The NFL’s key game this week appears to be one of the worst matchups on the Week Seven schedule. With the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers set to square off in London, England, football fans seem to have very different opinions on the worth of an overseas NFL game.

For the detractors of such a game, the principal reason is simple: the league shouldn’t be focused on expanding its game in Europe. There are markets in North America that seem far more feasible to house a National Football League franchise, so why not give them a taste of some game action? It’s widely speculated that Los Angeles will have a team again before too long, and of course, there’s Toronto. I’ll come back to T.O. in a little bit.

In addition to the potentially scarce market, the NFL lacks a key component that Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League all possess – international star power. MLB plays games at the beginning of the season in Asia, because there are a plethora of Asian players in the majors right now, most notably Ichiro Suzuki. The NBA is expanding into the Chinese market, but they have Yao Ming. And then there’s the NHL, with dozens of players hailing from Europe and Russia. The NFL does not possess this quality. The closest thing the NFL might have would probably be Tom Brady.

But even with some factors against playing these annual games in England, the NFL would be stupid not to explore the possibilities. The bottom line is, these games make money. Europe is a sports-crazed society much like North America, they just don’t have the exposure to the NFL. Sure, NFL Europe wasn’t a success. But maybe if the NFL placed something other than a minor league system across the Atlantic, it just might work. With this year’s game in particular, there are very strategic reasons for the Pats and Bucs to be there. The Patriots are probably the most globally recognized NFL franchise due to their success this decade, while the Buccaneers owner, Malcolm Glazer, happens to own Manchester United – the most valuable sports franchise in the world according to Forbes Magazine. Bringing these two teams covers fans who may wish to see the Patriots, as well as satisfying Glazer for his commitment to the league.

Then there’s the difference between this international NFL game compared to the one coming up December 3 at the Rogers Centre. These games couldn’t be more opposite. The NFL spends millions marketing this game both in England and North America, yet puts almost no focus on what will be the second annual Toronto game. It once again boils down to money. The Patriots/Buccaneers game sold out in six minutes. I just checked ticket availability for the Jets/Bills, and could have bought four tickets in a row, field level, 15 rows back. The price of the tickets? I’ll leave that out for now to prevent vomiting.

The bottom line is that the NFL will/should continue its endeavors across the Atlantic as long as they are profitable. There’s too much untapped money in the European sporting market for the NFL to ignore, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Commissioner Roger Goodell’s claims of potential expansion to Europe within 10-15 years become a reality. At the end of the day, it’s all about making money. And that is something the National Football League does quite well.

TWO POINT CONVERSION

- whoever made the NFL schedule this year must love the Indianapolis Colts. Two bye weeks in a row? Sorry, the second one actually says “at St. Louis”. It’s easy to get those two confused right now

- alright Minnesota, amaze me. You’ve played three road games – against Cleveland, Detroit and St. Louis. Only one of your games hasn’t been in a dome (Cleveland). Against solid teams (Green Bay, San Francisco, Baltimore), your average margin of victory is only four points – and those were home games. Have fun at Heinz Field against Pittsburgh

Imagine if you will that Vesa Toskala pitched a no hitter, and the Maple Leafs rolled over the Montreal Canadiens 6 love. Bear with me for a second here. Every story tomorrow would have said the same thing, Leafs Nation is already planning the parade route, well here’s the cold water on that good feeling, it’s only one game and besides the Habs suck, wait till they play a real opponent. You know I am right. So you can easily bet on what we are going to get from the press today: Same old Maple Leafs; We told you they will be killing penalties all night; If this continues they will rue trading the number one draft pick; Another OT loss…do I need to continue? They are a predictable bunch aren’t they?

Look, it’s one game. No more no less. It’s no more meaningful than a 6-0 shutout would have been. The teams played their last exhibition game only a few nights ago and suddenly we are in life and death? Sorry I am not buying it. Now, if this goes on for weeks and weeks, well then we will have something to talk about. One game? Yawn. So brace yourself for it Leafs fans, the sharks will be circling tomorrow.

