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[hockeymass 11]

Which guy are you referring to? Jordan comes to mind and that obviously worked pretty well.

I would disagree that casual sports fans know other players. Maybe A couple years ago when the league was pushing crosby vs. Ovechkin, so people knew both but now it's only crosby. So, the league must market his comeback heavily. I honestly dont support this policy but that's how they see it.

They kind of tried to do it with Lebron and everyone sort of hates him now.

[pizzakid13 5]

I am not really disagreeing with you. I am only stating the league's point of view. They have been obsessed with trying to recruit new fans instead of catering to the hardcore and regular hockey fan. From their point of view, they need to cover Crosby in a huge way and I don't necessarily disagree with them on that one. He is the face of the league and his comeback is big news no matter your interest in the NHL. Once he is back full time, then they should cater to guys like us more but they will not.

[EBondo 233]

They kind of tried to do it with Lebron and everyone sort of hates him now.

No,I think everyone hates Lebron because of The Decision, and the debacle him, Wade and Bosh put on afterwards. I had respect for him until then.

[Chadd 916]

I am not really disagreeing with you. I am only stating the league's point of view. They have been obsessed with trying to recruit new fans instead of catering to the hardcore and regular hockey fan. From their point of view, they need to cover Crosby in a huge way and I don't necessarily disagree with them on that one. He is the face of the league and his comeback is big news no matter your interest in the NHL. Once he is back full time, then they should cater to guys like us more but they will not.

You don't recruit long term fans in this way.

[pizzakid13 5]

I don't think they care that much honestly because what NHL management thinks is good for the game isn't really what long time fans want. Been years now.

But when it comes to Crosby's return, then I do think the coverage is legit. It's a big deal dude. Remember the coverage of mario's returns?

[Chadd 916]

I don't think they care that much honestly because what NHL management thinks is good for the game isn't really what long time fans want. Been years now.

What long term fans want isn't relevant either. They are following a marketing plan that has proven to have very serious negative ramifications the last time a sports league followed that plan.

[chippa13 1844]

I think Ovechkin having a (relatively) down year with the Capitals being a bubble team hurts the league a little. They were really banking on the Sid and Ovie show. If the Pens capture the #1 seed in the East and the Caps hang onto 8th then that is Christmas in April for the league. They'd prefer it in late May but they'll take what they can get.

[pizzakid13 5]

that would help.

i dont think the league is as bad off as it was before. the winter classic has helped a lot.