Fugu
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Easy, I live in Halifax (one of the teams on Maclean's list). If my team is playing another team in their division (let's say Edmonton), not only are they looking at handful of hours on a plane, but also a three hour time difference. Travel time and jet lag doesn't make for fun hockey, especially if it's a frequent occurrence.That's just for the players.
Then you have to assume that the thinking of more play in the division continues, so instead of short flights to nearby cities like Boston, my Halifax team is constantly crossing Canada to play their divisional rivals. Travel costs would be increased for every team, with the horizontal rule because of the width of the continent.
Finally, for the fans. I'm in Halifax and I want to watch my team play at home and away. But hey, now half of their games in their own division don't even finish until 2am-3am my time? Oh, well I have to work the next day. I'm not going to watch it. TV ratings in local markets plummet.
Hey, I just assumed we were talking about what was best for the game here. You seem to have Lou Lamoriello syndrome. I'm a fan in the Eastern time zone. I live close enough to my team to hold season tickets and attend games. My team is in the Western conference. Why do you get the better end of the deal?