Sports

New Sports Thought Thursday On Tuesday Stanley Cup Finals

In this Special Sports Thought Thursday blog, we are going to take a look at the NHL Finals.  As many of you know I am a huge Red Wings fan and hockey fan.  I will have to say this right off the bat.  What I say has nothing NOTHING to the fact that I am a Red Wings fan.  If anyone think otherwise, go learn about hockey before you know judge me.  If you have an issue, just send me an email.  I will have a thought and willingness to have a good talk about hockey.  The finals in 2013 is Chicago Blackhawks vs Boston Bruins.  Both teams won Stanley Cup Winners in 2010, who was Chicago Blackhawks and 2011, who was Boston Bruins.  This is the first time in the Stanley Finals that an Orinigal Six teams match up since 1979.  This will be a good match.

This is what I believe will happen.  Boston Bruins will win the Cup in 5 or 6th games.  I will not be stun if it is a sweep on Boston side.  Boston shut down the highest scoring team in the regular season which is Penguins.  The Blackhawks and Penguins have about the same game.  I love how Boston is playing.  They have over came a ton this playoff run.  Blackhawks had some bumps and over took the Red Wings that gave them the biggest problem in this run.  I believe the Red Wings and Wild gave the blue print on how to stop the Blackhawks.  Kings try to do it but they did not have enough scoring and talent.  Boston I believe is a talented Red Wings and I believe this is a no brainer.  Sorry Chicago maybe next year!

Boston Bruins will the Stanley Cup in 5 or 6 games!

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Sports Thought Thursday Blog How To Act As A Sports Fan To Other Fans.

In this Sports Thought Thursday blog, I might be wrong or right on this subject.  I will be talking on both sides of coin.  This has been a pretty big issue  to me of late living in the Chicago market.  Here is my thought.

Fan of a Team Not in the Market

At Stadium

Beware where you are and what you are doing.  For example, if you are going to see your team in another team’s stadium.  There is nothing wrong showing your team proud but there is an issue when you are acting like a jackass.  If you wear your team colors, you need to act like you are not there but you are there.  It is OK to clap when your team scores but do not stand up when they make a big hit and clap.  You are asking for problems.  You need to watch your alcohol in tank.  We all know people do dumb things when they are drunk.  It is fine to drink but know your limit.  If some other team’s fan says something, just ignore them.  If they keep going, just say, I am here just like you are and I am not bothering anyone.   You will need to know where security and Customer service.  Remember, you might be out-of-town but you are still a paying customer.  You deserve what the hometown fans get in their sports experience.  You need to show respect and it is pretty easy.  They will see it and just be nice. They will talk to you nicely.  At least, they will not get in your face and try to start a fight.

Out And About In The Town

This is part that bugs me.  I will wear a Red Wings hat around Chicago.  I am supporting my team like you are supporting your team.  I will not wearing a jersey around unless I am going to the game or bar event.  I know that is wrong and I am asking for problems.  I mind my busy and go about my errands just in my hat.  You need to be yourself and just respect your surrounds.

Fan In A City With Opposite Team’s Fan

At Stadium

Remember these people are human and they have feelings like you.  Treat them like you would treat yourself because what you give out will come back around.  It is fine to say their team sucks but do not get in their face to start a fight.  I realize you have to support your team with the rest of the fan base but remember you might be in that same situation down the road.  Plus, you need to realize how much you are drinking because you might do something you might regret.  Respect them and you might have a nice talk with them.  You might learn something from them.  Of course, if they do something, you know when to put them in their place.  Remember this is your building but that does not give you the right to be a jerk.  They are there like you to enjoy the game.  I get it they are rivalries. Respect!

Out And About To See Another Team’s Fan

Here is the big one for me.  I had this happen to me yesterday (Saturday).  I walk into a place with my Chicago Cubs coat and Red Wings hat.  There was a Blackhawks fan shouts across the place saying “Detroit Sucks!”  I just ignored him and then he goes on to say, “you made my day bad now! Detroit Sucks!”  I get it they are a really good team and they are better than the Red Wings.  I just looked at him and said, “I am minding my own busy.”  He just left me alone.  I did not just walk in and say Red Wings Rule because then I am asking for it.  Those are the fans that put a bad name on fan bases.  Remember that, when you see a co-fan doing something, you might want to step in or say sorry for how that person acted.

