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Post by CL on May 3, 2003 18:09:45 GMT -5
There are questions being asked around several sports bars in Ottawa about a potential bias on the part of the NHL in order to assist in the sale of the Ottawa Senators to Eugene Melnyk. Basically, some fans are wondering if the officiating and in at least one instance, the scheduling was not tipped slightly to give Ottawa an advantage first the New York Islanders and then against the Philadelphia Flyers. These questions are not being posed by disgruntled Leaf fans or perturbed Flyer fans but by Senators fans. Of particular note, was the high incidence of non calls on Senator players where high sticking is involved. I guess if Sens fans don't have the Leafs to complain about they will pick the next best thing.
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Post by stugats1 on May 3, 2003 18:12:22 GMT -5
I guess if I lived near Ottawa CL I would really hate the Sens. Because I am usually sour grapes for a round I have been rooting for Ottawa to beat Philly. After watching todays game I got a bit of a reminder of how much I actually dislike the Sens and was sort of rooting for Philly. Lets hope they both lose, somewhere along the lines.
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Post by TOMGUNNER on May 3, 2003 18:31:48 GMT -5
Say it ain't CL.....the Sens High Sticking people?! ( sarcasm noted? )
Just ask Brian Berard if the Sens high Stick!
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Post by lapniappe on May 3, 2003 18:40:39 GMT -5
there has always been a NHL bias against Ottawa
they are the poster welfare child so they can do no wrong.
it has to be, because some games you have to watch and wonder what on earth is going on out there when it's a whack whack there, and whack whack there with their sticks, and that was BEFORE Melnyk.
now. the question SHOULD be.
will there be an NHL bias in Ottawa when Melnyk takes the team?
or another one
Well Melnyk give oodles and oodles of money to the team?
or..
will Ottawa Sens fans write Toronto a big thank you card "Thank you for your Millionaire, but we still won't go to Sens games"?
or..
how long does it take Melynyk to do the Toronto advantage? (Being you can field ANY team and spend as much/less money as you need to, people are still going to come to the game....wait this is Ottawa, still are NOT going to go to the game...)
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Post by stugats1 on May 3, 2003 19:02:08 GMT -5
Where did Larry Melnyk get money to even think about owning a team? He was an average D-Man at best?
Just kidding here folks!!
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Post by Leafs_Pam on May 3, 2003 20:07:35 GMT -5
Say it ain't CL.....the Sens High Sticking people?! ( sarcasm noted? ) Just ask Bryan Berard if the Sens high Stick! I'm sure you know I share your EXTREME dislike of Alfredsson, but there is one more Sens Player that I dislike more than Alfredsson, and that is none other than Marion Hossa. I've never forgiven him for what he did to Berard. Yeah, yeah, I know Berard 'forgave' him, but what the heck was Bryan supposed to say publicly anyway. That he hated Hossa for what he did to him? I highly doubt any player would say his real feelings about it publicly. I saw Hossa pull the same careless 'accidental' high stick acts several times in games on ESPN AFTER he all but blinded Bryan. I'll never forgive or like Hossa and if the Leafs ever got Hossa I would still boo Hossa. All I can say is the Leafs better NEVER try to get either Alfredsson or Hossa. At least IMO, they are both Cheap Shot artists.
