Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister Yamoto
I'm generally not one of those conspiracy theory type of guys. But the last time a generational talent was drafted (Crosby), the NHL used a pure lottery to determine draft order because of the lock out.
A lot of people speculated that it was rigged to help save the Penguins. I think that seems ridiculous. But if the NHL brings in this roulette wheel just in time for the next generational talent (McDavid) even I might be thinking that something fishy is going on.
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Consider the situation in Pittsburgh was dire. The Pens, however, didn't have nearly the highest probability of getting the top pick. In fact, it was a rather remote possibility. Drafting Crosby DID literally save the franchise. Along comes a new arena and Cup. Keep in mind that hockey is very much behind football and baseball in Pittsburgh's eschelon of sports importance. These are known facts.
Also known (Don Cherry voice) "for all you kids out there" is that this was the
same franchise that led to the draft lottery to
prevent tanking. Another "generational talent," just happened to land in their lap with the guaranteed overall #1, Mario Lemieux. Oh, and the franchise was endangered back then, too.
Fast forward to Crosby. A series of events, leading up to that moment, has Lemieux coming out of retirement, after having battled Hodgkin's disease and severe back problems. The team owes him beaucoup bucks, so he's granted part ownership. So, he saves the franchise once again. His last year is Crosby's first year (somebody can correct that, if off by a year or two). He billeted Crosby in his home. Interesting since Mario shied away from ambassador for the sport role, which league expected for Sidney.
Considering that rather incredible series of events, from over the last quarter century, it's not so ridiculous. Not going to go to the mat to say that it definitely was rigged, BUT the NHL certainly had the motive to do so. Plus, it's not as if casino games, beauty contests, Academy Awards and state lotteries aren't ever rigged, right?
