Head Scratcher: Panthers Trade for Roberto Luongo

March 5, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

One of the biggest deals from the 2014 NHL trade deadline was the reunion on South Beach. No, it’s not Lebron James but Roberto Luongo, who will return to his former team, the Florida Panthers. While many Panthers fans may be excited about this reunion the real question is why? Why did the team make a deal that makes no sense? Sure Luongo is still an above average net minder, but it’s the least of the Panthers worries. The Florida is the second worst team in the Eastern Conference and well out of the playoff race. So why go after Luongo? It’s not like this team is in the playoff race and is a goaltender away from competing. Also given his recent decline, why not go after a younger net minder rather than a goaltender who could be on the back nine of his career? If anything this team should have moved another goaltender.

One of the few bright spots for Florida this season has been the play of Tim Thomas. With the team well out of playoff contention, the Panthers should have instead traded Thomas to a contender. Then they could have gotten some younger pieces while developing some of their younger goalies to see if they had anything. While goaltending is the most important position in hockey, the Panthers situation has gone from bad to worse. Now they have two declining goaltenders who want to start on a team that is going nowhere. Instead of reloading the bare cabinet, Florida has instead taken another step back from contention. Who knows? Maybe Luongo could regain his top-notch form in Florida and the Panthers could compete next year. However, with a great trade chip in Thomas, the Panthers failed to improve their depleted roster with the young talent to help turn the team around in the future.

College Hockey Key for Hartford Whalers Return

February 14, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / 3 Comments

Quinnipiac’s rise to National Power has helped hockey grow in the Nutmeg state

In a recent interview Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy recently revealed that there are at least three groups that want to purchase an NHL franchise and relocate it to Hartford. While there are numerous obstacles such as the NHL brass and the arena situation in Hartford, one major key for a pro team to call Hartford home is actually hockey at the college level. True a new arena is a necessity despite the 35 million dollars in upgrades Malloy has said will be going into the aging XL Center, but at the end of the day it will be the interest in hockey that will get the NHL back. Arenas can be built, teams can be bought, but fan support needs to be earned.

While Governor Malloy has made it clear that a new arena is one of if not the biggest necessities for an NHL team, he believes that college hockey is the key component in making Connecticut a major hockey market. With so many professional teams in the area and minor league teams, it is a difficult sell to fans to watch the Wolf Pack in Hartford. It’s like asking college kids to have alcohol less beer at a party, not exactly a tempting offer. With the UConn

UCONN games could help build fan support

hockey team entering Hockey East next season, Malloy has said that if UConn can become a big draw in Hartford, it could be a key factor in proving that the state can support an NHL team. With the success of the Quinnipiac and Yale programs becoming key players on the national stage, if UConn can become a top tier program with drawing power, then Connecticut could be the home of some of the best college hockey in the country. If UConn can get great support, Malloy feels this will be a huge step forward in attracting the NHL back to the Insurance Capital. Malloy has been on record stating: “If you want NHL hockey back in Hartford, then you need to support UConn hockey”.

Whalers fans need to show their support

If Nutmeggers can support the three college teams on consistent basis with great attendance, that could make up for the lackluster attendance at Wolf Pack games and allow the NHL to have a franchise in Hartford. If anything, the fact that the Whalers are still being talked about despite leaving in 1997 just proves how much the franchise meant to the state. With fan trips to games, including some recent ones to Islanders games, the Whaler fans base is strong and ready for a team. Now with groups within the state bidding on other NHL

Fans? The Whalers still have a great following

franchises and a governor who has already proven that he wants a team back in Connecticut, it is now on up to the Whaler Nation to take over. If we can prove that we support the great college teams that the state is providing while continuing to show support for the green and blue, the NHL will have to listen. With the Success of the Winnipeg Jets and a few teams that could be looking for new homes in the coming decade, why not Hartford? With the new realignment Hartford would be a perfect fit in the Metropolitan or Atlantic divisions. While there is still a long road ahead for a Hartford Whalers return, if the Whaler fans continue there support for the state’s college teams the question could be when not if the NHL comes home to Hartford.

