from ESPN,

Is the NHL better or more entertaining than the NFL?

Scott Burnside: If Lady Gaga never performs at an NHL game, does that mean the NHL is a lesser product? Uhm. No. Listen, the Super Bowl has in many ways become bigger than the game itself. Maybe that's what the NFL strives for. Maybe it covers up multiple flaws in what is a pedestrian, often plodding game. Love the NFL, but it's not the NHL, and when we get to April and the Stanley Cup playoffs begin, then the best tournament in sports begins. Nothing is better than the first round of the NHL's playoffs, the most demanding of any pro sport, bar none. In terms of emotion and the will to win, the NHL stands alone, it stands the test of time....

Pierre LeBrun: After a Super Bowl like we had Sunday night, the timing for this question isn't exactly perfect. My goodness! How do you ever top that Super Bowl? What I would say, though, in the NHL's defense is that the playoffs over two months offer almost nightly gems. It's an incredible ride over four rounds. In fact, other than the amazing Super Bowl on Sunday night and the terrific Packers-Cowboys game (which still hurts), the NFL playoffs had a lot of duds this year. The NHL playoffs rarely have many duds.

more from Burnside and other ESPN hockey writers with their opinion...