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Post by lapniappe on May 3, 2003 21:33:57 GMT -5
I'm sure you know I share your EXTREME dislike of Alfredsson, but there is one more Sens Player that I dislike more than Alfredsson, and that is none other than Marion Hossa. I've never forgiven him for what he did to Berard. Yeah, yeah, I know Berard 'forgave' him, but what the heck was Bryan supposed to say publicly anyway. That he hated Hossa for what he did to him? I highly doubt any player would say his real feelings about it publicly. I saw Hossa pull the same careless 'accidental' high stick acts several times in games on ESPN AFTER he all but blinded Bryan. I'll never forgive or like Hossa and if the Leafs ever got Hossa I would still boo Hossa. All I can say is the Leafs better NEVER try to get either Alfredsson or Hossa. At least IMO, they are both Cheap Shot artists. I would. I would open my mouth and say I hated for what he did to me. (though, this is where i point out, if he was earing a visior it wouldn't have happened.... ) Now. lets just pull out some examples. Domi whips out a elbow on Neidermayer. Neidermayer has a concussion, and Domi is suspended for 8 games. He's seen as a very dirty player. Tucker bodychecks Gonchar and gets suspended because Gonchar has a concussion. Tucker also hipchecks Peca and is seen as the worlds most disgusting player. We won't mention the fact that Forsberg did a number on Nolan Yzerman did a diddy on Pronger (took him out for a year) HOSSA wacked Berard in the eye. No way is that a follow through. People don't wind up that high, and they don't come back up that high either. so the question is. how does someone do something like that and A: doesn't get a penalty called B: doesn't get suspended C: doesn't get blacklisted for being dirty but the Leafs and others do? as much as I lament over the fact that Quinn/Dryden calls wolf over the "conspiracy theory", you can't blame them for that way of thinking, whilst the NHL does fodder it. call EVERY team the same. or don't bother doing it, and play pond hockey instead.
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Post by lapniappe on May 3, 2003 21:37:52 GMT -5
I'll never forgive or like Hossa and if the Leafs ever got Hossa I would still boo Hossa. All I can say is the Leafs better NEVER try to get either Alfredsson or Hossa. At least IMO, they are both Cheap Shot artists. dang i was ranting so much i forget to comment on this. I doubt the Leafs will ever get Alfreddson We already have enough people on this team that vanish in the playoffs, we don't need a cheap non achiver on the Leafs thankyouverymuch now Hossa. I can see the Leafs getting him for the simple reason that he's an awesome winger. He can score, and the Leafs need scoring wingers badly. but his playoffs too are very meh-ish to be nice, and I don't see the Leafs breaking the vault over for him. the only reason why they WOULD get Hossa is because it would cripple the Senators badly. (on the wing) who i hope the sens get when he hits UFA is Zedeno Chara. whoo wee. too bad cloning is illegal lol
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Post by freshwind on May 4, 2003 7:01:53 GMT -5
I have heard whispers that the sale is not as peachy keen as it could be. The Senators are projected to be in the hole 24 million more this year. Now, at 1.5 mill per playoff game you can make that shortfall a lot smaller if you go VERY deep into the playoffs. Combine this with the talk of the Ontario gov't considering dropping the debt for the overpass and it sure appears that Melnyk is trying to wring as many freebies as he can in this deal. Anyone living in Ontario should insist to their mpp that they cut a cheque for 100 million for the Leafs as well. Why should the Leafs (who pay their bills) not be treated equally in this province? Biovale stocks also took a huge hit over the last little while and company value dropped 10%, can't be good for Eugene's pocketbook. I absolutely detest the way the Senators are run, I hate the way they play hockey, and they have about 6 or 7 players I simply loathe. But you know what bothers me most? During this bankruptcy thing, there were players who had deferred salary to help the team, the NHL doesn't recognize deferred contracts, therefore those players got screwed! I don't particularily like Yashin, but some reports say he was owed between 5 and 6 million. No paperwork or contract to prove it, just words. Bryden' word turned out to be false. The fact that they are "slimy" dirty just angers me more.
