Binghamton Devils

[Skeeze]

Even if they don't own it, they surely won't try to win. Their AHL teams have like 2 playoff appearances in 15 years.

The Devils' AHL team has made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons (coincidentally the same two seasons since Shero took over as GM) and three of the last four seasons.

Compare that to the Senators' AHL team which has missed the past three playoffs and only made one out of the last four, and we will take NJ all day, every day.

Granted, Ottawa may actually start to finally give a crap now that they own the AHL team themselves, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Belleville be successful, at least early on. But if they continued here, it would have been more of the same as we've seen for the past 15 years. Time for new blood.

 

[UticaHockey]

Even if they don't own it, they surely won't try to win. Their AHL teams have like 2 playoff appearances in 15 years.

The Devils have put very good teams in Albany each of the past two seasons and manage their AHL farm team completely different now that Uncle Lou is gone.

 

[ek93]

Even if they don't own it, they surely won't try to win. Their AHL teams have like 2 playoff appearances in 15 years.

The past 15 years mean nothing, really. Lou is gone. Look at the past two Albany Devils seasons. That's a good indicator of how much NJ will "try" with Bingo.

(Hint: they're playing playoff hockey this year and we're not)

 

[Nightsquad]

They made the playoffs this season by the seats of their pants. Not as tight at Utica but certainly they had such a late season slump their playoff hope were in jeopardy. As long as NJ doesn't playoff qualify their AHL might make the first or second rounds. Albany always does awful against PA teams for whatever reason. Usually WBS Penns own the seasons series, Hershey ALWAYS kills the Devils, and now Allentown seems to get the better of them. The Devils are an okay within your division team but for whatever reason dont play well aginst PA teams or Bridgeport for what ever reason. The team in Albany this year will have been shaken up come next fall. Who cares though, Binghamton still has a team to enjoy and gets rid of those ugly B-Sens logo which was awful lol. I thought the Albany Devils logo was awful and boring, the B-Sens was equally awful omg! I think Binghamton will enjoy just having AHL hockey regardless.

 

[210]

They made the playoffs this season by the seats of their pants. Not as tight at Utica but certainly they had such a late season slump their playoff hope were in jeopardy. As long as NJ doesn't playoff qualify their AHL might make the first or second rounds. Albany always does awful against PA teams for whatever reason. Usually WBS Penns own the seasons series, Hershey ALWAYS kills the Devils, and now Allentown seems to get the better of them. The Devils are an okay within your division team but for whatever reason dont play well aginst PA teams or Bridgeport for what ever reason. The team in Albany this year will have been shaken up come next fall.

This season, Albany vs...
Bridgeport 2-3-0-1
Hershey 1-1-0-0
WBS 1-1-0-0
LV 0-2-0-0

Last season, Albany vs
Bridgeport 5-3-0-0
Hershey 1-0-0-1
WBS 0-2-0-0
LV 2-0-0-0

13-14, Albany vs...
Bridgeport 5-3-0-2
Hershey 0-3-1-0
WBS 3-1-0-0
LV 4-0-0-0

 

[Devils Dominion]

Ray puts an emphasis on having a winning AHL team.
So does Assistant GM Tom Fitzgerald.

Lou did not.

 

[Sports Enthusiast]

The only one who(unfortunately)has got it right for so long is WBS. Can't even recall the last time they sucked. What, have they missed the playoffs like 3 rimes total?

 

[Sports Enthusiast]

The Devils' AHL team has made the playoffs in each of the last two seasons (coincidentally the same two seasons since Shero took over as GM) and three of the last four seasons.

Compare that to the Senators' AHL team which has missed the past three playoffs and only made one out of the last four, and we will take NJ all day, every day.

Granted, Ottawa may actually start to finally give a crap now that they own the AHL team themselves, so I wouldn't be surprised to see Belleville be successful, at least early on. But if they continued here, it would have been more of the same as we've seen for the past 15 years. Time for new blood.

