Well, well. Gary Bettman and Colin Campbell have difficult decisions to make tonight. Should they: a) help the PosterBoy and his team through to the next round, b) blow the whistle in favor of  Canada’s underdog team celebrating their 100 anniversary or c) have the officials call a fair game and let the chips fall where they may?

Since we’ve already seen the ice tilting required to achieve both A and B in the past maybe we will see a game called fair and square for a change. But I wouldn’t count on it. I think Gary and Collie are salivating over an original six matchup for the Eastern Conference Final between Boston and Montreal. Think of the TV ratings in the Canadian and US markets.

Think even further ahead to an Original Six Match Up for the Stanley Cup Final.  Boston or Montreal against Chicago, should they make it through, would be a ratings wet dream for Gary and NBC. When put in those terms, I’ll put my money on the calls going in favor of Montreal tonight.

Crosby has his name on the Cup. He’s got his ring. Now the powers that be  should be thinking ahead. They need to draw as big an audience as they can in the lower 48. It should be interesting to see how it all goes down. If Halak is “on”, we could see Blu, Blanc et Rouge with the smiling faces in the handshake line tonight.

Go Habs Go!

Posted under New York Rangers