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From: pmm1920@ritcv.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.sport.hockey
Subject: Re: Playoff Format etc.
Message-ID: <9263@ritcv.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 20-Jan-86 10:42:40 EST
Article-I.D.: ritcv.9263
Posted: Mon Jan 20 10:42:40 1986
Date-Received: Thu, 23-Jan-86 21:04:24 EST
References: <763@tellab1.UUCP>
Distribution: net
Organization: Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY
Lines: 35

> 
>    I think I disagree with the idea of having the first place teams 
> getting a bye in the first round. I think that the first two teams
> in the division should be allowed to make the playoffs (only). It
> would make the regular season that much better, and if there would
> be more at stake, the teams would play harder all year. A talented
> team couldn't coast all year like the Islanders did a few seasons
> back (they still won the Stanley Cup).
> ... 
>   The newspaper coverage of hockey here in Chicago is marginal at
> best. The T.V. stations are worse. We usually get most of the sports
> news covering grapefruit league baseball before hockey. Is this only 
> in Chicago, or is it all over the U.S.?
> 
> Mark Smith   <mas@tellab1>
> Chgo. Stadium
> 2nd. balcony, sec.r, row g

You aren't taking into account that the NHL owners will never go for it
because they lose revenue.  Sure, most hockey fans would love to see
more meaning to the regular season, but the playoff format has to be
accepted by the owners (that's what I always thought).  Also, I agree with
you on the Islanders.  That annoyed me so much when they won the Cup after
playing like ____ all season.
Finally, no hockey coverage is not that bad in Buffalo.  We get a large
percentage of away games aired on WGRZ and even some home games that are
guaranteed to be sold out (i.e. Edmonton).  They keep us up to date on
other action around the league.  Also, the 3 local stations always give
highlights that they can obtain of other teams.  The newspaper coverage is
quite good too.

					Paul Meyerhofer

(note:  these are my opinions, and I am hoping not to be tarred (sp?) and
        feathered if other Buffalo residents disagree.)