Usually ownership makes it easier to not care because you can do what you want, there's no affiliation fee to be haved or anything. You can put as little into the operation as desired.

 

[210]

The only one who(unfortunately)has got it right for so long is WBS. Can't even recall the last time they sucked. What, have they missed the playoffs like 3 rimes total?

Twice...99-00 and 01-02.

 

[Nightsquad]

Usually ownership makes it easier to not care because you can do what you want, there's no affiliation fee to be haved or anything. You can put as little into the operation as desired.

The group from Binghamton coughed up a lot of money for the Devils to relocate. There is very little financial risk to the Devils organization per the stories from the Albany newspapers. They downplayed it in the Binghamton press, but the Albany press had reported Binghamton had paid anywhere from 2.5 million to well over 3 million, keep in mind they don't own the team. They are going to have to better their attendance if they are going to remain sustainable. Not sure as to the "devils" in the details but hopefully they have an agreement of revenue sharing from merchandise with the parent Devils, after all they are using the "Devils" brand. Mitchell is a stand up smart guy, I am sure between ticket sales, merchandise, and concessions he has the numbers crunch dialed in. Again not knowing the other pieces of the agreement regarding merchandise, advertising, and concession revenue they will still need to improve their attendance average and probably have to up the per ticket costs if they don't. Binghamton drew only slightly better then Albany by only a few hundred fans and even Albany didn't charge no less then $20 a ticket. Playoff tickets in Albany are being priced at over $30 a seat..

 

[Skeeze]

The only one who(unfortunately)has got it right for so long is WBS. Can't even recall the last time they sucked. What, have they missed the playoffs like 3 rimes total?

And both Shero and Asst GM Fitzgerald come from the Penguins organization. Bodes well for the future of the Devils AHL team. They know how to build a successful organization.

 

[Skeeze]

Usually ownership makes it easier to not care because you can do what you want, there's no affiliation fee to be haved or anything. You can put as little into the operation as desired.

I see it differently. Ottawa paid alot of money to buy the franchise from the ownership in Binghamton, and they will want to see it succeed in Belleville. Therefore I believe they will put in some extra effort (and money) into the team that we hadn't seen here in Binghamton for a long time.

 

[Nightsquad]

Usually ownership makes it easier to not care because you can do what you want, there's no affiliation fee to be haved or anything. You can put as little into the operation as desired.

That's partly accurate, Albany was a prime example. When Albany was locally owned years back they tried reaching out to the Devils, in fact begging them to improve the team. The group in Binghamton will have NO, NONE, ZERO, NOTHING, absolutely no say about the roster. While Lou is gone and things have improved for the Devils AHL team the last couple years (this season was almost a choke as they barely secured a playoff spot) there will be a time in the near future where moves will be made and key contributors from Albany will be promoted or pawned as the NHL Devils have absolutely sucked in the last few years. Your not exactly talking about a parent team that packs their own NHL arena. The Devils have kind of fallen off the NYC sports radar. You have the Rangers, Islanders, Nets, Giants, and Jets all nearby and the Devils organization has to rebuild and get more fans in their expensive arena. The Binghamton deal was a no brainer for them, they didn't need to be dragging their finances down more having to operate in Albany. You can get an idea of where the whole arrangement in Binghamton is going. The Devils ownership has no worries, absolutely no risk to them whatsoever. They can sit comfortably if they have to rebuild their AHL team and do so without worrying if attendance in Binghamton will take a hit, or if people get disgruntled and stop buying merchandise. Likewise the Binghamton group is just happy keeping the AHL here, there is really nothing in the Southern Tier to compete with for the disposable sports entertainment dollar so Mitchell and company have an advantage because there isn't much to do other then bars and casino nearby. Heck Binghamton should reap the benefit of the Jackals ECHL departure, nearby fans will need their fix likewise Glens Falls ECHL team is surely to see more support from orphaned Albany fans.

 

[Sports Enthusiast]

I see it differently. Ottawa paid alot of money to buy the franchise from the ownership in Binghamton, and they will want to see it succeed in Belleville. Therefore I believe they will put in some extra effort (and money) into the team that we hadn't seen here in Binghamton for a long time.

