10 Things the NHL Could Fix to Combat Bad Ratings in the Stanley Cup Finals

The NHL Stanley Cup ratings are down, and everyone wants to know why.

I think that there is an obvious correlation between the ratings being down and half the games starting in late on the east coast, and probably something to do with there being more entertainment options at ones fingertips than ever before. But more than anything, an NHL final that doesn't feature the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Vancouver Canucks or one of the other Original Six Franchises just isn't going to drive ratings.

That said, if hockey is less popular than it could or should be, it could be the NHL's own fault.

This is a league that seems to go out of its own way to alienate its fans. Whether we are talking about the arrogance with which the league communicates, it's inability to get anyone to understand basic concepts like "what is a penalty?" or it's bizarre Stanley Cup Final schedule, the NHL seems to shoot itself in the foot at every opportunity.

They can't even manage their own game, let alone market it.

So when the discussion turned to "why are the ratings down" it seemed like a good idea to voice a few grievances. Now it must be said that I love hockey and the NHL, I just think they could be a little better.

The Stanley Cup Final Encapsulates Everything Wrong With the NHL

The NHL Stanley Cup Final is being played in late June. There are two days off between every game. Anyone who was not a die-hard that somehow watched and got into the awesome game on Saturday has long forgotten about it by Tuesday night.

I think the fact that the SCF is scheduled to take 17 days if it goes the full length embodies both the obvious and the underlying issues the NHL has - mainly that is a self-inflicted problem they could easily address.

Here is a list of things that I think are problems the NHL has, and perhaps they pertain to why the ratings are lower than they should be: