My absolute biggest beef with the Bettman regime was removing the traditional conference and divisional names/alignment in favour of geographical alignment to satisfy newcomers to the game who 'didn't understand the funny names'. It was unique to hockey and part of its history.
This article (use
http://www.bugmenot.com to by-pass registration):
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune....s-hockey-print
suggests that a change back is being considered as early as next season. It would feature a return to the traditional 1 vs. 4, 2 vs. 3, divisional rivalries of the past.
The 'new' league structure could return as early as next season and would look like this:
CLARENCE CAMPBELL CONFERENCE
NORRIS DIVISION
Chicago Blackhawks
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dallas Stars
Detroit Red Wings
Minnesota Wild
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
SMYTHE DIVISION
Anaheim Mighty Ducks
Calgary Flames
Colorado Avalanche
Edmonton Oilers
Los Angeles Kings
Phoenix Coyotes
San Jose Sharks
Vancouver Canucks
PRINCE OF WALES CONFERENCE
PATRICK DIVISION
Florida Panthers
New York Rangers
New York Islanders
New Jersey Devils
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Tampa Bay Lightning
Washington Capitals
ADAMS DIVISION
Atlanta Thrashers
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Carolina Hurricanes
Montreal Canadiens
Ottawa Senators
Toronto Maple Leafs
This would be f***ing awesome!!! What a way to repay long-time loyal fans!