In closing, I get it you are a fan of your team.  Congrats but there are a time in place for everything.  I love the passion of any fan for their team.  What I do not like are jerks killing my sports experience or to any fan. I love to see all ballparks in the MLB and that goes with NHL and NFL.  The big think you need to put this in mind.  If I pay money to come into your town, I am helping your team and your city.  In the end, we are here to enjoy the sports event and just respect each other to have some fun.  This is not to paint a cloud on any fan base. I am basing my experience on my experience. Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Sport Thought Monday Blog MLB Prediction

In this special sport thought blog, I am going to give my  thoughts on the upcoming season.   It will be a long one for me as a Cubs fan but I enjoy baseball and its rich history.  Here are my thoughts short and to the point.  It will be fun to see how this comes along through out this season.

AL East Winner

Toronto Blue Jays – It is simple.  The O’s and Rays will take a few steps back.  Red Soxes and Yankees are either hurt or rebuilding.  I do not see O’s still going on the run like they did last year.  I would not be shocked to see a few wild cards coming out of this part of the league.  Blue Jays did a few trades and rebuild that pitching relation.  It will be fun to watch this team raise up to where they were in my child hood.

AL Central Winner

Detroit Tigers – Why not?  This is a very sexy pick and I know just everyone in Detroit and outside are picking this team.  Great pitching and hitting.  Their defense is still under question but it will be fun to watch this team.  Indians were busy but I do not think they are good enough.  Royals are supposed to be good every year and I think they will fail like they normal do.  White Soxs and Twins are just bad.

AL West Winner

Texas Rangers – I still love this team even though they loss a few players to free agency.  I do not trust the Angels pitching but their line up and defense is pretty sick in a good way.  Oakland A’s like the O’s, they were lucky last year and I wish them the best of luck this upcoming season.  I just do not see them doing what they did last season.  They are a good team and Billy Bean always finds players to play over their limits.  Seattle will be pretty but how much.  Will it be enough to take over the two offense powers of the Rangers and Angels?  This is the toughest division in the league.

NL East

Washington Nationals – I am not a dumb person.  This team is stock with talent.  This is their year that they will make some noise even though it came one year sooner.  Their starting pitchers will pitch all year-long with no limits.  Defense and offense is sexy but do not forget about Braves.  Mets and Miami will be at the bottom.  The Philadelphia will be good but aging team.  You have ask how much do they have left in the tank.  They will make some noise.  I will not be shocked that two wild cards come out of this part of the league.

NL Central

Cincinnati Reds – I hate to say it.  I do not think they are really that good but this division just flat-out bad.  Cubs and Pirates will be fighting for the last spot.  Brewers and Cardinals will be fighting for second or third.  This is just a painful division from top to bottom.

NL West

San Francisco Giants – I really like this team to get to the playoffs again.  I know the Dodgers are good too.  They are just like the Blue Jays.  They made a ton of moves in the off season.  This is going to be fun to watch this shape up.

Wild Card Winners AL

LA Angels

Baltimore O’s

Wild Winners NL

Atlanta Braves

LA Dodgers

Sleeper Teams

Chicago Cubs

Kansas City Royals

World Series Match Up

Detroit Tigers

Washington Nationals

World Series Winner

Detroit Tigers

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Sport Thought Thursday Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field

In this Sport Thought Thursday, we are going to get into the debate on the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.  We are going to review the history of Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field.  I do not think that the general baseball fan know they both have different history.  Let us get into this debate.

Chicago Cubs History

The history of Chicago Cubs started as Chicago White Stockings in 1870 by defeating the St Louis Unions.  In 1876, the White Stockings join the newly formed league known as the National League.  In 1907 and 1908, the Chicago Cubs became the first team in Major Baseball League to win back to back World Series.  They beat the Ty Cobb’s Detroit Tigers.  Everyone knows the history of never winning another World Series after that.  They are now own by Ricks and they are in rebuilding mode, which is being rebuild by former GM of the Boston Red Sox.  Red Sox just like the Cubs went on a long just like the Cubs.

Wrigley Field History

The history of the Wrigley Field is just as rich as the Chicago Cubs.  Wrigley Field was home of the Chicago Whales of the Federal League when it opened back in 1914.  In  that year, the field was known as Weeghman Park.  When the Chicago Cubs moved into the field after the Federal League folded in 1916.  The field was called Cub Park.  It was renovated in 1937 and 1988.  It was expanded in 1922, 1927, and 2006.  To build this field, back in the day was $250,000 in 1914, which today will equal $5.73 million.  This field is one of the smallest in the league.

