My, how things have changed over the course of 4 short years. Back in the summer of 2007, Predators fans had to band together and rally to keep the team in Middle Tennessee as potential owner Jim Balsillie talked up the virtues of owning a team in Nashville while actively seeking to relocate the Preds to Hamilton, Ontario. That move prompted Craig Leipold to withdraw from the deal and sell to local investors instead, after which Balsillie moved on to a failed hijacking of the Coyotes.
Now, it looks like all that effort has not only come to naught, but perhaps has wrought ruin for his day job as chairman of Research In Motion, the maker of Blackberry mobile phones. Not only did a patient, understated ownership group successfully acquire the Jets for Winnipeg (accomplishing his coveted "Make It Seven" goal), but now, it appears that Balsillie's business fortunes are taking a further turn for the worse, as the Blackberry Billionaire is about to be turned out on his ear...
Save money on Preds tickets by taking the OTF Discount!
Today in Schadenfreude | nashvillepost.com
Jim Balsillie and some guy whose last name is an anagram for "IS A LIZARD" look like they're getting pushed out as co-chairs of Research In Motion. I like Pete Weber's proposal, to have the NHL buy RIM and move the headquarters to Glendale, Arizona.
Paul McCann - Tuesday Stuff
Paul spent some quality time in front of the TV yesterday, between the Winter Classic and the dawn of NBC Sports.
Should Nashville Reload or Rebuild (Part II) | Hack Whack and Snack
Dave continues his series examining how he'd retool the Preds if given the chance.
Five Reasons the Winter Classic Will Bounce Back in 2013 " Puck The Media
The TV numbers took a bit of a dive compared to previous editions of the Winter Classic, and Steve argues that next year will see a rebound.
After Detroit in 2013, where will the Winter Classic go next? - Puck Daddy
Forget about the Preds playing in this any time soon, but don't worry about that. The Winter Classic is a league-wide event, and it makes sense to feature the big-market teams.
Las Vegas Coyotes a longshot + 30 Thoughts | Hockey | CBC Sports
Elliotte Friedman pumps up the "NHL to Seattle" possibilities, which I'm hugely in favor of.
How The NHL's John Collins Is Creating A Nation Of Passionate Puckheads | Fast Company
A look at how the last several years have seen a monumental shift in the NHL's marketing efforts, and how those are paying off.
Rallying around 'Jabby' | Minnesota Hockey Hub | MN Boys High School Hockey
Count Nashville Predators defenseman Jack Hillen among those pulling for Jack Jablonski, a high school player in Minnesota who has two broken vertebrae in his neck after a recent hit into the boards. He's reported to be in critical condition with paralysis to his legs.
2011: The Year We Want to Forget - PensBurgh
For Penguins fans, this was The Year Without Crosby.
Mike Green set to return to Capitals' lineup against Flames - Capitals Insider - The Washington Post
The Capitals welcome back their high-scoring defenseman after he missed the last 23 games.
From the desk of Risto Pakarinen " Tarasov's tough love
Risto shares an anecdote on how the "father of Russian hockey" molded young men into hockey players.
The Five for Howling Roundtable - Coyotes Scuffling - Five For Howling
The Coyotes have dropped four of their last five games, so some of the crew at SB Nation's Phoenix blog try to ascertain what's going on.
Canes Now - Pitkanen has knee surgery | newsobserver.com blogs
This sounds like getting your car detailed before putting it for sale.
0 recs | 64 comments
Snicker…
Chuckle…
BWAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!!
Sorry ’bout that…
SlapShot Radio - January 3, 2012
pauls happy
As are the rest of us. Couldnt have happened to a…nicer guy
Shadow23 - January 3, 2012 via iPhone app
So at this moment in Alternate History
The Hamilton Predators get sold and move to KC…
musamonster - January 3, 2012
Always nice to see the Balsille’s of life finally get what they deserve. :)
As for the Winter Classic ratings, I wouldn’t worry to much about it. They had to compete with a lot of Bowl games and also switched the starting time of the game with little notice and to a less desirable start time for ratings. They sold out a baseball stadium for an alumni game……..that’s impressive!
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
I thought
That they were forcing people to buy the tickets to the alumni game if you wanted tickets to the classic. Thought I read that on PuckDaddy anyways. If that is the case, not quite so impressive.
bvkv09 - January 3, 2012 via mobile
They still bought ‘em, and there weren’t any empty seats in the stadium. That’s real good in my book.
Just getting to see Bernie Parent in goal one more time was worth watching it for me! :)
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Ratings
also probably had something to do with :New Year’s Day" not actually being on New Year’s Day… many had off yesterday, but many probably took Friday off instead, or simply skipped it. I wonder how the bowl games did ratingswise.
musamonster - January 3, 2012
Awesome
and LET’S GO PREDS!
