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March 11, 2004

The NHL is in a state of crisis, and it is the ultimate example of shortsightedness for commentators to simplistically attach this state of affairs to the future work stoppage showdown between Gary Bettman of the NHL and Bob Goodenow of the NHLPA. 

Revenue figures are not sustainable with 19 teams having average operating losses of $18 million US, this current season is the lowest scoring in history, no one south of the 49th parallel cares about the league, the $600 million, five-year US television deal with the conglomerate that is Walt Disney is expected to only be renewed for 50% of the current deal, and the officiating and conduct of players is drawing ire from all interested observers.

The NHL must sit out after the end of this season for as long as it takes to fix the complete set of problems being encountered.  A salary cap will not solve the league's woes nor necessarily establish the NHL as a viable sporting attraction in the North American marketplace. 

If there is no foresight or fortitude demonstrated on the parts of the players, owners and the league, then the demise of professional hockey could quickly rise to the top of the list of likely scenarios.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Paul Martin's shortcomings become clearer and clearer everyday he continues to inhabit 24 Sussex Drive, so there is no point in dwelling upon particular faults when there is a steady flow that continues to emerge daily.  Nonetheless, Murray Dobbin's brilliant assessment of a phenomenon he refers to as "Martin's implausible deniability" in this morning's Toronto Star is a wonderfully accurate assessment of Martin's obliviousness to most everything around him in his ascent (or descent, depending on your point of view) to the Prime Minister's Office.

Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.  One certainly hopes this approach registers with voters as they compile their list before going to the ballot box in June.

Comments? jonathan@tdhstrategies.com