Erin Brown

Coming from a locale where professional sports teams are dysfunctional, being envious of the Detroit Red Wings is too easy.

During a press conference Wednesday, GM Ken Holland went through the list of seemingly obvious reasons why players love skating for the Red Wings. They are a member of the NHL's Original Six. Detroit is a hockey-mad environment. Mike Ilitch is an incredible owner, jetting his players around on private planes and doing the "extra things" that keep them happy. And, of course, they win.

But there has to be more to it than all that, right?

Maybe it isn't a surprise the Wings' began to re-emerge as a powerhouse during the 90s, the era of the "Russian Five." The almost communist philosophy that no individual is greater than the entire group has taken root in Motown and is a big reason why the Wings are consistently successful.

"With the CBA the way it is, we should be dismantling by now," Holland said. "But the sacrifices players make... they want other good players to play with."

And that's why it really isn't shocking to think about the millions Marian Hossa passed up for a chance at the Stanley Cup.

Some reports suggested the Edmonton Oilers were ready to sign Hossa to a nine-year deal worth at least $9 million a season. Pittsburgh offered the winger approximately $7 million a season for five years. Other teams in bidding threw out numbers anywhere from $8 million to $10 million.

But the chance to win a Cup? The Oilers are still rebuilding. The departure of several key players in Pittsburgh's Cup run make a repeat next season questionable. Even with Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin in the lineup, Hossa saw he had a better shot at a title with Detroit.

The Red Wings may lose two or three players at the most to retirement. Chris Chelios and Darren McCarty, the only unrestricted free agents who played a significant role last season, probably wouldn't have much of an impact if they did leave. But both have already let the Wings know they'd like to come back, even if it means taking a lesser role and fewer dollars.

Hossa didn't even balk when Holland explained the Wings, in good conscience, could not give him a contract greater than Nicklas Lidstrom's.

"It wasn't that easy to throw that much money away," Hossa said. "I truly believe I made the right decision."

Lots of people say hockey isn't good on television, and I think I am starting to agree.

Not because the actual game on television isn't exciting; the NHL and its broadcasting partners can't get their act together.

Last year, dedicated NHL fans in the United States looking to watch the annual awards ceremony on Versus were left watching bull riding or some MMA event. The CBC and Versus couldn't get on the same technical page for the live broadcast. At least, this is what was communicated to the public. The event ended up being re-broadcast on tape delay, about an hour after the ceremony ended.

So one would think the league, the CBC and Versus would have its act together this year, right? Not quite.

The evening started off with a CBC series, "Corronation Street," which appears to be some sort of British soap opera. After the first commercial break, Versus came back with a three-minute replay of the NHL Draft Lottery special from TSN. Versus finally cut into the correct CBC feed, about 10 minutes into Ron MacLean's monologue.

Better late than never, I guess. I wish they'd just get it right without incident for once.