Those looking to get into the minor leagues to make money are foolish, if you own a top team that's not the goal. The top team with its TV contract and all is where you'll make your money. If anything the minor leagues are an easy tax write off. Another part of the broken system that loopholes the rich but aside from that in the ECHL and AHL you don't have a lot of profitable franchises.

There's also the convenience location factor which seems to be the really trendy thing. Easy to get bodies quick.

 

[Sports Enthusiast]

Twice...99-00 and 01-02.

That is really impressive to make it 15 years in a row but I guess its even more impressive they've never won the title. They are like the 90's Buffalo Bills.

 

[Devils Dominion]

That's partly accurate, Albany was a prime example. When Albany was locally owned years back they tried reaching out to the Devils, in fact begging them to improve the team. The group in Binghamton will have NO, NONE, ZERO, NOTHING, absolutely no say about the roster. While Lou is gone and things have improved for the Devils AHL team the last couple years (this season was almost a chok. e as they barely secured a playoff spot) there will be a time in the near future where moves will be made and key contributors from Albany will be promoted or pawned as the NHL Devils have absolutely sucked in the last few years. Your not exactly talking about a parent team that packs their own NHL arena. The Devils have kind of fallen off the NYC sports radar. You have the Rangers, Islanders, Nets, Giants, and Jets all nearby and the Devils organization has to rebuild and get more fans in their expensive arena. The Binghamton deal was a no brainer for them, they didn't need to be dragging their finances down more having to operate in Albany. You can get an idea of where the whole arrangement in Binghamton is going. The Devils ownership has no worries, absolutely no risk to them whatsoever. They can sit comfortably if they have to rebuild their AHL team and do so without worrying if attendance in Binghamton will take a hit, or if people get disgruntled and stop buying merchandise. Likewise the Binghamton group is just happy keeping the AHL here, there is really nothing in the Southern Tier to compete with for the disposable sports entertainment dollar so Mitchell and company have an advantage because there isn't much to do other then bars and casino nearby. Heck Binghamton should reap the benefit of the Jackals ECHL departure, nearby fans will need their fix likewise Glens Falls ECHL team is surely to see more support from orphaned Albany fans.

My God have you ever heard of paragraphs?

Im sorry I spent anytime trying to read through the usual false narratives you post.

There are more holes in your post than a fishnet. ;-)

 

[Nightsquad]

My God have you ever heard of paragraphs?

Im sorry I spent anytime trying to read through the usual false narratives you post.

There are more holes in your post than a fishnet. ;-)

Hey, the Rangers are at least in the playoffs. Had Albany been smart and told the Devils to go pound salt and just had waited until the Rangers finished their last contract with Hartford there would still be AHL hockey in New York's Capital City. Instead of losing teams to Binghamton, Albany and the Rangers would be giving Syracuse or Rochester's attendance a run for their money....That paragraph easy enough for you to read? Nobody in the NYC Metro, South Jersey, and eastern PA cares about the Devils. Just Albany there are plenty of seats available in Newark....

 

[Devils Dominion]

Hey, the Rangers are at least in the playoffs. Had Albany been smart and told the Devils to go pound salt and just had waited until the Rangers finished their last contract with Hartford there would still be AHL hockey in New York's Capital City. Instead of losing teams to Binghamton, Albany and the Rangers would be giving Syracuse or Rochester's attendance a run for their money....That parag raph easy enough for you to read? Nobody in the NYC Metro, South Jersey, and eastern PA cares about the Devils. Just Albany there are plenty of seats available in Newark....

Hartford (rangers) is the AHL doormat (no playoffs) with horrible attendance.

The Albany area will have playoff hockey this week unlike in Hartford.

I would think someone so concerned about Albany hockey, like yourself, would be happy about that and pulling for a nice run?

You post a lot of opinions that are baseless and impossible to prove.

