Jim Dolan does not back down from Bettman and the NHL

From John Dellapina of the New York Daily News:

The Garden filed its response Thursday night to that June 18 counterclaim in which the league asked the U.S. District Court for Southern New York to not only dismiss the Garden's original lawsuit from last September but also permit the commencement of in-house disciplinary action that could result in the Rangers franchise being stripped from MSG's ownership.

In its response, the Garden argued again that specific league policies were illegal - even if ratified by a vote of clubs - and that the NHL rule prohibiting a member club from suing it (under penalty of franchise forfeiture) also was illegal.

Read the short story here.

It is no surprise that Dolan has gone right back at the NHL with his complaints. The relationship between MSG and the NHL is sure to become more strained than cordial over the next little while.

NHL and MSG not best of friends

From Eric Duhatschek of the Globe & Mail:

The war between the Rangers and the NHL started over who controls the rights to new media and the potentially lucrative revenue streams that it produces now and down the road. Three times, the Rangers' lawsuits have gone to court; three times the NHL won its case. Instead of understanding the old maxim that three strikes and you're out, the Rangers have challenged the NHL on an anti-trust basis – essentially arguing that everything the league does is unlawful.

In effect, Wednesday's filing by the NHL is a counter-attack – what a source with knowledge of the situation described as "trying to put the Rangers at risk" after failing to abide by previous court rulings. NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, passing through the lobby of a downtown hotel, declined comment. However, sources said the league was asking the court for permission to fine, suspend or in a worst-case scenario, forfeit the franchise, if it MSG persists in its action.

Read more about this bizarre story here.

It doesn't get any more odd than this scenario. Don't expect this to end up with MSG forfeiting the Rangers to the NHL but this story sure makes you wonder who hates who behind the scenes.

Morning Musings

Due to the high volume of articles that appear in the Sunday papers I am not going to be posting any preambles on Sunday mornings.

On to the morning papers:

• Chuck Culpepper of the L.A. Times recounts the atmosphere in the O2 Arena in London yesterday for the Ducks/Kings contest. Meanwhile, Helene Elliot of the Times wonders if Jonathan Bernier is the answer to the long standing goaltending problem in Los Angeles.
• The Ducks' execution was poor and the team's inability to stay out of the penalty box was its downfall writes Dan Wood of the Orange County Register.
• Larry Brooks of the NY Post returns with his first Sunday hockey column in a while and is the first to give us the full details behind MSG's suit against the NHL.
• John Dellapina of the New York Daily News predicts who is on the rise and on the decline heading into the 2007/08 NHL season.
• The Islanders will be depending heavily on Bill Guerin and Mike Comrie this season writes Greg Logan of New York Newsday.
• Lou Lamoriello always admired Aaron Asham's playing style and jumped at the opportunity to add him to his team's roster this off-season; Rich Chere of the Newark Star-Ledger has the story.
• According to Mark Everson of the NY Post, with the injury to Colin White's eye the Devils may be interested in signing UFA Danny Markov by using their salary cap injury exemption.
• The Predators were the better team on Saturday versus the Blue Jackets, however, Fredrik Norrena shut the door on their offensive attack and the Jackets prevailed 3-0.
• After last night's final exhibition contest versus Ottawa, Habs' coach Guy Carbonneau believes his team is ready to start the regular season. The Habs were defeated 5-4.
• The Wild made their final roster decisions on Saturday and Kent Youngblood of the Star Tribune has all the details.
• Rob Globke has made the Panthers' roster heading into the regular season. The 2002 draft pick edged out Anthony Stewart and Kamil Kreps for the final available forward spot on the Panthers.
• Oilers' Mathieu Roy was carried off on a stretcher during last night's exhibition contest versus the Canucks. The good news is that he is believed to be okay.
• The Detroit Free Press tells us five things we've learned about the Wings after training camp. Perhaps not everyone is a Wings fan, as Barry Melrose believes the team is now in the second-tier amongst its Western Conference counterparts.
• As Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News explains, defense is the identity of the Stars heading into 2007/08.
• Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch has an interesting piece on the affect Ken Hitchcock can have on an organization.
• After leaving Denver University for the Colorado Avalanche last season, Paul Stastny has no regrets.
• Nikolai Khabibulin says the goal for the Blackhawks is to make the playoffs and with all the off-season acquisitions and draft picks coming through the system, the former Stanley Cup champion should have far more support than last season.
• Save for Fran Kaberle, the Canes dressed what should be their opening night lineup for last night's exhibition finale versus Columbus.
• Mike Keenan doesn't know a thing about the newest Flames' acquisition Mark Smith writes Scott Cruickshank of the Calgary Herald.
• Steve Macfarlane of the Calgary Sun has a player-by-player report card for last night's exhibition contest versus the Sharks.
• Kevin Paul Dupont's special Sunday piece examines Cam Neely's quest for front office success in Boston. (registration required)
• Look for forward Phil Kessel to take a big step forward this season writes Stephen Harris of the Boston Herald.
• Tim Connolly practically begged his way into the lineup for last night's preseason game for the Sabres because he hadn't seen any game action heading into the season.
• George Solomon of the Washington Post has a great piece on the loyalty Olaf Kolzig has demonstrated towards the only organization he's ever known.
• Jason Botchford of the Vancouver Province wonders whether both Mason Raymond and Ryan Shannon can make the Canucks final roster.
• Paul Maurice has yet to announce the Leafs' starting goaltender for Wednesday's opener versus the Sens.
• Youngster David Perron has made a good impression at Blues' camp and is hoping to beat out Martin Kariya, Mike Johnson and Mike Glumac for the final available roster spot.
• Not surprisingly, goaltending remains a concern at Bolts' camp.
• The Sharks have been winning in preseason play but as coach Ron Wilson says about wins and losses in exhibition season, they are "totally irrelevant."
• Dave Molinari of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette has notes from in and around Pens' camp heading into the season.
• Tim Panaccio of the Philadelphia Inquirer examines the chances of the Capitals heading into the season.
• The Flyers ended the preseason on Saturday with a 3-2 loss to the Rangers.
• The Coyotes were defeated by the Avs in exhibition action on Saturday.

For Illegal Curve, I'm Richard Pollock.