Detroit is “Hockeytown” in the same way the Cowboys are “America’s Team.”
Which is to say it’s marketing hype. Hooey. Hooeytown.
The Penguins have long had better local TV ratings than Detroit, or anyone else. This year they have the highest rating of any hockey, basketball or baseball town.
OK, enough civic boosting.
The refs have always been inconsistent. Things that are penalties in the 1st period are not in the 3rd. Almost nothing is called in OT. It’s always been an obstruct and slash and “let them play” mentality.
I like the idea of rewarding the top teams with more than just 4-3 home ice in the first round.
I don’t like the idea of changing from sudden death. That’s one of the best things going for the sport.
I’d venture to say that the Western New York region is just as much “Hockeytown” as Detroit and environs; or maybe they should give Windsor, Ontario that title… Hype & hooey, yeah, but who really cares to have it beaten over your head every Sunday? </homer>
RE the OT, it is quite exciting, and not like each team doesn’t know what they’re in for when they get into that situation… I dunno, just been a bugaboo of mine to have an entire season come down to one shot or a referee’s call — maybe they should do the fixed time thing if it’s a Game 7, a la Wimbledon deuce matches.