State of Wrigley Field Today

Today, the Chicago Cubs as a business is taking a hard look at Wrigley Field. They need to restore the field and they know it.  They are looking at putting up more Ads throughout the ballpark that the previous owners would not do.  They are also looking to put more signs behind the bleachers. The problem is the rooftops are complaining that it would block their views into the ballpark.  Does this sound wrong?  It is wrong because the Chicago Cubs only get a small percentage of the ticket sales from the rooftops.  The ads they could put up behind the bleachers would cover their small percentage that they get from the rooftops and more in about a season. The other problem is the neighborhood around Wrigley Field and it does not help that the field is a historical landmark.  The Ricks, who own the Chicago Cubs, would have to get permission from the state and the neighborhood to do anything in and around Wrigley.

In closing, I believe it would be best for the Chicago Cubs to move out of Wrigley Field.  This is the reason why.  They are profitable at Wrigley Field because it is a tourist event.  I am not saying that is the fan base.  They are getting most of their money from the box office.  They cannot put signs throughout the park because of the rooftop that are stealing the product on the field.  Yes, they are giving money to the Cubs but not at what the Chicago Cubs Could make on ads.  Yes, the Chicago Cubs could fix up the locker room, etc.  They want to make sure they can do everything not somethings.  I believe Rosemont deal will help the Cubs get what they want out of the City of Chicago and the neighborhood.  I believe you will see no more rooftops in the future if the Chicago Cubs stay at Wrigley Field.  I believe the Chicago Cubs will not be playing baseball in the city limits soon. I could be wrong. Please let me know what your thoughts are about this.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Sports Thought Thursday Blog NHL Has A New CBA

In this sports blog, I am doing my follow-up post to my earlier on NHL Lockout.  As many of you know the NHL has reached an agreement with the players on CBA on Sunday Morning about 6:00 am ET.  Does it really matter now?  Will the fans come back? How will the league make a come back now?  Do you think the players, owners, and NHL care about the fans?

NHL teams will be hitting the ice again for a short season.  After all the silliest floating around between the owners and players, we as fan can now send a message to the league.  I know for a fact the NHL deep-rooted cities will rebound because it is in the blood for those fans.  I am talking cities like Detroit, Boston, New York, etc.  Now what happens to the teams to the south like Tampa Bay, Phoenix that still does not have a new owner.  I believe it will take NHL over ten years to pick up where they left off before this last lockout.

Lock out, I will be watching hockey because I love the sport and I am glad it is back.  This will be some exciting hockey for the next few months because every game will mean something then a normal eighty-two games.  I will be watching every game.  I am watching the ratings and attendance around the league.  I just have a feeling the hockey fans will make a statement to the league and the players.  I believe that Gary Bettman and Donald Fehr need to resign and/or be fired because of this situation.  Gary Bettman legacy will be having two lockouts in less than ten years.  Donald Fehr will be the guy that has put two sports in Jeopardy of going away.  I believe he just did it to NHL as a business.  Go get some!  GO WINGS!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

Sports Thought Thursday Blog NFL Playoffs

In this Sports Thought Thursday, we are going to look at NFL playoffs of 2012.  It has been yet another exciting year for football.  Black Monday was interesting after the regular season was over.  Head coaches and general managers being fired from several different teams because they did not reach their goals of winning the Super Bowl. It is going to be exciting off season but it is time for some NFL Playoffs. Let us look at the teams and match ups in the playoffs.

AFC

Bengals vs Taxans

I am loving Bengals over the Taxans.  I just feel there is something wrong with Houston on their losing streak.  They came out strong at the beginning of the season and I believe the league has figured them out.  I would not be shock to see them win either.  Bengals finished the season strong and took care some of their demons.  I believe they will move on into the playoffs.

Win:  Bengals

Colts vs Ravens

This one is a tough one.  This game will feature the number one pick of this year’s draft and this is the first time that number one pick quarterback makes it to the playoffs in his rookie season.  He has been playing like a 3 to 4 year player.  Ravens defense is weak and Luck might pick them apart.  There are questions on their Offense like every year.  I will have to go with the Ravens and it is a shame to watch this amazing rookie season end.

Win:  Ravens

NFC

Vikings vs Packers

These teams will be playing back to back weeks.  That last game of the last week of the season was something else.  It was a great game.  This game comes down to how the weather is going to be like in Green Bay.  If it is like how it is this time of the year, this might be a simple pick.  However, it is not that easy, Green Bay taking a page from the past with their running game.  I just feel that Vikings have the upper hand on the running game.  I do not see a passing game on either side being effected in this game.  I love Vikings defense but did both teams show too much in their last two games.  I am leaning towards the Vikings but if it has to come down to the passing game.  Rogers is the man and I just feel Vikings’ quarterback will make some mistakes.

