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Tue Dec 23, 2008 7:12 pm EST

Puck Headlines: NHL steps in to save Phoenix Coyotes

By Greg Wyshynski

Here are your Evening Puck Headlines and Previews: A glorious collection of news and views collected from the greatest blogosphere in sports and the few, the proud, the mainstream hockey media.

• Here's some coal in your stockings, Coyotes fans: Scott Burnside of ESPN breaks the news that the NHL is working with Phoenix to "find new investors or ownership for the financially strapped franchise and is being kept apprised of any 'significant' financial decisions the team makes." For the most part, it sounds like the NHL is working hard to renegotiate the team's lease with the city to ease the financial strain. But this line is rather scary: "No one knows for certain if the Coyotes can finish out the season under the current financial climate, and at some point the specter of bankruptcy looms large." Sort of sucks the fun out of that all-you-can-eat package. Good luck, 'Yotes fans; try to avoid reading the Globe & Mail for the rest of the month. [ESPN]

Preview: Phoenix Coyotes at Colorado Avalanche (9 p.m. EST; TV: AZTV, ALT2). Anyhoo, the Coyotes are still playing, which means we'll get Ilya Bryzgalov against Andrew Raycroft, who gets the nod after playing well during a recent road trip. Hello, goalie controversy. We've missed you in Denver. 

Preview: Boston Bruins at New Jersey Devils (7 p.m. EST; TV: VS). There probably was a time when watching the Bruins and Devils on VS would have been the hockey equivalent of shooting NyQuil during a Merchant-Ivory film festival. Well, we know the Bruins are fun; and Tom Mantzouranis makes the case that these aren't your old, boring Devils, either. Please to be enjoying our guest preview on Cornelius Hardenbergh.

Preview: Atlanta Thrashers at New York Islanders (7 p.m. EST; TV: MSG). Chris Botta pens a terrific "suck it up, enough with the crying over injuries and just win the damn game"-type piece on Point Blank today. It'd totally be locker room material, if most of the healthy Islanders were old enough to read.

Preview: Washington Capitals at New York Rangers (7 p.m. EST; TV: MSG, CSN). The Caps will be missing Sergei Fedorov, Mike Green, Tom Poti, Alexander Semin, Jeff Schultz, Chris Clark, John Erskine and Donald Brashear tonight, and Capitals Insider adds that Brent Johnson will ride the pine in favor of Jose Theodore due to illness. Thanks to Mark Teixeira, the Rangers could win this game 167-0 and still not make the back page of the NY papers on Wednesday.

• The 10 top stupidest hockey stories of 2008. The list so nice Sean Avery made it twice. [Two-Line Pass]

• Inspired by last night's overtime controversy, a Buffalo Sabres writer comes up with several rules changes to get rid of "grey areas" in the NHL. If it's grey areas were talking about, then we're starting with Niedermayer's playoff beard, for sure. [Let's Go Sabres]

Preview: Los Angeles Kings at Columbus Blue Jackets (7 p.m. EST; TV: FSW, FSOH). Jonathan Quick gets the call against Steve Mason. You're the Blue Jackets. Your hotshot offensive rookie just went down for the season. You're desperate to make the postseason. Do you move Pascal Leclaire, and will anyone take him?

Preview: Ottawa Senators at Philadelphia Flyers (7 p.m. EST; TV: RSN, CSP). No Filip Kuba tonight, but Daniel Alfredsson will play for the Senators as they begin their super-duper mega-important road trip from hell. Danny Briere will travel with the Flyers on their upcoming road trip. Until he hurts himself carrying their luggage or something.

Preview: Dallas Stars at Toronto Maple Leafs (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: KDFI, RSN). Vesa Toskala could return, but the Leafs are being coy about their starter tonight. The Stars could have Brian Sutherby in the lineup. Not to put too fine a point in its struggles this season, but Dallas is the underdog in this game based on their records. Goodness.

Preview: Nashville Predators at Florida Panthers (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: FSS, FSFL). Tomas Vokoun against his old team, and Pekka Rinne gets the nod for the Preds. George Richards seems pretty upset about some billboard in front of the Panthers' arena; any Florida readers know what that's about?

• The caption reads: "The club mascot of Hannover during the DEL ice hockey match between Hannover Scorpions and Augsburger Panther at the TUI Arena on December 21, 2008 in Hanover, Germany." We say: NIGHTMARE SCORPION!

