Tired of this nonsense comparing Monsters crowds with CBJ crowds. That is comparing Apples to Oranges. The only similarity is it is the same sport. From costs on down everything else is different. I realize that Dan Gilbert makes it as professional an atmosphere as possible, but there is still a big difference. Not to mention that the Monsters are doing well, while we have the same old Jackets.
I have said it before, there were nights the Clippers outdrew, or came close to outdrawing the Indians, but I doubt anyone fears the Tribe will be moved to Columbus. Cleveland is also a three major pro sports team town. Adding a fourth with major league pricing puts even more pressure on that market, and one team or all would suffer. The Monsters are exactly what that market needs. A good hockey league, with affordable pricing that doesn't force them to have to pick and choose more carefully where they are spending bigger money for sports entertainment.
Everyone, including Portzline knows that this town would fill that arena if this franchise would ever get it's head out of it's ass. People are tired of being told how great things will be only to have their expectations crash and burn. The CBJ would be struggling in any market after 15 years of suckage, especially if that market was Cleveland.
As for the game, CBJ were helter skelter in the first, strong in the second, and sort of in between in the third. They are not a good OT team. Thought they played hard defensively, though. If they ever get their scorers going we will see better hockey. Forget the play-offs, though. That aint happening this season.