Penguins, NHL a better deal than MLB
By Hack
After such a positive week of camp, Mario Lemieux broke the negative news that
even with a sellout of the 41 regular season games and the expectations of at
least a 2nd round advancement in the playoffs, the Penguins are expected to lose
7 million dollars this year.
This coming off a pro- management collective bargaining agreement,
shows that the Penguins shelled out an above average payout to allure new free
agents and #1 pick Sidney Crosby. The team is putting a Stanley Cup caliber team
on the ice according to Lemieux.
The problem with this is that the big money that needs to be
generated cannot come from gate receipts or local TV and radio deals or even
corporate sponsorship. The 44 year old Mellon Arena needs replaced. The oldest
venue in the NHL can no longer sustain the team that needs luxury boxes to
infuse the capital it desires.
People in this region don't want to hear about this though. It was
told to the public that PNC Park was needed by Kevin McClatchy's Pirates to
compete. So against the counties voting it was built. Baseball's insane labor
agreement has made it impossible for the Pirates to remain a long term
competitor. In essence, it was a big lie that the fans and tax payers
of Pittsburgh may not swallow again.
The difference could be the CBA. With a salary cap in place and
spending controlled the Penguins could be a winner for a long time to come.
Ticket sales have shown the public is ready to support this team . The Pirates
spark in season ticket sales and above average attendance can be linked directly
to the All-Star game being played here in 2006 and of course, fireworks nights
and bobble head giveaways, fan favorites.
Pittsburgh is still bankrupt and have no plan to help the Pens
finance a new arena. Lemieux and his top advisor Ken Sawyer are banking on a
slot machine license to pave the way. So it may come down that. The state will
come up with some money but the Pens are betting on the gamblers for their
future in Pittsburgh.
CAMP TOURNAMENT NOTES
The tournament ends Sunday the 18th. Monday's pre-season opener against
Columbus is up next................... Sidney Crosby has left many fans and
former players in awe. Bob Errey said "He's the best passer I've ever seen".
The Kid needs only to adjust to the speed of the NHL to complete his
camp...........Jonathan Filewich leads the tourney with 4 goals, Sid Crosby has
been his center.......Jocelyn Thibault told John Steigerwald that he plans to
play between 55 to 60 games unlike past seasons when he played 65-70. He
admitted to being tired out so he wants to keep it in a lower range of
games.............The movement to Mellon Arena for camp has been great. Big
crowds have been able to enjoy the games, FOR FREE..............The exhibition
season will consist of 9 games and most of them will be to determine 2 or 3
spots open for opening night roster. Plus the Pens need to determine who fits on
a 3 rd or 4th checking line.....................
