Also, I like the inter-conference play. The rivalries are great and probably the more entertaining but it’s important for the players and coaches who may end up facing off against teams in other conferences in the playoffs to analyze their perspective opponents. There something to be said for analyzing tapes and something different to be said for doing it on the ice. Imagine a team getting steam rolled in the Stanley Cup finals because there was no readiness for some of the drastically different styles of play. For us to think a team should be prepared no matter what is asking too much and if we need a reminder of that, watch four Flyers games in a row.

I’m all about moving teams to Canada. Please Ryan, if you get assigned to this duty, please find a way to televise more games. Make the NHL and ESPN kiss and make up.

What a weird thought completely altering the timeframe. I see your point but I personally love showing up to a hockey rink in my car it took 5 minutes to warm up and pulling my bag out of the back with a lung full of bitterly cold air. August? Well I guess it’s really only two months of summer instead of two months of spring. Not much different I suppose. Good show ‘ol chap.