While I personally would love to see that happen, I just can’t see the NHL choosing to put their winter sport showcase (playoffs) in the middle of 100 degree temps. While they don’t get much interest (except from the few hockey fans of us there are), I think they might even lose a few more if it came to watching/playing in the summer. Something doesn’t add up.

And they’re the one’s who are the most passionate (by that I mean borderline insane). It’s a winter sport there, and for obviously reasons always will be.

Personally, I’d love to head to a nicely chilled reunion during the Summer and watch the stars, but I don’t see it happening.

I was a big Colorado Avalanche fan during the days of Roy, Sakic, Forsberg, etc. Their cup victory with Ray Bourque was memorable; I had something to do that night, so I VCR’ed the game and watched it at like 2 in the morning. Incredible.

The strike killed it for me; the Avs had no idea how to spend their money and are just another average at best team, while the hated Red Wings and Stars utilized player development and are still consistently two of the top teams in the league. I was mildly interested when the Avs picked up Foote and Forsberg for the playoff run again, but memories only take you so far.

the Astros are horrible

is simply inaccurate.

Ice hockey will only interest me if UT gets into the game. While living in Tucson, some of the best sporting events I attended were UofA college hockey games.

I think it would actually work better if they had the playoffs earlier. It is a winter sport after all. Then they wouldn’t be competing with the nba playoffs, but with the regular season. Given that so many teams make the playoffs anyway, I think it’d be a good thing to shorten the nhl regular season, not that that will ever happen (contraction too)—too much lost revenue. Bettman’s a dink.

... and increase the number of outdoor games by 10000%

Then I want them to sign a 5000 year deal with Versus network and stay the heck off of my TV.

[/grouch]