Interesting question....but will any team make a difference?
You could put Gretsky vs Mario back on the ice and most people would never know it was on OLN. Though OLN has done a nice job this year of presenting. Mediaweek reported that the NHL on NBC ratings were down 21% this year compared to 2004.
For a Network Final:
DEEtroit Red Wings have one of the BIGGEST fan bases coast to coast. But my guess is that it has shrunk now that Ohio has the Blue Jackets. Deetroit may be wearying of the Wings as well. This stat has been widely quoted: the Pistons are now out-drawing the Wings on TV in the Detroit area.
Successful Teams in certain regions have not translated into better TV ratings.
Dallas for example, had lower tv ratings in 06 than previous years, but was doing better on the ice.
My Blue Jackets posted an impressive viewership GAIN from 2004, 69% for their opening month. Minnesota Wild were up 150% first month of 2006.
But those are relatively SMALL TV markets compared to East and West Coast.
IMHO, Ratings would be helped by a slightly shorter season, and a shorter playoff run. 7 Games in the first round?
I love hockey, but it's complete overkill, especially if you watch more than one team. And it puts the Cup on the tube at a terrible time of year when people like to get outside more.