Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceM
Really? Besides Carolina who else in the Southeast is in on this "Intense" rivalry? Try looking at the Standings - the rivalry comes from the Northeast. It's between the Leafs and Hurricanes.
|
Twenty games does not a rivalry make. I was referring more to the last few years, where if you dind't win the division, you didn't make the playoffs period and the teams would usually be found in the lower echelons. And judging from the standings, they are once again (Carolina 16th, Atlanta 9th, Tampa Bay 10th, Florida 13th)
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceM
Another one who needs to look at his history - try checking out how well the Blues did every season until just a short while ago. They were in the same division as Detroit and always competitive.
|
Hence the almost. Perhaps I should have specified recent history to dissuade the history attack dogs?
Quote:
Originally Posted by BruceM
I know one thing for sure, you'll never see the NHL go back to a Division Heavy schedule. The fans won't stand for it as has already been witnessed. They want to see the other superstars in the league more than once a season, and rightfully so.
|
From the current schedule they'll still be waiting, at least for any stars outside their conference. How many folks in the East are having a gander at Thorton or Iginla this year? How many folks in the West will be seeing Crosby or Oveckin? We've gone from a schedule that was division heavy to one where you're seeing teams on a bi-yearly basis. The scheduling isnt' exactly a shining light for what's good in this league (although it's blazing compared to say, the officiating, or league management)
ON that note, we're starting to veer off the topic of this thread. Time to steer it back...maybe.