That's easy to say if you live somewhere hockey is actually broadcast, or have the money for something like Center Ice (which isn't an unreasonably priced package, but is out of reach for those of us who don't even have the prerequisite digital cable). I went from living in Michigan, where I not only got Red Wings games through FSN but also a steady supply of hockey through CBC, to the East Cosat, where I'm lucky if I can find a bar where I can watch playoff games, particularly Western Conference games. I'm very nostalgic for ESPN2's playoff coverage.
I get that there is nothing short of cash incentives that will get my Texan roommates to watch a hockey game, but there's got to be something to be said for maintaining the fans you already have. I care enough to listen to games online, but I have classamtes who are more casual hockey fans and aren't going to make the effort. And it would be nice to at least have the potential to reach new fans. I'm sure we've all turned to ESPN when bored just to watch whatever's on. I don't think anyone would say that about Vs.