On the positive side, Bruce Arthur continues to show why he is one of the best writers in town:

“Last night, Toronto opened its season against a team built another way – the Montreal Canadiens, whose three skilled free-agent signings, if laid end to end, would be about as long as Chris Pronger’s stick. Toronto, meanwhile, added sizeable glass-mashers like Mike Komisarek, Francois Beauchemin, Exelby, and pugilist Colton Orr.

“It’s a little out of character as to where the NHL’s going,” Montreal general manager Bob Gainey said of Toronto’s path the other day.

Indeed, it’s not quite in keeping with the National Hockey League’s migration towards speed and skill – see Pittsburgh, Detroit, Washington, Chicago, etc. – but it’s in keeping with Burke’s world view, antediluvian or not. And as he did with Anaheim in 2007, he will seek to prove that a big-bodied, physical, crash-bang team can also win a Stanley Cup in the new NHL.

“Time’s going to tell what helps more,” says Toronto defenceman Luke Schenn. “Size or speed.”

Look, team Burke isn’t going to be a bunch of thugs like, as Arthur alludes to, Slapshot. The reality is, at least in my world, it’s much harder to find tough guys who can play than it is the Poni’s of the world. It’s even harder to find the superstars. Burke started somewhere, as we all must when we take on a project. Burke truly believes that in hockey anyways, size matters.

“But it’s not as if Toronto was crack-the-glass physical – they were outhit on the night, and as Montreal’s Glen Metropolit put it, the physicality was “nothing out of the norm.”

“I think that everyone’s getting confused that we’re just going to rumble our way through the league,” said Leafs coach Ron Wilson, an avowed opponent of staged fights. “I want [Komisarek and Beauchemin] on the ice, not sitting in the penalty box.”

Well, that was a bit of a problem. Komisarek was positively Burkean, for good and bad. He chirped with Laraque after a scrum; he added an elbow or a cross-check after every close encounter. And in a telling moment, Komisarek wrestled with Scott Gomez after he ran over Leafs goaltender Vesa Toskala, and jumped in and pounded Moen after the latter did the same. As the new team slogan goes, No Leaf Left Behind”

Hell at least he went after Gomez! These games, especially the early ones are about setting tones,learning teammates tendencies etc. Relax people, it’s one game…breath deeply.

“Sure, this Toronto team isn’t going to the Broad Street Bullies, or the Charlestown Chiefs. As Exelby says with a grin, “There could be a few inner Ogie Ogilthorpes in this room that are waiting to be unleashed at some point, [but] right now we’re just going to try to stick together as a team, and crack everybody when we can as far as finishing checks.”

But this team will have to find a balance between physicality and common sense, and it’ll have to kill penalties, as Anaheim did three Stanley Cups ago.”

Exactly Bruce. You can’t tell whether or not this has happened in the first game, week or even month.

“”I know Burke has said they’re going to come out and play on the edge and play hard, and that’s great,” says Canadiens defenceman Hal Gill, one of the lumbering giants of the old NHL. “Who doesn’t want to do that? But you have to be in control, and in check.

“I remember last year, it was a similar situation where Tampa Bay was really in your face, hitting you. [But] if you moved the puck well, if you executed well, it was ineffective … everyone wants to be physical, but it’s a fine line between going one way too much. You need to make plays.”

Of course, Burke believes in that, too; he just hasn’t had time to properly address it. But in the meantime, the tone has been set. One way or the other, there will be a price to pay.”

Exactly!! How refreshing to get that point of view from a scribe the day after the first game. I mean come on folks- shouldn’t the sky be falling??? Wait till you read Berger’s blog….

