In St. Louis, Jose de Jesus Ortiz notes Blues Owner Tom Stillman "has connected with his fan base and the Blues’ alumni since his group bought the club" from Dave Checketts and SCP Worldwide in January '12. Stillman and his ownership group "have reinvigorated the franchise," and the Blues have "maxed their salary cap space." It is "clear that the Blues are willing to risk losing money to field a contender under Stillman’s ownership." Stillman "wants to be fiscally responsible for his partners, but he also has been committed to spending what it takes to contend" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 4/27).
GARNERING SUPPORT: Ilitch Holdings President & CEO Chris Ilitch on Monday said that his family "fully, 'absolutely' supports" Red Wings Exec VP & GM Ken Holland after the team was ousted in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Holland, who has been in charge since '97, said that he spoke with owners Mike and Marian Ilitch, as well as Chris, and "planned to meet with them in the next week or so" (DETROIT NEWS, 4/26). In Detroit, Drew Sharp wrote firing Holland "would solve nothing." Holland’s "only management crime is hubris." He has "earned the chance to orchestrate" a philosophical shift. But that first "requires an organizational admission that they can no longer retool while minimizing the pain" (DETROIT FREE PRESS, 4/24).
SHARK BITE: In California, Jody Meacham reported the Sharks "have terminated their contract with San Carlos ad agency Bob Kilburg & Associates after a 20-year run that delighted fans with humorous, self-deprecating TV spots." Kilburg "originally got the Sharks account" for the '95-96 season. He "kept the account when he started his own agency a few years later." The agency’s "first memorable idea was the 'This is Sharks Territory' signs made to resemble a warning sign on the beach" (BIZJOURNALS.com, 4/26).
BEYOND THE SEE: In Miami, George Richards notes the Panthers' "Spacey In Space" blue hoodie has been "officially retired now that the season has ended." Panthers President & CEO Matt Caldwell "plans on having the sweatshirt framed and displayed in the arena to honor Florida’s best regular season (47 wins, 103 points) in its history." Actor Kevin Spacey had become a "self-described 'good luck charm' for the Panthers ever since meeting members of the team at their rookie dinner" in N.Y. back in December (MIAMI HERALD, 4/27). In Ft. Lauderdale, Harvey Fialkov notes the hoodie "became a social media phenomenon this season and punctuated the Atlantic Division-champion Panthers' fun ride" (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 4/27).
