I have come to this conclusion based on watching the Pens/Habs and Hawks/Canucks series. The ticky tacky bullshit calls that plagued both the Canucks and the Habs didn't seem to be much of an issue for their counterparts. Both the Pens and Hawks could run the opposing goaltender with wanton abandon while if the others got anywhere near the blue paint, they were sternly warned.
Why would the NHL do this. Well, Gary Bettman is obsessed with sellingt his game to the American audience. How to do it better than having the Hawks and the Pens in the finals? There, he can showcase the young stars on both teams and draw more interest. The way to do this is tilt the scales in their favour by giving them as many power plays as possible. How else can such inequity be explained? I am so glad the Habs won, because of my alligiance but now because of their disgraceful play, I want the Sharks to chomp the Hawks to shreds. Fuck you Gary Bettman, your plan has failed. Never underestinmate the hearts of champions.
Why would the NHL do this. Well, Gary Bettman is obsessed with sellingt his game to the American audience. How to do it better than having the Hawks and the Pens in the finals? There, he can showcase the young stars on both teams and draw more interest. The way to do this is tilt the scales in their favour by giving them as many power plays as possible. How else can such inequity be explained? I am so glad the Habs won, because of my alligiance but now because of their disgraceful play, I want the Sharks to chomp the Hawks to shreds. Fuck you Gary Bettman, your plan has failed. Never underestinmate the hearts of champions.
