It’s that time of year again.
The temperature is dropping, the leaves are changing color and the junior hockey players have already begun their showcase tournaments.
With its new cable deal, $3.3 billion in revenue and rejuvenated interest now that the odor from the 2004-05 lockout is beginning to dissipate the league has never been in a better place:
Parity across the board: seven championships in seven years.
Success in non-traditional markets: the Sharks drawing large crowds, Tampa Bay ready to bounce back, the Stars looking like a playoff team and Los Angeles winning its first Stanley Cup in franchise history.
Action in Canada: the Canucks looking to avenge an early exit, young talent on the rise in Edmonton, a new team in Winnipeg and a rebounding franchise in Montreal.
There is palpable anticipation for this season.
So say it with me puckheads:
Lets. Play. Hoc—
Wait.
What is that you say?
Oh. That’s right. The National Lockout League is on sabbatical again.
When do you think they’ll be back?
Black F ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Tom Schreier
NHL Power Rankings: How Much Will Each Franchise Be Affected by the Lockout?
September 17th, 2012 by Tom Schreier Leave a reply »
Advertisement