from ESPN,
This year, the NHL had 18 teams in the top half of all franchises, more than any other league. That's in large part to high scores in categories like bang for the buck and player likability, almost across the board. Of course, the bad -- well, it's really bad: The Maple Leafs received the worst scores in all of sports in categories like "has affordable ticket prices," "has players that always give their best effort" and "makes it easy to buy tickets online." On the other end of the spectrum, teams like the Lightning and Ducks have respected owners, affordable ticket prices -- and winning records. Moral of the story? It's good to be a hockey fan -- as long as you're not in Toronto.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (3 overall)
The Lightning fell just short of the ultimate prize last season, losing a hotly contested, six-game Stanley Cup final to the Blackhawks. But the Bolts are hockey's big winners as far as we're concerned. Not only did Tampa Bay reach the upper echelon of our Ultimate Standings, finishing third overall and first among NHL teams, it is top-four among all pro clubs in four categories.
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