If the NHL ever ceases to exist, it probably won't be because fans have soured on hockey. It will probably be because of mismanagement by the NHL's powers-that-be.
Here are 11 ways the NHL could put itself on the road to extinction:

1. HAVE ANOTHER STRIKE OR LOCKOUT
The NHL is still rebuilding from the lockout of 2004-05. A strike or lockout in the next few years could be the death knell. It would be prudent for the league to finalize an agreement with the NHLPA regarding long term contracts before the current CBA expires.

2. DON'T GET A MAJOR U.S. TV CONTRACT
The NHL's main U.S. TV network is Versus. What the hell is Versus? Ever hear of NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS OR ESPN?

3. CONTINUE TO PROP UP NON-VIABLE FRANCHISES
The NHL would be wise to admit that Phoenix was their mistake in the desert. Rather than propping up the Coyotes financially, they should simply allow relocation of the franchise.

4. INSULT RICH CANADIANS WHO ARE FANATICAL ABOUT HOCKEY
When Jim Balsillie tried to purchase the Phoenix Coyotes, NHL bigwigs, Bettman and Daly, tried to paint him as a criminal. They should have checked out their own roster of owners first. The only problem with Balsillie was that he was a Canadian bearing oodles of cash ready to move the Coyotes to Canada. Balsillie had huge support in Canada- something the NHL should not ignore.

5. GET HOKEY WITH THE PLAYING RULES
Instituting the shootout was circus-like enough. Stop it right there. Ever think of increasing overtime by five minutes? What's wrong with a tie anyway?

6. MESS WITH TRADITION
Changing the name of a trophy or two is O.K. It's not O.K. to change trophy names simply to put your own stamp on the awards.

7. BE CONFRONTATIONAL WITH CANADIANS
NHL commish Gary Bettman gets pissy on Hockey Night in Canada whenever Ron Maclean mentions relocating franchises to Canada. Canadian hockey fans notice. The Commish would be wise to ditch his "Us against Them" stance.

8. DISCOUNT THE THREAT OF RIVAL LEAGUES
It's fine to point out that early defections to the Kontinental League are aging or unproven NHL'ers. Wait until young Russian stars decide to stay at home. Will the KHL be considered a threat then?

9. KEEP FANS GUESSING ABOUT THE OLYMPICS AND OTHER INTERNATIONAL PLAY
Will NHL players be participating in the 2014 Olympics? When is the next World Cup of Hockey? You don't know the answers to these questions and neither do I. Shouldn't we know?

10. "GO HOLLYWOOD"
What's with moving the NHL Awards to Las Vegas from Toronto? Those rapper dudes are cool but what do they have to do with hockey?

11. HAVE NON-HOCKEY PEOPLE AT THE HELM
Having number crunchers at the top is fine but they should have an understanding of- and an appreciation for- the sport..

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