Divisional Rivalries - New NHL Schedule | International Hockey Gang

marrella
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Divisional Rivalries - New NHL Schedule Dec 21, 2003 15:00:39 GMT -5

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Post by marrella on Dec 21, 2003 15:00:39 GMT -5

OK, we've played enough games to see how we like the NHL's 6 games against division rivals and only 1 game against teams in the other conference. What do you think of it?

Personally, I don't like it. I think 4-5 games against your own division is enough to create a "rivalry". Plus I get tired of see the same old players over and over and over again. Factoring in pre-season, we play the Thrashers 9 times this season! That's way more than I want to see Atlanta.

I would much rather "spread the wealth" and get to see more action against the opposing division's teams. We on the East Coast get to see so few West Coast games anyway, due to the time difference, it would be nice to have a visit from West Coast teams more often. Example, we didn't get to see the only Canes/Canucks game of the year due to no tv coverage (since it didn't start until 11:00 pm East Coast time). We know the player's names, but don't really know how they play (other than what we read in the papers).

Thoughts?

Jazz
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Divisional Rivalries - New NHL Schedule Dec 21, 2003 16:30:23 GMT -5

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Post by Jazz on Dec 21, 2003 16:30:23 GMT -5

Hey Marella.

There is simply a difference in hockey cultures between the east and the west.....

I completely agree with you!!! I think that each team should go to every city at least once in a year, so if that means less games against divisional rivals, so be it.

However in the east, they simply don't care about seeing teams from the other conference. Even Flyer's head coach Ken Hitchcock said the he would prefer to see the Devils and the Rangers like 12 times a year if it was possible and forgo games against the west.

NHL offices are in the East, so that doesn't help our cause.

G.

Story of my life: ;D

“We're Canadians. Hockey is what we identify with and what the world identifies us with. It's our national passion, and with that comes a certain amount of pressure to succeed. ”
— Wayne Gretzky

MarmotMike
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Posts: 410

Divisional Rivalries - New NHL Schedule Dec 21, 2003 18:13:12 GMT -5

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Post by MarmotMike on Dec 21, 2003 18:13:12 GMT -5

I agree with marrella. Cut down the number of games by 1-2 against divisional "rivals". I wish I could see more games against the Eastern Conference teams but I guess the NHL is trying to reduce wear and tear from excessive travel.

I think some great teams and players in the Western Conference don't get noticed back east where most of the media/journalist are.

stjohnsleafsfan
Prospect

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Divisional Rivalries - New NHL Schedule Dec 23, 2003 8:20:00 GMT -5

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Post by stjohnsleafsfan on Dec 23, 2003 8:20:00 GMT -5

Yes I agree. I think that's one of the reasons that St. John's moved to the AHL Western Conference. Fans here got sick and tired of seeing the same teams come into Mile One night after night after night. For instance we played the Hamilton Bulldogs a total of 12 times last season!:-(. While I know that the move to the West is harder on our team travel wise it has bought a lot of new teams into St. John's this season and makes going to the games a lot more interesting.