HDTenEightyP/NetNews huggingface dataset:
From: b_hart@odin.dev.macsch.com (Bill Hart)
Subject: Re: Official Expansion: Anaheim and Miami - No Joke
Reply-To: b_hart@macsch.com
Organization: MacNeal-Schwendler Corporation
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 92 17:37:26 GMT


In article <Dec11.001616.20572@yuma.ACNS.ColoState.EDU>, mmb@lamar.ColoState.EDU (Michael Burger) writes:
|>
|>This is not a test.  It's an actual emergency:
|>
|>The NHL has announced official plans today to expand into both Anaheim
|>and Miami either for 1993-94 (unlikely) or 1994-95 (likely).
|>
|>Possible implications:
|>--Anaheim to the Smythe and Miami to the Norris, moving Toronto to the
|>Adams.

Since the NHL is giving Winnipeg special considerations for staying
in the Smythe, I would add a switch of Winnipeg to the Norris to the
above.

|>--Possible 3 divisons per conference.

I can live with two divisions divided 4-4-5.
The first obvious division: The Pacific Division:
  Anaheim, Los Angeles, San Jose, and Vancouver.

Another implication is the restructuring of the conference's Stanley Cup
finalist.

|>
|>Also, the President/Commissioner job is between Gil Stien and Gary Bateman.
|>
|>
|>You may now resume normal USENET reading.
|>
|>*******************************************************************************
|>*  Mike Burger                    *  We lose a little on every sale, but we   * |>*******************************************************************************

Bill Hart
b_hart@macsch.com
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: allan@cs.UAlberta.CA (Allan Sullivan)
Subject: Re: New NHL Expansion
Organization: University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 1992 23:36:52 GMT

psima01@convex.zdv.uni-tuebingen.de (Michael Maisack) writes:

>pardon a European's difficulty with North American geography, but
>where is Hamilton?

>Michael

Sorry if my ASCII drawing talents aren't all that great...

                 * Toronto
              ________________
  Hamilton * /   Lake Ontario \______________________
             \________________/    St. Lawrence river
                 ||    
    _____________||_     Buffalo, NY
   /   Lake Erie    \
   \________________/

This isn't to scale, mind you. (Remember, distances in Canada are
further than they actually appear. A 1 hour drive from one town
to another is often considered a 'short trip'.)

Organization: H&SS Dean's Office, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1992 09:05:10 -0500 
From: Anna Matyas <am2x+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Re: Kings #1?!? Hahahahahahaha! (was Re: Bruins Playing over their hea


Robbie Po writes:

>Hmmmm - Kings beat the Penguins 5-3.  Kings lost to Sharks 6-0.  So, Penguins
>should lose to Sharks, but wait Penguins crushed Sharks 9-4 (Mario - 7 points
>thank you.)  So what the hell are you trying to say???  Montreal lost to
>Ottawa, too.  One game doesn't mean a whole hell of a lot!  Unless of course
>it's the last day of the season and you're looking back at blown points!!!

One game doesn't mean a lot???  *You* report on every Penguin victory as if
there isn't another good team in the NHL.

People flamed you early on and I defended you.  But you're really getting
on my nerves now.  I'll take my own advice: "If you don't like my posts,
don't read 'em."  I don't think I can take one more from you.

Mom.


Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: schmata@camelot.bradley.edu (Peter Stein)
Subject: Re: The Miami ???? vs the Anaheim ?????
Organization: Bradley University
Distribution: na
Date: 15 Dec 92 21:59:28 GMT

In <BzBH1G.D1I.1@cs.cmu.edu> lli+@cs.cmu.edu (Lori Iannamico) writes:

>>In article <Dec11.203916.75289@yuma.ACNS.ColoState.EDU> smith%sol.dnet@sirius.
>>cira.colostate.edu writes:
>>>In article <1992Dec11.170111.20032@newshub.ariel.yorku.ca>, cs902159@ariel.
>>yorku.ca (DAVID A LISOGURSKI) writes:
>>>>
>>>>Anyone have any ideas for nicknames for the new teams?

