Another lawless article.
Some interesting bits about the Atlanta Situation.
http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/bre...119032624.html
Will NHL be back? Definitely maybe
By: Gary Lawless
Posted: 03/31/2011 8:06 PM | Comments: 5
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With the Coyotes on the verge of a playoff run, there is potential the deal could gain momentum. Sellouts are likely, even in Phoenix, once the post-season begins and don’t be surprised if the 15 years of futility is forgotten for a short time. All will be rosy, with fans in the stands and the cash registers ringing.
We believe it will be short-term and once the buzz fades the problems associated with NHL hockey in Phoenix will return.
Bettman will hang in on the Phoenix deal at least until the Coyotes season is done. He’s not going to deem the club a lame duck with tickets still to be sold. So it wouldn’t surprise us, if in all the warmth and fuzziness of a playoff run, more bond money comes forward.
It also wouldn’t surprise us if it didn’t happen. It’s a coin flip.
An NHL executive told us the other night the situation in Atlanta is far worse than anyone is letting on. The owners have approached Bettman on a number of occasions in attempts to unload the franchise.
There is limited interest in the Thrashers in terms of local ownership stepping up to keep them in Atlanta.
Just as important is the limited appetite among NHL leaders to spend much time working on this file. Phoenix has consumed more time and money than the league could have ever imagined and once it’s done — Atlanta will be solved one way or another in short order.
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