Anaheim, Calif. – It wasn’t a complete shock, but at least a departure from the Anaheim Ducks’ norm: They played cornerstone defensemen Scott Niedermayer and Chris Pronger together a lot at even strength Monday night in their 3-2 win over the Ottawa Senators in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
The move was part of the Ducks’ focus on attempting to shut down the Jason Spezza- centered Ottawa top line, which had been torrid in the postseason. Spezza and linemate Daniel Alfredsson assisted on Wade Redden’s second- period power-play goal, but the line otherwise was off the scoresheet.
“We had talked about it and mulled it over and today made a decision that it might be something that we would explore,” Anaheim coach Randy Carlyle said. “Tonight, it happened more often than I think we had talked about, but we’re happy that the result was where we came out on the top end of it.”
Bettman on …
NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said the proposed sale of the Nashville Predators to Ontario businessman Jim Balsillie shouldn’t be interpreted as a sign a franchise shift is inevitable.
“As far as we’re concerned right now, Mr. Balsillie’s request for approval … relates solely to him buying the Nashville Predators, subject to whatever lease is in effect,” Bettman said. “If, in fact, at some point the lease is terminated and he seeks to relocate the franchise, that is something that would have to be considered under the league’s constitution and bylaws at the time.”
The Predators’ long-term Nashville arena lease has escape clauses tied to attendance thresholds. “Sports leagues aren’t in the practice of letting teams violate their leases,” he said. “I believe Mr. Balsillie understands that. It’s conceivable the team will be in Nashville for as long as its lease, however long that may be.”
Bettman also said it would be premature to comment on whether he might lift the suspension of former Colorado and Phoenix assistant coach Rick Tocchet, who last week pleaded guilty to promoting gambling and conspiracy to promote gambling in the wake of his involvement with a New Jersey sports gambling ring. Bettman said that would have to wait “until there’s a complete disposition of the case and our independent investigator has had an opportunity to interview him, finish interviewing some other people, and then present his report.”
