Gary Bettman addresses accusations of favoritism towards U.S. teams
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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman addressed accusations of favoritism towards U.S. teams during a recent press conference.
Once again, an American team has clinched the Stanley Cup. The Oilers had the opportunity to bring the Cup back to Canada for the first time in over 30 years, but they fell short.
Given the NHL's reliance on larger markets for revenue, speculation has arisen about potential favoritism towards U.S. teams, especially amid Canada's extended Stanley Cup drought.
Commissioner Bettman addressed these speculations in a recent press conference.
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This is what he had to say:
"First, let's mention that this is a first victory (in the Stanley Cup final) for the Panthers, since they have never won the Cup.
In my initial year as commissioner, the Montreal Canadiens won the Cup, and, you know, there are theories � they are false � saying that we have something to do with that. We are truly a league of several countries. We have clubs in the United States and Canada, and I do not see this as a two-league system.
I understand the passion for this sport in Canada. It's exceptional, but in the end, it's up to the teams to decide what happens on the ice, and I don't believe their country of origin has anything to do with it." - Gary Bettman
In my initial year as commissioner, the Montreal Canadiens won the Cup, and, you know, there are theories � they are false � saying that we have something to do with that. We are truly a league of several countries. We have clubs in the United States and Canada, and I do not see this as a two-league system.
I understand the passion for this sport in Canada. It's exceptional, but in the end, it's up to the teams to decide what happens on the ice, and I don't believe their country of origin has anything to do with it." - Gary Bettman
On the ice, it's the players who determine the game's outcome. The Oilers came close to victory. If Sergei Bobrovsky hadn't delivered a stellar performance in the third period, the outcome might have been different. If Connor McDavid had made one final push to score, he could have tied the game and forced overtime.
The Panthers' win involved many factors, none of which involved Gary Bettman.
Source: Hockey Patrol
Commissionner Gary Bettman addresses favoritism accusations for U.S. teams
Commissionner Gary Bettman addresses favoritism accusations for U.S. teams
| POLL | ||
25 JUIN | 436 ANSWERS Gary Bettman addresses accusations of favoritism towards U.S. teams Do you believe the accusations of Gary Bettman showing favoritism towards US teams hold merit? | ||
| Yes | 322 | 73.9 % |
| No | 114 | 26.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
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