If a tree falls in the woods and no one hears it, does it make a sound?

Or, if The Stanley Cup Finals is on, but no one is watching, is the game really happening? Since the lockout year of 2004-2005, the NHL has gotten less publicity than it did when the game was not going on. The rules have been altered to make the game a lot better, but still no one is watching.

There are many problems with the NHL, the first one is the get the game out there. Gary Bettman needs to find their way back on a major cable network, preferably ESPN, but TNT, USA, TBS or even Spike would suffice. A Network people watch and is available to a majority. ESPN is the best option, They are the ALL-Sports channel with many channels under the ESPN umbrella. They can promote the game better through their outlets.

Second, the NHL has to market their Superstars. They need to be household names, much like NASCAR does.

Third, the game has to show people its fan friendly and not just a bunch of goons who fight on the ice. If it means banning fighting, so be it.

Fourth, Ticket prices need to be slashed, get people to the games, there is not a better game to watch live and that includes football. Make it affordable for a family to see the games, get the next generation into hockey.

Finally, the NHL needs better exposure. The league needs to go out on an all-around PR tour throughout the US. People have to know these are good guys, who play hard and stay out of trouble. They are more Role Models than say Michael Vick, let the public know that.