Best U.S. Market for an NHL team. I’m not talking about fans, attendance or success of the team. I want to know in which cities is hockey popular. Like if we had to choose only 10 U.S cities to remain in the NHL, in which fans would show (winning or loosing). Which one would it be ?
In my opinion
YES
Detroit, of course
New York, of course (but only one team)
Philadelphia, All sports are popular there
Minnesota, The State of Hockey
Boston, They had some rough times but I think it’s still a very good market
Chicago, same as Boston
Los Angeles, Even if there’s no ice in L.A., I think they’ve mostly done well (despite an atrocious team almost every year since 1967)
NO
Tampa : terrible
Miami : terrible
Nashville : terrible
Atlanta : terrible
Phoenix : terrible
Carolina : terrible
New Jersey : terrible (and the team wins !!!)
MAYBE
San Jose : They have good success but they have winning team… not sure the fans would attend if they have 5-6 out-of-playoff seasons.
Anaheim : Same as SJ
Pittsburgh : had a lot of problems not far behind. (They almost had to relocate)
Washington : I have no idea
Buffalo : I have no idea
St-Louis : I think they are doing well, but is it well enough
Columbus : I heard they have solid fans but I don’t know if the team can afford loosing for much longer
Dallas : I have no idea
Colorado : I have no idea
Am I right ? What would be you’re ranking ?