Also, I got a lot of emails today and tweets from people worried after it was reported in some circles that in realignment, the Wild will be in a division with four Canadian teams -- Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver. I am assured by the NHL that there is "not a chance in the world" that happens.
It was made clear that they're not going re-align any American/Canadian team into a division where they're the lone American/Canadian team a while ago. Not sure why people have been worrying about that.
It was made clear that they're not going re-align any American/Canadian team into a division where they're the lone American/Canadian team a while ago. Not sure why people have been worrying about that.
People worried about it because it was reported by the Ottawa Sun that it was happening is my understanding.
I didn't worry even after the report though, as every rumor about realignment I've read has said it will likely be mostly the same plan from last year with only a minor tweak or two.
It was made clear that they're not going re-align any American/Canadian team into a division where they're the lone American/Canadian team a while ago. Not sure why people have been worrying about that.
How do they work that then when it comes to this planned "Central" division? Winnipeg is the only Canadian team in the division if there are no changes to the proposed system. They are currently the only Canadian team in their division, obviously, but if realignment is supposed to fix that, then Winnipeg is sort of out of luck again.
That said, I don't think Winnipeg ownership is too annoyed with this setup. Makes things much easier for them with the large number of central time starts.
How do they work that then when it comes to this planned "Central" division? Winnipeg is the only Canadian team in the division if there are no changes to the proposed system. They are currently the only Canadian team in their division, obviously, but if realignment is supposed to fix that, then Winnipeg is sort of out of luck again.
That said, I don't think Winnipeg ownership is too annoyed with this setup. Makes things much easier for them with the large number of central time starts.
Yeah I don't see how Winnipeg is upset with this. Sure they'd love to play western canada. But I think the Wild and Jets will be their biggest rivalry. It's a relatively short drive, and the Canadians love coming down to Minnesota to shop anyway. I'd imagine we'd see a lot of 50-50 crowds at the X for those games.
That said, I don't think Winnipeg ownership is too annoyed with this setup. Makes things much easier for them with the large number of central time starts.
^This
I'm thinking Winnipeg would prefer to play their divisional games in the same time zone. I'm assuming that 9:30 pm starts when they are in Vancouver are as much of a pain in the @ss for their fans as it is for the Wild fans.
Yeah I don't see how Winnipeg is upset with this. Sure they'd love to play western canada. But I think the Wild and Jets will be their biggest rivalry. It's a relatively short drive, and the Canadians love coming down to Minnesota to shop anyway. I'd imagine we'd see a lot of 50-50 crowds at the X for those games.
Yeah they do. I see more Ontario plates in Duluth than Wisconsin plates.
I put those news up in the business of hockey board and in the realignment thread, and the only responses I got were in the vein of "Doesn't mean the Wild won't be in a division with 3 canadian teams" "Doesn't mean the Wild won't be in a division with 5 canadian teams"
EDIT: Lots of Canadians come to Forks to shop as well. Bunches more actually go to school here.
Yeah I don't see how Winnipeg is upset with this. Sure they'd love to play western canada. But I think the Wild and Jets will be their biggest rivalry. It's a relatively short drive, and the Canadians love coming down to Minnesota to shop anyway. I'd imagine we'd see a lot of 50-50 crowds at the X for those games.
I think playing the western Canadian teams make a better story, but logistically this planned division is much better for them as only 2 teams are outside of the central time zone. Also, they'd play each team in the league home and away anyway, based on the scheduling.
I made the drive down to the X for a game a couple of years ago and I loved it. It really makes no sense to head out to Calgary or Edmonton, and I think a Wild-Jets rivalry is something that could really take off. I'm only worried, as a Winnipegger, when it comes to exposure up here for nationally televised games, etc. All of our Saturday games this season have been afternoon starts because Toronto is playing at night, and in fact, a number of them are local broadcasts not even on CBC. The one time they play at night on a Saturday this season is the visit to Toronto.
I only made my comment because, if it's true that the post I quoted said that they didn't want to re-align a Canadian team to an all-American division, or vice versa, that this set-up makes Winnipeg the only Canadian team in the division.
I went over and asked the Winnipeg board what they thought, and two people have responded so far. I realize they do not represent the entire fanbase, but I cannot imagine that many people stray from the opinion much
Quote:
Originally Posted by mzappa
Think we had a realignment thread a while back.
I'd prefer a mix, but really - just happy to have a team. Preferably with Minny in the division, that is going to be a great rivalry.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Boreal
I would love to have Minnesota, Calgary, Edmonton and Vancouver, but I recognize that such a grouping is not going to happen, nor is it practical based on time zone. For the purposes of rivalry and time zone, being with Minnesota in an otherwise all-American division probably is the best case scenario for the Jets. Chicago would be a doable road trip as well. Having a second O6 team like Detroit in the division would make the realignment inviting.
At any rate, it can't be worse then what we have currently.
lol epic response. I agree as well. This division is going to be so much better than the NW. It makes too much sense though so it probably won't happen somehow #lockoutproblems
It may be old news, but according to Russo in the realignment: "@ericmac20 next week or so. Wild moving to central with Winnipeg and Dallas. It's happening"
It may be old news, but according to Russo in the realignment: "@ericmac20 next week or so. Wild moving to central with Winnipeg and Dallas. It's happening"
Nash and Columbus out of the West?
Always thought Detroit was unofficially promised the move to the East Coast?? I just don't see them splitting Chicago and Detroit for obvious reasons.
