Author: Chris Ostrander

Jetting back north

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It is official. The announcement that the Atlanta Thrashers had been sold by the Atlanta Spirit Group to True North Sports and Entertainment took place yesterday at noon. True North has every intention to move the team to Winnipeg, despite the fact that the Thrashers were still selling season tickets at 11:00 AM, Tuesday.

This is not an official logo. But like New Coke, the New Jets need a face.

I am on the fence as to what this deal means for the NHL, hockey fans in Winnipeg and hockey fans in the United States. Atlanta shouldn’t have to suffer through losing a franchise. It is the second time they lost a hockey team, maybe the NHL should have kept that in mind when they awarded the franchise to Atlanta in 1999. Still, the few dedicated fans they have don’t need to lose their team. Still, the franchise was poorly run and suffered from day one. Continue reading →

The Vest era ends at OSU

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Jim Tressel stepped down from his position as the head football coach at Ohio State this weekend after an avalanche of bad press and violations buried the program.

Some reports note that Tressel was asked to resign, an assumable point considering the allegations against the program. The rocks started falling when Terrelle Pryor and other OSU players were caught trading merchandise for tattoos before the Sugar Bowl.

The NCAA made a huge mistake and showed terrible favoritism and far too much bias towards saving TV ratings rather than dropping the hammer like they would have with New Mexico, Washington State or Rutgers. They suspended Pryor and the others for five games of the 2011 season. Of course, OSU makes sure to fill 3/4 of their schedule with cupcakes before opening their Big Ten schedule. Not to mention, they really only have two meaningful games each season. So those suspensions would mean nothing. The Buckeyes backups will beat Akron and Toledo. Long story short, the NCAA scolded the Buckeyes, no more than that.

Now it seems as if Terrelle Pryor is doing his best “Blue Chips” act and stirs up some thoughts of a history of violations. It wouldn’t surprise me if Pryor had some of the same action Cam Newton had going with Mississippi State (probably Auburn too).

Jim Tressel seems to have ruled over a reign of ignorance to NCAA rules. It was right that OSU forced him out. It is an embarrassment that this has gone on so long. I can only hope the NCAA drops the hammer on the program. The problem most certainly did not end with Tressel. Terrelle Pryor should never play another down of Division I football and the Buckeyes should lose at least 50% of their scholarships for the next four seasons. Maybe it is a little harsh, but that is what needs to be done.

Sure, the Big Ten will go down in flames. Michigan is already average and the last remaining power completely screwed the pooch. I have always seen the Big Ten as the weak sister of the BCS. Don’t worry, the Big East is the redheaded stepchild. The Big Ten has been backsliding for a few seasons. This bombshell will probably drop it on the same plane as the Big East.

The Big 12, Pac-12, ACC and SEC will have to carry the torch as the power conferences for the time being. The Big Ten and OSU will be playing in the shadows until 2015, at least.

A very interesting article on Seattle and the NHL

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Came across this gem while surfing the net as I attempt to recover from a mild case of sun poisoning.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/hockey/report-seattle-group-interested-in-nhl-team/article2035939/

Seems as if there is some interest in NHL hockey up in Seattle. Is it a rumor with any teeth? Would the city stay interested for more than five minutes? At the end of the day is it a city you would want to move the Panthers, Islanders or Coyotes to? Is the Seattle arena situation going to work for an NHL team? All of those questions need to be raised and answered before this gains any steam. Still, seems like an alright idea for a franchise, especially if some of the weak franchises continue to flounder.

Sabres unveil new locker room plans

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If living in Buffalo has taught me anything it is to not get excited over pretty pictures. Every fourth Thursday there is a new idea for a waterfront attraction or a new building downtown only to be shot down by an idiot preservationist or a citizens group advocating for some birds.

However, there is no fear of the Sabres’ new locker room will not be built. In fact, I have little fear that the new locker room won’t be the envy of the entire league and help to attract free agents.

I’m not an architect, so most of the artwork on the rendering means little to me. Based on what I know of the current HSBC layout I can say the term ‘major overhaul’ is a massive understatement. The training, coaches and locker facility looks as if it will be monstrous and somewhat similar to what the Pittsburgh Penguins new room at the Consol Energy Center looks like (based on what 24/7 showed). The visitors facility looks just as impressive, although I’m left wondering where the Bandits will dress.

This is just another example of the Pegula regime not only following through, but hitting a home run with their promises. This is one of the puzzle pieces the organization sees as a step towards building a Stanley Cup winner. They say Mark Cuban spiffed up the visitors locker room to attract players, hopefully the Sabres can strike the same chord with the players who will bring the Cup to Washington and Perry.

Another game seven, just what the doctor ordered

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I am not a fan of the NBA. This is no secret. I am no fan of over-extended seasons (Super Bowl in February, World Series in the snow) either. However, I feel it is better press for the NHL to finish the marathon second. That means I am really pulling for a quick finish for the NBA playoffs while a drawn out, dramatic end for the NHL.

