A team from Florida will be competing in the Stanley Cup final for the 6th year in a row

[MoneyManny]

That’s an interesting perspective. You can argue the only reason teams such as the Panthers exist in the first place is due to being subsidized by northern markets. The flaw with NHL’s and Bettman’s growth system is that he assumes those markets will somehow catch up to the Northern and Canadians ones by winning, when it will never happen. Imagine how much more views would the final get if it was Edmonton vs Toronto. Triple the

There are so many sports leagues out there and so little time. Can't blame Floridians for not giving that much attention to hockey.

 

[MoneyManny]

A. he's a Lightning fan, so his team had nothing to do with Shitrot,

B. Every damn year? That was one year, Zito also brought in Giroux as the Panthers won the President's Trophy. Shitrot did nothing, Giroux was meh, but worse several guys did little and went to a strip club. That post-season, players were shipped out, other players (Tkachuk) were brought in, the coach who brought us the regular season champ trophy was fired and Maurice was brought in. The only year a first was "wasted."

Zito did nothing at the deadline the following year as guys flushed out Bruno's coaching style and embraced Mo's systems. Then went to the Finals. With Yandle's huge cap hit handcuffing Zito.

Last year, he let more guys walk, brought in other guys who fit the system, traded for Tarasenko and Oldposo at the deadline, we won a Cup.

Pretty lame dig, and like the tax bullshit, is well, full of shit.

Yeah i'm sure all the players ready to waive their NMC for Florida teams has everything to do about the sheer quality of the organizations, top 2 in the league, top 2 front offices in the league also, and top 2 scouting staff.

Everything else is just a coincidence. LOL

 

[Summer Rose]

There are so many sports leagues out there and so little time. Can't blame Floridians for not giving that much attention to hockey.

If the Miami-area market is anything like the Phoenix-area market, which it sounds like it is, with that many major sports leagues in town, the locals tend to turn out when the team is good and ignore them when they suck. With so many teams in town, there's usually at least one team in town that's good (but not always; sometimes it felt like all four of the teams in Arizona when I lived there sucked at the same time for several years at a time - if I look at historical records I may be proven wrong).

You'll get a few diehards of each sport, of course, but the diehards of a particular sport may treat the other teams in town the same way, which is kind of what I did when I lived in Arizona. I'm a hockey diehard, but I might pay attention to the Diamondbacks, Cardinals, or Suns if they were actually good, but I'd ignore them if they sucked.

 

[MoneyManny]

I gave you an answer as to how they built their core with drafted players. You didn’t like the answer. I don’t know what to say other than state income taxes not being present in Florida wasn’t a problem until Tampa and Florida started winning, so why is it a problem now?

They built their core with 2 drafted players? That's a really small core for a cup winning team, no?

 

[Ratsreign]

They built their core with 2 drafted players? That's a really small core for a cup winning team, no?

You are very disingenuous. You ignore every reply made to you and just keep coming back with the same tripe.

 

[MoneyManny]

You are very disingenuous. You ignore every reply made to you and just keep coming back with the same tripe.

You tell me they built through the draft but they only have 2 drafted core players and have won absolutely nothing with them until acquisitions were made by other means, i'm not the one who's disingenuous.

 

[Louie the Blue]

You tell me they built through the draft but they only have 2 drafted core players and have won absolutely nothing with them until acquisitions were made by other means, i'm not the one who's disingenuous.

Without thinking too hard I would believe that every team from the 2005 lockout onward that has won the Cup has acquired a player by other means.

 

[Ratsreign]

You tell me they built through the draft but they only have 2 drafted core players and have won absolutely nothing with them until acquisitions were made by other means, i'm not the one who's disingenuous.

They used players drafted and developed as trade chips to acquire some of the current players. Why be so thick about it?
You are the one who focuses on a simple point and ignores everything connected to it.
It’s tiresome

 

[JianYang]

It's an incredible feat for Florida to make three finals in a row. They are the first team to do it in over 40 years when the Islanders do it (not including the irregular covid seasons)

I think this is finally mcdrai's year, but that doesn't take away what Florida has accomplished already.

 

[x Tame Impala]

What do you propose to do for the advantages large markets would then have in spades over smaller markets if the tax "issue" is leveled out? Some of the perks living in high tax cities: Chicago, Toronto, New York, California, Vancouver, etc...is you get to live in a world class city and enjoy all of the ammenties offered to you. These things are simply not available in many other markets.

Is it fair Toronto can pay their superstars by giving them 96% of their contract in singing bonuses up front? How are teams like Columbus, STL, Winnipeg, Buffalo, etc...going to have that factor leveled out? What about endorsements?