Hey, remember the old ABA? How about the Anaheim Amigos? =P Seriously, I don't
promote goonism, but if the Anaheim are going to be called the Ducks, then any-
one who wears their jersey is begging for a good cross-check into the boards.=)

--
tv's wisecracking peter-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=schmata@camelot.bradley.edu
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-One of the right ones=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
RSPW's Number-One Free Agent=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=.net nice guy
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=Bradley Basketball's Man(ager) of the Year-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= 
Cub fan, Bud man-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=Geisert 10's animation authority 
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=Peoria's ONLY New York Ranger fan-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
River City Raider, AND-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=Penthouse Pyro
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: jmd@cbnewsm.cb.att.com (joseph.m.dakes)
Subject: Re: Lindros injury/Flyers Lie
Organization: AT&T
Distribution: na
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1992 17:22:31 GMT

In article <1992Dec14.170025.11143@tigger.jvnc.net>, haught@tigger.jvnc.net (Darrell Haught) writes:
> I consider myself a Flyers fan but am pretty pissed off @the management
> on the Lindros injury. When Eric first got injured that said he would
> only be out for a week-10 days. That was on Nov. 22 and he still is not
> playing. Does anybody else think that they knew he would be out longer
> but considering Eric is the Flyers main attraction they would just say
> hey he will be in next game. Any and all Opinions I would like to here
> on this matter. 

I do not believe the Flyers are putting out false information, if that
is what you are getting at.  The tickets are already sold so there are
going to be people in the seats whether Lindros plays or not.

As for Eric's injury, he returned to the ice and skated as initially
reported, but he is still having pain in the knee.  The doctors are
recommending more time to rest it.  If that doesn't remedy it then
I'm sure there will be more tests done if there haven't been already.
There is no reason in the world to rush him back.

                                         \ \
Joe Dakes                                 \/\
AT&T Microelectronics                      \/\
555 Union Boulevard                         \ \
Allentown, PA  18103                     LET'S GO FLYERS! 
alux1!jmd                                     \ \
                                               \ \__________
                                                \____/_//__/

Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: cs902159@ariel.yorku.ca (DAVID A LISOGURSKI)
Subject: Re: Boston Massacre!!!!!!!!!!
Organization: York University, Toronto, Canada
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1992 20:04:32 GMT

In article <farenebt.724272548@craft.camp.clarkson.edu> farenebt@craft.camp.clarkson.edu (Droopy) writes:
>gen5061@husky1.stmarys.ca writes:
>
>>Just a little note to Tom who obviously does not like Boston/Canadien fans
>>bashing each other.  Please do not read any further!  Otherwise shutup,
>>because this is an appropriate place for those kind of discussions.  Who
>>gave you permission to decide what us hockey fans discuss on rec.sport.hockey?
>
>>	There is only one thing sweeter then beating the Boston Bruins, to
>>a Canadiens fan, and that is slaughtering the Boston Bruins!  Well, I guess
>>winning the Stanley Cup has a nice appeal.  I hope other Montreal fans had
>>half as much satisfaction watching the Boston Massacre as I did.
>
>Guess you guys have been horribly disappointed in 4 of the last
>5 playoffs! Hahahaahahahahahahaha!


Guess you guys have been horribly disappointed in 44 of the last
49 playoffs! Hahahaahahahahahahaha!


------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Dave             -  Montreal Canadiens win Cup #24 in 1992-92 NHL season   -
- Lisogurski       -      5 players over 80 pts (#11, 18, 23, 25, 47)        -
- Toronto, Canada  -  Montreal Expos win National East in 1993 MLB season    _
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: yloke@.ee.ualberta.ca (Yan Loke)
Subject: Trade advice
Originator: yloke@edson.ee.ualberta.ca
Organization: Dept. of E.E., U of Alberta, Edmonton,Canada
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 19:11:25 GMT

Should I trade Benning (Flyers), Mullen (Pens) and Pivonka (Caps)
for
Recchi (Flyers) and R. Courtnall (Stars)??????

Any advice anyone out there??????

