Power.
Who had the power, and how that power was used and misused is central to everything pertaining to the alleged sexual assault of former Chicago Blackhawks prospect Kyle Beach, and to the cover-up, excuse-making and generally shameful behavior that has followed.
And how NHL commissioner Gary Bettman, through his meeting with media Monday, continues to show that power doesn't care about those who don't have it.
Like the power then-Blackhawks video coach Brad Aldrich had in 2010 when he allegedly sexually assaulted Beach, reportedly coercing him in a manner familiar to so many abusers: Do as I say or I will hurt you.