By Michael Rushton
Phanatic Magazine
It's not too much of a stretch to say that the NHL is on its way back.
While it's unlikely to ever reach the popularity of its big brothers, the NFL, MLB and NBA, all the pieces are falling into place for the league to continue to climb the mountains of acceptance.
This past free agency period is just the latest piece.
If the NHL is to reach new heights, it will be Sidney Crosby who carries it there. Love him or hate him, he has the talent and appeal to be the "Next One."
But he can't do it alone. Lucky for him, however, help is on the way.
Not in the shape of a new, young, rising star mind you, but in the form of good, solid competition.
While Crosby has been battling foes and for the affection of the fans alike, the rest of the Atlantic Division was scuffling. The Devils have always been good, but have trouble even selling out during the playoffs.
The New York Islanders, meanwhile, are always considered the neglected step child of the Rangers. Even Pittsburgh isn't a hot bed per say, but at least the league had the shadow of Mario Lemieux to camp Crosby in.
No, its the Rangers and Flyers that the NHL needs to be good, and at the same time. Both made the playoffs in 2005 and both were quickly dispatched. The Rangers made the postseason in 2006, but the Flyers, well, you know how last season went.
Meanwhile, the Penguins had little trouble with Philly last year and also had an advantage over the Rangers in their season series. But now, it is a whole new ball game.
The Rangers have Jaromir Jagr, Brendan Shanahan and Henrik Lundqvist. Now they have added Chris Drury and Scott Gomez.
The Flyers inserted Daniel Briere, Kimmo Timonen, and Jason Smith to go along with Martin Biron and Derian Hatcher.
In addition to Crosby, the Penguins sport Evgeni Malkin, Darryl Sydor, Mark Recchi and Petr Sykora.
No doubt, the Atlantic is swamped with talent. And no matter what sweater you root for, when any combination of these three teams get together, it is sure to be marked on your calendar.
And this is what the league needs. It needs the excitement these matchups will create. Even better, the battles will take place in big markets, drawing in larger crowds that a Ducks-Senators game. Good, talent-laced hockey will be reaching more people.
Yes, the puzzle that is how to enhance the NHL is starting to fit together.
1 comment:
So how come Msg was filled with Islander fans chanting " You can't beat us "....
Get a clue, Islanders got more backpages in Newsday in a week than the Rags saw all season in Manhattan which was zero...
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