Yan Loke
yloke@ee.ualberta.ca

Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: schuck@fraser.sfu.ca (Bruce Jonathan Schuck)
Subject: Re: NHL schedule constraints
Reply-To: Bruce_Schuck@sfu.ca
Organization: Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, B.C., Canada
Distribution: na
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 02:11:11 GMT

Constraints:

I know Pat Quinn in Vancouver has been fighting to maximize the number
of tired teams they play.

The best scenario is 2 or more days rest at home before a team
comes in after playing Calgary and Edmonton in the previous 3 nights,
or it used to be when Edmonton was good. :)


Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: gld@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Gary L Dare)
Subject: Re: NHL on ... Disney Channel???
Reply-To: gld@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Gary L Dare)
Organization: The Bates Motel
Distribution: na
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 20:51:07 GMT

nhmas@gauss.med.harvard.edu (Mark Shneyder) writes:
>gld@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Gary L Dare) writes:
>
>>Having Disney push the NHL could be a monster ... Imagine "The Wayne
>>Gretzky Story" starring the kid from "Danger Bay" as The Great One,
>>Wings Hauser as Glen Sather and Wil Wheaton of "Star Trek: TNG" as
>>Kevin Lowe ...
>
>Also, I can envision the shelves in the Sports section of all 
>Blockbuster stores filled with NHL tapes including the expansion's 
>Miami IceBreakers' hi-lights of the inaguaral season.

The first thing that I thought of reading Allan Sullivan's summary
of the latest "Coach's Corner" from Hockey Night --- no objections
from El Don, probably because he's thinking of the royalties from
truckloads of "Rock 'Em, Sock 'Em Hockey!" that'll be trucked over
the border to Blockbuster outlets everywhere in America ...

gld

PS: Sam Waterston as Peter Pocklington ... and Celine Dion to do
the title song and a cameo as Manon Rheaume (they'll fit it in
there somewhere, I'm sure! (-;).
--
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Je me souviens ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gary L. Dare
> gld@cunixd.cc.columbia.EDU 		Support NAFTA
> gld@cunixc.BITNET			 Eat Mexican  (El Teddy's ad)
From: lli+@cs.cmu.edu (Lori Iannamico)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
Subject: Re: New Mike Lange-isms
Date: 18 Dec 92 15:49:48 GMT
Organization: School of Computer Science, Carnegie Mellon

In article <BzGJoq.D65.1@cs.cmu.edu> kwh@CS.CMU.EDU (Kevin Hartmann) writes:
>
>
>Until Steigerwald started talking about the new saying, I thought it was "How much
>striped chicken can you eat?"  And since Lange said it after the umpteenth penguin 
>goal - and the new logo, which looks like a striped chicken, is on every home puck,
>I thought the question was directed towards the opposing goalie.
>
>My thoughts on this (and I know I'm in a very small minority) are that Steigerwald
>didn't hear the saying right and when he started talking about it to Lange, Lange
>just humored him and said, "How much fried chicken can YOU eat, Steigy?"
>
>Lori, if you still have the game on tape, could you check to see what was said?
>I know you'll do this for me, since we are such good friends.  Thanks.

Well, I'd like to help you out, my new best friend, but I can't.  I've taped
over that game already.

I don't know, it just seems like Lange is smashed when he's calling these
games.  When the Pens were playing NJ, he kept calling Scott Stevens "Scat
Stevens."  

And last night, when Steigy was trying to talk about Pelle Lindbergh, Lange
just talked right over him.  I think the old boy should lay off the Buds on
game day.

Lori
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: hunt7551@mach1.wlu.ca (len hunt 9208 U)
Subject: Re: Hot Pens Trade Rumor
Organization: Wilfrid Laurier University
Date: Fri, 18 Dec 1992 18:57:46 GMT
Keywords: Probert, Yzerman, Riendeau, Housley, Jagr, Stanton, Wregget

In article <BzF0pD.Jqy.1@cs.cmu.edu> lli+@cs.cmu.edu (Lori Iannamico) writes:
>Just heard this rumor.  Sounds pretty interesting.
>
>Bob Probert, Steve Yzerman and Vincent Riendeau to Pgh. for Jagr, Stanton and
>Wregget.  Then the Pens trade Yzerman to Winnipeg for Housley.
>
>I like it.  It's probably not true, though.
>
>Lori

Don't make me laugh.  I doubt the Red Wings are that stupid to make this
trade, although they did trade Adam Oates for Bernie Federko and Joe Murphy,
Adam Graves and Petr Klima for Jimmy Carson.  

