NHL commissioner Gary Bettman doesn’t want to hear it. And the powers that be at Rogers Communications who bring NHL hockey into Canadian homes are surely panicking at the gloomy possibilities.
With the Stanley Cup playoffs about to begin in a week, an Angus Reid Institute poll released today suggests Canadian hockey fans are planning to watch less of this year’s tournament.
It’s the first time there will be no Canadian team in the post-season since the 1969-70 season, a fact sure to effect viewers’ habits. The poll found a majority (54%) of those who normally watch at least a couple of playoff games each spring say they will be watching fewer games this year.