Realignment Decision May Not Be Made At BOG Meetings

from Mark Spector of Sportsnet, When it comes to the realignment discussions that are on tap this week at the Pebble Beach Resort where the National Hockey League’s Board of Governors have gathered, the battle lines are clearly drawn. It is the needs of the many versus the wants of the few. Will that group of old-school, Northeastern U.S. clubs whose travel budgets come in at 40 or 50 per cent of the Vancouver Canucks, vote to spend a little more money and travel a little bit more, so that a group of newbies like Dallas, Nashville and Columbus can grow the game in their markets? Will the Devils, the Rangers, the Islanders, the Flyers, the Bruins, the Maple Leafs, the Canadiens, and the Sabres agree to spend more nights out of their own beds, so that the Red Wings, the Stars, the Blue Jackets and the California teams can have a few more nights in theirs? Will those who have a competitive advantage because of lesser travel, choose to mitigate that edge for the greater good? more