Actually I heard a new rumor surrounding the Penguins quite recently.  It
involved sending Kevin Stevens to the Islanders for Marty McInnis, Brad
Dalgarno, Travis Green, and a 1000 pucks.  Can anyone substantiate this
rumor.

GO ISLES,

Len
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: ummak027@ccu.umanitoba.ca (Anson Sen Sau Mak)
Subject: Re: BOSTON: Ruzicka Trade Suggestions?
Organization: University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Date: Wed, 16 Dec 1992 07:41:48 GMT

Some of my thought:

(1). Ruzicka to Chicago for Dave Christian.

(2). Ruzicka to NYR for Erixon.
From: jrmst8+@pitt.edu (Joseph R Mcdonald)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
Subject: Re: Adams VS. Patrick again...
Date: 19 Dec 92 06:24:51 GMT
Organization: University of Pittsburgh

In article <1992Dec14.030651.8296@wam.umd.edu> lulu@wam.umd.edu (David Chi-Chung Lu) writes:
>New Jersey.  I see 4 strong teams in the Patrick that should end up 
>pretty close together by the end of the season.  I just can't see 
>Pittsburgh playing this well for that long.

Ok.  I'll bite.   Why not?  They got the two-time defending champs, the
best player in the world, and the best coach to ever stand behind the
bench.  Barring injury, I see about a 115-120 point season.

By the way, as of this posting the Adams division has the WORST record
in the NHL outside their division.  (Of course, every division is .500 
among themselves).


Dean

-- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dean J. Falcione                                   Dean's UNIX Exorcism Service 
(using jrmst8 by permission                             "We kill daemons" 
 of the owner, Joe McDonald)   
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: bimson@nssdca.gsfc.nasa.gov (GREG)
Subject: Re: Anaheim and Miami. WHY?!!
News-Software: VAX/VMS VNEWS 1.41    
Organization: NASA - Goddard Space Flight Center
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 16:58:00 GMT

In article <wf=_JFK00aPC0qKms8@cs.cmu.edu>, Thomas.Sullivan@cs.cmu.edu writes...
>I guess what I'm surprised about is that there is no Texas team.  I know
>Houston has been wanting a team for a while, and now that the league is
>trying to expand into new areas, it really surprises me that they'd pick 
>the 2 cities that they did.  I know it is more based on the fact that Disney
>and Blockbuster are the new team owners and will have no cash-flow 
>problem, but it just seems like the locations are wrong.  
> 
>--Tom

I remember, a while back, that some Dallas businessmen wanted a team, 
also.  They said that they had the resources to stay in for the long 
term.  Couple that with the fact that Houston has the fourth largest 
population in the US, and we may have the workings for the next 
expansion.

I could see Dallas, Houston, or Phoenix as the three most likely 
candidates for the nex expansion round....

Greg
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: arbogastw@vaxb.gbus.virginia.edu (Warren Arbogast)
Subject: Re: why no hamilton?
Organization: Darden Center, University of Virginia
Date: Tue, 15 Dec 1992 21:46:45 GMT


>Any comments on why they've been surpassed. I'd be pretty upset if I 
>   was a hamiltonian.

TV.  Like Bettman said, he was anxious to begin working with the ESPN 
people.  The ESPN people are much happier with a team in Miami than a team 
in Hamilton.