 

[Devils Dominion]

This season, Albany vs...
Bridgeport 2-3-0-1
Hershey 1-1-0-0
WBS 1-1-0-0
LV 0-2-0-0

Last season, Albany vs
Bridgeport 5-3-0-0
Hershey 1-0-0-1
WBS 0-2-0-0
LV 2-0-0-0

13-14, Albany vs...
Bridgeport 5-3-0-2
Hershey 0-3-1-0
WBS 3-1-0-0
LV 4-0-0-0

Don't let facts get in the way of false narrative generated opinion.
Lol

 

[Clinton Comets EHL]

Hartford (rangers) is the AHL doormat (no playoffs) with horrible attendance.

The Albany area will have playoff hockey this week unlike in Hartford.

I would think someone so concerned about Albany hockey, like yourself, would be happy about that and pulling for a nice run?

You post a lot of opinions that are baseless and impossible to prove.

 

[Skeeze]

Those looking to get into the minor leagues to make money are foolish, if you own a top team that's not the goal. The top team with its TV contract and all is where you'll make your money. If anything the minor leagues are an easy tax write off. Another part of the broken system that loopholes the rich but aside from that in the ECHL and AHL you don't have a lot of profitable franchises.

There's also the convenience location factor which seems to be the really trendy thing. Easy to get bodies quick.

I never said Ottawa would be looking to make money on the AHL team in Belleville.

They will want to put a good product on the ice to entice season ticket holders to throw down their cash and increase the overall Senators brand in the Belleville area. This could mean more strategic vet signings, bringing in a higher profile coach, etc. Whether they make a profit on the AHL team itself or not most won't be a big concern for them, at least initially.

Ottawa was very active at the trade deadline bringing in quality vets for Binghamton the first couple of seasons they were here. After that, not so much.

 

[Sports Enthusiast]

Hartford (rangers) is the AHL doormat (no playoffs) with horrible attendance.

The Albany area will have playoff hockey this week unlike in Hartford.

I would think someone so concerned about Albany hockey, like yourself, would be happy about that and pulling for a nice run?

You post a lot of opinions that are baseless and impossible to prove.

While the playoffs are nice from an operations standpoint they are a huge money loser so in the long term it may be beneficial to not be in them.

 

[Sports Enthusiast]

I never said Ottawa would be looking to make money on the AHL team in Belleville.

They will want to put a good product on the ice to entice season ticket holders to throw down their cash and increase the overall Senators brand in the Belleville area. This could mean more strategic vet signings, bringing in a higher profile coach, etc. Whether they make a profit on the AHL team itself or not most won't be a big concern for them, at least initially.

Ottawa was very active at the trade deadline bringing in quality vets for Binghamton the first couple of seasons they were here. After that, not so much.

Just depends on the situation. I don't study the NHL but like any sport you can look up a roster and all of that. I see they have a decently young squad and are in the playoffs. Now there's nothing to really trade for. In sports you usually trade for one of two reasons. You're gutting the team for picks and young bodies or you're a piece or two away. But the latter doesn't involve a lot of transactions. Where they are now isn't a good position for its farm squad because a trade wasn't all that necessary and if it was it'd be for the big team and might even take a player or two for the farm squad.

 

[RowdyFan42]

Playoff tickets in Albany are being priced at over $30 a seat..

Only if you want to sit up against the glass. Here's an eye-opener for you: With the exception of Syracuse and Milwaukee, every AHL team has some playoff tickets priced at over $30 a seat. Heck, you can't even get in the building in St. John's for less than $30 (though that's Canadian money, so that translates to about $22.30 American.)

(Yes, I took the time to look up the ticket prices for all 16 teams in the playoffs. Sue me.)

 

[Sports Enthusiast]

My God have you ever heard of paragraphs?

Im sorry I spent anytime trying to read through the usual false narratives you post.

There are more holes in your post than a fishnet. ;-)

Not defending him or anything but this is proof that Americans are lazy and have a short intention span. Paragraphs are nice but that's not even all that lengthy.