It's also good for ratings to bandwagon one of the largest (if not the largest) fan base in all of hockey and shit on one of the smaller ones. Very little risk.
Absolutely this. Especially since putting the Isles and their fans specifically as the target traditionally earned them Ranger fans. In recent years, Toronto fans too.
Way back in the day some WFAN radio jockeys admitted to their anti-Islander shtick for this very reason. It’s a cheap low effort move of gaining exposure.
If these types were genuinely concerned about player treatment by fans… then where is their whine when it comes to Ranger fans and Potvin.
To be clear, I like that the Ranger fan vilification of Potvin remains. Hope it never goes away and like the color it brings to the rivalry.
EDIT: Although, I will say the whole Lou, Godfather and Mafia take by him is questionably crossing the line. Sure we all do it on a social media chat board, but in a position that he is in a little more responsibility, more should be expected.