ESPN.com · May 23, 2024
NHL playoff buzz: Johnston's rise, Rempe's role, officiating
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The Stanley Cup playoffs have been phenomenal, and we're only halfway through. Breakout stars have emerged, controversies have broiled and the hockey itself has been as entertaining as ever.
After a month of traveling, here are some of the biggest stories I've seen developing behind the scenes.
FIRST OFF, BUSINESS is good. Four of the teams in the final eight -- the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and Edmonton Oilers, in that order -- ranked in the top 10 in league revenue for the 2022-23 season. Television ratings have hit record highs, up 9% from last year, including a 12% jump in the second round.