from Stan Fischer of The Fischler Report at the Hockey News,

During lunch with Gary Bettman, I told him that I had a beef with the officiating.

The commissioner then reached into his vest pocket and pulled out an envelope with a letter inside.

"I'm going to read you the letter," the National Hockey League's boss said, "and I want you to guess who wrote it."

It was a tough read; flowing with zebra criticism and concluding with demands for reform.

"Now take a guess," Bettman confidently went on, "and guess who?"

Knowing my longtime buddy and his candor, I snapped, "It's gotta be Brian Burke."

The Commish shook his head and handed me the missive. Instantly, I blushed. It was written by Rangers manager-coach Lester Patrick in the year 1933.

"You see," noted The Lord of Hockey, "nothing has changed."

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