Couple of thoughts on the game:

I thought the anthem was the best ever for the ACC
Viktor Stalberg was AWESOME
Passing on the powerplay was awesome
Luke Schenn earning the least ice time of all the D (18 minutes) is quite a difference from last year
Wayne Primeau’s 4 minutes is pretty low; Roshill’s 2 minutes is low but Colton Orr’s 1 minute plus- ouch!
Defense looked lost on faceoffs, have to believe that will be worked in the next practice.

In case you didn’t catch Ron Wilson’s post game presser here is what he had to say:

§ Pleased with the effort
§ Some of the Defencemen had a tough night, poor decisions
§ Forwards played well, lots of shots
§ Need to take fewer penalties and have a better pk
§ Komisarek answered the bell, other defencemen need to do the same, happy with komi’s play…setting a tone…rings a bell for rest of the guys
§ Vesa was fine, nothing he could do on the goals
§ Stajan had a very good game
§ Stalberg was the best forward, smart decisions, consistent play, made some nice plays
§ Grabovsky= good game…getting back etc…
§ Forwards did a great job

read Arthur here

TSM

@yyzsportsmedia

I love the small town newspapers that are still around. Very nice article from one in Michigan about Maple Leaf prospect Kenny Ryan who has chosen the college route after being drafted by the Maple Leafs.

“The 18-year-old Franklin Village resident recently was selected 50th overall by the Toronto Maples Leafs in the National Hockey League’s 2009 entry draft. The Leafs like his speed, grittiness and skating ability so well he was the team’s second-round selection.

Ryan is excitedly anticipating the day he can suit up in the famed Maple Leaf-blue jersey and skate for one of the league’s storied Original Six franchises.

However, before that happens, he will patiently continue his education and hone his game at Boston College. The Eagles captured the 2008 NCAA championship and consistently field one of the nation’s top college ice hockey programs.

Ryan says going to college is a natural step in his progress towards an NHL career.

“I visited a bunch of schools, and I just felt Boston College was the right fit for me,” says Ryan. “I love the coaches there and the tradition of a winning program.

“Getting an education is so important because it always gives you something to fall back onto,” says Ryan. “And in my family, everyone went to college and you only get the college experience once, and whether it’s for a year or four years, it’s something you’ll always have.”

STARTING WITH RANGERS

Ryan’s hockey career began as a youngster, working through the various levels of the Birmingham Rangers program at the Birmingham Ice Arena. As he got older, he entered the Honeybaked travel program where he played out of both the Oak Park Compuware Arena and the Viking Arena in Hazel Park.”

Good for him. I am biased as I used to coach in the Birmingham program when I lived in Michigan, however I think it’s great when a kid with obvious skills does the right thing and goes the college route. There are no sure things and getting a degree (most likely for free) at a school like Boston College is worth it’s weight in gold. I know you don’t get a chance to make the type of money he could get by signing now, but I think it shows the brains inside his head and that’s great.

“t was Ryan’s play with the USNTDP that earned him recognition as one of the nation’s elite hockey players. He was ranked the 56th best prospect, according to NHL Central Scouting for North American players, and was the only Michigan player his age invited to the NHL combine prior to the draft.

Ryan attended the NHL draft in Montreal with his family, including his mom Heather, dad K.C., and older brothers Ross and Charlie. He was selected in the second round on the second day, and while it was a long wait, it was a relief to hear the Toronto Maple Leafs wanted his services.

“I couldn’t be happier with the situation. Toronto is such a good organization,” says Ryan, the first Michigan player to be drafted. “They are kind of in a rebuilding stage a little bit with Brian Burke as the GM. You can just tell with the couple of trades and the moves they’ve made they’re looking to get back into contending shape, and it looks like they are.”

Even though he’ll be playing hockey this fall at the Chestnut Hill-based college just outside Boston, Ryan said the Leafs own his rights for the next four years. At any time during that period he could elect to forego his college career and skate into the Toronto organization.

“It’s in my hands somewhat on how I play, but at the same time when they feel I’m ready and when I feel I’m ready, the time will be right and it will be time to leave,” he says.”

