FRANCHISE NOTES

     The Capitals have announced "Furlough Friday," a promotion
which offers discounted tickets for Friday's game against the
Oilers to all federal employees (Capitals).... Mavericks Owner
Donald Carter said the way the Bulls and Blackhawks share revenue
50-50 at the United Center should be a model for Dallas (DALLAS
MORNING NEWS, 12/20)....As Blazers Owner Paul Allen explores the
possibility of purchasing the Panthers, Blazer officials last
week sent surveys to season-ticket holders asking if they would
be willing to buy NHL tickets -- and, if so, how much they would
spend.  Allen should decide by the end of the month whether to
buy an existing team, wait for the next round of expansion, or
take a pass (L.A. TIMES, 12/20).