Look out, Lingerie Football League. If you’re a red meat eating, testosterone-filled dude, or just a Canadian, then this is probably the greatest idea you’ve ever heard of (at least until someone invents the beer sandwich). Bikini-clad women trying to pull off a back heel toe-drag? Sign me up. The format of the league is actually quite different. Rather than just being a sporting event, it’s attempting to pattern itself after a reality show. There will be two teams of 10 players each, and ... Read More
2012-13 NHL Award Predictions
I know, we don’t even have a new CBA in place yet, but frankly, I’m tired of talking about the lockout. It’s a beautiful fall day, and I’m tired of being depressed about hockey. So when the stars align and the players and owners sign on the dotted line, here’s how I think the year-end awards will shake out. Lady Byng Trophy (most gentlemanly): Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings It’s been several years since Datsyuk took home the Lady Byng, but it’s hard for a four-time winner to not be the ... Read More
Why NHL Owners Want a Bigger Share
Earlier this week it was announced that the NHL was canceling the first two weeks of the regular season. The league has been in a battle with the NHLPA over a new CBA since July and while their recent string of meetings has been an encouraging sign, both parties are still far apart. The biggest issue has been revenue sharing. While the players would like like to keep 57% of hockey related revenue, the owners would like them to take 47% instead. Given that the league makes money off of the ... Read More
Will the NHL use replacement players?
25 years ago today, the National Football League used replacement players in regular season games for the first time in its history. It was a groundbreaking move, one that the league had often threatened, but never reverted to until then. The strike lasted for three total weeks before finally coming to an end. So that begs the question, the NHL has canceled the first two weeks of the season, but could they possibly retain the rest of the schedule and bring in replacement players until the ... Read More
KHL on ESPN
When I first heard about the (possibly short-term) marriage between the Kontinental Hockey League and ESPN, I immediately poured hot coffee on my hand just to make sure that I was awake and alive. First off, the thought of watching hockey in any capacity is akin to winning free Taco Bell for life. I barely even remember what ice skates look like. As was stated by Morgan Freeman in The Shawshank Redemption, “I find I’m so excited I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head.” ESPN’s ... Read More
Summit Series 40th Anniversary: Canada vs. USSR
Before there was the 1980 Olympic “Miracle on Ice”, there was the 1972 Summit Series that pitted Canada vs. the Soviet Union. It was truly one of hockey’s biggest moments. Canada was a dominant force, with players like Bobby Clarke, Stan Mikita and Phil Esposito, among many others. Not to be outdone, the Soviet Machine was humming by ’72, lead by all-time great goaltender Vladislav Tretiak and long-time star Boris Mikhailov. It was an eight game series, set to take place in both Canada (first ... Read More
Why there is an NHL Lockout
Much has been written about the current NHL lockout, and what (if any) progress is being made. However, many writers, myself included, have been derelict in our duty of explaining why the lockout occurred to begin with. As every good historian knows, knowing why something happened is as important as knowing what happened. Let’s begin with the Collective Bargaining Agreement set forth by the league after the 2004-05 lockout. This agreement put the current salary cap structure (which is tied to ... Read More
Sidney Crosby talks NHL Lockout, training and more
While Pittsburgh Penguins fans would love to see superstar Sidney Crosby back on the ice for a full 82-game season this year, it doesn't look like that's going to happen.This time around it has nothing to do with Crosby's health, but instead it is the current NHL lockout that is keeping the Penguins' captain and his teammates of the ice.Similar to his teammates, Crosby is itching to get in game action, but that's not on the agenda right now as the players remain locked out by the league."You ... Read More
Pascal Dupuis Staying Busy During Lockout
Wednesday night, the Detroit Red Wings were supposed to visit the Consol Energy Arena for preseason action, but due to the NHL lockout, that's not going to happen. The longer this lockout drags out, the more it effects players in different ways. Guys like Evgeni Malkin can find a place to play and if an agreement isn't reached soon, we could see the likes of Kris Letang, Marc-Andre Fleury and others find a team to play for in the very near future. However, that's not an option for every ... Read More
Catching Up with the Penguins Kris Letang
With the NHL lockout in full effect, there hasn't been much news surrounding the Pittsburgh Penguins lately. As of now, there is no end in sight and the Winter Classic is now in jeopardy as sources told ESPN's Scott Burnside that if a deal isn't reached by November, that commissioner Gary Bettman is prepared to pull the plug on what is dear to him.However, while the lockout has already affected the preseason, as all exhibition games through September have been cancelled, that hasn't stopped ... Read More