Nice story, good luck Kenny, hope the Catamounts go easy on you when you play UVM article is here

Hey Leaf fans help a brother out, I am looking for a new ringtone and I am trying to find one of old Maple Leaf cult hero Paul Morris from the old Gardens. I looked in all the usual places but can’t find an audio clip. If you have one or know where I can find one please let me know, email me at torontosportsmedia at g mail dot com

Thanks

TSM

follow us on twitter at @yyzsportsmedia

“While there has been no resolution or understanding between the National Hockey League and Jerry Moyes on the contentious issue of who controls the Phoenix Coyotes, the two sides have come to an agreement on how the team will be operated on a daily basis while in bankruptcy proceedings. “We’ve had discussions with the Moyes parties on procedures governing how the Club will be operated pending a sale,” said NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly in an e-mail. “Nothing has been agreed to yet, and it is possible we may still need to seek the guidance of the court on several issues on Wednesday.”

So Moyes and Bettman Inc. have made good enough on their own to try to settle one issue. The fact that this happened quietly can’t be good news for the makeitseven.ca team. I am sure one of the things they were banking on was acrimony.

“With the NHL draft scheduled for June 27 and free agency looming on July 1 — and the preparations for both an ongoing concern among the Coyotes’ coaching staff, management and scouts — the continued flow of money is essential to ensure the asset at the centre of the court fight between the NHL and Moyes is not devalued in a fire sale of its players, or by some near-sighted decision made on draft night. The tentative arrangement between the sides does not resolve any of the major issues — who controls the Coyotes; did Moyes have the power to petition the money-bleeding club into bankruptcy; will the club be sold, and to whom; and can and will the franchise be moved out of Phoenix?”

No, the major issues aren’t solved. However, as we all know you start with small steps. This will be interesting when we get back to court on Wednesday. Over under on the number of Toronto reporters in the courtroom? I will lay even money on 10!

“The NHL will continue to lend the Coyotes money to keep them operating. The league said in court documents filed this month that it lent the team $13.4-million (all currency U.S.) after advancing it $31.4-million from its portion of revenue sharing. A source of conflict remains: the timeline for the bankruptcy petition, sale of the team and its possible relocation. The Moyes camp wants it done quickly so that the winning bidder, be it Jim Balsillie and his $212.5-million offer or anyone else, can move the team by the start of the season this fall and avoid another year of $40-million losses in Phoenix. The NHL is adamant that is too soon for a move. The league cited its procedures for allowing a franchise to move and logistical problems with the schedule. NHL deputy commissioner Bill Daly confirmed in an e-mail that an agreement is basically in place on operating the team. As for the timeline, Daly wrote: “I guess it will be up to the court to decide.”

What’s the rush when ton’s of money is flushing down the toilet AND they have brought in all of $20k in ticket revenue for next season. Nothing like a stall tactic to drag this out and make a move all but impossible for next season.

“Meanwhile, Balsillie is working on the housekeeping aspects of his bid to buy the Coyotes out of bankruptcy and win a court decision allowing him to move them to Hamilton. One week from today, the co-founder of Research In Motion expects to officially apply to the NHL to move the Coyotes, as directed by the court. In the unlikely event the governors approve the bid, then Judge Baum will not need a hearing on June 22 to decide the relocation issue and the court fight will probably end. Most likely, though, the governors will reject the bid or reserve a decision, which means Judge Baum will decide if the team can be moved, possibly at the hearing on June 22. There is also an anti-trust lawsuit pending, filed by the Coyotes’ owners, which accuses the NHL of acting as a cartel to prevent the Coyotes from doing business by moving to a better market.”

That is where the legal showdown will be…That is the one you want to be in the courtroom for!

