Commissionner Gary Bettman addresses favoritism accusations for U.S. teams
The NHL commissioner, Gary Bettman, responded to favoritism accusations for US teams in a recent press conference.
Once again, an American team won the Stanley Cup. The Oilers had the opportunity to bring the Cup to Canada for the first time in over 30 years, but they failed to capitalize.
It's a known fact that bigger markets bring more revenue to the NHL. With Canada's 30-year Stanley Cup drought, there's been a lot of speculation about how the NHL could favor US markets for financial reasons.
The commissioner addressed those theories in a recent press conference.
Here's what he had to say:
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
Of course, players on the ice are the ones who seal the results of games. The Oilers were so close to winning. If Sergei Bobrovsky hadn't had such a stellar performance in the third period, things could've turned. If Connor McDavid had made one more push to score, he could've tied the game and forced overtime.
A lot came into play for the Panthers to win, and Gary Bettman wasn't a part of that.
Source: Habs Fanatics
Gary Bettman finally addresses his favouritism for American teams
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JUIN 25 | 762 ANSWERS Commissionner Gary Bettman addresses favoritism accusations for U.S. teams Do you think the accusions on Gary Bettman about his favoritism for US teams are legitimate? | ||
| Yes | 610 | 80.1 % |
| No | 152 | 19.9 % |
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![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530920.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530913.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