Warren


Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: jpc@philabs.philips.com (John P. Curcio;6442;3.55;)
Subject: Re: Lowe to Rangers (Was: NHL NEWS FOR 12 DECEMBER 1992)
Organization: Philips Laboratories, Briarcliff Manor, NY.
Date: Sun, 13 Dec 1992 16:00:11 GMT

In article <1992Dec12.183018.21250@news.columbia.edu> gld@cunixb.cc.columbia.edu (Gary L Dare) writes:
>jpc@philabs.philips.com (John P. Curcio;6442;3.55;) writes:
>>
>>LOWE DEAL COMPLETED:
>>
>>The NEW YORK RANGERS have signed defenseman KEVIN LOWE to a two-year
>>contract worth approximately $950,000 per season.  The EDMONTON OILERS
>>obtained forward ROMAN OKSYUTA and a first-round draft pick in 1993 for
>>the 34-year old Lowe.
>
>Kevin was called during last night's SportsTalk on New York News 1
>(it's a NYC local news version of CNN Headline News ... seriously!)
>and he said that he's flying into New York City on Saturday night,
>hoping to be on the ice in Rye (upstate) for the Sunday practice.

That's all well and good, except for one thing-- Rye Playland (the
Rangers practice rink) happens to be on Long Island Sound, and with the
severe weather on Friday, the flooding of the sound sent nice salty
water into the ice rink, which of course screwed up the ice big-time.
They will probably have to find another rink for the next week or so,
according to the local paper.

>The Village Voice is speculating that Lowe will be the next coach if
>the Rangers don't go all the way this year.

Why go to all that trouble when Mike Keenan is available?  I know, I
know, he has the worst personality in hockey, but you can't argue with
success...

-JPC

-- 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John P. Curcio 		          Go Bruins!		   Philips Laboratories
jpc@philabs.philips.com 			           345 Scarborough Road
(914) 945-6442               	 		     Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510
From: chuq@Apple.COM (Eeyore's Evil Twin)
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
Subject: Re: The Anaheim Mice and the Miami vICE may be in!
Date: 12 Dec 92 22:33:50 GMT
Organization: Pooh Corner Country Club -- A Planned Community

900073s@dragon.acadiau.ca (Donald Smith) writes:

>  What a BLOW to hockey.  If I were from Hamilton, right now I'd be
>rioting in the streets...

What a blow to Hamilton, you mean. Of course, Hamilton COULD riot in the
streets, but since they're not a major media market, it'd probably show up
on page 7. Which tells you why they didn't go to Hamilton.
-- 
            Chuq "IMHO" Von Rospach, ESD Support & Training (DAL/AUX)
                      Member, SFWA =+= Editor, OtherRealms
                chuq@apple.com | GEnie: MAC.BIGOT | ALink:CHUQ 

                       Sterling Holloway: We'll miss you.
Organization: H&SS Dean's Office, Carnegie Mellon, Pittsburgh, PA
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1992 11:01:53 -0500 
From: Anna Matyas <am2x+@andrew.cmu.edu>
Subject: Anaheim, mascots, music


At least in Anaheim there will be no shortage of mascots. 

The Penguin mascot is becoming more and more likeable.  He/she/it did a
cute routine on the ice with help from the person who works one of the
big spotlights during one of the intermissions at Saturday's game. 
He/she/it also got
involved in a "fight" with one of the many Devils fans around my section.
This thing certainly doesn't have the same disposition as the Pirate Parrot.

Herb Brooks has complained about the loud music at the arena in NJ.  It
wasn't loud when I was there.  (I guess they knew I would be there.) Mike
Lange complained about it too.  Gee, and I thought only female fans who
like cute hockey players complained about such unimportant things.

The loud music and constant use of "HEY!" in Pittsburgh have been corrected.
The games are now a pleasure once again.  Maybe I should take Coyle's
advice and ask Baldwin to trade ULF! (although from the grumblings I've
heard on Saturday night, other people will beat me to it -- not to trade
ULF! but to trade Jagr ("for a forward and GOOD defenseman" as some
people said).

Mom.






Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: sin@wam.umd.edu (Mindi Ann Seidel)
Subject: chris craig
Organization: Workstations at Maryland, University of Maryland, College Park
Date: Thu, 17 Dec 1992 20:39:34 GMT


chris r. craig used to post from mit a year or so ago. 

i'm trying to get in touch with him.

my name is mindi and i'm a friend of his from the u of MD.

if someone can get me his e-mail, i'd appreciate it

mindi seidel (sin@wam.umd.edu)

GO CAPS!!!
Newsgroups: rec.sport.hockey
From: nlu@Xenon.Stanford.EDU (Nelson Lu)
Subject: Sharks lose to Canucks 6-3
Organization: Computer Science Department, Stanford University.
Date: Sun, 20 Dec 1992 08:05:16 GMT

Sorry to disappoint you again tonight, but I've only had the game recorded
(on *audio* tape), so I can't give a complete summary just yet, but the Canucks
rolled to 5 straight goals early, and despite a Sharks rally in the third
period, they couldn't quite make it back, despite out-shooting the Canucks
24-23.  (I haven't listened to the whole game yet; I hope I'll be able to
post a more complete summary tomorrow.)

The only positive things tonight were Gaudreau picking up an assist (extending
his club record scoring streak to 8 games) on Kelly Kisio's 100th goal of
his career, late in the third period.  Kisio also had an assist, and Johan
Garpenlov had 2 assists.  Geoff Courtnall led the Canucks with 4 assists.

There were a lot of fighting early and often.  The Sharks lost Dean Evason,
Doug Zmolek, and Jeff Odgers to game misconducts early on.

Tonight's three stars:

1.	Geoff Courtnall
2.	Kelly Kisio
3.	Pavel Bure

Tonight's lines: (I hope I got them right)

Johan Garpenlov		Kelly Kisio		Rob Gaudreau
Michel Picard		Mike Sullivan		Pat Falloon
David Bruce		Ray Whitney		Perry Berezan
Lyndon Byers		Dean Evason		Jeff Odgers

Tonight's defensive pairings:

		Jayson More		Rob Zettler
		Claudio Scremin		Doug Zmolek
		Sandis Ozolinsh		Tom Pederson

Scratches:	Arturs Irbe (knee), Doug Wilson (leg), Yvon Corriveau (back),
	Neil Wilkinson, Pat MacLeod, John Carter, Larry DePalma,
	Mark Pederson.

Mark Pederson (who will cause me all kinds of troubles while writing
summaries, as I have to either write out the full name or use M. Pederson and
T. Pederson, which I don't like) was acquired today from the Philadelphia
Flyers for Dave Snuggerud.

===============================================================================
"M. C. Hamrlik: Can't Touch This Lightning."
GO LOS ANGELES KINGS!  Luc Robitaille for Hart!
GO SAN JOSE SHARKS!  Sandis Ozolinsh for Calder!  Jeff Hackett for Vezina!
===============================================================================
Nelson Lu (claudius@leland.stanford.edu)
rec.sport.hockey contact for the San Jose Sharks
From: snichols@adobe.com (Sherri Nichols)
Subject: Re: Radical Format Change (flame bait)
Organization: Adobe Systems Incorporated
Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1992 17:52:13 GMT

In article <1992Dec13.195356.29881@alchemy.chem.utoronto.ca> golchowy@alchemy.chem.utoronto.ca (Gerald Olchowy) writes:
>The Stanley Cup playoffs more reliably decide whom the best team is than
>the regular season...

To determine this, you first have to define what you mean by "best".

>
>1) The Stanley Cup playoffs more reliably produce repeat champions...

While this is certainly a piece of evidence for the reliability of the
playoffs in determining the best team, it's not conclusive.  Lack of parity
can explain this.

>2) The regular season schedule is unbalanced, eastern teams have an
>huge travel advantage in the regular season.

How big is this effect?  Do, for example, eastern teams have better road
records than western teams?

>3) Regular season standings are affected by injuries...and by teams
>undergoing a learning curve.  Liberalized free agency means team
>turnover is going to be much larger in the future, and a good coach
>needs about 40 games for coaching to have any effect.

Of course, playoffs are affected by injuries even more severely; missing
one game of an 84 game season due to injury is much less harmful to the
team's chances than missing one game of a 7 game series.  

The reason teams use the regular season to undergo learning curves is
because the rules in the NHL have made the regular season little more than
an exhibition season, by allowing so many teams into the playoffs.  

Sherri Nichols
snichols@adobe.com