National Post is here
Globe and Mail is here

Great stuff by Bruce Arthur in the National Post today:

“But what National Hockey League commissioner Gary Bettman has managed to do in his ongoing war with Research In Motion billionaire Jim Balsillie – who has dragged the league into bankruptcy court over the Phoenix Coyotes, and where yesterday judge Redfield T. Baum ordered the two sides to mediation – is truly astounding. Three years ago Bettman was handed a hockey-mad, if stubborn and sharp-elbowed, billionaire willing to overpay for a troubled franchise. He was handed a prospective owner so appealing that, as reported by the National Post’s Theresa Tedesco, Bettman told him “You make me want to cry,” in a meeting regarding Balsillie’s second attempt to purchase an NHL franchise, in Nashville. And in three short years, the commissioner has turned that billionaire into a rabid and dangerous enemy. No matter what you think of Bettman, you have to admit that this is not an easy thing to do. But it never should have come to this. Good commissioners avert this kind of nightmare before it ever comes to pass. Good commissioners find the fix. Instead, at every potential crossroads, Bettman chose the one that led to this place.”

There is no question about any of this. Bettman has always made this personal. Way more so then Balsillie. To Bettman this has always been about ego. Not sure why, but it has.

“And instead of being honest about Phoenix’s troubles – and instead of going ahead and publicly taking over the team, much as Major League Baseball did with the late, lamented Montreal Expos in 2002 – the league propped up the corpse of Coyotes owner Jerry Moyes, and failed to staunch his losses. At every stage, there was another route, and at almost every stage, it was Bettman’s adherence to his Southern strategy that dictated the path. If it wasn’t that, it was the golden horizon of expansion dollars, unshared with the players. And so all the toxic mess that the league would have preferred stay buried has spilled out into the open. The way the NHL strung Moyes along as he watched approximately US$300-million of his fortune melt into the desert. The way the league treated the Coyotes as a sort of shell game, eventually funding the continuing losses last season while publicly insisting that everything was going to be fine. The way the league venomously turned on the sucker who lost all that money on this unmitigated disaster.”

Think about it. Moyes was Bettman’s white knight. Until he said Nyet- he wasn’t going to lose any more money. Then he became public enemy number one. If you had lots of dough, would you want to get into bed with this liar at the helm???

“Gary Bettman was handed a prospective owner with cash and passion, and he steered it – with some help from that particular stubborn and sharp-elbowed prospect – into this unthinkable morass. Yesterday, even the first real hurdle could not be cleared, and Baum ordered mediation on the subject of whether Moyes had the right to declare bankruptcy. In this case, of course, mediation seems roughly as effective as sending a cobra and a mongoose to couples counseling.”

I wonder why this is so personal to Bettman. I think that in the end, this insessant lying will eventually cost Bettman his job. Maybe not now, but soon.

“This is what Gary Bettman has wrought. At some point, you would think the NHL owners would decide that this particular commissioner is not long for this world. Even if Bettman wins here, it will be at best a Pyrrhic victory. The league has more than one fire to attend to these days, and you’d think that eventually Gary Bettman would burn up trying to put them all out.”

I agree with Bruce, but Bettman clearly has a little bit of cat in him!

TSM

Arthur is here

Who ever would have guessed that email would play such a pivotal role in the history of the National Hockey League. First it was undoing of Ted Saskin. Now, we are seeing Gary Bettman’s emails to Bill Daily that completely contradict everything they both have said publicly. This from the Globe and Mail:

“I told [Scudder] that at some point, if we don’t have an alternative, I will have to start looking at the moving option,” Bettman wrote in the e-mail which was filed in court. When Scudder asked specfically about Southern Ontario and Hamilton, Bettman said “I responded that it’s a league opportunity, the building is too old etc. and, frankly, if this team had to move it should first be offered to Winnipeg.” In the e-mail, Bettman also talked about the difficulties in finding buyers for the Coyotes. He cited a couple of potential bidders and added “but this is looking more and more difficult since no one seems to be excited about a team losing 40mm (million).”

Does that sound ANYTHING like what Bettman inc. said publicly about the state of the Coyotes????

Globe article is here

Didn’t think so.