from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

If attendance is the most obvious measurement of fan interest, the decline in post-Olympic business feared by many NHL ownership types — who somehow believe it is in their best interests to continue to play games rather than in the Games — has not materialized.

The league generates revenue apart from gate receipts, but even as TV and sponsorship money increases, ticket sales remain the NHL’s lifeblood and, as such, the best analytical device with which to analyze the impact of the winter hiatus.

We did our own study of six teams out of the playoff picture, five of whom had their fate sealed before the schedule was interrupted Feb. 8. If fans were inclined to turn away after a three-week break from their routine, it stands to reason they would stay away from teams presenting deficient products.

But no, not so. The Islanders, whose ship was sinking even before John Tavares went down with a season-ending injury in Sochi, averaged 14,265 at the Coliseum for their first seven games after the Olympics, an increase of 318 poor souls a game who apparently weren’t looking to get reimbursed the same way Charles Wang has in all the years he has owned the team.

continued pus a few more quick topics...