The below excerpt is from a great article by Eric Duhatschek of Globesports.com in which he shows how Gary Bettman and the NHL have many smoldering fires that need to be put out heading into a very uncertain economic future:


The survival of the New York Islanders hinges on an arena deal that may be compromised by tightening U.S. credit markets.

The Coyotes’ future in Phoenix is threatened by the plight of owner Jerry Moyes’ trucking firm, Swift Transportation, during an economic slowdown.

The Atlanta Thrashers are in court daily, mired in an ownership tug of war that threatens to de-stabilize the franchise.

A 27 per cent share of the Nashville Predators is tied up in the William (Boots) Del Biaggio bankruptcy hearing.

The Tampa Bay Lightning’s new owners reportedly needed help from previous owner, Bill Davidson, to complete their purchase.

The Florida Panthers are papering the house with ticket promotions and giveaways: present a Florida driver’s licence, get a free ticket.

The New Jersey Devils moved to a new facility in Newark two years ago, but it has not been a cure-all for their economic struggles either. At the moment, as one of 17 teams experiencing attendance downturns in the first quarter of the season, the club is fighting the city and contractors over who should pay utility bills – and it’s hard to make ice without water and electricity.