[EmpireWF]

Looking around the sports world as of late, it's obvious the NHL is not doing to well. Whether it's the whole All-Star game fiasco or the simple fact the NHL seems to be the last thought on sports fans minds.

But it doesn't seem like NHL Commish Gary Bettman is out anytime soon, and that's just sad. Some interesting blog posts to check out on the matter...

Hockeyfan
An NHL Fan Who is Depressed
Two Minutes for Blogging

[Lefty Noob]

Easily the worst commissioner in the so-called four major sports... heck, here in America at least, there's some debate as to whether or not hockey should still be considered a "major" sport. I hate not being able to watch it at night because I don't get Versus in my office. Obviously, the NHL needs a leadership change, but who?

[penguins87]

I can't stand the guy. He's ruined the NHL. Who knows...maybe for good...

I wrote an article about this on his anniversary a couple days ago:
OnTheWebSports.com - A Sports Community

[blueandwhite]

This is a pretty hot topic.
Interesting column but I can't say I agree with it all.
You mention about Ottawa, buffalo, LA and Pittsburgh all declaring bankruptcy. As far as I can see, they are all still here. isn't that a test to something? They are playing great hockey (for the most part) still in these cities. Maybe Buffalonians needed a kick in the a** to start kicking butt.
Maybe bankruptcy declarations happen. maybe that's just they way things go sometimes, and it can lead to stronger fan base, stronger teams.
Yeah the net size thing is a joke but I have to say, I think the all star game is a joke. Fiasco? I applaud that it was moved to Wednesday night. My Saturday nights are reserved for REAL hockey. There was no controversy up here about that.
The comment from Lefty, whether in America hockey should be called a major sport or not. As a Canadian, reading something like that really makes me pull my hair out. Like there's a round table of Americans somewhere out there in Boise or Delaware, deciding the fate of hockey.
I don't have the answers. There is a problem in the States with Americans loving the game of hockey like they love baseball and football, and there always has been - so there are always unfair comparisons and expectations. I hear it's panic central if there was ever to be two Canadian teams in the finals (Montreal vs. Vancouver? NNNOOOOOOOOO!!!). The citizens of the USofA won't have anyone to cheer for therefore they don't give a damn - bettman can't do anything about that - what do we do about attitude?

[ThePundit]

It's not like he hasn't had time. But as long as the owners are making money, they won't replace him. But assuming they diecided to replace him, how about an ex-hockey player with some business sense?

How about Mel Bridgeman?

Bridgman’s diligent offseason college studies paid off. His business acumen led him to be named president of the National Hockey League Players’ Association during his active career. Later, after completing his bachelor’s degree, he was accepted into the University of Pennsylvania’s prestigious Wharton School of Business, working as a project consultant at the Wharton Center for Applied Research and earning his MBA in 1991.

In the summer of 1991, the 36-year-old Bridgman was hired as the first general manager of the expansion Ottawa Senators. After leaving Ottawa management, Bridgman became a player agent, working for CMG Management.

Today, Bridgman, who has four children, lives in Manhattan Beach, California. He works as a financial consultant for Smith Barney and writes a regular column for NHL.com.

Flyers Heroes of the Past: Mel Bridgman

[Gotham Dark Knight]

I got three words for the NHL...Mexican Expansion Team...

[americanwit]

The NHL used to be my favorite of the 4-major sports, now it's not even 4th in my book. I think Bettman has a lot to do with this, he does need to get the boot.

[blueandwhite]

maybe, since i don't really understand how one man can ruin a sport (I hated baseball after the strike and I blamed everybody for that) - maybe someone needs to suggest what it is that needs to be done to make it this major sport in the US again.
I'm curious.

[blueandwhite]

A little more here - Why would we blame bettman for the bankruptcy claims of four teams that are now flourishing - yet not credit him with providing the environment in which these teams may flourish?
How about the fact that, if a team is going down for the third time due to bad attendance, that the team needs to step up their performance?
My only big problem with the NHL is too many teams. So what i might do is take away some of those teams. none of them would be Canadian.

[EmpireWF]

I don't know much about some of the franchises attendance figures and profit margins but why are their NHL teams in some of those southern cities? Common sense tells you they're not big on pro hockey down there.

[blueandwhite]

Except for carolina. Tampa's doing well. in Dallas, it seems big.
seems fans get into it when they do well.

[EmpireWF]

What about Phoenix, Nashville, Florida?

[blueandwhite]

Up to this season, they haven't done as well, they don't seem to have the fan base. Even with Bure, the Panthers couldn't make it happen.
Nashville's different this year - let's see if the fan base grows now.

[ThePundit]

Gary Bettman with Mike Francessa about his supposed demise. He also answers questions about why hockey left ESPN and went into Versus TV network, why he put the all star game on in mid-week, etc...
WFAN - The Fan -

[EmpireWF]

He loves to put his positive spin on everything doesnt he.