That's the title of an interactive feature ESPN.com is running today on the possible future of the NHL.
I don't have the time to do a detailed run-down, but the first thing I saw off the bat when it came to realignment was the contraction of the Islanders and the Capitals in the East (among 16 12 teams eliminated) and the addition of a team in Hartford, the city closest to ESPN's studios in Bristol, Conn.
In any case, check it out, and think about going online for an interactive SportsNation chat at 5:00 p.m. U.S. EST to discuss the proposals.
UPDATE: Stop back here for Hockey Blogger reaction. One other thought: If for nothing else, this whole exercise is simply a promo for SEGA's ESPN NHL2K5 video game.
Here's Tom Benjamin:
Whew. Try to get your head around that league. The only really attractive thing about the plan is that it would be completely unacceptable to both teams and players.Double whew.
Here's John Fontana of Boltsmag.com:
They kept a team in Miami though
I’m sorry but when I saw that Miami still had a team and Tampa was contracted, ESPNHL lost all credibility with me.
The Miami franchise is in dire straights as is and there were rumors last year they had contacted Winnipeg about relocation. The Arena location is in the middle fo the sawgrass and outside the city center…
But of course, Miami is a name market and Tampa just happened to win the Stanley Cup.
Go to hell, ESPN…
Carolina contracted, and the failed Whalers re-added? No, ESPN, we Hurricanes fans have not forgotten the shabby treatment we got from you right up until we won the East in ‘02. Seems there are still some bitter Whalers fans in Bristol. They whacked San Jose, too, and have no plans to re-add them, which is foolish — they’re probably the second-best-off of all the 1991-2001 expansion clubs (after Minnesota).
John, I’ve done the drive from downtown Miami to Sunrise for a game, and you’re right, it’s a killer. DC folks, imagine if the Caps played in Leesburg or Frederick.
I like shortening the benches as they proposed, but if you’re going to blow the whole game up and start clean, give us a 200′x90′ rink too, in addition to no-touch icing and allowing 2-line passes.
How long is it until spring training? I have nothing to do at night now… VT men’s basketball is way too depressing to watch on TV, if it’s on at all.
Actually, it’s only 12 teams eliminated (Islanders, Caps, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Columbus, Nashville, Carolina, Tampa Bay, Phoenix, Anaheim, San Jose and Ottawa), with new franchises in Hartford and Vegas. They’re still going with 16-team playoffs, though. Don’t they remember how much crap they used to get when it was 16 out of 21?
My thought is that you’re better off keeping the markets where you’re the only game in town – San Jose, Columbus and Ottawa would qualify. I was in Memphis for the Liberty Bowl and I was amazed at how excited they still are about having an NBA team there.
At least Buccigross’ eyes follow your mouse if you move it around the screen.
Looking into hitting this chat momentarily.
BTW, your TypeKey is giving me an error that you site hasn’t signed up for the service.
This is the wackest chat ever. I know it’s only speculation, but the questions are getting ratty answers, and people seem to be bored out of their skulls. It’s good to see that Rovell thought this was worthwhile to stick around for. I guess getting out of Bristol after 5:30 is tough on your brakes or something.