[thefoss1957]

I feel that there are a couple of reasons for the discrepancy between East and West. I think that TJrhythmic is partially correct...Western teams have to be more flexible in routine and rhythm, and are affected less by the variations...my guys, for instance, up to last year, had to be prepared to play in all four time zones for CONFERENCE games, less repetition of routine game to game (but now that Wings And BJs are gone, the West is reduced to 3 time zones). Secondly, I believe that more regular extended travel makes for better team chemistry. My 'Hawks, for instance, are currently on the annual "circus" road trip, where Ringling Bros & B & B take over the UC for 2 weeks. This trip seems to be a huge indicator of how well the team can bond, and often the potential for success can be projected from this 2 week performance. (True also for the NBA Bulls...same kind of trip...same reasons). They are stuck with each other for 2 weeks, and this can make or break "the Room." Eastern teams are nearly always in range of "home", and can often return on off days, a luxury not afforded in extended trips for the West. Even on a smaller scale than the "Circus" trip, Western teams spend more time together, as a group, on travel, with greater regularity. Lastly, there is a clear difference in style of play, East and West. The West seems to have more teams playing an aggressive, physical, forechecking game...the East, a passive trapping, defensive game. I think, for fans AND players, the Western style, makes the game more fun to watch OR play. And this tends to stifle talent and team offense far less than the rigid systems that many East teams impose.

All this is just theory and observation by this fan...all the factors are hard to prove, except the W/L numbers are there to speculate on.