I have another “bone to pick” with the NHL brass. Why would the league have unnecessary days off between games in the Conference Finals?

 

The NHL completed four terrific Conference semi-finals including three which went the full seven games and the Canucks-Blackhawks six game series.

 

The league image was “hot” especially coming off an electrifying match-up featuring arguably the top three players in the game; Ovechkin, Crosby and Malkin. Even casual fans and the American media were getting caught up in the excitement.

 

Then, the NHL executive, in its infinite wisdom, “halted” the momentum by creating a whacky and unnecessary schedule in the Conference finals; Pittsburgh and Carolina started on Monday, May 18th followed by games on May 21st, 23rd and 26th. In other words, two separate two-day breaks between games.

 

Even the players were puzzled as evidenced by Hurricanes defenceman Joe Corvo and his sarcastic comment, “It’s pretty senseless to have to sit around in a city for two days between games. I mean, this whole thing might as well last until July. Maybe we will just play all year round.” His likeable teammate, 38-year-old Rod Brind’amour agreed and stated, “Way too long. Crazy, stupid but that’s how the NHL runs things. I don’t know. I don’t know why we didn’t play last night (May 20th). It makes no sense.”

 

Pittsburgh Penguins coach Dan Bylsma takes this issue further when he stated during the Carolina series, “I think when you get into a series you feel like the hockey comes fast and furious and with the pause we haven’t had that feeling”.

 

Meanwhile, in the Wild West, it was the same story for Detroit and Chicago. The five dates were Sunday, May 17th, May 19th, May 22nd, May 24th and May 27th. Again, these gaps between games were not needed for players and for fans.

 

Now, let’s compare this goofy schedule to the NBA Conference finals. Denver and the LA Lakers began on Tuesday, May 19th with a game scheduled every second day until its conclusion. Cleveland and Orlando started May 20th and also continued every second day. So, while the NHL conference finals are a hit and miss, the NBA maintained its enthusiasm by not missing a beat every night. By the way, why doesn't the NHL maintain continuity by having all games at night like the NBA does? Afternoon games on a Sunday may suit television but certainly isn't conducive to most fans.

 

So, you tell me which schedule has more appeal?

 

Further analysis of this comparison is quite interesting. The NHL regular season began October 4th in Europe and October 9th in North America while the NBA started October 28th, yet both leagues, with 82 game schedules and four full rounds of the playoffs started their Conference finals the same week. Shouldn’t the NHL be at least two weeks ahead?

 

The NBA Conference finals have been highly entertaining featuring superstars being super, great finishes, and several close games. It’s easy to become a fan knowing there is little time to wait to the next game. It is all about timing and capturing the moment.

 

The NHL playoffs, for the most part, have also had great series, overtime magic and plenty of offence to excite the crowd. But the league doesn’t unnecessarily need to drag things on well into June. (Yes, this issue always seems to come to the forefront this time of year).

 

I enjoy watching both basketball and hockey and quite frankly would still tune in to a key Stanley Cup game over an NBA playoff contest; however, I have always lived in a hockey market where that sport comes first.

 

Globally, if the NHL wants to create more interest in new areas, there needs to be a much better marketing plan. Playoff scheduling is just one small area that the league needs to improve. Perhaps, the NHL can learn from the NBA.

 

 

 

It’s the match-up non-partisan hockey fans wanted; a Pittsburgh-Detroit Stanley Cup final for a second straight year. In 2008, the Red Wings were clearly a better team, winning in six. However, the Penguins are different team in 2009, but are they better ?

 

I suspect that most hockey fans will cheer for the Penguins or against Marian Hossa. Yes, last July, when the free agent frenzy started Pittsburgh wanted to re-sign Hossa, but he chose to ink a deal with Detroit inferring that the Wings had a better chance at winning the Stanley Cup. The next two weeks
will decide if that was a smart move.

 

The Penguins have the top two forwards; however, the Wings have much better balance up front. Although Nicklas Lidstrom is not 100 per cent, Detroit has more depth on the blue-line. In goal, it appears Marc Andre Fleury has an edge on paper, but Chris Osgood has been rejuvenated in this playoff run.

 

I know Crosby and Malkin are highly motivated and will get their share of points, but I still think Detroit is the smart pick. The Red Wings will win in 7 because of experience and better overall talent.

Let’s hope this much anticipated series can live up to the hype. 

  

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