from Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail,

About a month ago, NHL commissioner Gary Bettman was asked about the potential return of five Canadian franchises to the playoffs after 2016’s blank slate.

You knew the question irritated Bettman because of how broadly he smiled as it was being asked. He’s the sort of business executive who’s never more terrifying than when he’s trying to be gracious.

“So last year when everybody was saying it was the end of NHL hockey in Canada – what a difference a year makes,” Bettman said, in what sounded like a rehearsed line. “But that’s a testament to our competitive balance and how anything can happen any year, any night, and that’s what’s great about the game.”

The end of NHL hockey in Canada? There was plenty of whining and garment-rending, but I can’t recall “everybody” talking about packing it in on the national game and giving roller derby a try instead.

Bettman is confusing what happened with what he thought he heard – a common mistake made by people with an agenda.

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