...which time will tell, this has become an enormous missed opportunity for a sport and a league that's seen a double digit decline in TV viewership this season, and an alienation of exactly the groups the NHL has openly trying to court. Will it impact existing US fans? Hell, I'm still planning on going to Blackhawk games (though our only medal winner being a Finn sure helps)

Just a textbook PR self fucking when it comes to trying to continue to grow the sport...and what seems to be a "Just ignore it" approach by the NHL hasn't seemed to have a desired impact so far