As a hockey fan, I tend to follow what is going on in the NHL pretty closely and the last few weeks have brought no shortage of news. In fact, I’d go so far to say the league is in some pretty deep trouble. It may not be the kind of trouble we saw with the CBA just a short while ago, but it is serious.

Pittsburgh is still debating whether or not they want to stick around town. A deal for a new stadium was proposed by the city and rejected. Honestly, I can’t blame them for wanting to move, but it’d be a crime to see that city without a professional hockey team especially with the history the Penguins have in Pittsburgh. The latest place I’ve heard is Houston. Please, no! I understand that the NHL is just as much of a business as it is a sport, but it kills me to see all these teams heading to southern markets.

There’s been talk of schedule changes and divisional realignment. The argument being the West has to travel farther and more often and this business of playing divisional opponents gets old quick. I don’t really have an opinion about the travel issues as that’s really more for the players, coaches, and personnel to decide. I can see the issue though. People don’t want to be away from their families if they don’t have to and it’s always nice to sleep at home instead of in a hotel bed. As far as schedule changes go, I fully agree there needs to be something done. Seeing the same teams over and over gets boring unless there’s some fierce rivalry. The hope was this schedule would make for more divisional rivalries, but I don’t think it’s doing the job. Rivalries are made in the playoffs. Why does Minnesota hate Vancouver so much? Because of the things players said when they met in the 2003 playoffs. Apparently the decision was made to stick with the current schedule through next season because no one could decide on an alternative. That’s a bullshit excuse!

Lastly are new jerseys. They were unveiled today and will be worn at the All-Star game tomorrow. They aren’t honestly as bad as I was thinking when I read about the changes. The thing is, I like how hockey jerseys currently fit. They’re comfortable. It’s my understanding that this is the sentiment of most of the players too. Why not keep the same shape and just use these new moisture retardant fabrics? I mean look at what happened to the NBA’s new balls. They made it, what, 3 months? I see the same sort of thing happening with these new jerseys. And you know as soon as the new jerseys are on sale, they’re going to sell like hotcakes because fans want to stay current. My biggest gripe is that 3rd jerseys are going away. I haven’t seen any confirmation of it, but I read and article from an Ottawa paper that stated as much. Shameful.

Save for the situation in Pittsburgh, I think these problems can be squarely placed on the shoulders of Mr. Commish, Gary Bettman. His “vision” for the NHL isn’t working and I think it’s time for some new leadership. From now on, in my right hand will be an “Impeach Bush” sign and in the left, will be an “Impeach Bettman” sign. The NHL isn’t more exciting these days, there are just more penalties, lower intensity, and more monotony. Something has gotta give.

Update: It looks like I’m not the only one who sees trouble on the horizon for the NHL. Mr. Aronow, I agree with you an all points except the removal of fighting.

I’ve found yet another who is equally displeased.