As the NFL and NBA potentially head toward a work stoppage the NHL needs as much solid press as it can get. Even Jim Rome is talking hockey. This is a good thing. To capture more casual fans the NHL needs to hit a broader audience. Hell, even the bandwagoners down in Tampa are selling out the arena. The Canes couldn’t pull the same feat in the 2006 Conference Finals. Continue reading →

Save of the season, check

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Tim Thomas made the save of the season on Steve Downie tonight. Observe:

Thomas said after the game it was more luck than anything else – it was the booze dancing, I suppose. But still, just a nasty save by Thomas. Could turn out to be a major point in this series. If Downie ties it up there, who knows where that game ends up. The Bolts had been pressing hard the entire third, I feel like they had the competitive edge for the final 20. But Thomas robbed Downie and sent the series back to Tampa 3-2. Now Tampa has a lot more to worry about.

Credit to Mike Smith for a beauty on Chara at the other end. I thought he was toast when I watched it live, best back-to-back saves I have seen in some time.
Stick tap to Wysh @ Puck Daddy for getting the video uploaded so fast.

Sabres and Amerks to reunite?

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It seems the Buffalo Sabres’ short relationship with the Portland Pirates may not last much longer.

Sources have said Sabres owner, Terry Pegula is close to buying the Rochester Americans.

This is an interesting development considering the Pirates have had moderate success since the Sabres took over, while the Amerks have floundered under their affiliation with the Florida Panthers. By purchasing the Amerks, Pegula would basically be paving the way to reunite the two franchises.

I have to say his would be an ideal situation for the Sabres. Their prospects would be 90 minutes down the road (again) and it allows the team to strengthen regional fans anywhere east of Batavia. Not to mention it would allow the Sabres to have full control over their farm system, a useful tool in player development.

Based on he timing and info provided I have to think this is very real. If that is the case we may be witnessing the beginning of Terry Pegula putting the puzzles pieces together in his master plan for the Sabres.

Thrash on the move? Atlanta in talks with True North

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The eyes of Winnipeg are affixed firmly on the Atlanta Thrashers. After the City of Glendale dropped an additional $25 million to keep the Coyotes for another season, the Winnipeg spotlight turned east.

The Coyotes are safe for another season and the Thrashers are drowning in debt. So much so that their owner is looking high and low for prospective buyers. However, most sources have identified True North Sports and Entertainment as the group that will step in to purchase the Thrashers. Now it appears as if it is only a matter of time before hockey returns to Winnipeg.

This entire situation is tough to digest. On one hand I thought the poetic justice would have been perfect had Phoenix gone back north. Not to mention the fact that the Coyotes are struggling so much in the desert. I also have  a similar opinion on the Thrashers. They have no fan support and are just draining money from the league, it is time for a change. However, you hate to see any of the 30 teams struggling, no matter how silly their location is.

So, as Winnipeg prepares to embrace the return of the NHL I feel at ease with the situation. It is a city that should never have lost their team to begin with and well suited to support an NHL franchise (at least from a fan perspective). The lack of corporate sponsors is an issue, but I hope it is something that can be overcome. If hockey is to return to Manitoba, I am ready to applaud the move. The next question is, who fills the vacant spot in the east? Continue reading →

2ITB NHL Conference Finals predictions

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One thing that is safe to assume about the NHL Conference Finals, you will see two very different series. The Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning both think defense first most of the time. While the San Jose Sharks and Vancouver Canucks are both deep with scoring depth.

It is also probably safe to assume both series will go at least six games. The rusty vs. run-down debate will probably run rampant. However, both teams out East have had long lay-offs while only San Jose has really no chance to settle down.

#3 Boston Bruins vs. #5 Tampa Bay Lightning


Boston has the ability to push the Lightning around. The Bruins are deep on defense and are long on big, angry forwards. Tim Thomas has also been spectacular throughout the playoffs. Tampa has gotten great goaltending from Dwayne Roloson and their grinders have been extremely effective. If it comes down to goaltending I would lean towards the Bruins. Thomas has been too good to bet against. In addition he has played bigger as the situation has become more tense. The Bruins forwards are good. Their top two lines are great scorers and their grinders have been excellent. Chris Kelly has been an x-factor of sorts as he has found ways to score big goals in both rounds. Zdeno Chara is the easy guy to point out on defense but Dennis Seidenberg has been stellar all playoffs. He may be the best defenseman the Bruins have right now. Continue reading →

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Round two recap

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I was 50% with my second round picks, that leaves me at 8/12 for the playoffs thus far. The second round wasn’t nearly the epic that came with the first eight series. However, the Western Conference managed to provide a few decent moments before the conference semi-finals wrapped up. Otherwise, two sweeps left most wanting more out East.

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#5 Tampa Bay Lightning defeat #1 Washington Capitals 4-0


I was fairly certain that Dwayne Roloson and the Lightning weren’t capable of continuing their magic from the first round. However, Washington reverted back to form from early in the season. Alex Ovechkin was a ghost and Michael Neuvirth was average. Tampa Bay has found scoring from their big guns in addition to their role players, namely Sean Bergenheim. They face a steep climb against the Bruins, probably the most physical team in the 2011 Playoffs. Turning point: Tampa’s 3-2 overtime win in game two. Took first two games in Washington. MVP: Sean Bergenheim – 4 goals, has 7+1 through 11 playoff games thus far. Continue reading →