Well I actually addressed this in another reply. First of all, I don't believe the Canadian fans will leave the game - it's too much a part of their heritage. Secondly, I don't think American fans care
enough to boycott. As I said previously, it's not like when baseball cancelled the World Series and the American fans felt betrayed. And hey, chalk this one up to corporate support, or whatever, but I think you won't see much decline in season tickets. That's all just my opinion and I have no basis of fact whatsoever.
Though, to answer your question more specifically, let me try to speak for Philadelphia. I think it's safe to say that Philadelphia has cared for hockey. What's the #1 sport in Philadelphia? Football. Where is their football team? In the Super Bowl? What sport is on the outs in Philadelphia? Baseball (damn that Ed Wade). What sports will start up next month after the Super Bowl (leaving 6 months before the NFL starts again) assuming the CBA gets done? Baseball and hockey? Given the choice between a team that exudes passion in the city and nearly went to the finals last year and a team that is coming up on 10,000 franchise losses whose biggest free agent signing this off-season has been John Lieber - I would suggest to place your money on fans flocking to the Flyers to take up their NFL off-season time. That will take up this half-season, and thus no backlash will extend into next season.
Now, is there a taker for Boston? NYC?