from Larry Brooks of the New York Post,

Here was commissioner Gary Bettman, taking a victory lap even while seated and stationary during his pre-finals press conference on Monday in Pittsburgh, crowing about the parity within the NHL by proudly reciting data about the absence of a repeat Stanley Cup champion since 1998 and repeat finalists since 2009.

Yep, thanks goodness Gary’s League doesn’t have a Warriors-Cavaliers type of thing going on in the final. Wouldn’t want a super team such as Golden State seeking a repeat championship in a rematch against LeBron James, competing in his sixth straight final round.

Why would the NHL ever want to feature a marquee matchup like that?

Don’t get me wrong. The Penguins and Sharks are very good teams and most certainly have earned the right to compete for the Stanley Cup. Sidney Crosby, the most householdish name in the league, is back in the finals after a seven-year absence. San Jose is a great town. The hockey is good. But there is little of historical marquee value here.

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