that’s kind of my point, I don’t find the league does a very good job at maintaining and/or creating rivalries, I’ll still watch every game but 82 was already plenty.
I guess I’d rather see them play the Kraken in October, when I am hyped about the season starting, than in January / February, when I don’t think I’d care to even watch the game.
Pushing out division or conference games til later in the season, like the Bruins only in November, is fine with me…. more of those games in Jan / Feb / March the better.
Also, this is not 100% on the NHL, this is also on building availability – most of these arenas are multi purpose and hold other regular events, too. Not defending the schedule, but that is just a reality.