Win:  Packers

Seahawks vs Redskins

Here is a game that will be something else.  Two rookie quarterbacks are starting in this game that came out of this year’s draft.  Redskins and Seahawks both finished off strong.  However, Seahawks was just really bad but did Hawks turn around their season against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field, RG3 is now hurt and cannot run as well as he did in the beginning of the year.  I am liking Seahawks and I believe in their offense and defense.

Win:  Seahawks

AFC Divisional Champions

Bengals vs Broncos

Is there really a debate here?  This game has MVP of the league at QB and maybe the comeback player.  Broncos defense carried this team last season into the playoffs and now Manning is taking that to the Super Bowl.  Sorry Bengals, you had a great year.  I just cannot see you over take this Broncos team.

Win:  Broncos

Ravens vs Patriots

Just like the other game in the AFC, I just feel this game is going to be a lot closer then many of us believe.  Patriots offense is still there like it has in the past and they shown that against my Dolphins in the last game of the season.  Not many people remember Patriots had a ton of problems on defense.  Plus, many have forgotten that loss to the Cardinals.  Maybe they fixed their problems but I have a feeling it might show its ugly head again.  Ravens will find their offense and defense will look like they did in the past.    I have a feeling the Patriots will win but I really like the Ravens.

Win: Ravens

NFC Divisional Champions

Seahawks vs Falcons

I am going to ride the Hawks band wagon.  I believe their defense will stop the running and passing game from Falcons.  Falcons had a great year and they earn their number one seat.  I just have a feeling they will not slay their monkey on their back this season. They will be the same old Falcons.  I am going with their past history.

Win:  Seahawks

Packers vs 49ers

This one is pretty tough.  I will go with experience on this game.  49ers are starting a second year quarterback in the league and I just have a feeling he will show his nerves and inexperience.  Tom will make mistakes and the Packers will jump on them but they are home so he might be comfortable.  I hope for Jim that he picked the right quarterback.

Win:  Packers

AFC Champions

Ravens vs Broncos

I am loving the Broncos moving on to the Super Bowl over the Ravens.  Even if the Patriots make it here, I still will see Broncos move on to the Super Bowl.  This defense from Broncos will stop the Ravens offense.  I just can see this game being close but Manning driving with minutes left on the game for the win.

Win:  Broncos

NFC Champions

Seahawks vs Packers

This will be a fight and a very close game.  Green Bay is a team that runs through what Rogers can do on offense.  This is a tough pick.  I will have to go with my donated team this season.  I will go with Seahawks and I believe it will come down to a field goal.  Packers will loss it because of their inconstant kicker.  I just cannot believe they are still using him.  It will cost them a game.

Win: Seahawks

Super Bowl

Seahawks vs Broncos

Closing the season out, I am liking Seahawks for this reason their defense.  Manning has a Super Bowl experience and a win.  Manning will have problems with those corner backs of Hawks.  I just see him turning the ball over and their DL will cause a ton of problems for the Broncos OL.  I do not think that Broncos will have answers for Hawks offense and/or Russell Wilson, who should be rookie of the year.  Who knows what will happen?  Maybe Manning will show he can play in the big stage unlike he did his last time.  This will be a fight and a great game.  I am picking Seahawks.

Super Bowl Winner:  Seahawks

Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Blog State Of Miami Dolphins

In this sport blog, we are going to talk about my favorite team in the NFL and it is the Miami Dolphins.  As many of you know I am a huge Fins fan so I am going to give my thought on the future of the Dolphins.  You might disagree or agree with these thoughts. Here is my thought.

Offensive

I believe Fins have found their quarterback for the future.  They have a great set of wide receivers (they will need a deep threat at WR) and tight end.  We have some great running backs.  The one thing we need is a deep threat at the wide receiver position and we need some guards.  I believe the Fins will keep Jake Long since the Left Tackle is hard to find.  If they let Jake go, I would say buyer beware. Not too many Left Tackles make it to free agents market. Even though, I believe I am starting to see a decline in him.

Special Teams

Every team needs special teams help.  I believe we are found at our kick and punt returns.  Our kicker Dan Carpenter has come back around from a rough season but maybe a back up plan.  I love our punter.

