(above) It sure was nice of St. Paul taxpayers to build a home ice advantage for Denver based hockey teamsFrom: New York Daily News
by Elliot Olshansky
Daily News New Media Editor
If this year's events at the Xcel Energy Center are any guide, the Republican Party might have wanted to think twice before choosing the arena in St. Paul for the site of the 2008 Republican National Convention.
Home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild, the Xcel Energy Center - a.k.a. "The X" - is truly a hockey arena, not just an arena where a hockey team happens to play. From the high school hockey jerseys that ring the concourses to the NHL team banners that hang from the rafters to the statue of "Miracle on Ice" coach Herb Brooks outside, the building itself is a virtual shrine to the sport. It stands as a tribute to Minnesota's reputation as "The State of Hockey."
So, what's the problem? Suffice it to say that it hasn't been a good year for hockey in St. Paul, especially when it comes to opposition from Denver, where the Democrats held their convention.
On March 22, in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's championship game, the University of Denver beat the University of Minnesota at the X. Less than three weeks later, the Stanley Cup Playoffs began in St. Paul, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Wild on an overtime goal, and eventually won the series in six games.
Putting it simply, Denver vs. Minnesota hasn't ended well for Minnesota so far.
But Denver's dominance on the ice so far this year doesn't necessarily mean Republicans should be frozen with fear.
In this case, though, the argument can be made that one way or another, Denver will trump Minnesota again. Either because the home of the Republican National Convention didn't produce enough of a bounce, or because the state that has gone for Democrat in nine out of the last 10 elections backed the wrong side.
The answer to that question, of course, remains to be seen. In the meantime, for the Republicans, 'The X' marks the spot.
Home to the NHL's Minnesota Wild, the Xcel Energy Center - a.k.a. "The X" - is truly a hockey arena, not just an arena where a hockey team happens to play. From the high school hockey jerseys that ring the concourses to the NHL team banners that hang from the rafters to the statue of "Miracle on Ice" coach Herb Brooks outside, the building itself is a virtual shrine to the sport. It stands as a tribute to Minnesota's reputation as "The State of Hockey."
So, what's the problem? Suffice it to say that it hasn't been a good year for hockey in St. Paul, especially when it comes to opposition from Denver, where the Democrats held their convention.
On March 22, in the Western Collegiate Hockey Association's championship game, the University of Denver beat the University of Minnesota at the X. Less than three weeks later, the Stanley Cup Playoffs began in St. Paul, and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Wild on an overtime goal, and eventually won the series in six games.
Putting it simply, Denver vs. Minnesota hasn't ended well for Minnesota so far.
But Denver's dominance on the ice so far this year doesn't necessarily mean Republicans should be frozen with fear.
In this case, though, the argument can be made that one way or another, Denver will trump Minnesota again. Either because the home of the Republican National Convention didn't produce enough of a bounce, or because the state that has gone for Democrat in nine out of the last 10 elections backed the wrong side.
The answer to that question, of course, remains to be seen. In the meantime, for the Republicans, 'The X' marks the spot.
2 comments:
Great headline! It differentiates New York City's two tabloids. The Daily News is indeed fishwrap, whereas all the fish refuse to be wrapped in the New York Post.
Nice to see where the Rink Rat has landed.
I've made that point to every Minn. fan over the past few months. Colorado Owns The State of Hockey!
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