wild/nhl

Russo always seems pessimistic that this will pass but it has to. If they do the simple plan then you leave multiple teams upset. More people would be happy it seems with the radical plan. Leipold has some sway so I'd have to think he's calling in favors.

The Winnipeg to the Central is just plain stupid. If the Eastern governors can't see the light in this system--and their own benefit, should the schedule remain conference heavy--they don't deserve to be in the league. The four conference solution is perfect. It fixes just about all the issues, if they make the schedule conference heavy. Even playoff spots are easier to decide. Just take the top-four from each conference.

I would actually prefer to have the Wild in the same division/conference with Detroit instead of Nashville or Dallas. Not only is Detroit closer by a couple of hundred miles, it makes more sense with Detroit being in the same division in both baseball and football. It would help keep the rivalry that is already there between the cities - especially with the baseball teams; and with Detroit being a perennial powerhouse and Cup contender, I think it would help give the Wild a better measuring stick to compare themselves to.

@firefly The latest 4 conference plan that was floated on CBC Saturday (you can find it on Yahoo! Puck Daddy) would basically add Minnesota, Winnipeg, and Dallas (Including Detroit, Chicago, Columbus, Nashville, and St. Louis).

Oops, left out a key phrase, should read "would add Minnesota, Dallas, and Winnipeg TO THE EXISTING CENTRAL DIVISION" Sorry for the omission.

The league should go to a four conference system just based on simple economics. In these tough times, there are already teams like Phoenix and New Jersey that are either bankrupt or on their way. Anything the league can do to help teams stay in the black makes sense.

The proposed realignment shown on HNIC looks good, and a divsional playoff format would be nice. Contract Phoenix and 1 other team, balance out the divsions.

Russo has good reason to be pessimistic. If life was fair, we'd be in a division more centrally located. But since it will take votes of owners that would be put out by fairness, don't expect it. When has the NHL ever done something that on its face made sense? And given his aw-shucks way of doing business, I doubt CL has that moxee to play NHL politics. Hello Vancouver.

The radical realignment makes too much sense which means the NHL will vote against. When it comes to the NHL, they always find a way to mess things up. Not every team will be happy with any realignment plan. The only two teams that seem opposed to the radical plan are the Penguins and Flyers, because they would be split up. Even than, they would still get to play a home and home with each other and more than likely add Detroit to the conference. The NHL needs a more balanced schedule and realignment.

What's wrong with Winnipeg to the Northwest, Minnesota to the Central and Nashville to the Southeast? Minimal change, sticks to geography, enhances rivalries and solves the Wild's problem.