Here’s something that probably doesn’t get a lot of play in most NHL cities. In fact if I had to guess I’d say Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, maybe Ottawa and Vancouver would be the only cities where the profit margin of local watering holes and liquor stores are somewhat dependent on the success of the local hockey team.
Toronto is big, has the Jays and the Raptors, and is used to a losing hockey team by now. I can’t imagine that any of the US teams have any impact at all in their cities.
Anyone who remembers the ’04 run and the Red Mile will have a clear understanding of how the fortunes of the Calgary Flames can impact the Sam Malones of cowtown.