THN Proteau: Teams need to have an image

[LadyStanley]

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41517-Proteau-NHL-teams-need-to-have-an-image.html

Long term success (marketing) a team comes when you have an image.

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[TaketheCannoli]

http://www.thehockeynews.com/articles/41517-Proteau-NHL-teams-need-to-have-an-image.html

Long term success (marketing) a team comes when you have an image.

Now there's a real shocker

 

[tarheelhockey]

I agree with what he's saying, but I'm not sure I buy:

Trailing the Wings for top spot are the Chicago Blackhawks (97.4 percent) and Pittsburgh Penguins (97.2 percent). Like Detroit’s, their images have been bolstered by a recent Stanley Cup victory, but again, we’re talking about teams predicated on quickness and superior talent.

However, those who say image and consumer appeal is all about winning Cups would be surprised at the team that came in fourth. That would be the New Jersey Devils (95.7 percent) a franchise that, as we all are well aware, has made defense into an art, albeit an often-ponderous art. Even though they have played a style of hockey that doubles as relief for insomniacs, people understand what a ticket to a Devils game means.

There might be some degree of truth here, but the easier explanation is that the Devils play in the Atlantic Division -- home to three teams playing at 99.5% capacity or higher, plus the Islanders who are an hour away by car. Of course they're going to have high road attendance. The telltale sign is that the Isles have easily the lowest home attendance in the league but middle-of-the-pack road attendance -- ahead of teams like Washington, Tampa Bay, and Toronto and just slightly lower than Vancouver.

Again I don't disagree with the overall premise, but road attendance is a very poor indicator unless you're willing to go through and subtract divisional games.