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Not surprising, but from what I understand (which may not be much), Portland will be the first to get a team (a guy named Steve Ballmer - has a bit of cash and strong desire to own a team for the past 5 years or more).
And Houston wanting a team doesn't seem out of line, especially with the minor league "base" already there. HOWEVER, with retraction having been brought up with the lockout, it would almost seem more likely to fold then to move (although there is the Union that of course would strongly disagree).
The teams mentioned are on par with the prior years discussions, however, a few are a tough "sell." Buffalo and Pitt are mentioned because of the recent bankruptcy, but Pitt seems like things are going swimmingly (minus the winning piece) with the spending spree and Mario's committment to not sell some of his stake and get the financing for the new arena. Buffalo (my hometown) would be tough to move as well since Tommy G stepped in, and they are surprisingly successful with what little spending they did. Attendence is down, but this is a blue collar town that really has diehard fans. Unfortunately, when the Bills and Sabres are winning you can tell, BUT, when they are losing, it's awfully gloomy.
As for the others, Carolina is a good candidate, since hockey down there is really not going so well, from what I hear and you mention, but with Nashville, they are winning, so not sure about them. Maybe someone can point out attendance there, as I am too lazy to venture over and look. The Caps are a debacle with their spending, but just cleaned house, and are finding success with Ovechkin. Not sure how many congress-people go to games though.
As for the OLN coverage, I have to say I am disappointed. The main TV (with digital box) gets it, but none of the other room (including bedroom) TVs gets OLN since it is on channel 140 here (thanks again Rigas!). And at the GFs, no digital cable, so I can't watch there. :o( I did see one game and it was okay, but I really dislike JD. Maybe because I also dislike the Rangers, but just my feelings. And ESPN, at least there was NHL2Night for the recap, even though it was on at 1am. And besides, yeah, all it was was Detroit, Colorado, and sometimes Anaheim, but prior to this season, would you rather watch a Devils-Panthers game?
And yes, I have to agree that hockey was better in the 80s and early 90s (as far back as I can go), but this season has been exciting and the scoring plentiful, regardless of which rules one likes/dislikes. I just watched/listened to the Sabres get schalacked! with a capital S, 10-4. When was the last time in years recently pasted that one would have seen multiple 10-15 goals in a game one night?! (Now only if OLN would replace the NFL network on channel 27 here, or maybe replace the Oxygen Network or something so I could watch those games!)
Just my pennies... Thanks for letting me share.
Sean
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