re: #33 Eclectic Cyborg

The Pens tanked to get Mario. You can dig around and see that proof. They couldn’t sell 4 seats 4 soft drinks and 4 hot dogs for $40 after Mario retired. They were going to move to Oklahoma City or Portland or Seattle.
Bettman couldn’t have a Northeast team crash and burn. Bad look. So in the lockout season the NHL made sure the Pens (who were tanking again) got the #1 which was Sydney Crosby. Then the state of Pennsylvania tax dollars went to fund the new arena in Pittsburgh.
In contrast, the Flyers new stadium replacing the Spectrum was totally paid for by the Flyers. Needy Pens Needy

To me, it was all business and fixed to save face. The NHL is a bush league with world class talent and a commissioner who exudes slime.
Just too damned convenient for me.
YMMV