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

The NHL ratings are down and here are some ways to correct the problem.

Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing Dylan Holloway (55) celebrates goal with teammates in the third period against the Florida Panthers  in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 15, 2024; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Edmonton Oilers left wing Dylan Holloway (55) celebrates goal with teammates in the third period against the Florida Panthers in game four of the 2024 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports | Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
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3. Gambling

Its a huge turn off to people who don't gamble - i,e most of us - to have to sit through a three hour gambling commercial every time we want to watch hockey.

There is nothing wrong with gambling, but does it have to be the sole focus of everything outside the play-by-play?

I realize that gambling is subsidizing the sports world, but this is dangerous because the societal costs haven't even begun to be reckoned with and what they are doing is not sustainable, and no one even really talks about the possible repercussions.

I'm all for gambling, all I'm saying is that at the moment, it's a bit much having to sit through wall-to-wall gambling commercials and talk all night long when you sit down to watch a hockey game.

4. Trades.

The NHL doesn't seem to realize how much traction they get out of roster moves and they should work to make trading players easier and more frequent.

The salary cap is annoying and everyone hates it, but every single fan of the NHL that likes to engage in online trade discussions knows the salaries of every player and does the math to make their fake trades work.

The people who like to talk NHL roster moves like doing it so much that they voluntarily do math. This should tell the league how much people like trades.

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