The Bettman Talks Phoenix Coyotes, Goldwater Not Moving

((HT: Sportsnet Radio FAN 590 Toronto via Howard Bloom, Globe and Mail/Shoalts))

The Bettman was on Sportsnet Radio's "HockeyCentral" to discuss the Coyotes and the new television deal...

He's obviously half-happy right now, and had plenty to say in the 8-and-a-half minutes he was on the air. One of his salvos was at the Goldwater Institute:

"If the deal collapses, they may never have to prove they were right, unless somebody sues them for some sort of interference notion. But that's what caused the deal to go sideways. What the City of Glendale has been doing, with our help and with Matt Hulsizer, is trying to figure out another way to do this where it doesn't involve having to sell the bonds in a way that the Goldwater Institute can interfere."

One of David Shoalts main points was in his talks with governors of NHL teams- both past and present. The moving of the Atlanta Thrashers is less hated than the Coyotes since, apparently, they don't want to lose Phoenix as a hockey market.

Even if Atlanta is ten sizes larger in Neilsen numbers...

Also, if the Thrashers move, it could be a straight-up trade for Nashville or Columbus to switch conferences to create natural rivalries. The HQ's money would be on Nashville to be paired with Tampa, Raleigh, Florida, and Washington. It would also help the Predators since they're not one of the more free-spending organizations in the league.

Here's the interview in full...

Here's the latest interview with Darcy Olsen of the Goldwater Institute to update all of us on the deal...
((HT: AZPBS))

A Rough Night For Versus

This was an on-screen graphic that ran on the Versus network between the second and third periods of the 3-2 lead that the Pittsburgh Penguins had over the Ottawa Senators...

Juggling three games on a Sunday can get the best of anyone...

Someone in the graphics department was delivered some bad ju-ju...

Carry on...

Pens And Red Wings Tied At 2 Games Each

((HT: Versus/NHL))

The Detroit Red Wings actually led this game 2-1 in the second period before three unanswered gave the Penguins a 4-2 lead after 40 minutes. The lead held and the Stanley Cup Finals are now tied at 2 games a piece.

Here are your highlights with Doc and Eddie O...