To see the entire Governor Malloy interview (click here)

Ranking the NHL’s Stadium Series Jerseys

January 26, 2014 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

7: Pittsburgh Penguins

Why not bring back the powder blues?

For the Winter Classic the Penguins have been known to wear their old school powder blue uniforms or some combination of the powder blues. It was a surprise when they released a jersey with none of these elements for the Stadium Series game. True it may not be as important as the Winter Classic, but it would have been nice to see the Penguins in their old school blue jerseys. What makes it worse is that they just basically rolled out a watered down version of their current jerseys. The only change is the striping on the jerseys which is boring. If anything, they could have gone with the old black and yellow color palette instead of basically the same exact jersey colors they use all the time. With so many options for the Penguins, it was disappointing that this was the best they could come up with.

6: LA Kings

Grey and boring

Even though black and grey is a great color scheme, the Kings somehow screwed this up. Instead of doing a solid black jersey or bringing back the old Kings logo during the Gretzky era, the Kings just put out a grey jersey that looks like it should be a practice jersey. With weird LA should logos, the old crown logo, there just isn’t much to say about these uniforms. They’d have been better off with more black or going back to the old school purple and gold. The would have been awesome to see the purple and gold on the ice again.

5: New York Rangers

Really? Let’s just rip off the Hartford Wolf Pack

The Rangers Winter Classic is one of my favorite jerseys of all time. I had high hopes for the Stadium Series hoping they would bring back a cream colored jersey or another old school look. Instead, the Rangers created a new look that looks like a combination between their old 90s alternates and the Hartford Wolf Pack. Silver? Really? The silver makes no sense, I’d rather see cream than silver. If they were going in this direction, they should have brought back the old statue of liberty logo instead of the New York script across the chest. With better logos and colors, the Rangers struck out when it came to Stadium Series jerseys.

4 Chicago Blackhawks

Back in Black

The Blackhawks had the best Winter Classic jerseys with their classic logo and design. This year, the jerseys are good, but nothing special. It just feels like a lazy attempt. Just a basic black jersey with the current logo. Sure the black looks great with the red and black, but it would have been nice for the Blackhawks to bring back their old logo or jerseys. While it’s not the worst jersey, it’s by no stretch the best.

3: Anaheim Ducks

Orange is tough to pull off, but the Ducks do it well

These jerseys by the Anaheim Ducks are very good. I love the orange color which both pops, but at the same time isn’t obnoxious like some orange jerseys can be. The burnt orange color is something different that you never see in a uniform and looks great with the black, gold, and white trim. The reason this jersey isn’t higher is the logo. While the Giant webbed D is good, we’ve seen it before. True it’s better than the “Ducks” script jersey, but I would have like to see them use the old Mighty Ducks logo with the mask and interlocking sticks. I have always been begging the Ducks to bring back that logo and think that would have been a great time to bring it back. Had they used that logo, they could have been on the top of the list, but without it they stay at number three.

2: New York Islanders

Old school and new school meet for a great combination

Given the Islanders’ illustrious uniform history which includes some of the worst jersey disasters in hockey history, I was skeptical when it came to their Stadium Series jerseys. However, the Islanders jerseys are incredible and the one jersey in the Stadium Series that should become the team’s third uniform. This would be so much better than those stupid black jerseys the Islanders have. With the classic blue, orange, and white colors, this jerseys looks beautiful. Add in the horizontal stripes on the arms and pants, clean white shoulder stripes and this is an aesthitically pleasing jersey. Then the logo, finally a team that tried something new. I love how the Islanders incorporated the NY part of their logo with a modern twist on the chest. Overall this is a great jersey, and I hope the Islanders keep using these after the Stadium Series.

1: New Jersey Devils

A Classic

The Devils jersey may not be new or innovative, but it’s nice to see at least one team honor their heritage. Sure Christmas colors may not sound like a winning combination on a hockey sweater, but the Devils make it work. The red, white, and green is simple and beautiful. These jerseys pop with their red color scheme and the green and white highlights are crisp and mesh well together. Sure it may look like Christmas on ice, but who doesn’t love Christmas? Finally the Devils have one of the best logos in hockey, so why mess with perfection? Great logo, great jersey, clearly the winner. Do you agree or disagree? Which was the best Stadium Series jersey and which was the worst? Comment and like below!