• For the NCAA geeks in our readership, here's a preview of holiday tournaments around the U.S. for college hockey. [The College Hockey Blog]

• We're just about in love with his idea to increase attendance downstairs: "Make the lower bowl seats the 'cheap seats'. Renovate the upper bowl, making the seats and aisles wider. Provide wait staff in the upper bowl, so that fans in the rarefied air only need leave their seats to go to the restroom or home. In your advertising, emphasize the fact that the upper bowl actually affords a better view of the game (which would be an all-too-rare occurrence of "truth in advertising")." [OGA blog]

Preview: Tampa Bay Lightning at Pittsburgh Penguins (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: SUN, FSPI). Ryan Whitney returns to the lineup for the Penguins. It's about time we get to see the power of that fully armed and operational battle station called the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Preview: Detroit Red Wings at St. Louis Blues (7:30 p.m. EST; TV: FSMW, FSD). According to Goalie Post, we should see Ty Conklin against Manny Legace in this one. How will the Blues react to Coach Andy Murray's scathing comments?

Preview: Carolina Hurricanes at Minnesota Wild (8 p.m. EST; TV: FSS, KSTC). Crazy: There's been a string of car robberies during Wild games, and police are claiming that it's because of out-of-the-area fans who are dumb enough to, like, leave a laptop on their front seat.

Preview: Anaheim Ducks at Calgary Flames (9 p.m. EST; TV: KDOC, RSW). Could be an emotional one, as Jean-Sebastien Giguere makes his first start since attending his father's funeral.

Preview: Vancouver Canucks at San Jose Sharks (10 p.m. EST; TSN, CSBA). The Sharks are 17-0-2 at home. Wow. Nabokov is 14-0-1 with a 2.05 GAA at home this season. Wowie wow.

• Finally, it's Classic Game Room (and a Penguins fan) vs. Atari 2600 Ice Hockey. Awesome.

Related: Hockey Fans, Gary Bettman, Commissioner for Life, Puck Videos, Rumors, scuttlebutt, innuendo

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36 Comments

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  1. armut$zeugni$
    1. Posted by armut$zeugni$ Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:07 pm EDT

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    Wow, I'm a fan of a German team (Cologne - don't ask for their season) and I had no clue Hannover's mascot was that ridiculous... :D They were in some financial issues earlier this season; they certainly didn't save any money on the mascot... :)
  2. joe h
    2. Posted by joe h Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:26 pm EDT

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    So what happens if the Yotes can't make it to the end of the season?
    And wowwww, I almost bad for Theodore tonight
  3. Villain85
    3. Posted by Villain85 Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:41 pm EDT

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    Blades of Steel man
    Loser of the fight gets the penalty
    Best rule ev0r
  4. Bubbabanjo
    4. Posted by Bubbabanjo Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:05 pm EDT

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    Arrrrrrrrrr that Pirate rag from Toronto will scour the bones of them thar Yotes fans. This rag swallow you whole. Come on Wyshynski, this isn't no boy scout picnic. See ya' got ya' rubbers! See you have city hands, Mr. Wyshynski. You been countin' money all your life.
    Farewell and adieu to you, fair Spanish ladies. Farewell and adieu, you ladies of Spain. For we've received orders for to sail back to Phoenix. And so nevermore shall we see you again. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
    Y'all know me. Know how I earn a livin'. I'll get that Globe and Mail for you, but it ain't gonna be easy. Bad rag. Not like going down the pond chasin' bluegills and tommycods. This rag, swallow you whole. Little shakin', little tenderizin', an' down you go. And we gotta do it quick, that'll bring back your puck fans, put all your businesses on a payin' basis. But it's not gonna be pleasant. I value my neck a lot more than three thousand bucks, Wyshynski. I'll find that rag for three, but I'll get that scurvy rag, and stop its presses, for ten. But you've gotta make up your minds. If you want to stay alive in the NHL, then ante up. If you want to play it cheap, then be in the AHL the whole winter. I don't want no volunteers, I don't want no mates, there's just too many captains on this blog. Ten thousand dollars for me by myself. For that you get the head, the tail, the whole damn Toronto rag. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
    Wyshynski that stinks for Phoenix. Capn Bubba Quint. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
  5. big audio
    5. Posted by big audio Thu Sep 03, 2009 10:04 pm EDT

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    I remember Intellivision's NHL Hockey, it was the best hockey video game of the time. And officially endorsed by the pre-Bettman NHL. And a whole lot of fun to play.
    As for the Islanders, seriously, look at the talent level, and tell me how many games they should win. Okposo is playing with Comrie and Comeau. Their best young talent and they have nobody to play him with. How is that going to help his development? They are in a bad way over there. And they want a new arena?
  6. Slodeth
    6. Posted by Slodeth Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:25 pm EDT

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    All the Coyotes have to do is contact the US Treasury. Paulson and Bernanke will take care of them.
  7. Bubbabanjo
    7. Posted by Bubbabanjo Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:05 pm EDT

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    Scorpion.............looks more like Vinny the Vibrator.
    Wyshynski that stinks!
  8. MJ touched hearts and kiddies private parts
    8. Posted by MJ touched hearts and kiddies private parts Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:52 pm EDT

