Hi everyone! The current NHL season is less than two weeks old, and already we’re hearing hockey experts and journalists panic over how Alex Ovechkin is no longer going to catch up to Gretzky on the all-time goal-scoring list. You know, because we’re three games into the season. I think you will agree that this pretty much proves that Ovechkin has no chance of ever catching Gretzky. And it’s not just Ovi whose life has cratered. I mean, just look at the Edmonton Oilers, who are currently 1-3 on the season. With just 78 more games to go, I think it’s safe so say their season is over. And what about the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia Flyers each leading their respective divisions. Might as well cancel the rest of the season for the Atlantic and Metro Divisions, because those races have already been sown up, right? After all, such a small sample size is always an accurate predictor of the future. Remember last year when the New Jersey Devils started the year 0-2, and then they picked up 112 points the rest of the way? This yearly nonsense doesn’t bug me per se, but I do find it strange to read and hear so many online and print media hockey experts panicking in the worst way before the season is even a month old. Not every loss or missed shot should be treated as a major news event, but hey, welcome to 2023!

Where am I going with this? Well, this week I’ve posted an article from the November 27, 1969 Oakland Tribune. Even though the NHL was still cursing themselves for having given the Bay Area franchise to Barry van Gerbig and company, the Seals were starting to turn a corner attendance-wise. Numbers were up across the board, whether it was season tickets sold or average attendance. There was actually a chance this franchise was going to survive long-term. It didn’t, of course, as we all know, because blips in the radar don’t always mean the Luftwaffe is about to attack.

Before I leave you this week, I have to share this link with all of you who have enjoyed reading the entries in the Hockey Hall of Shame’s “Overexposed” wing. Oh, sweet Jesus, the treacle that has leaked out of the Upper Deck factory’s drain pipe in time for the new NHL season is just… just… oh my God, I can’t even describe it, you just have to take a look at it for yourself. I’d love to hear your comments on some of these atrocities, so feel free to drop me a line.

On that note, have a great weekend and stay gold!