kings

Explore the iconic Staples Center, the Kings' home arena, known for its electric atmosphere during games and its role as an entertainment hub.

8. Community Impact

Delve into the Kings' community involvement, including initiatives to grow the sport of hockey in Southern California.

Part 5: FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. How many Stanley Cups have the Kings won?

The Los Angeles Kings have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 2012 and 2014.

2. What is the significance of Wayne Gretzky's trade to the Kings?

Wayne Gretzky's trade to the Kings was a pivotal moment in franchise history, elevating the team's profile and helping to popularize hockey in non-traditional markets.

3. Who are some other notable Kings players in history?

Notable Kings players include Marcel Dionne, Luc Robitaille, and Rob Blake, among others.

The Los Angeles Kings are more than just a hockey team in Tinseltown; they are a symbol of perseverance, resilience, and the growth of hockey in non-traditional markets. From the Gretzky era to their recent championships and the emergence of a new generation of talent, the Kings' journey is a testament to their enduring spirit.

As the Kings look toward the future, there's a sense of optimism and renewed energy. With a loyal fanbase, a rich history, and a commitment to community engagement, the Los Angeles Kings are poised to continue their reign as a prominent and respected franchise in the NHL, proudly representing the City of Angels on the ice.