The Blackhawks have missed the playoffs for the first time since '08, and in Chicago, Steve Rosenbloom reports GM Stan Bowman and coach Joel Quenneville "will keep their jobs" in a "good decision" by President John McDonough. Their "resumes and jewelry suggested they were the right men to change this descent and had earned the chance to return" the team to championship glory (CHICAGO TRIBUNE, 4/6).
BUYER BEWARE: In Winnipeg, Paul Friesen reported Jets playoff tickets "will go on sale" next Tuesday, and the team is "warning fans to beware of buying tickets on secondary sites such as StubHub." Prices listed on Wednesday started at US$300 for a single ticket "in the upper bowl for the first playoff game, higher than similar seats in any other city." True North Sports & Entertainment Senior VP/Venues & Entertainment Kevin Donnelly said that "none of the sellers on the secondary market even have the tickets, yet" (WINNIPEGSUN.com, 4/4).
SHUTTLE SERVICE: In Philadelphia, Jonathan Tannenwald reported the Union will "launch a new transit option later this month for fans in and near Center City to get to games." Starting with the April 28 game against DC United, there will be "team-run buses from four central venues." The 52-seat buses "will leave two hours before kickoff, and drop passengers off in Lot D, very close" to Talen Energy Stadium. Return trips will leave the venue 20 minutes "after the final whistle." When there are post-game promotions such as fireworks, accommodations "will be made for fans to not miss them" (PHILLY.com, 4/5).
IN THE DARK OF THE NIGHT: In Green Bay, Richard Ryman reports the Packers will "hold their first nighttime shareholders meeting in July in Lambeau Field." The meeting will be at 7:00pm CT, July 25. The meeting time will "allow more Green Bay area shareholders to attend the meeting." Shareholders "from around the country" will attend the annual meeting, which will "coincide with the kickoff of the Packers' 100th year of football" (GREEN BAY PRESS-GAZETTE, 4/6).
