The NHL announced a few months ago that it would go with geographic descriptors for division names, then proceeded to include cities like Columbus and Raleigh in something called the Metropolitan Division, which doesn't really describe anything. The goal of using geographic terms for division names was either: a) to be risk-averse instead of going with Gretzky, Orr, Howe, and Lemieux or even the old Patrick, Adams, Norris and Smythe names; or b) to avoid confusing the "casual" fan.
As for concern that a team like Montreal wouldn't like raising an "Orr Division Championship" banner, did the '85 Bears refuse to hold the Lombardi Trophy? Did Kobe Bryant of the Lakers refuse to accept the Bill Russell award as NBA Finals MVP?
And no offense, but any person who would find the traditional names so confusing as to preclude investment in the sport probably doesn't have a ton of purchasing power. Is there someone not watching the NFL because they don't understand why the St. Louis Rams are in the NFC West or the Dallas Cowboys are in the NFC East?
The Metropolitan Division name is a classic "Offend no one; Satisfy no one" situation. Obviously we will get over this moments after this post is published and it will not impact our enjoyment of the game at all. But still, it's kinda lame, no?
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| Better names. |
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