The 10 Worst NHL Jerseys of all-time

December 29, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

The NHL has some of the best uniforms in sports. From the originality of the Original Six, to some great modern jerseys, the NHL has some of the best looks in sports. However, like with all great fashions, in order to get the great jerseys in hockey, there have to be numerous failures. Whether it’s trying something new with designs or colors, or modifying the logo, some jerseys should have been just left on the drawing board. Being a hockey fan, I’ve seen my fair share of bad jerseys throughout the years. Here is my list, but there are certain rules to this list. First, it will only be NHL teams, I could do a whole list on minor league hockey uniforms. Second, only one entry per franchise. While there have been many teams that have had their fair share of jersey disasters, I’m talking to you New York Islanders, I wanted to get a wider range of teams instead of focusing on a few teams at a time.

10: Nashville Predators
When did the Predators get sponsored by French’s mustard?

Talk about your condiment calamity! Dijon mustard may work on hotdogs and burgers, but not hockey jerseys. Aside from the tasteless color, the logos also are an eyesore. The “skull” Predators logo on the sleeves could be an ok logo if used properly, but doesn’t go with this jersey. It’s because you have a gaudy multicolored predator that belongs in the Ice Age movies on the front. Modern logo with skulls on the shoulders? Doesn’t exactly connect. This sweater was doomed with weak and confusing logos along with a color that just gives me craving a hotdog. Excuse me one second I gotta go to the grill!
9: Montreal Canadiens
Would you like a little off the top or a quick shave?

Thanks, I just needed a hotdog. Oh look, I didn’t know the barbershop quartet was on TV tonight! What that’s not a barbershop quarter it’s the Canadiens? Oh boy. Look, I understand some team’s want to wear throwbacks to get in touch with their roots, but sometimes certain uniforms should be left in the past. Montreal you have an original six logo and jersey, you are set for life. You don’t need to modify anything. These uniforms are disaster. Weak white leaf logo and a headache inducing design with the horizontal red, white, and blue strips. This is a color overload that is not easy to look at and once you get over the novelty of the throwback for five minutes you’ll be saying, “ok bring out the actual Canadiens jerseys please”!
8: Phoenix Coyotes
A bold choice that I can appreciate, but still a head scratcher

Of all the jerseys on this list these are my favorites. I can appreciate what the Coyotes tried to do with a dark green jersey with the desert trim on the bottom. I also like the original Coyotes logo better than the new logo they have now. Still, this wasn’t a great jersey. Even though I liked them, I can see why people don’t. These are not traditional jerseys with bizarre colors. The green and burnt orange aren’t exactly the Coyotes main colors and the desert look on the jersey with the cacti makes the jersey look too much like a cartoon. Plus there are salamanders on the shoulders, weird numbers, and a moon on one side of the jersey. Even though they broke the mold and gave it a good try, the Coyotes still made a jersey that was to Will-E, and not enough Coyote.
7 Atlanta Thrashers
Thrashers? More like Thrashed jerseys

Thank god the Jets are back. On that note one franchise that never could seem to get its jerseys in order was the Atlanta Thrashers. If I didn’t limit the list to one team, the Thrashers would have multiple entries. Anyways, the Thrashers failed because they have too many colors, weird designs, and multiple logos. Talk about an identity crisis. With that I give you the epitome of all of this in a jersey. This jersey represents all of the different factors which made Thrasher’s jerseys hard to stomach. First the had weird designs. Here the socks with the vertical patterns and stripes look ridiculous. Then the white on the upper arms with the goofy large number in the center if the jersey just looked stupid. With the “Thrashers” script across the chest, these jerseys looked more like basketball jerseys then hockey jerseys. Then you have a barrage of different colors on the jersey with makes you wonder what are the team colors and finally the terrible woody woodpecker logo on the shoulders. Wow Thrashers, talk about setting low standards for expansion teams and their jerseys.
6 Boston Bruins
Bruins? More like Winnie the Pooh

