NHL Thread

[Paul Smeenus]

Originally Posted by Paul Smeenus

Another question, Portland has a fantastic arena (Moda Center) that would seat 17k for NHL. I went to a Dub game there in the cheapest seats available ($18) and it was so comfortable I could've moved in.

The uppermost seats are closed off for WHL




I admit that I don't know what the sections that is closed for WHL would be like for NHL, but it seems to me that if they fill that venue for NBA, including the seats closed for WHL, I don't see why the Blazers and an NHL team wouldn't be viable in Portland right now. Thoughts?

No response, but maybe I could've phrased the question better. Is there any reason that the Moda Center wouldn't make an NHL-caliber venue right now? is 17k+ enough capacity? I can tell you that it has luxury boxes out the wazoo...

[Paul Smeenus]

Ridiculous dirty cheap-shot hit by Brooks Orpik on Olli Maatta only gets a 2 minute minor, Maatta has been out of the game ever since, fuck that. There should be a suspension of at least one game.

[Paul Smeenus]

Originally Posted by Paul Smeenus

Ridiculous dirty cheap-shot hit by Brooks Orpik on Olli Maatta only gets a 2 minute minor, Maatta has been out of the game ever since, fuck that. There should be a suspension of at least one game.

Orpik gets 3 game suspension, that's fair imo

[Paul Smeenus]

Looks like Kris Letang might get a suspension too

[Chula Vista]

Originally Posted by Paul Smeenus

Orpik gets 3 game suspension, that's fair imo

Just watched the vid. Yup, fair. Couldn't find a video of Letang.

[Paul Smeenus]

That's because it just happened in the 1st period.

I haven't seen in either, listening on the radio.

[Alfred]

Originally Posted by Paul Smeenus

No response, but maybe I could've phrased the question better. Is there any reason that the Moda Center wouldn't make an NHL-caliber venue right now? is 17k+ enough capacity? I can tell you that it has luxury boxes out the wazoo...

The fact that it's in Portland.

[Paul Smeenus]

OK, thanks for being a dick

[Alfred]

Originally Posted by Paul Smeenus

OK, thanks for being a dick

I'm not trying to be rude, but Portland is really not high up on the list of potential expansion cities.

[Paul Smeenus]

Originally Posted by Alfred

I'm not trying to be rude, but Portland is really not high up on the list of potential expansion cities.

My apologies then


10 cities that could land an NHL franchise - Raw Charge


"Essentially, Portland's chances of gaining a hockey team are comparable to those of Seattle. And it may have the upper hand.

Paul Allen, owner of both the Seattle Seahawks (NFL) and Portland Trail Blazers (NBA), was speculated to have urgent plans in bringing an NHL team to the City of Roses earlier this year, but has since pulled back on the reins. The city's biggest advantage is the Trail Blazers' Moda Center, also owned by Allen, that can cater to a hockey team.

Aside from the success of the Trail Blazers in terms of attendance and fan support, there is really no way to accurately assess how an NHL team would fare in the city, but the idea seems plausible given the longterm establishment of the Portland Winterhawks (WHL). And just like Seattle, a team in this region would fill a large hole and also be an ideal rival to the Vancouver Canucks"

The biggest upside is that an NHL franchise could play in Portland right now. Portland is the 2nd largest metro area (after Seattle, which does not have a suitable arena ready to go) that doesn't have an NHL team. The Portland Winterhawks of the WHL are BY FAR the most successful American team the the history of the CHL. The only weakness I can think of is the perception that the Trail Blazers play a concurrent season with the NHL, I personally believe the success of the Winterhawks debunks that theory, but that's the only possible issue I see.