By the way: Does anyone really care about the NHL anymore?; Phillip Wellman

For "By the way," I will talk about things that don't really have much to do with the Yankees but feel are interesting and should be mentioned here. These items may or may not be about sports, either. These two items, incidentally, do indeed deal with sports.

Apparently the NHL is in their version of the NBA Finals, called the Stanley Cup Finals. Apparently the Anaheim (Mighty) Ducks are playing the Ottawa Senators, and are leading the series 3-1 after tonight's victory. Apparently the Ducks aren't mighty anymore. I actually knew that the Ducks were playing the Senators. However, I had no idea that a game was on tonight. I probably would've watched it over the ever-exciting Yankee game tonight.

Ever since the NHL lost their contract with ESPN and ABC, they have been placed in the United States' sports purgatory. People are losing interest in droves and it is rapidly losing its status as one of the "Four Major North American Sports." One could argue that NASCAR has eclipsed the NHL as the fourth sport. It really is a shame, because hockey can be very exciting. Unfortunately, there is absolutely zero exposure of the game on ESPN, and this causes casual fans to simply not care.

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By now, I'm sure you've all seen the Phillip Wellman temper tantrum. Yes, it was funny. But it was also very contrived. His antics were so ridiculous that you don't even know what happened in the game to set this man off. I can understand arguing your point to a defiant umpire. Conversely, there is no need to cover home plate in dirt, treat the rosin bag like a hand grenade, or throw second and third base into the outfield. Obviously, Wellman is not a well man. Because of his actions, he was suspended for three games.