Boy, listening to EEI this morning, they really hate the idea of the Flyers coming to Fenway to play the Bruins. I don't understand it. Who are the other options? Guap' breaks it down proper, assuming it has to be an East team:
Northeast
Sabres - Just hosted one.
Canadiens - Ideal matchup, but the Canadian TV market puts a kabosh on that.
Leafs - Ditto.
Sens - Get real.
Southeast
Caps - Boston vs. DC, really? Not exactly a boiling rivalry. The only reason the Caps would be in this game is because of Ovie, which is definitely a positive thing.
Canes - Ehhh, the only tie they have to Boston is that they're the former Whalers.
Panthers - Nope.
Thrashers - Nope.
Lightning - Maybe if Melrose was still there.
Atlantic
Pens - Just played in one.
Rangers - The Rags get plenty of TV time. They're playing in the season opener after all. Would have been nice to beat NY in Fenway again though, since their baseball team is o-fer.
Islanders - Just making sure you're paying attention.
Devils - This would have been a nice matchup, see Julien beat his old team in front of the Faithful. I'm surprised the Devils didn't get more consideration. Maybe it's because they're a team on the decline.
Flyers - Teams hate each other (see Jones vs. Bergeron), close proximity, both teams have stars, big TV markets. It makes sense.
I think the Flyers is a good matchup for the Bruins, and it was a rare good decision by the NHL. It's not a slam dunk over Washington, but it is absolutely defensible. Philly is a bigger hockey town, a bigger TV market than Washington, and the Flyers definitely have marketable stars.
devils on the decline? i cant hear you because my 3 stanley cup rings are in my ears.
ReplyDeleteand the canes just beat the bruins in 7. i think thats a better reason than yours.