This entire decade of discussion wouldn't even exist if Matthews/Marner/Tavares elevated their game in the playoffs and the Toronto media machine wasn't operated by a bunch of feral animals. Excuses after excuse after excuse. When Tampa, Florida, Dallas, and Vegas all age out in 2-3 years (it's started already for all but Florida) and we see the California teams and Chicago coming out of rebuilds what will be the excuse then?

What was the excuse when we had...

2010: CHI vs San Jose, PHI vs MTL
2011: VAN vs San Jose, BOS vs TBL
2012: LA vs PHX, NJ vs NYR
2013: CHI vs LA, BOS vs PIT
2014: CHI vs LA, NYR vs MTL
2015: CHI vs ANH, TBL vs NYR
2016: SJS vs STL, PIT vs TBL
2017: NSH vs ANH, PIT vs OTT
2018: VGK vs WPG, WSH vs TBL
2019: STL vs SJS, BOS vs CAR

23 teams out of a possible 40 of the final four came from high tax cities. 6 teams out of 40 came from no tax teams. The other 11 came from a "normal" tax state. There is zero correlation to what you're saying this is merely a specific time period we're in where Dallas, the Florida teams, and Vegas are capitalizing on their opportunities and it will be over for all of them soon. Taxes weren't invented 5 years ago.

 

[JianYang]

What do you propose to do for the advantages large markets would then have in spades over smaller markets if the tax "issue" is leveled out? Some of the perks living in high tax cities: Chicago, Toronto, New York, California, Vancouver, etc...is you get to live in a world class city and enjoy all of the ammenties offered to you. These things are simply not available in many other markets.

Is it fair Toronto can pay their superstars by giving them 96% of their contract in singing bonuses up front? How are teams like Columbus, STL, Winnipeg, Buffalo, etc...going to have that factor leveled out? What about endorsements?

This entire decade of discussion wouldn't even exist if Matthews/Marner/Tavares elevated their game in the playoffs and the Toronto media machine wasn't operated by a bunch of feral animals. Excuses after excuse after excuse. When Tampa, Florida, Dallas, and Vegas all age out in 2-3 years (it's started already for all but Florida) and we see the California teams and Chicago coming out of rebuilds what will be the excuse then?

What was the excuse when we had...

2010: CHI vs San Jose, PHI vs MTL
2011: VAN vs San Jose, BOS vs TBL
2012: LA vs PHX, NJ vs NYR
2013: CHI vs LA, BOS vs PIT
2014: CHI vs LA, NYR vs MTL
2015: CHI vs ANH, TBL vs NYR
2016: SJS vs STL, PIT vs TBL
2017: NSH vs ANH, PIT vs OTT
2018: VGK vs WPG, WSH vs TBL
2019: STL vs SJS, BOS vs CAR

23 teams out of a possible 40 of the final four came from high tax cities. 6 teams out of 40 came from no tax teams. The other 11 came from a "normal" tax state. There is zero correlation to what you're saying this is merely a specific time period we're in where Dallas, the Florida teams, and Vegas are capitalizing on their opportunities and it will be over for all of them soon. Taxes weren't invented 5 years ago.

The recipe for building a winner has stood the test of time. Hit on your draft picks, develop your young talent, and supplement those building blocks via trades and free agency.

Key players generally stay where they are if the organization fosters an environment that they want to be a part of, and that becomes a tool in itself to attract free agents regardless of tax jurisdictions.

 

[End on a Hinote]

It's doesn't matter if it's "McDavid's year" or that crap. Canadian teams are cursed with raw luck. Panthers are going to take it again, probably in 7. Canadian teams just aren't going to win the Cup, anymore.

 

[JianYang]

It's doesn't matter if it's "McDavid's year" or that crap. Canadian teams are cursed with raw luck. Panthers are going to take it again, probably in 7. Canadian teams just aren't going to win the Cup, anymore.

Its a curse until it's not a curse anymore. If I had any inkling of belief in that, it was gone when I saw the red Sox and cubs win the world series. Those were streaks that made the 1993 drought look like a drop in the bucket, and there were well documented legends associated in both cases to perpetuate the myths.

Since 1993, the oilers will become the 8th Canadian team to reach the final. Aside from 2011, I'd classify each Canadian entrant as the underdog each time.

This year, it feels more like a wash although I'm picking the oilers as a favourite, personally

 

[Winston Wolf]

Add Jacksonville to the list of expansion cities above Quebec City.

Florida's earned it.