Defensive

I believe we need little help on the line just like all the team in the NFL.  I believe we need help in our secondary.  I hope we draft in our corner back position and maybe a linebackers in the later rounds of the draft.  Asides that, I love our defensive.

Why do I think they will win and make the playoffs next year?

I believe the Dolphins will be a threat next year to make the playoffs.  Our quarterback will have year under his belt and we give him a good deep threat down the field and improve the offensive line.  Ryan will have time in the pocket.  It will also improve our running game since we have two under rated running backs.  Jets and Bills will take several steps back because of coaching and upper management changes.  New England, I believe will start to take steps back.  Tom is not getting younger and there is no back up plans.  There defensive started out bad this season but improved I can not see their defense being good in New England.  Do they have a great offensive?  Of course, I just believe that offensive will have to take some steps backwards.

In closing, I might be a little meatballish here but this is my thought pattern.  I loved how Dolphins played this year and they were with most of the elite teams in the league when they were playing them. This is why I believe they are a few players away to start making some noise.  Did they get blow out in some games?  Yes, but they are a young team that is learning.  I love our head coach and he has this team going forward and in the right direction.  I am looking forward to seeing my Dolphins in the playoffs next year.  I am not saying Super Bowl but you get in you do not know what will happen.  Drink it! Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

New Blog World Series

In this sport blog, we are going to talk more baseball with the first pitch of World Series moments away.  Everyone has their picks on who they believe will win. It is taking until one hour to make my final on the SF Gaints against Detroit Tigers. If you follow me on Twitter or Facebook, I did toss a thought out there when the MLB Playoffs started. It was Gaints against Tigers and I picked Giants to win it.

Match Ups

We will be watching two MVP and Cy Young winners.  Of course,  the Triple Crown winner, which it could have been two Triple Crown winners, if Milky did not tested positive. We are going to see great pitching and a ton of clutch hitting. You cannot count out either team. Let us break down by teams.

Detroit Tigers

This is the team that was picked to run away and hide from the rest of the AL Central teams. They came out very slow and fought to the end of the season to take down the Chicago White Soxs, who had a very impressive season. There starting pitching was hurt most of the year and bullpen is always on vacation. However, we have seem in the pasted it does not matter what you do during the regular season, it is what you do in the playoffs. This team is build for playoffs.

SF Giants

This is a team that came out strong and never really looked back. They loss their closer to season ending injury. Loss their left fielder to drug use, which he was leading in the batting title. They had a few kids come up and did awesome. Some of there older players playing a career performance. This team has been fighting all season with no believers asides the ones in SF area.

In closing, I will say I am a huge Cubs fan, which many of you know. Yes, I am from Michigan. With all that said, I am looking forward to epic World Series. I believe this will be one for the ages. I love journey both of these teams have took to get there. I am liking Giants to win the World Series. This is why. I love their clutch hitting, defense, and pitching. Tigers have too many question marks. Their bullpen is extremely shaking. I do not trust that dancing idiot. Defense has been great but it will show its ugly face soon. I am worried about Fister and Sanchez resting which is not a good thing for the type of pitchers they are. With that, Tigers want to win a World Series for their owner and manager, who might retired at the of this series. I would not be shocked if it happens.

I did say epic. Giants in seven games with a few extra innings. Detroit fans can thank Justin for showing off at allstar game to give Giants home field.

Cheers!

Bill Weiser

Email: djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter: @djweiser

New Blog MLB Playoffs

In this blog, we are going to take a look at Major League Baseball. I have not done a non beer blog so I thought I would mix it up with some sports.  With all the bad things that has happen under Bud’s watch since he took over the commisnor role in MLB, he might have done something correct this year.  I am a huge Chicago Cubs fan so my baseball season was over before it started in 2012.  With the added Wild Card in both leagues, it added to drama for the last part of the season and it did suck me back into baseball world to watch the races. Most races came down to the last day of the seasona.  There were some great story lines.

Wild Card

The one day playoff games came from something that happened was the last three years where there was a 163rd game just to make it into the playoffs.  It just seems like every year St Louis Cardinals find there way into the playoffs playing in a really bad Division with two teams that are in the bottom five in the league.  During the National League Wild Card Game, there was a really bad call that caused Braves a chances to move on and a Legendary Career from Chipper Jones.  Was that really the case?  Braves infiled was one of the best in the league found a way to commit three errors during this game.  Go figure!  O course, one came from Chipper. Well at least he can end his career with a hit. These two games were not as excited as the nature 163rd did in the past but nice try Bud.

