Warming Up to Russia
ESPN’s Outside the Lines had a good piece last night about NHL players going overseas, specifically to Russia to play.
It was pretty much what you think it would be: some players are over there making a good amount of money almost tax-free. The big-spending teams are primarily owned by oil companies; the crowds are good, and happy to see the talent. It’s damn cold, and there are communication issues. Many have stayed there, a few have come home - and who knows if they’ll all be willing to do it again next season - but it is a decent alternative to those used to making millions (they can keep making millions, just a couple less in an environment they may or may not like).
Nothing new was really reported, but it was interesting to hear the players speak about it on camera and it was fun to see Russian arenas and other possible places a player may work/stay. I wasn’t familiar with ESPN Reporter Rachel Nichols before, and between seeing this piece and another segment on SportsCenter later on I think ESPN may have added a good reporter to their staff who doesn’t scream and use the same cliché over and over again. Shocking. Seeing her in Hempstead and hearing her use the word “chachkas” (referring to the only type of souvenirs you can get at a Russian hockey game) makes me think she may be a NY local. Either way, I’m always a fan of the Outside the Lines-Bob Ley style of reporting as opposed to the overly-done, trying-too-hard comical routines we’ve been getting over on ESPN (small doses).
Also on OTL was Michael Farber, a Sports Illustrated Senior Writer, who spoke briefly about what-if scenarios. He mentioned something I’ve been thinking of for a while now: what if the NHL and NHLPA can get a late agreement done? In other words - it’s done, but there’s no time for a regular season anymore - as a fan, would you accept a tournament for the Stanley Cup? I know some diehards may say no, but the Cup (as Farber also pointed out) was originally a tournament prize. I think for the most part it would be fun for just one season and just having some hockey back would be enough for most people. If done right, the sheer nature of the tournament and “every game meaning something” (World Cup/NFL-style) could make the games very exciting and could draw interest back into the game faster than just saying “we’re back, here’s a regular season”.
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