Wow, Boston wow. You have one of the best logos in sports and this is the best you can come up with? A honey yellow jersey with black fur trim? Then you have Bruins in script on the shoulders? You couldn’t put spoked B’s on the shoulders? To top it off the Build a Bear mascot on the chest of the jersey. Nothing strikes fear into opponents like a dead eyed teddy bear on a jersey. Note to the Original Six, you have great uniforms, don’t change anything!
5: Los Angeles Kings
Yes, I would like fries with that Whopper

Now its really getting bad. The only saving grace for this jersey is that Wayne Gretzky actually wore it. Still a Burger King mascot is brutal. If the Kings were smart they should have partnered with Burger King with this jersey. Then you have the logo in the upper right of the jersey, not centered, with a giant purple stripe crisscrossing the front of the jersey. Wait I thought the Kings were supposed to be black and silver? Purple too, ok I guess. I mean this just likes awful. The jersey itself looks like its been washed with the purple and grey socks, yikes. Overall when it looks like the graphic studio threw up all it’s ideas onto one jersey, this is what you pretty much get.
4: Tampa Bay Lightning
Rain rain go away, take these jerseys far away

When you’re an expansion team, it’s tough. So I do tend to give expansion teams a pass on their first go of uniforms, I’m talking about you Columbus. However, the Tampa Bay Lightning jerseys are a natural disaster. Did a hurricane wash away the actual jerseys and they had to make these at the last-minute? It’s all the extra add ons that kill this jersey. Had it just been the logo with the plain silver and black sleeves the jerseys would be ok. But how do you have rain, lightning, and rough waves on this jersey? Come on this isn’t a painting of a lightning storm, it’s a hockey jersey! You know how they say “less is more”? Apparently the Lightning ignored this philosophy and decided let’s put everything on this jersey, except something good.
3: Anaheim Mighty Ducks
I loved the Mighty Ducks cartoon, but not this much

Wow, Disney really wanted to advertise their Mighty Ducks cartoon didn’t they? While the Mighty Ducks original jerseys are one of my favorites, I can’t believe someone thought this was a good idea. Come on this team’s already based off of a movie and was owned by a company known for cartoons, did we really need a jersey that should be on the clearance rack at a Disneyland Park? Apparently the answer was yes. True the overall designs on the jersey aren’t terrible, but the logo kills it. Seriously? Wild Wing jumping through the ice? Come on Disney. You already have many people questioning a team called the “Mighty Ducks”, did you really need another reason for hockey fans to laugh at you? Thank god this jersey didn’t last long. Looks like these Ducks of a jersey were roasted.
2: New York Islanders
From great tradition, to one of the biggest marketing disasters in sports history

In one of the biggest marketing disasters in sports history, the New York Islanders decided to change their historic and iconic logo. The new ownership, “The Gang of Four”, decided that the team needed a modern-day update. Not only did they seemingly piss off every Islanders fan in the process, but also plunge the franchise further into darkness. The Fisherman logo, which replace the iconic NY Island logo, was a disaster from the beginning. It looked terrible, angered the fan base, and created the “we want fish sticks” chants at Rangers’ games. Another jersey with a terrible logo, and a wave design on the bottom that just looks ridiculous. Plus the additions to grey and teal to the colors. Teal should never be used on an NHL jersey ever! The jerseys were so bad, the Islanders changed the logo one year later. These jerseys were horrible and almost were the worst of the worst except for….
1: Vancouver Canucks
Oh Canada! Why?

The Vancouver Canucks for a long period of time had the worst jerseys in hockey. While most teams changed their bad designs quickly, the Canucks stayed with these jerseys for years. While the skate logo wasn’t terrible, the colors of yellow, black, and orange made these look like the horrible offspring of a Halloween costume and a construction vest. The the massive V design from the neck to the middle of the sweater looked ridiculous, and they put the logo on the middle of arm. There’s no logo or script on this jersey just the V design. So Canucks fans riot over being in the Stanley Cup but not over this ridiculous uniforms that made their team a laughing-stock? Wow. Do you agree or disagree? Any jerseys that I missed or suggestions you have? Don’t forget to comment and follow below!

