I think another factor is how many games are played. It is pretty difficult for all but the most hardcore fans to get excited for a mid-week, mid-season game against a non-traditional opponent, and especially when the product isn't exciting. I mean, next week the Flames host Arizona at 8:00 PM on Wednesday! Outside of the hardcores, who is going to go out of their way to attend that game? Not to mention there is going to be exactly no excitement or anticipation in the buildup.
Would cutting the season back by 20 or 30 games - which I know would never happen $ - build excitement? I think so. Part of the beauty of the NFL is having an entire week of anticipation for each game, regardless of opponent. I have no idea how baseball fans can endure 162-game seasons.
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"I think the eye test is still good, but analytics can sure give you confirmation: what you see...is that what you really believe?"
Scotty Bowman, 0 NHL games played
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