 

[CupsOverCash]

People have short memories. There’s a time even in the cap era both Florida teams were terrible

Yea its an exciting time for people in fl who are hockey fans. Hope we can keep it going or at least remain competitive. Battles between fl and Tampa have been heated but not as close as you'd like. One team is just way better than the other during this 6 year stretch. Hope they are closer but both remaining competitive with the league too.

 

[RevengeOfTheDrai]

It's doesn't matter if it's "McDavid's year" or that crap. Canadian teams are cursed with raw luck. Panthers are going to take it again, probably in 7. Canadian teams just aren't going to win the Cup, anymore.

I think for the Canucks, lack of playoff success is self inflicted rather than a curse.

 

[T REX]

Yeah i'm sure all the players ready to waive their NMC for Florida teams has everything to do about the sheer quality of the organizations, top 2 in the league, top 2 front offices in the league also, and top 2 scouting staff.

Everything else is just a coincidence. LOL

Explain this from 2016...

Your No. 1 team: Tampa Bay Lightning

What makes the Tampa Bay Lightning the best franchise in sports? According to captain Steven Stamkos, owner Jeff Vinik and their fans, it's all about the love.

www.espn.com

I eagerly await your excuses

 

[3074326]

That’s an interesting perspective. You can argue the only reason teams such as the Panthers exist in the first place is due to being subsidized by northern markets. The flaw with NHL’s and Bettman’s growth system is that he assumes those markets will somehow catch up to the Northern and Canadians ones by winning, when it will never happen. Imagine how much more views would the final get if it was Edmonton vs Toronto. Triple the amounts.

Pretty disingenuous to compare most markets to Toronto and Edmonton. Are you trying to imply that the league should have never expanded and stayed with the original 6? Because that’s what you’re implying, whether intended or not. If the league was just the Torontos and Edmontons of the world, the league would have a smaller audience and less money. It’s a dogshit point, no thought behind it.

I don’t think anyone expects southern Florida to touch numbers seen in Toronto. They just want it to be a viable hockey market. You’re out of your mind if you don’t think this is helping grow the NHL in the USA. It’s never going to be anything other than a regional sport with your mindset.

 

[Diglett]

That’s an interesting perspective. You can argue the only reason teams such as the Panthers exist in the first place is due to being subsidized by northern markets. The flaw with NHL’s and Bettman’s growth system is that he assumes those markets will somehow catch up to the Northern and Canadians ones by winning, when it will never happen. Imagine how much more views would the final get if it was Edmonton vs Toronto. Triple the amounts.

and once they fall off and revert back to poverty franchises having to sell $20 bogo tickets with complimentary hotdogs again because of low attendance, those same teams will keep them afloat.

 

[RevengeOfTheDrai]

Pretty disingenuous to compare most markets to Toronto and Edmonton. Are you trying to imply that the league should have never expanded and stayed with the original 6? Because that’s what you’re implying, whether intended or not. If the league was just the Torontos and Edmontons of the world, the league would have a smaller audience and less money. It’s a dogshit point, no thought behind it.

I don’t think anyone expects southern Florida to touch numbers seen in Toronto. They just want it to be a viable hockey market. You’re out of your mind if you don’t think this is helping grow the NHL in the USA. It’s never going to be anything other than a regional sport with your mindset.

What I’m trying to argue is that the league should stop pushing those markets and forcing success in order to grow their fanbases. I’m happy if it’s an even playing field for all teams, but it’s not. Vegas for example is the least penalized team in the league, and watching them play you definitely wouldn’t think that. The league also enables teams like Florida by not creating a cap systems that negate the tax advantages those places have. LTIR should’ve been reworked once Tampa won that way. I’m happy that markets such as Florida exist, they’re good for the game, but they have to grow naturally instead of being forced by the NHL at the expense of other franchises.

 

[Ratsreign]

What I’m trying to argue is that the league should stop pushing those markets and forcing success in order to grow their fanbases. I’m happy if it’s an even playing field for all teams, but it’s not. Vegas for example is the least penalized team in the league, and watching them play you definitely wouldn’t think that. The league also enables teams like Florida by not creating a cap systems that negate the tax advantages those places have. LTIR should’ve been reworked once Tampa won that way. I’m happy that markets such as Florida exist, they’re good for the game, but they have to grow naturally instead of being forced by the NHL at the expense of other franchises.

Tampa is the team that raised the first objection to the LTIR situation. The League didn’t see a problem with it.....so TB used it.

