Here is the sad thing:
Maybe if Bettman put an emphasis on marketing the sport better, it would not matter as much to see 4 small market teams in the playoffs.
The NHL IMO has one BIG problem that most people overlook:
In today's sports fan world, newspapers are more obselete, even reading articles on the internet are still good, but now all the rage is E$PN Sportscenter and sports talk radio....fans today need instant gratification...need to hear their sports opinions and scores in a flash...and these outlets cater to that craving.
Take a look at the biggest "personalities" in sports radio:
Mike and Mike E$PN: They hate hockey, period.
Mike & The Mad Dog (NYC): They can tolerate the NHL, but clearly as a 5th option at BEST
Dan Patrick: I don't think he talks about the NHL at all (please correct me if I am wrong)
Jim Rome? Not sure about him either....
Colin Cownerd: Listened to him twice, does he discuss the NHL??
I'm taking a small sample here, but let's be fair, a LOT of fans today listen to these "personalities" and formulate their sports interests and opinions based on what they say or discuss. So if these "personalities" are not disccussing the NHL, how can newer sports fans be expected to watch the NHL when nimrods like Mike and Mike keep putting down the NHL???