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Post by Leafs_Pam on May 4, 2003 7:07:56 GMT -5
I have heard whispers that the sale is not as peachy keen as it could be. The Senators are projected to be in the hole 24 million more this year. Now, at 1.5 mill per playoff game you can make that shortfall a lot smaller if you go VERY deep into the playoffs. Combine this with the talk of the Ontario gov't considering dropping the debt for the overpass and it sure appears that Melnyk is trying to wring as many freebies as he can in this deal. Anyone living in Ontario should insist to their mpp that they cut a cheque for 100 million for the Leafs as well. Why should the Leafs (who pay their bills) not be treated equally in this province? Biovale stocks also took a huge hit over the last little while and company value dropped 10%, can't be good for Eugene's pocketbook. I absolutely detest the way the Senators are run, I hate the way they play hockey, and they have about 6 or 7 players I simply loathe. But you know what bothers me most? During this bankruptcy thing, there were players who had deferred salary to help the team, the NHL doesn't recognize deferred contracts, therefore those players got screwed! I don't particularily like Yashin, but some reports say he was owed between 5 and 6 million. No paperwork or contract to prove it, just words. Bryden' word turned out to be false. The fact that they are "slimy" dirty just angers me more. FW, I don't know anything about Melnyk. Is biovale his company? Could you fill me in a little on this guy and what biovale is?
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Post by lapniappe on May 4, 2003 8:43:03 GMT -5
What I've read in the newspaper Pammy that Melynk owns the St. Mike Majors, and wants to own the Sens. He owns this big, big pharmacuetical company (Biovale), and that he's worth Billions, but he lost a lot of money the last couple of months.
It really ticks me off that Edmonton and Calgary especially does not get any special favours. None at ALL. They are struggling to keep afloat but they get their bills done on time. Why not grant them a levy to help them out. They have whole heck of a lot more history then the Sens. What about Montreal, 24 stanley cups, second most winningist franchise in sports (Yankees 29 World Series, Boston Celtics 19 NBA Titles), they were in so much trouble, an American had to buy them out.
And what about the Leafs? The "other son" of Ontario. No help there at all (let's not mention that we people in Toronto and outside of it get the short end of the stick over and over and over again. The Roads are horrible, and so forth and so forth, no tax levies there).
but. Ottawa, precious can do no wrong, but they have a cheap hockey team Ottawa gets a 100million tax break.
what's good for goose, is good for gander, and i'm really surprised that Stavro/Tannenbaum, Dryden hasn't opened their mouths and complained, because trust me, just because they are the Leafs doesn't mean they dont' suffer losses as well.
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Post by Leafs_Pam on May 4, 2003 17:42:49 GMT -5
Please don't anyone get mad at me for asking this. It's an honest question because I don't know that much about your Government. I think the Eastern U.S. might hear a lot about it, but out West we don't hear too much about the goings on of your Government.
Could it be the Sens keep getting breaks like this because they are located in the Capital City of the Country of Canada? Would the Government of the Country of Canada be embarassed if the team in the Country's Capital City folded because they are broke or if they had to sell the franchise and it was moved somewhere in the U.S.? Could the Government figure that somehow the problems in Montreal, and Alberta aren't as much of an embarassment?
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Post by lapniappe on May 4, 2003 20:34:03 GMT -5
Please don't anyone get mad at me for asking this. It's an honest question because I don't know that much about your Government. I think the Eastern U.S. might hear a lot about it, but out West we don't hear too much about the goings on of your Government. Could it be the Sens keep getting breaks like this because they are located in the Capital City of the Country of Canada? Would the Government of the Country of Canada be embarassed if the team in the Country's Capital City folded because they are broke or if they had to sell the franchise and it was moved somewhere in the U.S.? Could the Government figure that somehow the problems in Montreal, and Alberta aren't as much of an embarassment? Pammy that could be it. I didn't think about that. however if that's so, Quebec and Alberta has a whole heck to get mad about because the Government offered NHL assistance to EVERY team (even the Leafs) and the tax payers said no, and there's nothing in the budget about helping ANY NHL team Yet Sens get the waiver. it could v. well be that Ottawa doesn't want to see their "team" suffer, and it's not really their fault, I mean Bryden got this team INTO debt before he really had a team, and put the arena in the middle of a cow field (so I heard). it was v. poor planning. but, again if this is true, not only does the leafs have a legitmate bone to pick, but so does Amature sports. They got earmarked 20 million dollars ONLY if Vancouver got the 2010 bid (since changed), but 20 million for the amature sports is small potatoes. the Sens are in debt 130 million dollars (and more because they don't sell out all the time). I'd rather help olympians that are bordering on the poverty line then rich people like bryden that has no clue how to properly run a team finanically. it's digusting really when you have tickets as cheap as sens tickets and they can't sell out, and it costs an arm and a leg for standing room leaf tickets and everything is always sold out (except of course when Atlanta visits )
