None of this is new. Sather and then Lowe made sure the local press (and therefore the fans) were in lockstep with the communication that the management of the team.
By controlling the message and disbursing some juicy rumours to the press and fans by the organization, it keeps loyalty and hope of the fanbase in a delusional way. And, how often have you heard the management of the Oilers deny a rumour? Rarely, because the rumours come from them via the press.
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