When the NHL took away the 2004-2005 season, commissioner Gary Bettman stated that it was for the good of the game, and the best for the fans that love the sport. He felt that there needed to be a radical change to the way things where done in the league. By retooling the NHL, and the introduction of the salary cap he may have gotten his wish. When the NHL resumed play for the 2005-2006 season, it was clear that there was a new product on the ice. What is most surprising is that the final four remaining teams gunning for the cup are pretty much the last teams one would expect to see. This is due largely in part by the introduction of the cap, and how teams adjusted to it prior to the start of the season. Teams cannot just buy their way out of trouble or into playoff positions anymore. At this time Bettman feels that most of the clubs in the National Hockey League are stronger now and will be able to compete on a more even table. The biggest fear was that the fans would not return, well this was not the case as the arenas are flooded with fans. This is great for the NHL in whole, what makes it even better is that it makes for an easy additional funding to be awarded to the cap. This is believed to be going up from $39 million to somewhere in the $42-45 million dollar mark. This is solely due to the new NHL managing themselves better before the league collapses on itself. If that were to happen it truly would be a shame, as it is a great sport loved by many. |