ThrashersRecaps - January 3, 2012
Haha! That dingleberry that sells blackberries is a loser!
Creeping Death - January 3, 2012
A good Preds day today.
Balsillie going down for the count. Weber and Willy back in full practice. Ryan Ellis making silly videos.
My day will really be complete for me is if Ron Paul wins Iowa!
DonBorvio - January 3, 2012
I second that!!!
Creeping Death - January 3, 2012
Anyone but Romney will be okay by me. :)
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Pretty tight race so far: http://iowacaucus.com/results/ I dislike Santorum the most.
DonBorvio - January 3, 2012
My heart was broke when Huckabee decided not to run. This gang fails to inspire. :/
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Yeah, I could live with Huckabee. I’ll probably end up in the 1% voting for Gary Johnson. :/
DonBorvio - January 3, 2012
If it’s Romney vs. Obama, I’m writing in Huckabee anyway. :D
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
I’ll probably be writing in Paul. What’s funny is even Santorum’s nephew endorsed Paul.
DonBorvio - January 3, 2012
GO PAUL!
Lil cutie - January 3, 2012
Balsille is no Steve Jobs.........
Weak a_ _ Black Berry…..
901predfan - January 3, 2012
couldn't be happier about mr bberry
I work for one of the 10 largest corporations in the world, and we have started transitioning to the Iphone. Hope this speeds up the process. What comes around goes around. He should have been worrying about an improved OS and not moving hockey teams. Incredible how quickly he ran that company into the ground.
bvkv09 - January 3, 2012 via mobile
This is such a wonderful, wonderful thing.
Just made my whole day. Screw this guy.
davisca - January 3, 2012
Isn't Karma a wonderful thing?
Herzausstein - January 3, 2012
Blackberry's suck.
They are like third world technology anyways.
DropTheGloves - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Austin Watson with a natural hat-trick and 4 assists today in Team USA’s 12-2 win over Latvia (yes, we finally found someone we could beat). :/ Still, nice to see AW with a big game.
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Wooo! Let’s hope he’ll keep doing that, and bring it to the Preds, too!
davisca - January 3, 2012
watty is like 6’4". put on some muscle and he’ll be like a Weber on a forward position.
DonBorvio - January 3, 2012 via Android app
Oh man, I didn’t know that. I can’t even imagine what it would be like to have a forward-Weber…… I can only think that it will be a beautiful, beautiful thing.
davisca - January 3, 2012
His skating needs to improve a bit, still looks kind of awkward out there at times. Good shot blocker though. Will definately need a year in Milwaukee next season.
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
grizz
Who were you most impressed by on the US squad? I only caught two games, and a little of a third, but was impressed by Saad. Hope I didn’t butcher his name.
bvkv09 - January 3, 2012 via mobile
The little, quick guys always look the most impressive in these tournaments, so guys like Zucker and Rau looked good at times. But no one really made things happen offensively, which was very disappointing.
Saad is a Hawks pick…….figures. :/
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Our Finnish pick, Salomaki (sp) has 3 goals and 3 assists in the tournament so far. The Finns lost a heartbreaker today, 3-2 in a shootout to Sweden.
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
Between him and Watson (add Budish in there too), who says we can’t draft forwards? ;)
DonBorvio - January 3, 2012
We can draft them, but can they play in the NHL is the question. Watson and Budish are 50/50 at best, IMO.
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
I should add that I liked what I saw of Salomaki in the tournament. Gritty player with some skills and smarts. Hope he comes over to North America next year.
Grizzledbear - January 3, 2012 via mobile
BTW Grizz:
http://espn.go.com/nhl/ ESPN is taunting you now.
DonBorvio - January 3, 2012
I did see that. They mock me!
Grizzledbear - January 4, 2012 via mobile
They ARE mocking you! Outstanding!
cisar - January 4, 2012
But it’s Buccigross, so the mocking lacks any sting. :)
Grizzledbear - January 4, 2012 via mobile
Nashville a spawning ground for face-off artists?
from TSN ratings
1. Jerred Smithson Nashville 94 67.0
2. Joe Thornton San Jose 122 63.9
3. Rich Peverley Boston 75 62.7
4. Adam Hall Tampa Bay 93 62.4
5. Marty Reasoner N.Y. Islanders 104 61.5
6. Joe Pavelski San Jose 161 60.9
7. Jeff Halpern Washington 135 60.7
8. Petteri Nokelainen Montreal 78 60.3
9. Patrice Bergeron Boston 231 60.2
10. Zenon Konopka Ottawa 90 60.0
Bridgestoned - January 3, 2012
1, 3 & 4…interesting
Lil cutie - January 3, 2012
Speaking of Smithson
what do you guys think of the Reload or Rebuild article, and the hypothetical trading Marty Erat for a 2nd line D-man and the trading of the kitchen sink for Bobby Ryan, and the hypothetical trading of Smithson for Ponikarovsky or Knuble?