 

[T REX]

What do you propose to do for the advantages large markets would then have in spades over smaller markets if the tax "issue" is leveled out? Some of the perks living in high tax cities: Chicago, Toronto, New York, California, Vancouver, etc...is you get to live in a world class city and enjoy all of the ammenties offered to you. These things are simply not available in many other markets.

Is it fair Toronto can pay their superstars by giving them 96% of their contract in singing bonuses up front? How are teams like Columbus, STL, Winnipeg, Buffalo, etc...going to have that factor leveled out? What about endorsements?

This entire decade of discussion wouldn't even exist if Matthews/Marner/Tavares elevated their game in the playoffs and the Toronto media machine wasn't operated by a bunch of feral animals. Excuses after excuse after excuse. When Tampa, Florida, Dallas, and Vegas all age out in 2-3 years (it's started already for all but Florida) and we see the California teams and Chicago coming out of rebuilds what will be the excuse then?

What was the excuse when we had...

2010: CHI vs San Jose, PHI vs MTL
2011: VAN vs San Jose, BOS vs TBL
2012: LA vs PHX, NJ vs NYR
2013: CHI vs LA, BOS vs PIT
2014: CHI vs LA, NYR vs MTL
2015: CHI vs ANH, TBL vs NYR
2016: SJS vs STL, PIT vs TBL
2017: NSH vs ANH, PIT vs OTT
2018: VGK vs WPG, WSH vs TBL
2019: STL vs SJS, BOS vs CAR

23 teams out of a possible 40 of the final four came from high tax cities. 6 teams out of 40 came from no tax teams. The other 11 came from a "normal" tax state. There is zero correlation to what you're saying this is merely a specific time period we're in where Dallas, the Florida teams, and Vegas are capitalizing on their opportunities and it will be over for all of them soon. Taxes weren't invented 5 years ago.

BOOM and mic/puck drop...

 

[T REX]

What I’m trying to argue is that the league should stop pushing those markets and forcing success in order to grow their fanbases. I’m happy if it’s an even playing field for all teams, but it’s not. Vegas for example is the least penalized team in the league, and watching them play you definitely wouldn’t think that. The league also enables teams like Florida by not creating a cap systems that negate the tax advantages those places have. LTIR should’ve been reworked once Tampa won that way. I’m happy that markets such as Florida exist, they’re good for the game, but they have to grow naturally instead of being forced by the NHL at the expense of other franchises.

Your No. 1 team: Tampa Bay Lightning

What makes the Tampa Bay Lightning the best franchise in sports? According to captain Steven Stamkos, owner Jeff Vinik and their fans, it's all about the love.

www.espn.com

Again...someone explain the above to me...forced? This is why I am rooting for the Panthers because of hockey snobs. FLORIDA is the center of the HOCKEY universe and you people can't handle it.

Your No. 1 team: Tampa Bay Lightning

What makes the Tampa Bay Lightning the best franchise in sports? According to captain Steven Stamkos, owner Jeff Vinik and their fans, it's all about the love.

www.espn.com

SMDH. Y'all need to cope better. LET'S GO PANTHERS!!!!!

 

[MoneyManny]

Explain this from 2016...

Your No. 1 team: Tampa Bay Lightning

What makes the Tampa Bay Lightning the best franchise in sports? According to captain Steven Stamkos, owner Jeff Vinik and their fans, it's all about the love.

www.espn.com

I eagerly await your excuses

Not gonna read the entire thing, but it's just a poll, what am i supposed to explain? Lol

 

[RevengeOfTheDrai]

Your No. 1 team: Tampa Bay Lightning

What makes the Tampa Bay Lightning the best franchise in sports? According to captain Steven Stamkos, owner Jeff Vinik and their fans, it's all about the love.

www.espn.com

Again...someone explain the above to me...forced? This is why I am rooting for the Panthers because of hockey snobs. FLORIDA is the center of the HOCKEY universe and you people can't handle it.

Your No. 1 team: Tampa Bay Lightning

What makes the Tampa Bay Lightning the best franchise in sports? According to captain Steven Stamkos, owner Jeff Vinik and their fans, it's all about the love.

www.espn.com

SMDH. Y'all need to cope better. LET'S GO PANTHERS!!!!!

It’s cool that Stamkos thinks the organization is the best in the league, I’m sure anyone who was drafted by an organization, spent 15+ years and was named captain would have great things to say. It doesn’t take away from the advantages Florida teams have had with taxes, LTIR and maybe even a bit of officiating.

If it was an even playing field there would be no “whining” from other fans. No one cried when LA won two or the Pens went back to back or Chicago’s three cups.