Lost: Why the Islanders moving to Brooklyn will be a disaster

December 23, 2013February 15, 2015 / Rich Sports Talk / 1 Comment

It may have all the bells and whistles, but the Barclay’s center isn’t built for hockey

In the fall of 2015 the New York Islanders will move from Nassau to Brooklyn in what will be a new chapter in New York sports. While the team finally gets the new arena the franchise has coveted for almost two decades, the Islanders may regret making the jump to Brooklyn. In the grand scheme of things it is easy to see why the Islanders are moving. The Nassau Coliseum is a dump that has been long considered the worst venue in the NHL and Long Island hasn’t exactly shown the initiative or resolve to get a new arena on the Island. Given the current circumstances it’s easy to see why the Islanders needed a new home. Problem is, they may have picked the wrong one.

Barclays Center great for basketball, not so much for hockey

Hockey at the Barclays Center. sounds like a good idea except for the arena logistics. For example, the layout can cause for some problems. This is because Barclay’s Center was built for basketball and concerts, not hockey. As seen here the scoreboard for the hockey games doesn’t hang outer center ice, but over a blue line. While the arena features a hockey layout, this was only supposed to be for special games, not an entire season. The whole purpose of the Barclay’s Center was to deter any hockey teams from coming in. I understand that they loved how new and modern the arena is, but when this nostalgia of a new arena wears off after a few years and then the Islanders will say “this was a mistake”. At Barclay’s, the rink is not centered creating unusual hockey sight lines and certain blind spots to the action. Sure the idea of the Islanders in a new arena is great, but once that fad wears off people will realize that the Islanders in the Barclay’s Arena was a mistake.
West End:
No seats? Why are there no seats?

A unique feature about the Islanders at the Barclay’s center is that there are no seats behind the net in the west end of the arena. You heard right with the configuration, there will be just a wall behind the west goal with seats above the glass. Some of the best seats in hockey are right behind the goaltender and the Islanders are ok with half these seats gone? One of the biggest

Seats with a blind spot, what I always wanted

arguments about the Islanders getting a new arena was about the seating capacity. At 16,170, the Nassau Coliseum is the second smallest arena in tens of capacity in the league. At Barclays the capacity is 15,800 for hockey, and while they have said that more seats will be added for Islanders games, it still makes Barclays the smallest hockey arena in the NHL. On top of that, there are terrible sight lines from this configuration such as blind spots from the upper deck in the west end. I can se Islander fans really happy about commenting to Brooklyn and paying for ridiculous ticket prices for seats with blind spots.
Bye Bye Tailgating
Islander fans will have to say goodbye to the grill in Brooklyn

Sure the Barclays Center is beautiful, but it does have its own problems. Case in point parking. Why is this important? Without parking there is no tailgating, which is an Islanders’ fan staple. Sure tailgating probably originated because Islander fans wanted to spend as little time as possible inside the Nassau Coliseum, but it is who they are. Tailgating brings fans together in a community linked by sausages and burgers. Sure it’s more of a football thing, but tailgating and hockey are a terrific combination. However, Brooklyn will put an end to this with almost no parking and no large gathering place for tailgating. The closest Islander fans will get to tailgating stating in 2015 is cramming onto the train to Brooklyn with other Islanders fan.
It’s not Long Island!
The Islanders are Long Island’s team, not a New York City team

This is the most important aspect of why the Islanders moving to Brooklyn will be a disaster. They are Long Island’s team, not a New York City team. The reason this team was so beloved on Long Island is because it was Long Island’s own team that became one of the greatest dynasties in sports. Now those championships and history are being moved away from the fan base that loves this team so much. It be like the Packers moving to Milwaukee, it just doesn’t make sense. You take the Islanders of the Island, you lose the essence of what the team means to the people of Long Island. They’re not a New York team so why should they now play in the New York market in Brooklyn?
Now your telling a fan base that’s been loyal through thick and thin, sorry if you still want to watch us play you have to commute to Brooklyn. Sure this isn’t the worst case scenario which would have been the team moving completely away from the New York area, but it has moved the Islanders away from the community that helped make them a proud NHL franchise. While Brooklyn may have all the bells and whistles, once the thrill of a new arena wears off coupled with terrible hockey sight lines, will make this move a disaster for the Islanders. Sure the team will be the same, but the soul of the Islanders will be lost once they move in 2015.

