Perception of hockey continues to be dumb
Fellow Stars fans, it may be time to pack up the tent for the 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The 2-0 hole Dallas has dug itself is likely too much to overcome, especially against a team as deep as Detroit. I'm not saying they can't do it, but the Stars will likely have to win both home games to stay in the series. Earn a split at home and it's essentially over.
But let me tell you what's really irking me: "Nobody cares about hockey and the only reason the Stars are getting attention is because Dallas is desperate for a winning team." I've heard that about 100 times from various local media outlets in the last few weeks.
So when FC Dallas gets the championship of whatever league it's in, the Dallas Morning News is going to put them on the front 1A? Nope, they didn't. They did put Marty Turco on the front of 1A this week though.
So when the Dallas Desperados have the best record in Arena Football going into the playoffs, everybody is going to flip a lid? No, no one flipped a lid, except while laughing when the Desperados choked.
Yes, the Stars have plenty of bandwagon fans right now. But let's get real here. This isn't the time to regurgitate Bristol's anti-hockey propaganda. Dallas is genuinely into this team. Will they if the Stars get bounced against Detroit and start slow next year? Probably not.
But the Mavericks are in the same boat. The North Dallas Beautiful People comprise most of their fan base, too, and when the Mavs lose, they bolt. Just like the Stars. Just like the Rangers. The only difference is hockey is simply not as big as basketball or baseball.
Does that mean nobody cares? No. That's just ... stupid. I don't know why you people don't understand this. It's really very simple. I'm looking in your direction, Brian Estridge. Did you see FC Dallas get popular when it played for the MLS title because Dallas was desperate for a winning team? Did you, Brian? I didn't think so.
Maybe there's something to this ... hockey, after all.
Comments
A little bit of both, with no reason to over-analyze things, Jeff.
The city is spoiled by endless things to do every night. I think they've grown attached to the triumverate of the 'boys, Stars, and Mavs. We desperately cling to whatever is winning, and mind our own when they aren't.
It'll be interesting to see how the Stars play this season's success towards the future, and then watch as the city deals with a possible 2 or 3 year delay until another great Mavs run (crosses fingers and hopes it is sooner).
Giving this the 10 second further thought, this Metroplex is at a turning point: Jerry World is going to lose the casual fan because of ticket prices, Mavs are a huge question mark right now, and no one knows what will become of the Stars (well, except you?).
Having said all that, I'm hopping on the Stars wagon next season and going to try and get to a couple games.
Posted by: steve | May 11, 2008 10:12 PM