NLDCS And ALDCS

I believe this became the best situation that worked for Bud this time around.  All the match ups went to Game 5’s with the home team getting home field advantage.  Is this Wild Card Playoff working?  It kind makes it important to win the Divistion.  I would have to say yes it is working. Why don’t you ask the Oakland A’s that question?  The Tigers shut them down.  There stud ace and one of the best pitchers in the league came into their house had breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He pitched a complete four hitter. At least Washington is showing they can take control of their Home field with a walk off home run yesterday to send it to Game 5.  O’s are pushing the Yanks to Game 5 in New York.  The home teams hold their fate tonight at home.  We will see.

So far the Tigers and Giants could care they are moving on deeper into the playoffs. I believe the rest of the teams have that same thought pattern as long as they get to the next round to have a shot to play in the World Series. The really question is this. Is Bud a genius with his boys or did he really just get lucky on a wild pitch to the back stop to score a game winning run just to make the playoffs with everything that happen the last twenty years. Think about that one.  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it!  \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser

NHL Against NHLPA, Who Will Win The Cup?

In this sport blog, we are going to talk about the future of the CBA in the National Hockey League.  If you are not aware of this issue, the owners are ready to lock out the players again.  As September 15th comes closer, we might not have a hockey season or maybe part of the season.  The players have 53% share of the profits while the owners has the rest, which is 47%.  The owners want to flip that profit-sharing to their way.  They, the owners, are yelling how poor they are and how the smaller market teams are having problems paying their bills.  If you know anything about hockey, you know way over half of the profits come from the box offices unlike the rest of the major sports.  As you know the last CBA called for an entire season to be cancelled in 2004-2005.  Under the current CBA, we had the average NHL team is worth 47% more in value.  Last season, the league had 18 of the 30 teams showing red before they pay for their bank loans and other assets.  The prior year there was 16 of the 30 teams.  Along with the increase of player’s salaries increased by 11% to $59 million.  Big market teams are doing fairly well with most of them making money or profit.  So where is the issue here?

It is the small market teams that are mostly in the red.  Owners want to go to NFL Model which is 48% or do what the NBA did this last summer which is 50-50 spit.  To me, seeing a team like LA Kings winning the Cup this year just spell the end to the NHL I grew up loving and watching as a kid.  They were the first team in league history to beat 1st seed when they were the 8th seed.  Also they were the first time to win the Cup as 8th seed.  Congrats to the LA Kings but I am sorry I love the power house teams in the league going back to the Orignal 6.  Big Market teams should killing any league not just NHL.

This year’s Stanley Cup, which featured New Jersey Devils against LA Kings, draw the worse television since the 2007, which featured Ottawa Seniors against Anaheim Ducks.  I believe my point is approved by this stat.  However, it was in the Los Angeles market with the oldest team in California might have helped the ratings a little bit.

Stanley Cup Final Audience Averages Since 2007 on NBC and NBC Sports Network/VERSUS (www.sbnation.com)

2007, Ottawa vs. Anaheim – 1.8 million

2008, Pittsburgh vs. Detroit – 4.5 million

2009, Pittsburgh vs. Detroit – 4.9 million

2010, Philadelphia vs. Chicago – 5.1 million

2011, Boston vs. Vancouver – 4.5 million

2012, Los Angeles vs. New Jersey – 3.0 million

As we get closer to the September 15th expiring of the old CBA, this could be the end of this sport.  NHL might be losing more than money but fans that keeps this league up and running.  I believe with all the comments coming out on both signs that the owners care but they are not looking at the bigger picture, which is the future of this sport.  You would think the owners will learn their lesson from the last lockout.  The big question is that needs to be asked are you coming back this time?  Will you try to buy tickets for this upcoming season?  What is going to be the fallout if they do lockout for the season?  I do not have the answers but the greedy are fighting over their billions and millions of dollars.  If there is a lockout, all  workers that clean the bathrooms, cashiers that run the hot dog, beer, etc will all be out of jobs.  The workers that are trying to make it in this world will be on the unemployment line.  In the end, the fans of this great sport and the rich history will not will the Cup and I believe there will not be NHL raising the Lord Stanley’s Cup in 2013.  What is your thoughts?  Go get some!  Drink it!  Enjoy it!  Metal it! \m/

Cheers!

Bill DJ Weiser

Email:  djweiser13@comcast.net

Twitter:  @djweiser