Looking for a home? Five cities who deserve NHL teams

October 17, 2013November 4, 2013 / Rich Sports Talk / Leave a comment

Honorable mention: Kansas City

It’s built but no one’s come

The famous line from Field of Dreams that “if you build it, they will come” didn’t work for Kansas City. Built in 2007, Kansas City believed that their state of the art 17,500 seat arena would help to lure an NHL team. Despite a few teams using Kansas City as a relocation threat, nothing has come to fruition. Despite being a beautiful arena part of Kansas City’s problem is the unknown hockey market which scares off possible suitors, especially when you look at the NHL’s success at entering “new” hockey markets. For now the Sprint Center sits in downtown Kansas City as a reminder that you should make sure you have a horse, before you build the barn.

5) Seattle

Since the departure of the Sonics, Seattle’s been looking to fill the void

With a new arena in the works located near both Safeco and Centurylinks Fields, Seattle has become a city that the NHL is closely monitoring. With no competition from an NBA team in the winter, a hockey team would be the sole focus. Also, Seattle is known for some of the most loyal and rowdy fans in the country. Can you imagine that home ice advantage?Logistically, it gives another opponent in the Western Conference, and it’s proximity to Vancouver could create a new and fierce rivalry within the NHL.

4) Houston

Houston could go from the minors, to the pros very quickly

I know that NHL expansions in the south have been less then fruitful. More often than not there a disaster. However, the Stars have always been a great draw in Dallas, why not give the lone star state another team. Houston is currently the largest American market without an NHL team, and we all know that Gary Bettman is all about the bottom line. With a large untapped market, a chance for a great in-state rivalry, and a city that has never had NHL hockey, why not give Houston a team? Hey, everything’s bigger in Texas, why not make the NHL one of those things?

3) Hartford

Bring back the Brass Bonanza!

Ok, I know what this looks like being a Hartford Whalers fanatic. If you want to see more on why I think the Whalers should come back check out my article here (Bring back the Brass Bonanza!). Despite Hartford’s need for a new arena, Hartford does offer a large TV market and a well established history in the NHL. They already have a loyal fan base and brand as the Whaler brand is still ones of the most valuable merchandising brands in the NHL. It’s a long-shot, but a team in Hartford would be better than some of the other team’s in the south. All I can say that if the Whalers were to ever return, Connecticut will be behind them. Hopefully, we get to hear the Brass Bonanza once again!

2) Oklahoma City

With the success of the Thunder, Oklahoma City could be a great landing spot

With the success of the Oklahoma City Thunder, a new arena, and a market with little competition all make Oklahoma City another city that could use an NHL team. While Oklahoma City may seem odd, it’s a city that rallies around its local teams. In a city similar in size to Winnipeg, the NHL has focused on small markets that can support a team and OKC could be one of those. Based on the rapid success of the Thunder and the support from the community, the NHL may just take a shot on OKC.

1) Quebec

Quebec, like Winnipeg, is trying to get a team back

If any team will get an NHL franchise back, it will be Quebec. With a brand new palace of an ice rink scheduled to be built by 2015, an established fan base, and a market that the NHL regrets leaving; Quebec offer the best option for an NHL franchise. They have a rich history with the Nordiques, and the NHL is finally realizing that hockey in Canada is their most popular sport. With Winnipeg’s success, and Canadians begging for more hockey, in my opinion it’s not if but when the NHL returns to Quebec. What city do you think deserves an NHL franchise? Do you agree of disagree and why? Comment below for your opinions.