Post by freshwind on May 3, 2003 7:37:08 GMT -5
During all this conversation around Q, the Leafs, coaching systems and all, there is one point that doesn't get discussed very often. That is where is the league going. The Leafs, it is speculated, are doing their planning with one eye on the cba deadline, and one eye on the profit line. This leaves little time for the game itself to be watched and studied. For 10 years we have watched the Gary Bettman show. How does this relate to the Leafs? We worked at attempting to build a team for the playoffs. Changes in the officiating and definition of the rules have changed the game in varying degrees. I have listened to countless talk shows the last week or so and have come to the conclusion that few "Leaf fans" actually watch the games, and understand what is happening on the ice. Even worse, is how "our" style plays out against the league's vision of the game, we are a very narrowminded group in general. If I had a nickel for every call that says " I don't care what style we play, just win". This holds very little weight with me, when I can get past the emotion of being a Leaf fan. Many ask how I supported Q through the last few years, and I believe therein lies my feelings. I LIKE Q"S VISION OF WHAT THE GAME SHOULD BE! Problem is, he will not be successful in today's NHL.
This brings in the confusion of Bettman. He came from the NBA 10 years ago, and his mandate was to use that experience to grow the game of hockey. I am old enough to remember the days the NBA had no national TV deal, only some late Friday night CBS games for those few of us that watched. Enter Michael Jordan.
The best explanation of that phenomenon I have heard is that they transformed the NBA into a "player driven" league, and the NHL is a "coach driven" league.
The populace at large will buy into a star, but not into a system. Systems are boring for the average fan, they don't understand them, and they won't spend the time to learn them. We talk about moving the nets back, removing the centre line, even playing 4 on 4, but we don't address the problem. Seven out of the 8 teams in the 1/4 finals are trap teams first and foremost. Why, because they allow a team with INFERIOR talent to compete with more talented teams. Jacques Lemaire utilizes this to the ultimate, always has. This reduces the effectiveness of the Modanos, Hulls, Sundins, Sakics, etc.
It magnifies the contributions of the Primeaus of this world, not a knock on Keith, just a statement.
Why have we not become a more star driven league in general, the NBA realized they had something special in Jordan, and milked it for all it was worth. The NHL is stuck on developing ways to neutralize it's stars.
Chicago used what is referred to as a triangle offence. Ask any avid basketball fan to explain it, they can't, (I have, they really can't), but they can quote Michael's accomplihments year by year. We listen to players in basketball say they have to work to get the respect of officials in order to "get the call". They understand the game, what they are trying to accomplish. Ever notice how many times an NBA star travels prior to an awe inspiring dunk?
Back to Bettman~I have come to a realization that this man is either the greatest planner in history, or the biggest idiot. They have minimized star quality in the NHL a year before the cba expires. They want a salary cap. How can the union suggest unlimited salalries when the owners can legitimately say I won't pay for that output? Once a cba is in place with some type of spending restraints in place, they are free to then exploit the stars by making the adjustments to the game that will advance the cause of the star. Showcase the talent. We have witnessed a "dumbing down" of hockey since the 80's and I just can't believe all these people who have made millions, even billions in business have not thought a lot of this out. This also coincides closely with Bettman's tenure.
I'm not advocating a conspiracy theory here, but they definitely seem to be stating the needs of the game eloquently, but not taking any steps to improve it. I for one am confused at where the "game" is going.
Sorry for the longwindedness.
This brings in the confusion of Bettman. He came from the NBA 10 years ago, and his mandate was to use that experience to grow the game of hockey. I am old enough to remember the days the NBA had no national TV deal, only some late Friday night CBS games for those few of us that watched. Enter Michael Jordan.
The best explanation of that phenomenon I have heard is that they transformed the NBA into a "player driven" league, and the NHL is a "coach driven" league.
The populace at large will buy into a star, but not into a system. Systems are boring for the average fan, they don't understand them, and they won't spend the time to learn them. We talk about moving the nets back, removing the centre line, even playing 4 on 4, but we don't address the problem. Seven out of the 8 teams in the 1/4 finals are trap teams first and foremost. Why, because they allow a team with INFERIOR talent to compete with more talented teams. Jacques Lemaire utilizes this to the ultimate, always has. This reduces the effectiveness of the Modanos, Hulls, Sundins, Sakics, etc.
It magnifies the contributions of the Primeaus of this world, not a knock on Keith, just a statement.
Why have we not become a more star driven league in general, the NBA realized they had something special in Jordan, and milked it for all it was worth. The NHL is stuck on developing ways to neutralize it's stars.
Chicago used what is referred to as a triangle offence. Ask any avid basketball fan to explain it, they can't, (I have, they really can't), but they can quote Michael's accomplihments year by year. We listen to players in basketball say they have to work to get the respect of officials in order to "get the call". They understand the game, what they are trying to accomplish. Ever notice how many times an NBA star travels prior to an awe inspiring dunk?
Back to Bettman~I have come to a realization that this man is either the greatest planner in history, or the biggest idiot. They have minimized star quality in the NHL a year before the cba expires. They want a salary cap. How can the union suggest unlimited salalries when the owners can legitimately say I won't pay for that output? Once a cba is in place with some type of spending restraints in place, they are free to then exploit the stars by making the adjustments to the game that will advance the cause of the star. Showcase the talent. We have witnessed a "dumbing down" of hockey since the 80's and I just can't believe all these people who have made millions, even billions in business have not thought a lot of this out. This also coincides closely with Bettman's tenure.
I'm not advocating a conspiracy theory here, but they definitely seem to be stating the needs of the game eloquently, but not taking any steps to improve it. I for one am confused at where the "game" is going.
Sorry for the longwindedness.
