Ratings were down for last year's finals with the Los Angeles Kings and New Jersey Devils despite having two teams from large markets after the first three rounds of the playoffs attracted the largest average audience since 1997.

NPR: NHL Has Work To Do To Win Back Fans After Lockout

This also explains why Anschutz's hockey team, the Los Angeles Kings, jumped 18% in value.

FORBES: Score!

The NHL hosted two fixtures between the Anaheim Ducks and the Los Angeles Kings at London's 02 Arena in 2007, but French bemoans the fact the English capital is not represented in the GB professional league.

CNN: Ice hockey's David faces Goliathan challenge