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Post by Leafs_Pam on May 4, 2003 21:06:57 GMT -5
Pammy that could be it. I didn't think about that. however if that's so, Quebec and Alberta has a whole heck to get mad about because the Government offered NHL assistance to EVERY team (even the Leafs) and the tax payers said no, and there's nothing in the budget about helping ANY NHL team it could v. well be that Ottawa doesn't want to see their "team" suffer, and it's not really their fault, I mean Bryden got this team INTO debt before he really had a team, and put the arena in the middle of a cow field (so I heard). it was v. poor planning. I'd rather help olympians that are bordering on the poverty line then rich people like bryden that has no clue how to properly run a team finanically. it's digusting really when you have tickets as cheap as sens tickets and they can't sell out, and it costs an arm and a leg for standing room leaf tickets and everything is always sold out (except of course when Atlanta visits ) Thanks, Lap. Actually I didn't think of this either until today when I was reading the string. We've talked about this with the Sens before but this is the first time I thought it might have something to do with where the Sens are located (Capital City). I've heard from many about how ridiculous it was to locate the Arena so far out of town. I've heard how Bryden has been in debt every since before the team really existed. This is just another clear example of how Buttman didn't investigate properly or thoroughly before he allowed a franchise. All Buttman can see are the $$ signs and how he can keep owners and Potential Owners happy. (I wish Buttman would get his @$$ fired.) I'm with you on that one. It would be much better to fund the Olympians than to help a greedy, rich man that can't manage to get the team out of debt. It's disgusting that an NHL team can't sell out their games even in Round 2. I imagine some fans can't buy the tickets because they are in the same boat as I am (with job problems and not enough money) but there has to be many more that can buy the tickets and attend the games that don't have job or money problems. They don't deserve a team if the ones that can afford tickets don't buy them and attend the games.
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Post by lapniappe on May 4, 2003 21:43:15 GMT -5
It's disgusting that an NHL team can't sell out their games even in Round 2. I imagine some fans can't buy the tickets because they are in the same boat as I am (with job problems and not enough money) but there has to be many more that can buy the tickets and attend the games that don't have job or money problems. They don't deserve a team if the ones that can afford tickets don't buy them and attend the games. no problem pammy... see, apparently the excuse is like this. they are waiting to see if the team is for real. now excuse me. the team won the president's trophy, had the best home record in the league, and all of that. but it can't sell out at home? the only thing that sells out the corel centre is the Leafs, and whatever other premier team comes in. and even then, the fans in the Corel centre are a majority of Leaf fans/fans of the other team. just look down the four oh one. i mean, it could be seen as biting the fans in the bottom, but the Leaf Nation has supported this team through thick and thin, for better and for worse, we're usually watching the Game at the Arena. We haven't seen a cup or any major NHL team award (Jennings, President's Trophy) in 37 years but for 41 games that building is sold out. the leafs have a hell of a lot more to prove to THEIR fans then the sens have to their own, and look at the start difference. the leafs are worth 1 billion the sens are in mega, mega debt. if that had been any other team, it would have been re-located by now. this is when contraction looks good. yes it's compeitive, but it doesn't turn a profit; and we can't forget that hockey as much as we love it, is first and formost a business. there is NO reason why ANY business should come into the league INTO debt; nor should that debt be ingored, waived off, and then calmly shelped off to the first sucker that comes along. LA needs fisical help badly. So does Pittsburg Tampa lost a profit Vancover is going to break even...barely Atlanta, Florida and St Louis all suffered losses (even w/St Louis's two playoff dates) should I go on? why doesn't THESE teams get the breaks? must be good to live in Ottawa..
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