Only Fan In J.C. ? - January 4, 2012
stupid!
that article was rediculous IMO…. Trading the Erat and SK74 while keeping two identical (Leggy and Fisher) players that no longer score (if they ever did). anyone could argue that Erat is a solid two way player (when healthy) if not the scoring machine we need. moving all our scoring depth for Bobby Ryan so that other teams can double and triple cover him seems a step back to me not a step forward. and the assumption that both Suter and Weber would sign with this move sounds even more farfetched than FreeWilly.
jeffery101y - January 4, 2012
Did Shea Weber win the Norris Trophy last year?
I didn’t think so, but NHL.com sure does seem to disagree…
http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=609753
Congratulations, Shea!!! The only problem is that he’s also an impending UFA. My whole world has been shaken…
dnorm4 - January 3, 2012
HAH!
davisca - January 3, 2012
actually I think Weber still has one more year of RFA on him. I could be wrong.
Shadow23 - January 3, 2012
Yup
He’s not a UFA till July 2013
musamonster - January 3, 2012
ok good wanted to make sure i remembered that correctly. After his hearing last summer the contract he got was actually the best for US while still being good for him too. We can still play the RFA card if we have to (though everyone would like to just get it over with and resign him) but if we let him go we can wait and see what people offer then just match that offer (or see what the real market value is)
Shadow23 - January 3, 2012
It says "The Norris Trophy finalist"
That he was. Just not the winner. Stupid voters,
musamonster - January 3, 2012
true dat. Lidstrom has enuff...
JBoogie22 - January 3, 2012
"Lifetime achievement" winners
are only supposed to win if they haven’t won before
musamonster - January 3, 2012
That’s the corrected version. Earlier, it said he’d won.
LuvthePreds - January 3, 2012
All that money and Balsillie couldn’t afford some cosmetic dentistry? Or at the very least, a box of Crest Whitestrips? Damn shame…..
CoinFlip - January 3, 2012
I should have waited to sell at 13 instead of 18….
cisar - January 3, 2012
That company has no vision. Their newest blackberry feels like the same one I had in ’04 when they were on top of the market.
Stormyt - January 4, 2012
they still make crackberrys?
Shadow23 - January 4, 2012
Unfortunately. And where I work still buys them.
Stormyt - January 4, 2012
damn
ABANDON SHIP!!! join the Ad’s lol
Shadow23 - January 4, 2012
Ahh Basillie...I was there at the rally.
I am glad I went even though it was inconvenient. Thanks to Plaster (I am cringing thinking of the Braves just saying his name….I hate major league baseball…not Vandy baseball or the Sounds). The Bredesen sign holding was priceless. Still we have to thank the current owners and especially Freeman for stepping up. He and the owners are heroes because they did something only they could do. If I ever win a big lottery, I will be there. Our bald guy with a Vols and Vandy background is better than a conniving bald guy with a McGill and Harvard MBA background. Not anti-Harvard since Bredesen majored in physics there as an undergrad – just anti-Balsillie.
Bridgestoned - January 4, 2012
Way off topic here but
does anyone have any ideas as to what the new hockey team in Lebanon will be called (i know its a few years off still but ive got nothing really creative as of yet for them)
Shadow23 - January 4, 2012
Is that 100% happening?
Stormyt - January 4, 2012
Well they way they have it set up as far as funding goes is that they will build the shopping district thing then take the money they earn from it to pay for the arena (which will include an extra rink too). From what I have seen of their timeline it will be 2-3 years. They are currently working on clearing and leveling the land there right now but I would expect construction of the buildings to start around April-May.
So long as they still get the team I plan on getting tickets for the games. Along with a jersey or two. It would in fact prove that the Nashville area can support hockey, so long as the attendance is the same or better for the Preds and this team in Lebanon draws well after its first year.
Shadow23 - January 4, 2012
Jim Ballsac, The Blackberry, and Hamilton, ON
can all kiss my ass.
Jim for being a first class douche and trying to steal 3 NHL teams.
The Blackberry for getting ran into the boards by Apple & Microsoft.
And Hamiltonians for being dumb enough to put down deposits thinking you could get away with swiping someone else’s team.
I guess it’s back to making calculators for RIM.
Shawn Kehoe - January 4, 2012
They made calculators? They along with TI can make calculators that haven’t been innovated on since 1999. Fitting.
DonBorvio - January 4, 2012
i would suggest Balsillie takes his attorney Richard Rodiers advice and “just chill”
robjustice - January 4, 2012
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