Of course they've earned it, and deserve it. They are a bunch of cast-offs with a chip on their shoulder. That is a very dangerous thing - always being the underdog. They're all motivated, and oh by the way they have some very good players. If they go on to the finals, Fleury wins the Conn Smythe, even if they only win a game in the finals.

This just proves the NHL is fixed. A first year team, mind you not rookies and some really good players, but the NHL wanting successs and ratings that they won’t let them flop. Oh let’s throw in high draft picks to ensure they’re guaranteed success for years to come. You can comment in anyway you see this differently, I don’t care because this is my opinion. NHL has never cared about Canada winning the cup, even though Americans enjoy other sports more than Hockey

This just proves the NHL is fixed. A first year team, mind you not rookies and some really good players, but the NHL wanting successs and ratings that they won’t let them flop. Oh let’s throw in high draft picks to ensure they’re guaranteed success for years to come. You can comment in anyway you see this differently, I don’t care because this is my opinion. NHL has never cared about Canada winning the cup, even though Americans enjoy other sports more than Hockey
- amsmith4

Idiot.

Idiot.
- Iggysbff

Such an educated response. You must be American.

Such an educated response. You must be American.
- amsmith4

Double confirmation for iggy there. He’s Canadian, and you’re a (frank)ing moron for generalizing a population.

Double confirmation for iggy there. He’s Canadian, and you’re a (frank)ing moron for generalizing a population.
- RafiDRW

Whatever, I stated in my response that I didn’t care about your opinion in return, responding with idiot is not respecting of ones opinion.

Whatever, I stated in my response that I didn’t care about your opinion in return, responding with idiot is not respecting of ones opinion.
- amsmith4

You said it PROVES it. That’s not an opinion. That’s stating that it is indeed, truth. Which is why you’re an idiot. If you believe it looks like it’s rigged, that’s an opinion and just makes you sort of one. Stating it’s been proved? You’re an idiot.

You said it PROVES it. That’s not an opinion. That’s stating that it is indeed, truth. Which is why you’re an idiot. If you believe it looks like it’s rigged, that’s an opinion and just makes you sort of one. Stating it’s been proved? You’re an idiot.
- RafiDRW

Give me facts that proves otherwise, since you’re an expert. NHL has babied American franchises for a long time.

Give me facts that proves otherwise, since you’re an expert. NHL has babied American franchises for a long time.
- amsmith4

You have no facts to prove your original statement, so why would I need to disprove something that has no basis to begin with?

And yeah, around ten times the population means more opportunity for growth and money for the league. This is a business. Houston and Seattle will make a lot more money for the league than Quebec City or Saskatoon. Get more people, get more cities, and that rabid love of hockey northerners like us share will show above the border.

You have no facts to prove your original statement, so why would I need to disprove something that has no basis to begin with?

And yeah, around ten times the population means more opportunity for growth and money for the league. This is a business. Houston and Seattle will make a lot more money for the league than Quebec City or Saskatoon. Get more people, get more cities, and that rabid love of hockey northerners like us share will show above the border.
- RafiDRW

True, but it’s a stated fact that Americans are drawn to other sports moreso than hockey, Football for example so while yes the population is bigger it’s a losing battle for the NHL when most teams aren’t winning as much or bringing in the numbers that Vegas might.

True, but it’s a stated fact that Americans are drawn to other sports moreso than hockey, Football for example so while yes the population is bigger it’s a losing battle for the NHL when most teams aren’t winning as much or bringing in the numbers that Vegas might.
- amsmith4

I agree that Americans, in general, love football and baseball more than hockey. That doesn’t mean it’s fixed.

I agree that Americans, in general, love football and baseball more than hockey. That doesn’t mean it’s fixed.
- RafiDRW

You know, I apologize for the American comment. But still saying idiot despite not having proof is a bit far off. But it makes sense once you explained it.

You know, I apologize for the American comment. But still saying idiot despite not having proof is a bit far off. But it makes sense once you explained it.
- amsmith4

Typical uninformed BS. Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver all still have franchises today thanks to Bettman. They all were on the verge of moving at one point and he stuck it out in those cities. Teams that move usually have bigger issues. Kansas City and Houston could be possible locations if they had an ownership group pony up. Minnesota has an insane owner the first time around. You guys are (frank)ing hilarious. Bettman is doing what his 31 bosses tell him to do. They’re obviously happy with him because they keep extending his contract.
- Iggysbff