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    Is Mr Bettman still thinking about expansion in the US?
  9. James
    9. Posted by James Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:43 pm EDT

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    @Mickey Da C Man
    Yup. Yotes will probably end up in KC or Las Vegas. Both are closer (than Hamilton) and won't require any teams to switch divisions or conferences. Neither is a long term solution and moving a bad (but improving) team to a new area will still result in poor attendance.
  10. James
    10. Posted by James Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:43 pm EDT

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    Wow. D!ck. Hungwell. Sounds like someone pissed in your Cheerios. How many of your girlfriends left you for hockey players? I'm guessing zero because anyone that needs multiple exclamation points to say something stupid probably can't get a date that doesn't require inflating or batteries.
  11. Dick Hungwell
    11. Posted by Dick Hungwell Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:43 pm EDT

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    Yeah, You're right!
  12. Al
    12. Posted by Al Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:51 pm EDT

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    The NHL is fixed. Fact. Look at the goal reviews from Toronto. It's obvious Bettman and gang know how they want things to unfold. Congrats, Bett, you done to the NHL what you did to the pre-fab, orchastrated NBA...I'll not spend a dollar more on the NHL, NCAA hockey, here I come...
  13. reefa_k
    13. Posted by reefa_k Thu Sep 03, 2009 8:35 pm EDT

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    Nightmare Ant is offended by your suggestion, and requests that you cease and desist.
  14. MJ touched hearts and kiddies private parts
    14. Posted by MJ touched hearts and kiddies private parts Thu Sep 03, 2009 9:52 pm EDT

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    You misunderstood me James W. I would have no problem with RELOCATING the 'Yotes, or any other struggling/failing teams, but the imbecile that is Gary Bettman, is saying that he prefers EXPANSION ahead of relocation or even contraction. Surely someone will tell Bettman soon enough that the NHL is in no position to be thinking expansion, especially while existing franchises are struggling, and before we know the full extent of the depth of the recession the world is in.
  15. Bubbabanjo
    15. Posted by Bubbabanjo Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:05 pm EDT

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    Thanks Richard............Merry Christmas ta ya'll too.
    You stink!
  16. Polish Prince
    16. Posted by Polish Prince Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:06 pm EDT

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    Nice to see the NHL has gift wrapped a game to the Sharks.
  17. carl_vs_mastershake
    17. Posted by carl_vs_mastershake Thu Sep 03, 2009 3:18 pm EDT

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    Devils can suck the excitement out of any game including the new Bruins.
    BTW Hanover's mascot looks like it came from a Roger Hargreaves book. Maybe Mr. Fruity or Little Miss I need to leave my helmet on all the time.
  18. James
    18. Posted by James Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:43 pm EDT

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    @ Mickey
    I think we're on the same page with our views. Relocate first and expand when things look better. Bettman won't do that (since it makes too much sense).
  19. Pienkos
    19. Posted by Pienkos Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:45 pm EDT

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    @carl_vs_mastershake
    Honestly, that game against the Devils is the only time I have ever been bored watching the Bruins. Well, except for the entire 2005-2006 season, but I'm still trying to forget that one.
  20. jibblescribbits
    20. Posted by jibblescribbits Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:34 pm EDT

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    That's the mascot!?! what's his name, Big Red Peter?
  21. ang6666
    21. Posted by ang6666 Thu Sep 03, 2009 2:54 pm EDT

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    Marc S - there was no game wrapping as you suggested. If you are implying Vancouver is tired, every team goes thru that. It's not an excuse, it is what it is. GO SHARKS!
  22. jeffgraham20
    22. Posted by jeffgraham20 Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:32 pm EDT

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    Why is the Puck Baby so obsessed with the so-called obsession of the Canadian media over the Coyotes? I think the Globe and Mail is a paper that reports more on hockey than boxscores - it actual just may look into the business of hockey, and anyone who pays any attention know that 'good business' and 'Phoenix Coyotes' are rarely are terms that end up in the same sentence. I was at a game last year - Friday night, Xmas holidays, 1/4 capacity and every box had no lights on. Sad really. Me, I'm obsessed with putting hockey in a city were it is appreciated...
  23. Paperbag
    23. Posted by Paperbag Thu Sep 03, 2009 7:12 pm EDT

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    Send 'em back to Winnipeg!
  24. firewing
    24. Posted by firewing Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:01 pm EDT

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    if they are in such distress why doesnt the league sell them to the guy from hamilton who has wanted a team forever. didnt he have like 10,000 season ticket holders all ready lined up. when he was going to get the preds. it seems pretty cut and dried here they cant pay and he has cash and a fan base whats the problem
  25. metalwarrior
    25. Posted by metalwarrior Thu Sep 03, 2009 4:37 pm EDT

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    move the coyotes back to winnipeg.

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Puck Daddy is an NHL blog edited by Greg Wyshynski. Email him, and follow him on Twitter.

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