Canada-based franchises have obvious problems competing for good players with US-based teams. The players want higher salary in Canada. Sens were able to collect excellent young team some years ago and they are able to get to finals now; new collective agreement helped too. However, in long-run competing with US teams is difficult; and btw the same reason makes Predators move to Canada problematic.

>I hear you. The same can be said about the Habs :(
>
>>They do nothing at all for their fan base except to raise prices, and still the stands are filled every game. Maybe if there was a decent team somewhere else nearby, they'd have to start being serious about the sport again.